Abstract: An engineered genetic incompatibility (EGI) strain of a wild-type organism is designed to include a haplosufficient lethal allele and a haploinsufficient resistance allele. In another aspect, a biocontainment system generally includes a polynucleotide that encodes a coding region whose expression causes infertility or death, a transcription regulatory region operably linked upstream of the coding region and containing a silent mutation, and a polynucleotide that encodes a programmable transcription activator. The programmable transcription activator is engineered to bind to the transcription regulatory region in the absence of the silent mutation, thereby expressing the coding region in the absence of the silent mutation, but does not initiate expression of the coding region when the transcription regulatory region comprises the silent mutation.

Abstract: A fishing line holding device includes a body and a retention formation on the body which is configured to be engaged with a portion of a fishing line so that the fishing line is thereby anchored to the retention formation. The retention formation may include a section which projects from the body and around which, in use, a portion of the fishing line is looped, and a restraining formation on the section which prevents the looped fishing line from being moved off the section.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a reel body, a first shaft member, a second shaft member, a rolling element, and an outer member. The first shaft member is rotatably supported by the reel body. The second shaft member is connected to an end of the first shaft member in an axial direction of the first shaft member. The second shaft member rotates integrally with the first shaft member. The rolling element contacts the second shaft member in a radial direction away from an axial center of the first shaft member. The outer member is disposed outside the rolling element in the radial direction. The outer member rotates integrally with the second shaft member only in one direction along a circumferential direction around the axial center of the first shaft member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for expanding a rod from a collapsed position to a formed position are disclosed. One such apparatus includes a plurality of segments for forming the body of the collapsible rod including with each segment coupled to each immediately adjacent segment of the plurality of segments. The apparatus may include a coupler for coupling each segment of the plurality of segments to each immediately adjacent segment of the plurality of segments. A lure case and fishing case are provided for convenient use. The case may be used with collapsible fishing rods and provides a protective case for them. The lure case provides means to separate and distinguish lures for different conditions.

Abstract: A hunting and fishing gear includes a haft (1), a harpoon body (2) extending in a longitudinal direction of the haft (1) from one end of the haft (1), and a plurality of harpoon tips (3) extending in a lateral direction Y from one side portion of the harpoon body (2) in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction X of the harpoon body (2), and a barb (5) or a come-off prevention section (11; 12) provided to protrude into a space part (4) from at least one of the harpoon tips (3) located in the space part (4). Therefore, when a person grips a handle (7) with the person's hand (17) to use the hunting and fishing gear by swinging it in the direction of an arrow Z, the plurality of harpoon tips easily pierce a prey.

Abstract: A trap for catching or killing insects is disclosed. The trap includes a back housing, an insect capture or killing mechanism, an insect attracting light source, and a cover. The light source is positioned to direct light inwardly directly onto the insect capture or killing mechanism, by the natural configuration of the LEDs or by guides or baffles that channel the insect attracting light in a direction towards the insect capture or killing mechanism, and the light is precluded from being directed immediately outwardly through the cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mousetrap, comprising: a bottom shell, an upper cover, wherein the bottom shell comprises a bottom plate, a first side plate, a second side plate, and a first end plate; two or four killing plates arranged in the bottom shell, wherein a second end plate is provided at the other end of the bottom shell; at least one entrance provided inside the first side plate or the second side plate, and a baffle is provided on the inner surface of the first side plate or the second side plate, a hinged end of the baffle is provided with an elastic member, a supporting assembly linked with the first killing plate is arranged in the bottom shell; when the entrances are in an open state, a lower surface of a side edge of the baffle adjacent to the supporting assembly is supported by the supporting assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a feral hog control system including bait comprising a carrier material and an amount of warfarin, wherein the amount of warfarin is not greater than about 0.01% by weight of the bait. Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a selective access device for permitting selective access to the bait when the bait is disposed within a feeder.

