Abstract: Aerial camera systems are disclosed, including an aerial camera system that comprises at least one camera arranged to capture a plurality of successive images; the at least one camera being rotatable such that the field of view of the camera traverses across a region of the ground that includes multiple different swathes extending in different directions, the at least one camera having a steering mirror to direct light reflected from the ground onto a lens assembly, the lens assembly having a central longitudinal axis extending in a direction generally parallel to a direction of movement of a survey aircraft; and the system arranged to control the at least one camera to capture successive images at defined intervals as the at least one camera rotates.

Abstract: A method of communication between a robot and an elevator system using a robot communication system including: collecting data on a landing of a building using a sensor system of the robot; and transmitting the data to the elevator system of the building, the data being transmitted to the elevator system directly from the robot, through a cloud computing network, or through a building system manager.

Abstract: A dining surface preparation apparatus and system is provided. The apparatus includes a base. The base is configured to interface with a dining surface area. The dining surface preparation apparatus also includes an item identification system. The item identification apparatus is positionable on the base and is arranged to provide identification of dining items. Additionally, the dining surface preparation apparatus includes an item location system. The item location system is positionable on the base and is configured to provide location of dining items on the dining surface area.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for dispensing grains of pollen may include a pollen storage container, a flow source configured to dispense the grains of pollen from the pollen storage container, and a control mechanism configured to selectively activate the flow source. The apparatus may or may not apply an electrical charge to the grains of pollen. Related methods may include steps of collecting pollen, inserting the pollen into a pollen storage container, connecting the pollen storage container to a dispensing device such as the above-described apparatus, and dispensing the pollen from the pollen storage container with the dispensing device. Known grains of pollen may be dispensed to create predetermined gamete crosses with known plants. Further, an outlet of a fan which dispenses the pollen from the pollen storage container or other parts of the dispensing device may be cleaned when swapping the pollen storage container to prevent cross-contamination.

Abstract: A method for sorting pollen containing genetic elements of interest may include associating a genetic marker with seeds defining the genetic elements of interest, growing plants from the seeds, collecting pollen from the seeds, evaluating the pollen for presence of the genetic markers, and sorting the pollen based on presence or absence of the genetic markers. A method of determining viability of pollen may evaluate the optical density of grains of pollen and compare the optical density to an optical density threshold. Further, a method for identifying plants defining a genetic marker with seeds defining the genetic element of interest, growing plants from the seeds, and evaluating the plants for presence of the genetic marker.

Abstract: A seed handling tool includes a handle connected to a working body. The working body includes a working surface, which further includes a plurality of seed retention points. A seed retention source is provided to allow the seed handling tool to pick up and retain seeds at the seed retention points. In some embodiments, the seeds may also be released from the seed retention points. A method for retaining a plurality of seeds by the seed handling tool includes moving the seed handling tool to a position where the working surface is adjacent to a plurality of seeds, and picking up and retaining seeds at a plurality of seed retention points fixed at the working surface. In some embodiments, the method may also include releasing the plurality of seeds from the seed retention points.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of phospholipase-related conditions. In particular, the invention provides a method of treating insulin-related, weight-related conditions and/or cholesterol-related conditions in an animal subject. The method generally involves the administration of a phospholipase A2 inhibitor having comprising a substituted organic compound having a fused five-member ring and six-member ring, such as indole-containing compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of phospholipase-related conditions. In particular, the invention provides a method of treating insulin-related, weight-related conditions and/or cholesterol-related conditions in an animal subject. The method generally involves the administration of a non-absorbed and/or effluxed phospholipase A2 inhibitor that is localized in a gastrointestinal lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of phospholipase-related conditions. In particular, the invention provides a method of treating insulin-related, weight-related conditions and/or cholesterol-related conditions in an animal subject. The method generally involves the administration of a non-absorbed and/or effluxed phospholipase A2 inhibitor that is localized in a gastrointestinal lumen.

Abstract: Indole and indole-related compounds, compositions and methods are disclosed. The compounds of the invention are useful as phospholipase inhibitors. The compounds and compositions of the invention are useful for treatment of phospholipase-related conditions, such as insulin-related, weight-related and/or cholesterol-related conditions in an animal subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to stabilized aerosol solution formulations containing acid addition salts of salbutamol, which are suitable for administration by metered dose inhalers (MDIs). More particularly, this invention relates to solution formulations containing one of the aforementioned salts of salbutamol, preferably salbutamol hydrochloride or salbutamol citrate, more preferably one of the two before mentioned salts in combination with one or more additional pharmacologically active substances, together with an environmentally safe hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) as a propellant, a co-solvent, preferably an organic compound as a co-solvent, and either an inorganic acid or an organic acid.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of toxin-mediated diseases are provided herein. One aspect of the invention is oligosaccharide-based therapeutics that interact with toxins and methods of uses thereof. In one embodiment the oligosaccharide-based therapeutics of the invention comprise polymeric particles with attached oligosaccharide binding moieties. The compositions of the invention can be used in the treatment of toxin-mediated diseases such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, including Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of toxin-mediated diseases are provided herein. One aspect of the invention is oligosaccharide-based therapeutics that interact with toxins and methods of uses thereof. In one embodiment the oligosaccharide-based therapeutics of the invention comprise polymeric particles with attached oligosaccharide binding moieties. The compositions of the invention can be used in the treatment of toxin-mediated diseases such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, including Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising sodium-binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure, end stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal insufficiency, fluid overload, or sodium overload.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising potassium binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hyperkalemia, such as hyperkalemia caused by renal failure and/or the use of hyperkalemia causing drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising potassium binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hyperkalemia, such as hyperkalemia caused by renal failure and/or the use of hyperkalemia causing drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising sodium-binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure, end stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal insufficiency, fluid overload, or sodium overload.