Abstract: The present invention relates to a navigational safety system for visually impaired quadrupeds. An onlay has a right side, a left side, a top side, a bottom side, and a chest side. The onlay is retrofittable to or manufactured into a harness worn by a quadruped. Distance sensors and vibrators are integrated into the onlay and configured to determine the distance between obstacles and provide localized vibration stimulation to the quadruped. The vibration causes the quadruped to change course avoiding the obstacle. In this regard, the localized vibrations are positioned on the right torso, the left torso, and the chest of the quadruped.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel pet toy and treat dispenser where inserted treats have to travel through a maze in order to be ejected out one of six openings. The bottom section is rounded so that it will rock and wobble. The top is transparent so the pet can see the treats, but they do not fall into any cracks or crevices for the humans to clean.

Abstract: A reversible pet harness includes a body portion having a first side and a second side and one or more straps coupled to the body portion and configured to secure the body portion to a chest/belly of a pet. An aperture defines an opening that extends through the body portion from the first side to the second side. A ring is positioned in the opening and a central strap extends across the opening and through a center of the ring to moveably couple the ring relative to the body portion. The opening and central strap are configured to allow the ring to extend outwardly at least primarily from the first side of the body portion in a first position and outwardly at least primarily from the second side of the body portion in a second position.

Abstract: An information provision device includes a processor configured to acquire a first variation amount of an amount of excrement and a second variation amount of a body weight in a pet, estimate a medical condition of the pet, based on the acquired first variation amount and the acquired second variation amount, and output provided information including the estimated medical condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuous monitoring of the behavior of animals, such as small rodents, are provided. Monitoring can include video, audio, and other sensor modalities. In one embodiment, the system can include cameras, arena design, environmental sensors, and ultrasonic sensors. The system uniquely provides a continuous long-term monitoring system suitable for mouse behavioral study. Further provided is a neural network based tracker configured for use with video data acquired by the monitoring system. Three different neural network architectures have been tested to determine their performance on genetically diverse mice under varying environmental conditions. It has been observed that that an encoder-decoder segmentation neural network achieves high accuracy and speed with minimal training data.

Abstract: A mesh feed port for a bird feeder comprises a plurality of intersecting members defining a periodic pattern of openings. The openings include a plurality of first openings sized to receive a seed of a first size in a predetermined orientation, a plurality of second openings sized to receive a seed of a second size distinct from the first size in a predetermined orientation, and a plurality of third openings sized to receive a seed of a third size distinct from the first size and the second size in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions an organism of the order Clostridiales for improving the health of an avian, wherein an effective dose of the composition is applied to an outer surface of an egg containing the avian as an embryo prior to hatching. Also disclosed are compositions comprising a strain within the order Clostridiales selected from the group consisting of Caldicoprobacteraceae; Christensenellaceae; Clostridiaceae; Defluviitaleaceae; Eubacteriaceae; Graciibacteraceae; Heliobacteriaceae; Lachnospiraceae; Oscillospiraceae; Peptococcaceae; Peptostreptococcaceae; Ruminococcaceae; Syntrophomonadaceae and combinations thereof and their use in such methods.

Abstract: In general, an enclosure is disclosed that includes a basin for storing water and an insert configured to be removably disposed within the basin and provide dry and wet sections that define a habitat for one or more amphibians and/or reptiles. Preferably, the insert includes an integrated filter arrangement that can be removed together, e.g., as a single unit, from the basin when cleaning is desired. More preferably, the insert includes a plurality of openings to allow water to drain via gravity into the basin as a user “pulls” the insert from the same. Accordingly, a user may then remove the insert from the basin without necessarily removing creatures from within the insert, and more importantly, from the habitat provided by the same.