Abstract: A luminescent replica comprising a replica of a bird of prey is described. The bird of prey can be an owl, falcon or hawk. The bird of prey can be a great horned owl. The luminescent replica can include a luminescent material on a surface of the replica. The luminescent replica can include a luminescent material on a surface representing a ventral area of the bird of prey. The luminescent material can emit light having a wavelength of from about 600 nm to about 750 nm, and optionally, from about 450 nm to about 500 nm. The luminescent material can absorb ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of less than about 400 nm. The luminescent material may include a porphyrin or derivative of a porphyrin. A kit and method for making the luminescent replica are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of producing a population of lyophilized cells, comprising: (a) freezing a composition comprising a population of cells, an aqueous component, a polyol, a sugar, and a polysaccharide; and (b) removing at least 90% of the aqueous component from the frozen composition to produce the population of lyophilized cells. On some embodiments, the disclosure provides a method of producing a population of reconstituted viable cells, comprising: (a) freezing a composition comprising a population of cells, an aqueous component, a polyol, a sugar, and a polysaccharide; (b) removing at least 90% of the aqueous component from the frozen composition to produce the population of lyophilized cells, and (c) resuspending the population of lyophilized cells in a reconstitution agent to form a reconstituted composition, wherein at least 1% of the cells are viable.

Abstract: A lung perfusion solution comprises a base solution comprising a physiological mixture of electrolytes and buffers, 3.5-5.5% (w/v) a first macromolecule having a molecular weight of 40-100 KDa, and an amount of a second, high molecular weight, macromolecule sufficient to adjust the relative viscosity of the solution to 2.0-3.0.

Abstract: Microfluidic platforms for forming and culturing perfusable hydrogel vascularized tissues typically include one or more culture chambers. Each culture chamber includes at least two openings overlaid over a gel channel. The gel channel typically includes at least two tissue zones and a trapping or insertion portion positioned between the tissue zones. The trapping or insertion portion permits vascular networks to develop between the two tissue zones containing vascularized tissues and/or vascularized tissue masses. The vascularized tissue masses in the tissue zones of the gel channel are connected indirectly, via the vascular network of the trapping portion. Also described are methods of forming and culturing perfusable vascularized tissue masses directly or indirectly interconnected via vascularized networks.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes agrochemical formulations that include optionally a rosin, one or more agrochemical active ingredient(s), and a sulfopolymer, such as a sulfopolyester. The present disclosure also describes methods of making and using such formulations in agriculture.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes agrochemical water-in-water immiscible solvent (e.g., water-in-oil) emulsion formulations that include one or more agrochemical active agent(s), a continuous water immiscible phase, and a discontinuous aqueous phase containing a sulfopolymer substantially homogenously incorporated in the water immiscible phase. The present disclosure also describes methods of making and using such emulsion formulations in agriculture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of an aqueous pesticide dispersion comprising the steps of: a) dissolving a pesticidal active ingredient in a water miscible organic solvent to obtain a pesticide solution; b) mixing the pesticide solution with water in the presence of surface active agents to form aqueous pesticide dispersion. This invention further discloses a method for controlling pests comprising of diluting the aqueous pesticide dispersion of the present invention in water to obtain diluted aqueous pesticide dispersions and applying an effective amount of said diluted dispersion to a site.

Abstract: The subject invention provides pest repellent compositions and methods of using these repellent compositions for repelling pests, in particular, insect pests that are harmful for crops. Advantageously, the repellent compositions and methods of the subject invention are environmentally-friendly, non-toxic and cost-effective. Specifically, the repellent poses no harm to those insects that are beneficial for agricultural needs.

Abstract: Provided herein are agricultural compositions, kits, and methods for improving crop productivity and enhancing plant phenotypes. Generally, the compositions and kits comprise an osmoprotectant and one or both of an anti-desiccant and an anti-respirant. Additional compositions and kits are provided that comprise an anti-dessicant and an anti-respirant. Further compositions and kits are provided that comprise a first osmoprotectant and a second osmoprotectant, the first and second osmoprotectants being different from one another. The methods provided herein generally comprise exogenously applying the agricultural composition to a plant.

