Abstract: The invention provides novel solutions and methods for storage and delivery of pollen to a female reproductive part of a recipient plant. The pollen storage solution provided includes a solute that maintains the tonicity of the pollen storage solution at a concentration between about 0.5 M and about 3.0 M and a cryoprotectant. The methods provided include storing the pollen storage solution and applying pollen stored in the storage pollen solution to at least a first female reproductive part of a recipient plant, thereby pollinating the female reproductive part with the stored pollen from the donor plant.

Abstract: The invention provides novel solutions and methods for storage and delivery of pollen to a female reproductive part of a recipient plant. The pollen storage solution provided includes a solute that maintains the tonicity of the pollen storage solution at a concentration between about 0.5 M and about 3.0 M and a cryoprotectant. The methods provided include storing the pollen storage solution and applying pollen stored in the storage pollen solution to at least a first female reproductive part of a recipient plant, thereby pollinating the female reproductive part with the stored pollen from the donor plant.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrazine derivatives such as those represented by Formulas I and II. X1 to X4 formulas I and II may be characterized as electron withdrawing groups, white Y1 to Y4 of Formulas I and II may be characterized as electron donating groups. Pyrazine derivatives of the present invention may be utilized in assessing organ (e.g., kidney) function. In a particular example, an effective amount of a pyrazine derivative that is capable of being renally cleared may be administered into a patient's body. The pyrazine derivative may capable of one or both absorbing and emanating spectral energy of at least about 400 nm (e.g., visible and/or infrared light). At least some of the derivative that is in the body may be exposed to spectral energy and, in turn, spectral energy may emanate from the derivative. This emanating spectral energy may be detected and utilized to determine renal function of the patient.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrazine derivatives such as those represented by Formulas I and II. X1 to X4 of Formulas I and II may be characterized as electron withdrawing groups, while Y1 to Y4 of Formulas I and II may be characterized as electron donating groups. Pyrazine derivatives of the present invention may be utilized in assessing organ (e.g., kidney) function. In a particular example, an effective amount of a pyrazine derivative that is capable of being renally cleared may be administered into a patient's body. The pyrazine derivative may capable of one or both absorbing and emanating spectral energy of at least about 400 nm (e.g., visible and/or infrared light). At least some of the derivative that is in the body may be exposed to spectral energy and, in turn, spectral energy may emanate from the derivative. This emanating spectral energy may be detected and utilized to determine renal function of the patient.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

Abstract: A rebar construction and transportation system includes a plurality of rebar members. A jig is provided. Each of the rebar members is positioned in the jig to retain each of the rebar members in a selected pattern. A plurality of first couplers is each removably coupled to an associated one of the rebar members. Each of the first couplers may be selectively coupled to a crane to transport the rebar members. A plurality of second couplers is provided. Each of the second couplers is selectively positioned in an open position and a closed position. Each of the second couplers is positioned around an associated one of the rebar members when the second couplers are positioned in the closed position. Each of the second couplers engages the jig such the jig is retained at the selected point on the rebar members.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

Abstract: A rebar construction and transportation system includes a plurality of rebar members. A jig is provided. Each of the rebar members is positioned in the jig to retain each of the rebar members in a selected pattern. A plurality of first couplers is each removably coupled to an associated one of the rebar members. Each of the first couplers may be selectively coupled to a crane to transport the rebar members. A plurality of second couplers is provided. Each of the second couplers is selectively positioned in an open position and a closed position. Each of the second couplers is positioned around an associated one of the rebar members when the second couplers are positioned in the closed position. Each of the second couplers engages the jig such the jig is retained at the selected point on the rebar members.