Abstract: A protein skimmer cap is provided. A protein skimmer cap for attachment to a protein skimmer, the cap preventing outward spray of aquarium waste, comprising a surrounding member enclosing a center member and an end member. The center member is affixed to the center of the surrounding member and the end member is affixed to the center member. A method of employing the protein skimmer cap to prevent outward spray of aquarium waste from protein skimmer, comprising applying the end member of the protein skimmer cap onto a protein skimmer collection cup such that one or more air vents remain unblocked and the surrounding member encloses all of the one or more air vents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic cloned pig for xenotransplantation in which porcine endogenous retrovirus (RUN) EnvC is negative, ?1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1), CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH), isoglobotrihexosylceramide synthase (iGb3s), and beta-I,4-N-acetyl-galactosaminyl transferase2 (?4GalNT2) are knocked out, and human CD46 and thrombomodulin (TBM) genes are expressed, and to a method of preparing the transgenic cloned pig. The transgenic cloned pig according to the present invention may overcome hyperacute and antigen-antibody mediated immune rejection reaction, immune rejection reaction due to blood coagulation, and immune rejection reaction due to complement activity, without causing transfer of porcine endogenous retrovirus that occurs in xenotransplantation. Therefore, the transgenic cloned pig according to the present invention may be usefully utilized as a donor animal for xenotransplantation of organs and cells.

Abstract: A fisheries bycatch reduction device is disclosed which may be coupled to or positioned proximate to a net. The device includes a housing and an electrical assembly positioned within the housing. The bycatch reduction device uses a power management strategy to control illumination and charging to create a hassle free, readily deployable substitute for traditional buoys and reduces the unintended catch of non-desired marine life.

Abstract: A speargun and speargun components are disclosed allowing for rapid reloading of the spear, and retaining the spear in the gun with an open track and retention mechanism. A spear retention mechanism is also disclosed, which may be integral with the speargun or interchangeable for different size spears. A phospholuminescent sighting track on one or both sides of the top of the speargun is also disclosed whereby the illuminated portion of the speargun provides a visual sight for a spear once inserted into the track. An interchangeable system of speargun retention mechanisms is also provided.

Abstract: A fish hook apparatus including a head member, a shank, a bend section, a point element, and securing elements and a method for producing a controllable action in a bait are provided. The head member is defined by a top nose element, opposing side walls, and a bottom end. The head member includes a channel with openings at the top nose element and an opposing side wall for passing a fishing line. A securing element, coupled to the bottom end of the head member, secures a head of the bait. Another securing element, coupled to any location of the bait, secures one end of the fishing line exiting from the head member to the bait. Controllably tugging the fishing line curls the secured bait backwards towards the head member and springs the secured bait forwards to produce a controllable action, for example, a worm-like action in the bait.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for enhanced fishing lure gyration are described herein.

Abstract: A fishing rod according to one embodiment includes a rod body extending in a front-and-back direction along a central axis, a fitting having a mounting part, where the mounting part is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the rod body at a first position determined in a circumferential direction around the central axis, and a fiber-reinforced resin layer surrounding the rod body so as to cover the mounting part. The fiber-reinforced resin layer has a first portion covering the rod body along an entire length thereof in the circumferential direction around the central axis and a second portion extending in the axial direction backward from an axially back end of the first portion and extending in the circumferential direction less than 180° clockwise from the first position and also less than 180° anti-clockwise from the first position.

Abstract: A vehicle fishing rod holder with a rod holder body that is couplable to the bed of a truck in a locked configuration utilizing one or more mounting brackets. The rod holder body defines a holding channel for a fishing rod and a discontinuous slot for receiving a rod reel post of the fishing rod. A locking bar is coupled to the rod holder body and is operably configured to selectively lock the rod and reel into place by being positioned over the rod reel post. The rod holder body is also vertically adjustable using a clamping member and rotationally adjustable or pivoted using one or more arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method of use is described for attracting and trapping mosquitos and other biting insects using a vapor cloud of atomized carbon dioxide (CO2) gas as an insect attractant. The apparatus also employs other insect attractants as adjunct attractants to the vapor cloud of atomized carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. In an embodiment, atomized water vapor is generated to be combined with 2 chemical ingredients to create the atomized vapor cloud of carbon dioxide (CO2) which is dispersed into the interior of the device to maintain a level above 2000 parts per million (ppm).