Abstract: Described herein are bee-safe acaricides that target the varroa mite-specific neuropeptidergic system regulated by proctolin, and methods of use. The acaricides comprise a peptide analog or peptidomimetic of varroa mite proctolin for selective targeting of this pest in a bee colony. The compounds are also effective against other pests, such as ticks. The peptide analog or peptidomimetic generally comprises one or two amino acid residue substitutions or insertions. Also described herein are methods of screening compounds for activity on a proctolin receptor.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes agricultural inert packages including a sulfopolymer and the use of the inert packages to make stable agrochemical compositions for use on plants. The agricultural inert packages include the characteristics of one or more of the following: an emulsifier, a sticker, a drift control agent, a spreader, a rain fastness agent, or a drought control agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of benzyl alcohol as a systemic herbicide. The invention also relates to a method for controlling weeds or undesired plants, which includes applying a composition comprising the benzyl alcohol herbicide to harmful or undesired plants, or to parts of these harmful or undesired plants, or else to the fields where these weeds or undesired plants are growing.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions comprising high load aminophosphate or aminophosphonate salts, in particular high load glyphosate salts, wherein the compositions comprises a surfactant mixture of at least an C6-C22 amine oxide and a tertiary amine surfactants. The compositions have good low temperature stability (i.e., no crystal formulation or phase separation) among other beneficial properties.

Abstract: It is to provide a method which does not have problem with safety and enables controlling various pests even at a low dosage, and a pest control agent composition and a pest control agent set which are suitable to be used for the method. At least one selected from a compound of formula (I) (wherein, R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl group, etc., R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group, R1 and R2 optionally form a C2-6 alkylene group together, R3 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group, R5 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C2-6 alkynyl group, Y represents a C1-6 haloalkyl group, X represents a halogeno group, a C1-6 alkyl group, or the like) and a salt thereof is used with an insecticidal or acaricidal active component.

Abstract: A non-toxic, alcohol-free disinfectant and sanitizing composition comprising a non-ionic surfactant system, an alkylated vegetable oil, a sodium-containing base, benzalkonium chloride, citric acid and purified water for use on skin, hands and hard surfaces. The materials from which it is manufactured are all renewable, non-toxic, alcohol-free, nonflammable and the composition is readily biodegradable. The composition does not rely upon alcohol to produce its antimicrobial effects. The invention provides effective alternative to alcohol-based disinfectant and sanitizers and may be particularly useful in personal care and cleaning household products for schools, hospitals, restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. Furthermore, the invention also met the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and protocols for disinfectants on hard surfaces.

Abstract: Provided is a mycobacterium bactericide. The mycobacterium bactericide includes chlorous acid water. The free chlorine concentration of the chlorous acid water (as Cl) may be 50 ppm or more. A biofilm may be formed with the mycobacterium. The mycobacterium may be Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium avium, Mycolicibacterium fortuitum subsp. fortuitum, Mycobacterium runyonii, Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium kansasii, M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis, or Mycobacterium ulcerans. A medicine containing chlorous acid water is provided for preventing and/or treating MAC lung disease.

Abstract: The present invention also provides two methods of preparing the antimicrobial preparation comprising the steps of submerging the porous material in vacuum vessel containing a solution comprising 1% to 4% of silver-chitosan dissolved in an organic acid; applying a vacuum to the vacuum vessel to displace air from the porous material; removing the vacuum from the vacuum vessel to return it to atmospheric pressure and then either drying the material and coating the material with a crosslinking solution or heating the material to between 120° C. and 140° C.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods to improve plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stress, thereby improving crop yield. Provided herein are compositions including zinc, copper, and an acid, where the acid is selected from citric acid, sulfuric acid, oxalic acid, humic acid, fulvic acid, boric acid, acetic acid, and a combination thereof. Certain embodiments optionally include ammonium sulfate. Compositions described herein have plant priming activity where the plant's defenses against abiotic and biotic stress are boosted.

