Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to by physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The upper portion may be detachable from the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: A decorative cover for use with a plant having substantial horizontal growth is provided, as well as methods of making and using same. The decorative cover includes a base in which the plant can be disposed and a decorative border connected to and extending from the base. The decorative border has a curvilinear, undulating configuration which permits the decorative border to hold, support and cushion individual leaves and petioles of the plant to prevent damage thereto and to accommodate horizontal growth of the leaves and petioles of the plant.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for removing floor coverings. The apparatus has a main frame supported by wheels and includes a scraper blade mounted on the front of the frame and a rotary cutter assembly mounted underneath the frame with controls whereby the scraping blade is used independently of the rotary cutters and the rotary cutters are use independently of the scraping blade, and wherein the rotary cutters may be moved from underneath the frame to one side of the frame for ready access to the cutter members of the rotary cutters.

Abstract: A plant packaging method of providing a tubular sleeve having a lower portion and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion and disposing the tubular sleeve about a potted plant.

Abstract: A method of enhancing oxidation of air contaminants on an ultra-low density, UV light accessible aerogel photocatalyst is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a photocatalytic reactor system broadly comprising a photocatalytic reactor cell, a UV light source, and a pump to force the contaminated air stream through the photocatalytic reactor cell. The photocatalytic reactor cell includes glass cell. A catalyst bed formed of a titanium dioxide aerogel is provided in the glass cell whereby a high fraction of the titanium dioxide aerogel is accessible to UV light and gas. The catalyst bed is exposed to UV light from the UV light source and a contaminated air stream is introduced into the photocatalytic reactor cell such that the air stream passes through the catalyst bed causing oxidation of the contaminants of the air stream.

Abstract: A process for treating manure using anaerobic digestion includes introducing manure into a mixing vessel containing a digester liquid and agitating and filtering a slurry formed therefrom to remove substantially all water insoluble solids, thereby leaving a liquid containing ammonia and reactive organic materials. The liquid is then heated and ammonia is removed therefrom to produce a substantially ammonia-free liquid containing reactive organic materials, which is cooled and placed in a digester containing anaerobic bacteria to convert the reactive organic materials in the liquid to biogas and to produce a digester liquid. The biogas is withdrawn and utilized to generate electricity, and a small amount of the digester liquid is withdrawn from the digester and recycled back to the mixing vessel. The water insoluble solids and ammonia removed during the process may be converted to ruminant animal feed and concentrated liquid fertilizer, respectively.

Abstract: A floral sleeve having an upper portion, a lower portion and a medial portion. The floral sleeve can be placed about a plant container, such as a potted plant, such that the lower portion contains a pot, and the upper portion surrounds a floral grouping. When desired, the upper portion and lower portion can be detached, leaving the medial portion which can be attached to the pot forming a skirt extending from the upper end thereof.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A plant packaging method of providing a tubular sleeve having a lower portion and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion and disposing the tubular sleeve about a potted plant.

Abstract: Novel peptide analogs derived from the native sequences of CAP37 peptides 20-44 and 23-42, and their use as therapeutics against bacterial infections and diseases caused by bacterial infection. The peptide analog includes a serine or threonine substitution at one of the two cysteine residues at positions 26 and 42. Substitutions of the native peptide are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for enhancing isometric exercises and methods of using same. In particular, the apparatus for enhancing isometric exercises includes a substantially rigid annular exercising assembly which is placed in a user's mouth and held in place by a user's lips. The substantially rigid annular exercising assembly has an exterior and an interior member which connect and thereby form a trough. The anterior, medial and posterior surfaces of the user's lips fit within the trough thereby providing the mechanism for holding the substantially rigid annular exercising assembly in the user's mouth. In this manner, the substantially rigid annular exercising assembly is essentially freestanding and does not require the user to tense, grind, or strain the jaw or Templar-Mandibular Joint. When in place, the substantially rigid annular exercising assembly increases isometric resistance during exercise, weight training, or facial toning.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, a sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped to form a crimped portion in the sheet of material.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve has a bonding material disposed upon an inner and/or outer portion of the sleeve for crimping the sleeve adjacent the pot to hold the sleeve about the pot.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a decorative covering about a flower pot or a floral grouping from a sheet of material, the sheet of material having printed thereon a graphic image that is prominently displayed on a selected portion of the decorative covering. The graphic image may be a masterpiece of art produced by one of the Great Masters of the Renaissance, at least a portion of a musical score, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A rapid method for detecting the presence or absence of coliform bacteria in a liquid or liquified dairy sample, for example, skimmed milk, lowfat milk, or whole milk. A growth medium containing a fluorogenic substrate is combined with the dairy sample and is incubated for a brief period of time, for example for about 4 hours, after which a first fluorescence value of 4-methylumbelliferone is measured. The dairy sample is incubated again for about 2-8 hours after which a second fluorescence value of 4-methylumbelliferone is measured. Total, fecal, or thermotolerant coliform bacteria are determined to be present in the sample if the second fluorescent value exceeds the first fluorescent value by a predetermined 4-methylumbelliferone concentration threshold.

Abstract: P-selectin has been demonstrated to bind primarily to a single major glycoprotein ligand on neutrophils and HL-60 cells, when assessed by blotting assays and by affinity chromatography of [3H]glucosamine-labeled HL-60 cell extracts on immobilized P-selectin. This molecule was characterized and distinguished from other well-characterized neutrophil membrane proteins with similar apparent molecular mass. The purified ligand, or fragments thereof (including both the carbohydrate and protein components), or antibodies to the ligand, or fragments thereof, can be used as inhibitors of binding of P-selectin to cells.