Abstract: A treatment mechanism for dispensing treatment fluid onto one or more plants in a field is described. The treatment mechanism includes a valve for regulating the dispensing of treatment fluid and a nozzle holder comprising a plurality of nozzles. Each nozzle is configured to dispense treatment fluid and to couple to the valve. The treatment mechanism further includes a control system configured to receive a plant treatment instruction for treating the plants. The plant treatment instruction includes a treatment position for the nozzle holder. The control system is further configured to determine a current position of the nozzle holder and adjust the current position of the nozzle holder to the treatment position for the nozzle holder. The control system is further configured to actuate the treatment mechanism such that the plants are treated via a nozzle of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The system uses a pump in combination with a fluid regulator to obtain and disperse fluid from the fluid tanks. The fluid regulator includes a fluid input port, a fluid output port and a fluid control valve. A first tube fluidly coupled from the fluid pump to the fluid input port. The system includes a moveable treatment head having one or more spraying tips, including a first spraying tip. A second tube is fluidly coupled from the fluid output port to the moveable treatment head. A system includes a controller configured to provide to the fluid regulator to open and close the fluid control valve to release an amount of the first fluid.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The system uses a pump in combination with a fluid regulator to obtain and disperse fluid from the fluid tanks. The fluid regulator includes a fluid input port, a fluid output port and a fluid control valve. A first tube fluidly coupled from the fluid pump to the fluid input port. The system includes a moveable treatment head having one or more spraying tips, including a first spraying tip. A second tube is fluidly coupled from the fluid output port to the moveable treatment head. A system includes a controller configured to provide to the fluid regulator to open and close the fluid control valve to release an amount of the first fluid.

Abstract: Plant eradication and stressing of plants using illumination signaling where a short-time dual component, low energy, unnatural set of irradiances is applied, with no mutagenic or high radiative energy transfers in any wavelength for eradication by substantial high temperature thermally-induced leaf and plant component failure or incineration. An Indigo Region Illumination Distribution of wavelength 300 nm to 550 nm is directed to plant foliage and/or a plant root crown, while infrared radiation that is substantially Medium Wavelength Infrared radiation of 2-20 microns wavelength, 2.4-8.0 microns preferred, is directed to a plant root crown and/or soil immediately adjacent the root crown. The Indigo Region Illumination Distribution can pass through the MWIR emitter to form a compact illuminator that uses specific unnatural irradiances that provide unexpected plant control. The MWIR emitter can comprise borosilicate glass at 400° F. to 1000° F.

Abstract: In-vehicle transducers (speakers, sound exciters, or vibrating window panels) are used to generate the ultrasonic waves to repel pests, without driving away family pets or exposing nearby people. In one preferred method, a pest deterrent mode is activated in response to a first user command by emitting ultrasonic soundwaves from a transducer driven by an onboard audio system. A region around the vehicle is monitored for human-related activity within the region. The emission of ultrasonic soundwaves is deactivated when the human-related activity is detected. Emission of the ultrasonic soundwaves is resumed when the human-related activity is no longer detected. Then the pest deterrent may be set to a deactivated mode in response to a second user command.

Abstract: An ultrasonic energy gathering device and an ultrasonic repeller using the ultrasonic energy gathering device are provided. The ultrasonic energy gathering device includes an energy gathering part. The energy gathering part has a trapezoidal cross section. The energy gathering part is provided with a gathering port and a diffusing port. The gathering port is smaller than the diffusing port. The ultrasonic energy gathering device further includes an ultrasonic fixing part. The ultrasonic fixing part fixes the ultrasonic energy gathering device with an ultrasonic transmitter of an ultrasonic repeller, so that an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter enters the gathering port to be gathered and strengthened, and the coverage of the ultrasonic wave gradually expands along the direction away from the diffusing port under the action of the ultrasonic energy gathering device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game animal field dressing and gutting assistance tool. The tool is used for holding the legs of a game animal open while the hunter dresses and guts the animal. The tool comprises a telescoping pole that can be adjusted and selectively-affixed in length for use with different game animals. The telescoping pole includes two ends, each end having a strap assembly housing a strap and a lock for securing the strap. The straps can be connected to the animal's legs and the telescoping pole can be selectively-affixed in length to enable a hunter to spread the legs of the game animal to a desired distance. The straps and pole keep the legs open while the hunter dresses and guts the animal.