Abstract: An antimicrobial device can include a common touch surface of a non-metallic material, and an antimicrobial metal layer applied to the common touch surface at an average thickness ranging from a single metal atom in thickness to 1 mm.

Abstract: A method of controlling a biofilm comprises contacting the biofilm with probiotic species and contacting the biofilm with chemical disinfectant. The biofilm may be contacted with the probiotic species and the chemical disinfectant simultaneously or sequentially. The method provides a higher reduction in the amount of at least one microbial species in the biofilm, compared to a similar method applying only the chemical disinfectant. Furthermore, the method may provide an unexpected synergy between the probiotic species and the chemical disinfectant in controlling the biofilm.

Abstract: Formulations of pesticides are disclosed, specifically pesticidal blends of essential oils and other ingredients, that have been found to enhance the activity of the active pesticidal ingredients. The formulations may be, for example, emulsions or dust formulations. For example, a composition for controlling a target pest is disclosed that comprises at least one active agent and a formulation agent, wherein: the active agent is capable of interacting with a receptor in the target pest; the active agent has a first activity against the target pest when applied without the formulation agent and the composition has a second activity against the target pest; and the second activity is greater than the first activity.

Abstract: Tunnel oven for the industrial production of baked goods; having a baking chamber with an air-permeable, endlessly circulating conveyor belt, which is set up for conveying baked goods in a conveying direction through the baking chamber; a plurality of bottom-heat air outlet nozzles, which are arranged below the conveyor belt and are directed towards the underside of the conveyor belt, wherein the bottom-heat air outlet nozzles generate a bottom-heat inlet air flow directed directly towards the underside of the conveyor belt; a plurality of bottom-heat air inlets, which are distributed in a planar manner below the conveyor belt, in order to discharge bottom-heat exhaust air below the conveyor belt; wherein the bottom-heat exhaust air is sucked off by means of a fan and is supplied heated by thermo oil as the bottom-heat inlet air flow, so that a bottom-heat convection circuit is generated.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing an edible bun are provided. The system comprises a first baking element and a second baking element. The first baking element defines a first interior cavity, a resting surface, and an opposing a receiving surface. The second baking element defines a second interior cavity, an outer surface, and an opposing inner surface. The method comprises inserting a first dough material into the first interior cavity in contact with the receiving surface; inserting the second baking element into the first baking element, such that the outer surface is in contact with the first dough material and a first bun portion is defined by the receiving surface and the outer surface; and inserting a second dough material into the second interior cavity and in contact with the inner surface, such that a second bun portion is defined by the inner surface of the second baking element.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydraulic control for carrying out a method of producing a cracker from cereals, which are pressure-baked in a heated mold and expanded afterwards. In particular the hydraulic control system, comprising of a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, will lead to an increased expansion speed or an increased speed for opening the dies, resulting in constant high-quality food products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dough handling device, comprising a dough sheeting stage, for delivering a dough sheet with a predetermined thickness and a controllable dough stretching or condensing stage, for locally stretching or condensing the dough sheet, comprising a first stretching or condensing conveyor belt with a controllable speed, configured for receiving the dough sheet from the dough sheeting stage and transporting said dough sheet in a direction of conveyance, from upstream to downstream and a second stretching or condensing conveyor belt with a controllable speed for transporting the dough sheet in said direction of conveyance, and a controller, for controlling the speed of the first stretching or condensing conveyor belt and/or the second stretching or condensing conveyor belt and/or the relative speed of the first stretching or condensing conveyor belt and the second stretching or condensing conveyor belt and therewith to locally alter the density and/or thickness of the dough sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods and compositions using pregelatinized pea starch in fried batter coatings to provide viscosity, to prevent sedimentation by eliminating the need for other hydrocolloids such as xanthan or guar gum, and to improve crispness in fried foods.