Abstract: An air-cycle machine (ACM) air conditioning system and method, uses a turbocharger to cool cabin air through expansion. The ACM utilizes an unused, excess, compressed air output from another compressor. A compressor provides compressed air to the intake of an internal combustion engine. The unused, excess, compressed air output from another compressor is diverted to and compressed in an ACM compressor. The output of the ACM compressor is cooled in a heat exchanger and then input to an ACM turbine. The ACM turbine expands the output of the heat exchanger to produce expanded, cooled, cabin air. At least a portion of the expanded, cooled, cabin air can be used to cool an intake charge for the internal combustion engine and/or to cool a passenger cabin and/or other enclosed, refrigerated space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrazine derivatives such as those represented by Formulas I and II. X1 to X4 of Formulas I and II may be characterized as electron withdrawing groups, while Y1 to Y4 of Formulas I and II may be characterized as electron donating groups. Pyrazine derivatives of the present invention may be utilized in assessing organ (e.g., kidney) function. In a particular example, an effective amount of a pyrazine derivative that is capable of being renally cleared may be administered into a patient's body. The pyrazine derivative may capable of one or both absorbing and emanating spectral energy of at least about 400 nm (e.g., visible and/or infrared light). At least some of the derivative that is in the body may be exposed to spectral energy and, in turn, spectral energy may emanate from the derivative. This emanating spectral energy may be detected and utilized to determine renal function of the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a process for the synthesis of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane ligands, chelates, and derivatives thereof. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to a process for the synthesis of 1,4,7,10-tetraaza-1,4,7,10-tetrakis(carboxymethyl)cyclododecane (DOTA) ligands, corresponding DOTA-metal chelates, and various derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Injection systems and related methods including an injection device, an operator interface, and modules to determine operational parameters during an MRA imaging procedure. Such parameters may be used to optimize and/or maximize signal intensity during an MRA imaging procedure. The injection system may include a target in-bloodstream contrast agent concentration determination module that determines a target in-bloodstream contrast agent concentration at least partially based on contrast agent type and MRA imager parameters. The injection system may include a contrast agent injection rate determination module that determines a contrast agent injection rate at least partially based on the target in-bloodstream contrast agent concentration, an initial contrast agent concentration, and a cardiac output rate of a patient to be imaged. The injection system may include a diluent injection rate determination module that determines a diluent injection rate at least partially based on the contrast agent injection rate.

Abstract: A method for gamifying a toll image review process includes receiving an image of a vehicle that has utilized a toll road and identifying a region of interest of the image depicting an identifier of the vehicle. A second image is generated that includes the region of interest and is preprocessed to generate a plurality of images of the region of interest. Each of the images includes unique display settings. The images are displayed within a graphical user interface along with progress information for a first user. The progress information is related to an amount of vehicles to identify. Progress information is displayed for additional users. An input including the identifier is received using the user interface. Images related to an image of a second vehicle's region of interest are displayed. A progress of the additional users is monitored and then the displayed progress information is updated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrazine derivatives such as those represented by Formulas I and II. X1 to X4 of Formulas I and II may be characterized as electron withdrawing groups, while Y1 to Y4 of Formulas I and II may be characterized as electron donating groups. Pyrazine derivatives of the present invention may be utilized in assessing organ (e.g., kidney) function. In a particular example, an effective amount of a pyrazine derivative that is capable of being renally cleared may be administered into a patient's body. The pyrazine derivative may capable of one or both absorbing and emanating spectral energy of at least about 400 nm (e.g., visible and/or infrared light). At least some of the derivative that is in the body may be exposed to spectral energy and, in turn, spectral energy may emanate from the derivative. This emanating spectral energy may be detected and utilized to determine renal function of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrazine derivatives such as those represented by Formulas I and II. X1 to X4 of Formulas I and II may be characterized as electron withdrawing groups, while Y1 to Y4 of Formulas I and II may be characterized as electron donating groups. Pyrazine derivatives of the present invention may be utilized in assessing organ (e.g., kidney) function. In a particular example, an effective amount of a pyrazine derivative that is capable of being renally cleared may be administered into a patient's body. The pyrazine derivative may capable of one or both absorbing and emanating spectral energy of at least about 400 nm (e.g., visible and/or infrared light). At least some of the derivative that is in the body may be exposed to spectral energy and, in turn, spectral energy may emanate from the derivative. This emanating spectral energy may be detected and utilized to determine renal function of the patient.