Abstract: A selectively adjustable and lockable utility mount is used to mount a device to a stable structure. The utility mount includes a hydraulic lock that applies the locking force that maintains the locked condition of the utility mount. Mounting brackets for utility mounts have spaced-apart mount elements that engage a surface of a stable structure. Some configurations of mounting bracket include mount elements that are movable between stored conditions and deployed conditions. The stored conditions reduce the size of the device to make it more convenient to pack. A climbing stick uses the storable mount elements.

Abstract: Herein is described a method devised to cryopreserve mosquito eggs, viable upon subsequent thawing. The method reproducibly yields >25% hatched first instar larvae of Anopheles-species mosquitoes from cryopreserved eggs. The majority of hatched larvae continue to develop normally (87% pupation), through to adults (98%, 50% of which are female) which subsequently blood feed and produce viable second generation embryos that also develop normally. Adult mosquitoes obtained from cryopreserved embryos are able to be infected with Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes and produce salivary gland sporozoites in similar numbers to control mosquitoes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cryoprotective polymers. The cryoprotective polymers can include one or more DMSO-like moieties (e.g., one or more sulfoxide moieties, one or more sulfone moieties, or a combination thereof) that many the hydrogen-bonding characteristics of DMSO with the advantages of polymeric cryoprotectants. In doing so, very high post-thaw recovery of example cells and tissues can be achieved. The cryoprotective effects of these polymers can result from a limitation of total ice formation, a disruption of water hydrogen-bonding networks, and a well-timed vitrification of the unfrozen space between ice crystals. Also provided are cryoprotective solutions comprising these cryoprotective polymers as well as methods of using these polymers and solutions to preserve biological materials.

Abstract: A perfusion method includes a) cleaning a blood vessel of an organ by causing a first perfusate to flow into the blood vessel and letting the first perfusate out of the organ through the blood vessel, and b) after the operation a), preserving the organ while causing a second perfusate to flow into the blood vessel and letting the second perfusate out of the organ through the blood vessel. The first perfusate and the second perfusate each contain a biocompatible solution and a serine protease and have an osmotic pressure ratio higher than or equal to 1 and lower than or equal to 5 relative to the saline solution. The concentration of the serine protease in the second perfusate is lower than that in the first perfusate. Accordingly, it is possible to dissolve thrombi in the blood vessel or prevent the formation of new thrombi during organ perfusion treatment.

Abstract: Blood and platelet storage and rejuvenating compositions that include triciribine, triciribine metabolites, triciribine analogs, and mixtures of the same are disclosed. Such compositions can be useful in methods for treating (e.g., storing and rejuvenating) red blood cells and platelets.

Abstract: A medical device for thermally treating a donor organ to be transplanted within a patient, comprises a jacket. The jacket includes a first section and a second section adjacent to the first section. The first and second sections are folded about a hinge to form a pocket sized to receive the donor organ. The first and second sections are secured together by a plurality of conjoined weld bar sets. A sling depends from the second section and has a strap. The strap includes a first end portion coupled to the sling, and an opposite second end portion affixed to one set of the plurality of conjoined weld bar sets.

Abstract: Described herein are antimicrobial nanoclay comprising two or more cationic antimicrobials. The nanoclay is a phyllosilicate clay and the two or more cationic antimicrobials are individually selected from the group consisting of a quaternary ammonium compound, a metal ion-containing, a cationic chelating agent, a cationic amino acid-based surfactant, a cationic antibiotic, and a cationic compound having a guanidine moiety. The two or more different antimicrobials are incorporated into the nanoclay by a cationic exchange process. Also described are methods for preparing such antimicrobial nanoclays. The antimicrobial nanoclays may be used for conferring antimicrobial activity to an article of manufacture and/or for providing antimicrobial activity to a surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing p-menthane-3,8-diol, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: a. preparation of an aqueous solution comprising between 0.05% and 5% by mass, preferably between 0.05% and 2% by mass, preferentially between 0.05% and 1% by mass, even more preferentially between 0.05% and 0.