Abstract: A sandwich cookie product has entertainment value by providing a filler cream layer that includes a continuous, predetermined interior image. The image is hidden by the base cakes, but can be discovered by a consumer when either base cake is removed. Because the complex image is continuous throughout the thickness of the filler cream layer, the sandwich cookie product provides entertainment value in discovery of the hidden image. Methods of making such products are described.

Abstract: A method for producing a bakery product (10) comprising the steps of: forming a strip-shaped assembly (12, 15, 16, 32) comprising a strip of flour-based dough (13) and a corresponding strip of foldable sheet (14) adhering to the strip of dough; wherein the flour-based dough is suitable to harden after baking; folding and positioning the strip-shaped assembly (12, 15, 16, 32) on a base so that, at least at a portion of the strip-shaped assembly, the strip-shaped assembly forms an angle in the range of 70 degrees-110 degrees with the base; heating in an oven the base and the strip-shaped assembly positioned on the base until the flour-based dough hardens; removing the strip of foldable sheet (14) from the strip-shaped assembly (12, 15, 16, 32) after heating in the oven.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a spice injection-type meat tenderizer including a spice storage chamber, a tenderizer injection assembly, a sleeve assembly, and a piston assembly. The tenderizer injection assembly comprises a connecting ring, a movable disc, and a baffle disc. A reset spring is disposed inside the sleeve assembly and around an outside of the spice storage chamber. Under actions of an external force and the reset spring, the sleeve assembly, the movable disc, and the spice storage chamber reciprocate between the connecting ring and the baffle disc. The piston assembly includes a piston, a baffle rod, and a stroke pipe. The stroke pipe is disposed in the spice storage chamber, and a liquid flowing outlet is opened at a top of the stroke pipe. The piston is slidably connected to an inner wall of the stroke pipe. The baffle rod runs through the movable disc and is inserted into the piston.

Abstract: A device for threading a skewer through an elastic sausage is provided, which includes a driving component, material placing templates, a pressing component, a push plate and a pressing bar. The driving component is connected with the pressing component. The pressing component is provided above the material placing templates. Pressing blocks which are transversely and appositionally arranged are provided in the pressing component. The pressing bar is provided above the pressing blocks. The push plate is provided on a side of the material placing templates and is connected with the driving component and the pressing bar.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate a tendon connecting a breast fillet of a gutted poultry body, from which wings have been removed, to a carcass of the poultry body, has a transport apparatus having a transport unit which is driven in a revolving manner, and a holding apparatus fastened thereto to hold the poultry body or part thereof during processing, and a means for separating the tendon. The means for separating is movable from a standby position into a separating position and back. The transport unit, with the holding apparatus, with the formation of a transport path, transports the poultry body or the part thereof in a direction of transport, with the anus side leading, in the direction towards the means for separating. The means for separating the tendon includes at least one combination tool which has a portion that displaces the breast fillet and a portion that separates the tendon.

Abstract: Example L-shaped smoker boxes for gas grills are disclosed. An example smoker box includes a base and a lid. The base includes a bottom wall having an L-shaped profile. The lid includes a top wall having an L-shaped profile.

Abstract: Disclosed are anti-melanosic releasing agents, anti-melanosic systems, and methods of preventing or reducing melanosis in crustaceans, particularly shrimp. Melanosis in shrimp is prevented or reduced by exposing shrimp to the anti-melanosic system containing the anti-melanosic releasing agent, e.g., green tea.

