Abstract: An irrigation apparatus for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size. The container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. The base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. The plurality of holes are configured as raised half-circles to block light and receive air, water, and nutrients. The container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. The center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The container is configured with a plurality of geometrically shaped stakes of variable size extending therefrom the base portion for providing stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: A top feeding wicking apparatus and system for dispersing liquid through plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container having a bottom, an inner wall, and an outer wall forming a channel therearound for receiving liquid therethrough. Container has a center opening for receiving a plant and container bottom is configured with at least one hole for receiving liquid therethrough. A geometrically shaped lid having a top, an inner wall, and an outer wall forming a channel therearound from an underside of lid is configured to be adjoined to container. A geometrically shaped base layer and wicking layer each having an inner wall and an outer wall and a center opening for receiving plant with a longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of base and wicking layers on plant or to allow removal of base and wicking layers from plant.

Abstract: A top dripping and bottom wicking assembly and method of operation feeds a reservoir that controllably drips liquid nutrient solution from above a plant, and also uses capillary action of a planar wick member to draw the liquid nutrient solution into a plant growing medium and plant roots. The assembly works to controllably drip the liquid nutrient onto the plant through sized and dimensioned drip holes that form in the reservoir, while simultaneously dispersing the liquid nutrient solution through a planar wick member to disperse liquid nutrient solution to a plant growing medium and the roots of the plant. Stakes hold the reservoir above the plant. The wick member is flat and forms a central opening to allow passage of the plant. A plant support member retains the plant in an upright position. The plant support member forms wicking holes to enable passage of liquid nutrients from the wick.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus and feeding system for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium are disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size. Container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. Base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. Container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. Center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The plurality of holes have at least one dripper for receiving liquid extending therethrough base portion such that the at least one dripper feeds plant growing medium at variable flow rates and intervals and provides stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: A plant irrigation dispenser and method controllably dispenses nutritional compositions to a plant. The dispenser comprises a housing defined by a first end and a second end that forms a channel. Impaling members form at the second end of the housing. The housing encloses multiple chambers that contain the nutritional composition. The chambers have a filling end and a dispensing end that forms an opening. A membrane seals the opening. Rotatably manipulating and axially displacing the chambers in relation to the housing allows the impaling members to tear the membrane, so that the nutritional compositions flows through the openings, and onto the plant. A press is in communication with the chamber cavities, so that axially displacing the press in a downward direction forces the nutritional compositions through the openings. A valve assembly retains and manipulates plugs in alignment with the openings to selectively couple and decouple the respective openings.

Abstract: A syringe-type baby feeder having a barrel and plunger mechanism and finger rings on the barrel and plunger to allow for one-handed feeding of an infant. A nipple portion is hermetically sealed to end of the plunger to allow for easy feeding, as well as easy attachment and removal of the nipple portion to the plunger.

Abstract: The present application is directed to carbon materials comprising an optimized pore structure. The carbon materials comprise enhanced electrochemical properties and find utility in any number of electrical devices, for example, as electrode material in ultracapacitors. Methods for making the disclosed carbon materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are FDC-SP polypeptides and methods of using such polypeptides. Methods include, but are not limited to, altering IgA concentration in a subject, treating a subject having signs of a disorder that includes excessive IgA production, identifying a compound that decreases the concentration of IgA in an animal, and identifying a compound that treats a condition associated with increased levels of IgA. Also provided herein is an animal that has decreased expression of an endogenous FDC-SP coding sequence.

Abstract: An electrolytic chlorinator including a housing, electrodes, and a conduit. The housing defines a flow path for conveying water. The electrodes have a surface area within an interior of the housing to treat the conveyed water. The conduit includes an inlet opening, to the interior of the housing, at a location above at least a majority of the surface area to collect gas resultant from the treatment.

Abstract: Provided herein are FDC-SP polypeptides and methods of using such polypeptides. Methods include, but are not limited to, altering IgA concentration in a subject, treating a subject having signs of a disorder that includes excessive IgA production, identifying a compound that decreases the concentration of IgA in an animal, and identifying a compound that treats a condition associated with increased levels of IgA. Also provided herein is an animal that has decreased expression of an endogenous FDC-SP coding sequence. The animal may develop pathophysiological features of IgA nephropathy, and/or may display increased IgA in serum, saliva, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, or a combination thereof; increased IgA expressing B lymphocytes in circulation, lymphoid tissue, or a combination thereof; or increased IgA production in vitro by isolated B lymphocytes.

Abstract: The present application discloses a portable tool. In one embodiment, the portable tool comprises a body portion, a tool portion, and an attachment member for fastening the portable tool to a second device. The tool portion is coupled to the body portion and has one or more tools. The tool portion is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and relative to the body portion. The attachment member is operatively coupled to the tool portion and rotates with the tool portion about the axis of rotation and relative to the body portion. Rotating the tool portion relative to the body portion exposes a space between the attachment member and the tool portion that permits release of the second device from the portable tool.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus and feeding system for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium are disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size configured to be detachable in at least two pieces at first and second sides. Container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. Base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. Container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant when first and second sides of container are adjoined together. The plurality of holes are each configured with a dripper for receiving liquid extending therethrough the base portion such that the dripper feeds the plant growing medium at variable flow rates and intervals and provides stability for the apparatus to be secured in the plant growing medium.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size. The container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. The base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. The plurality of holes are configured as raised half-circles to block light and receive air, water, and nutrients. The container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. The center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The container is configured with a plurality of geometrically shaped stakes of variable size extending therefrom the base portion for providing stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus and feeding system for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium are disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size. Container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. Base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. Container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. Center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The plurality of holes have at least one dripper for receiving liquid extending therethrough base portion such that the at least one dripper feeds plant growing medium at variable flow rates and intervals and provides stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device operates in accordance with at least two different application configurations. The device starts by operating in accordance with the first configuration after it receives a first access credential. The first configuration includes a hidden security application. When the device executes the hidden security application, a user may enter a second access credential via the second security application. When the device receives the second access credential, it then switches to a second application configuration.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device operates in accordance with at least two different application configurations. The device starts by operating in accordance with the first configuration after it receives a first access credential. The first configuration includes a hidden security application. When the device executes the hidden security application, a user may enter a second access credential via the second security application. When the device receives the second access credential, it then switches to a second application configuration.

Abstract: Provided herein are FDC-SP polypeptides and methods of using such polypeptides. Methods include, but are not limited to, altering IgA concentration in a subject, treating a subject having signs of a disorder that includes excessive IgA production, identifying a compound that decreases the concentration of IgA in an animal, and identifying a compound that treats a condition associated with increased levels of IgA. Also provided herein is an animal that has decreased expression of an endogenous FDC-SP coding sequence.