Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to characterizing objects or other items, which as may be implemented in a machine-vision type approach. As may be implemented with one or more embodiments, some of which may involve a Fourier transform analysis, object regions (one or more objects) are identified in image data depicting several objects, and the size of each object-region is identified. Respective ratios of the size of each object-region to the size of each of the other object regions are determined, and object regions having a higher total number of ratios that round to one (relative to the other object regions) are identified. An expected (e.g., average) individual object size is determined based on the sizes of the identified object regions, and a total number of the objects in the image is determined based on the expected individual object size and the sizes of the object regions.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to characterizing objects or other items, which as may be implemented in a machine-vision type approach. As may be implemented with one or more embodiments, some of which may involve a Fourier transform analysis, object regions (one or more objects) are identified in image data depicting several objects, and the size of each object-region is identified. Respective ratios of the size of each object-region to the size of each of the other object regions are determined, and object regions having a higher total number of ratios that round to one (relative to the other object regions) are identified. An expected (e.g., average) individual object size is determined based on the sizes of the identified object regions, and a total number of the objects in the image is determined based on the expected individual object size and the sizes of the object regions.

Abstract: A novel plant gene is disclosed, which is a member of the mdr family of genes encoding ABC transporters. The gene is inducible by NPPB and auxin, and is preferentially expressed in roots upon induction. The gene is useful for detoxification of certain xenobiotics to protect plants from the detrimental effects of such compounds. The protein encoded by the gene is an auxin transporter. Also disclosed are plants the over-express and under-express this mdr gene.

Abstract: A novel plant gene is disclosed, which is a member of the mdr family of genes encoding ABC transporters. The gene is inducible by NPPB and auxin, and is preferentially expressed in roots upon induction. The gene is useful for detoxification of certain xenobiotics to protect plants from the detrimental effects of such compounds. The protein encoded by the gene is an auxin transporter. Also disclosed are plants the over-express and under-express this mdr gene.