Abstract: A locking device for preventing freewheeling of an aeration fan rotor. The locking device comprises an elongated body having a predetermined length. The elongated body is adapted for being disposed through an opening of a fan housing containing the aeration fan rotor therein such that in a first position a first end portion of the elongated body is enabled to interact with the aeration fan rotor for preventing freewheeling of the aeration fan rotor and a second opposite end portion of the elongated body is placed outside the fan housing. The locking device further comprises means for holding the elongated body in the first position and a second position such that in the second position the first end portion of the elongated body is prevented from interacting with the aeration fan rotor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oligo-saccharide oat liquid composition, an oligo-saccharide oat powder composition and an oligo-saccharide oat drink having improved properties and immunomodulatory efficacy (for example, promotion of proliferation of immune cells), a micro-milling process involving quadri-enzyme hydrolysis for preparing the same, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Cultured plant-based cheese compositions are formed from a plant-based emulsion made from legume material, seed material, or a combination thereof; coagulated into curds using a coagulating agent; and combined with one or more microbial cultures and proteolytic enzymes, which serve to develop flavor and texture during aging. Whey is then driven from the curds using a mechanical process to exert pressure on the curds. The cultured plant-based cheese composition may further include plant fats; sugars that serve to support the growth and fermentation of the microbial cultures; other ingredients that contribute to flavor development such as citrate or citric acid; or any combination thereof. Further flavor development occurs during aging, where the curds are maintained at temperatures of 0-16° C. for up to two years or more. In preferred variations, the cultured plant-based cheese composition does not comprise nuts.

Abstract: An emulsion for adding flavor to a beverage and a method of creating the emulsion. The emulsion includes an oil component and a stabilizing component. The stabilizing component includes a whey protein isolate solution including whey protein isolate. The whey protein isolate solution has a total solids concentration of 0.2% to 8% and a pH of 2.0 to 6.0. The emulsion is a stable solution that prevents undesirable oil layer formation and adds both the intended taste and rich mouthfeel in the beverage that cannot be obtained from extracts or other flavorings.

Abstract: A caffeine reduction apparatus includes: a main housing provided with an inlet and outlet pipe; a mixing portion including an accommodating portion through which coffee grounds are input inside the accommodating portion, and a blade configured to be rotated inside the accommodating portion such that the coffee grounds are mixed; a driving portion configured to rotate the blade; and an ultraviolet ray emitting portion positioned at an upper portion of the main housing and mounted at an inner side surface of a door that seals an inner portion of the mixing portion, the ultraviolet ray emitting portion being configured to emit ultraviolet rays toward the mixing portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat treatment device for heating liquid confectionery product, including: a shell body enclosing an interior space, a plurality of successive spaced apart segmental baffles in a segmented arrangement within the interior space, a bundle of heat exchange pipes within the interior space, the pipes extending through the segmental baffles, and an inlet through which to be heated liquid confectionery product is allowed to enter the interior space, and an outlet through which heated liquid confectionery product is allowed to exit the interior space, wherein the successive segmental baffles are arranged such as to form a flow channel extending between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the segmental baffles have a rectangular shape, and wherein the shell body has a rectangular internal cross-section, such that the flow channel has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape along its length. The invention further relates to a method for heating liquid confectionery product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing transparently sugar-coated chewing gum having a heterogeneously structured chewing gum core and a transparent sugar-coated surface layer enveloping this core, wherein colored carbohydrate particles, which are scattered on and rolled into a surface of the extruded shaped chewing-gum body before the sugar-coating, are visible through the transparent sugar-coated surface layer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides novel silk fibroin protein based additives for foods or beverage products, and foodstuffs mixed or coated with pure silk fibroin-based proteins or protein fragments, and methods of making thereof.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a means for efficiently producing a plant protein concentrate to be utilized in foods, beverages, etc. The present invention also addresses the problem of raising the utility value of plant proteins and contributing to the improvement of quality in existing uses and the discovery of new uses by making it possible to produce a plant protein concentrate having improved physical properties (especially solubility). The yield of plant protein is improved by treating a plant protein raw material such as peas, soybeans, almonds, etc., with a protein deamidase.