Abstract: An aqueous fabric spray composition, comprising: a. 0.0001-10 wt. % free perfume. b. 0.001 to 2 wt. % quaternary ammonium biocide.

Abstract: A microbial oil comprising: a specific amount of at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid having at least 20 carbon atoms in fatty acid alkyl ester form and/or in free fatty acid form; and specific amount of thermally-produced fatty acid having from 16 to 22 carbon atoms in a fatty acid alkyl ester form and/or a free fatty acid form. A production method thereof comprising: providing a starting oil containing at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid having at least 20 carbon atoms in an alkyl ester form and/or a free fatty acid form obtained from microbial biomass; performing a rectification of the starting oil under specific conditions; and obtaining the aforementioned microbial oil. A concentrated microbial oil obtained using the production method described above, and a production method thereof. An agent for treating or preventing an inflammatory disease comprising the microbial oil or the concentrated microbial oil.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating a microbiome are disclosed. In accordance with the instant invention, methods of modifying and/or modulating a microbiome (e.g., the composition of a microbiome) are provided. The methods of the instant invention comprise contacting the microbiome (e.g., the assemblage of organisms composing the microbiome) with a compound excreted by an organism (e.g., nematode), particularly an organism that naturally lives in or is part of the microbiome.

Abstract: The present invention provides fungicidal combination comprising: (i) an amount of a compound of Formula I and (ii) an amount of at least one fungicide (A) selected from the group consisting of fluindapyr, pydiflumetofen, mefentrifluconazole, inpyrfluxam, isofetamid and Qi inhibitor.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a composition which is excellent in plant disease control effect. A liquid composition comprising an effective amount of mefentrifluconazole, 0.1 to 10% by volume of an oil adjuvant, and water.

Abstract: In production of crops of agriculture and horticulture or the like, damage caused by diseases is still large, and, due to factors such as occurrence of resistant diseases to existing drugs, development of new agrohorticultural fungicides is desired. The present invention provides an agrohorticultural fungicide and a method of use thereof, an active ingredient thereof being a compound represented by the general formula (I) or salts thereof: {wherein R1 denotes a hydrogen atom or (C1-C6)alkyl group or the like. R2 denotes a hydrogen atom or the like. R3 denotes a hydrogen atom or (C1-C6)alkyl group or the like. R4 denotes a (C1-C6)alkyl group, (C3-C6)cycloalkyl group or aryl group or the like. X1 and X2 denote a hydrogen atom or halogen atom or the like. Y denotes an oxygen atom.}.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial articles and surfaces, as well as methods of making such articles and surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of chlorophyll dihydroporphin as a plant growth regulator. Compared with the prior art, a class of new type plant growth regulators are provided; since the direct decomposition product of chlorophyll is used as a product, the preparation and processing thereof are easier, the structure is relatively simple, and tedious reactions and preparations such as further chemical coordination/chelation/purification are eliminated, so that the product is more environmentally friendly and safer; the product has a better solubility than the corresponding metal chelate and has a more convenient method of use, making it more convenient to be used in the fields; the stability of the product has been improved, with stable quality assurance and a longer shelf life; the product has a natural source and uses a low amount of same due to a low effective dosage, thereby improving the utilization rate of silkworm excrement resources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to herbicidally active cinnolinium derivatives and formulations comprising such derivatives. The invention further extends to herbicidal mixtures comprising a cinnolinium derivative as described herein and at least one additional herbicidal active ingredient. The use of the afore-mentioned cinnolinium derivatives, formulations and/or herbicidal mixtures in controlling undesirable plant growth: in particular the use for the post-emergence control of weeds, also falls within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: A system for applying CO2 gas to improve Cannabis and other crop production. A multi-stage system is disclosed including upstream, midstream, and downstream stages or subsystems. The upstream subsystem receives and stores gas, particularly CO2 gas. The midstream subsystem is communicatively connected to the upstream subsystem and to the downstream subsystem. It monitors the environment of the downstream subsystem, determines when and how to apply gas to plants growing in the downstream system, acquires gas stored in the upstream subsystem, and distributes it to the downstream system. It also has various monitoring, command and control, management, and reporting features. The downstream subsystem includes one or more plant growth areas or plots, gas distribution means, such as gas conduits, tubes or lines from the midstream subsystem, and the high efficiency, adjustable gas applicator, and various sensing and monitoring devices communicatively connected to the midstream subsystem.

Abstract: The present invention provides antimicrobial compositions, typically aqueous compositions, for use in the inhibition and control of microorganisms, including without limitation, viruses, bacteria, fungi and yeast, on organic and inorganic surfaces. The present invention further provides methods of using such compositions for immediate and residual inhibition, including control, of such microorganisms for a period of up to 24 hours and beyond.

Abstract: As part of the natural biological process, plants produce various metabolites. The amount of certain metabolites produced is important, especially during the growth phase of plants to be harvested in whole or in part. The production of metabolites is affected by the chemical environment within the plant, including the amount of CO2 and O2. The production of metabolites of interest can be controlled by measuring the amount of the metabolites being produced by the plant, and then adjusting the amount of CO2 and O2 available to the plant. These are adjusted by adjusting the amount of CO2 in water delivered to the leaves of the plant through foliar spraying and the amount of O2 in water delivered to the roots of the plant.

Abstract: An antimicrobial coating composition comprising a nanoparticle composite having a core and at least one shell, wherein the core comprises a silver nanoparticle having an antimicrobial action. The at least one shell is formed by a doped semiconductor providing a photocatalytic action and increasing the stability of silver nanoparticle core by controlling the releasing of Ag ions. The nanoparticle composite comprises a nanoparticle of a noble metal providing surface plasmon under the presence of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention includes modified and unmodified microbes, compositions comprising these microbes, and methods of using these microbes and/or compositions for enhancing plant health, plant growth plant yield and/or drought tolerance. This disclosure also provides non-naturally occurring plant varieties that are artificially infected with microbes descried herein, as well as seed, reproductive tissue, vegetative tissue, regenerative tissues, plant parts, or progeny thereof.

Abstract: A Methylobacterium sp. nov. strain, deposited under accession number CECT 9580, to compositions comprising it, and its use as bio-stimulant and endophyte nitrogen-fixing bacterium in plants.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an agrochemical composition comprising: —particles of at least one silicate; —one or more fungicide(s) selected from the group consisting of strobilurin fungicides, triazole fungicides, dithio-carbamate fungicides, succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors and biofungicides. The invention also concerns a method for treating a plant wherein a composition as described above is applied onto or next to at least one part of said plant.

Abstract: Pesticidal proteins exhibiting toxic activity against Lepidopteran pest species are disclosed, and include, but are not limited to, TIC7941, TIC7941PL_1, TIC7941PL_2, and TIC7941PL_3. DNA constructs are provided which contain a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding one or more of the disclosed pesticidal proteins. Transgenic plants, plant cells, seed, and plant parts resistant to Lepidopteran infestation are provided which contain recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding the pesticidal proteins of the present invention. Methods for detecting the presence of the recombinant nucleic acid sequences or the proteins of the present invention in a biological sample, and methods of controlling Lepidopteran species pests using any of the TIC7941, TIC7941PL_1, TIC7941PL_2, and TIC7941PL_3 pesticidal proteins are also provided. Also disclosed are methods and compositions to improve the insecticidal activity of a pesticidal protein against an insect pest species.

Abstract: Provided is a method for promoting bacterial cell wall degradation. A method for promoting cell wall degradation, comprising allowing an N-acetylmuramidase to act on a bacterium in the presence of one or more saccharides selected from the group consisting of: a monosaccharide wherein the monosaccharide is an aldopentose, an L-aldohexose, or a ketohexose; a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide, and a polysaccharide each containing one or more of the monosaccharides as a constituent saccharide; and a derivative thereof.