Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for identifying a plant in a field with pixel-level precision and taking an action on the identified plant, also with pixel level precision. The disclosed systems can include multiple implements, enabling the performance of multiple tasks on an identified plant or associated area of soil. Methods of using the described systems for automated thinning, weeding and spot spraying crops are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating or preventing cardiac disorders in a subject in need thereof by inhibiting the expression or function of both miR-499 and miR-208 in the heart cells of the subject. In particular, specific protocols for administering inhibitors of the two miRNAs that achieve efficient, long-term suppression are disclosed. In addition, the invention provides a method for treating or preventing musculoskeletal disorders in a subject in need thereof by increasing the expression or activity of both miR-208 and miR-499 in skeletal muscle cells of the subject.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an extraction method. A conduit is formed in a heap-leach pad. The heap-leach pad includes a plurality of poorly perfused areas. The conduit is in fluid communication with poorly perfused areas of the heap-leach pad. A fluid that includes steam is injected into the conduit. The fluid travels through the heap-leach pad and condenses in poorly perfused areas of the heap-leach pad. An extraction solution is applied to the heap-leach pad. Condensation of steam in the poorly perfused areas of the heap-leach pad provides new flow pathways for the extraction solution.

Abstract: A contrast marker having a casing and a novel MRI contrast agent comprising metal complexes disposed around, within, or abuting the casing is provided. Such contrast markers may be placed in a strand, with or without a therapy seed, to produce a seeded strand useful for imaging and in connection with brachytherapy.

Abstract: Optical fiber waveguides and related approaches are implemented to facilitate communication. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a waveguide has a substrate including a lattice structure having a plurality of lattice regions with a dielectric constant that is different than that of the substrate, a defect in the lattice, and one or more deviations from the lattice. The defect acts with trapped transverse modes (e.g., magnetic and/or electric modes) and facilitates wave propagation along a longitudinal direction while confining the wave transversely. The deviation(s) from the lattice produces additional modes and/or coupling effects.

Abstract: A capsule configured for in vivo refilling of a therapeutic agent. In certain embodiments, the capsule may contain methotrexate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a molecular marker for a plant physiological process and more particularly for plant embryogenesis. The molecular marker is, in one form, a genetic sequence from a monocot plant such as but not limited to oil-palm plants. In another form, the molecular marker is a polypeptide encoded by said genetic sequence. More particularly, the molecular marker of the present invention enables embryogenic tissue to be detected in vitro. The early detection of embryogenic tissue enables non-embryogenic tissue to be discarded. The ability to detect embryogenesis facilitates maximization of embryogenic potential. The present invention further contemplates a molecular marker comprising in one form a sequence of nucleotides encoding an antioxidant or in another form a sequence of amino acids defining a polypeptide having antioxidant activity. The antioxidant according to this aspect of the present invention is particularly useful in tablet or cream form as an anti-aging agent.

Abstract: Cytotoxic factors having use in modulating cell death, and their use in methods of treating necrosis or apoptosis-related conditions are disclosed. The invention also relates to methods for identifying active agents useful in treating conditions related to cell death or uncontrolled growth. The present inventors have found that different microorganisms produce different cytotoxic factor(s) having anticancer activity. The substantially pure cytotoxic factors can be used in a method of treating an infectious disease or a cancer.

Abstract: An X-ray tube and methods for imaging are disclosed. The X-ray tube includes an emitter configured to generate an electron beam. Further, the X-ray tube includes a target configured to generate X-rays in response to the electron beam, where a target surface includes at least a first region having a first elevation and a second region having a second elevation different from the first elevation. The X-ray tube also includes a detector configured to generate projection data based on the X-rays and a computing device coupled to the emitter, the detector and/or the target. The computing device is configured to deflect a focal spot on the target surface by controlling target rotation such that the electron beam impinges alternatively on the first and second regions. The computing device processes the projection data corresponding to the deflected focal spot positions and reconstructs images of a subject using the processed projection data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of diagnosing, monitoring and treating an Aspergillus species-associated condition, such as Aspergillus fumigatus (Af)-associated condition, including aspergillosis, such as invasive aspergillosis (IA). Methods for diagnosing and/or monitoring an Aspergillus species-associated condition, such as IA are provided. Also disclosed are point-of-care immunoassays that can be used to diagnose or monitor the efficacy of an Aspergillus-associated condition treatment. These immunoassays can also be used for rapid diagnosis of infection produced by an Aspergillus species, such as Af.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods for producing cultured pearls in gastropods, such as the queen conch, Strombus gigas, and other gastropod species (e.g., families Strombidae, Haliotididae and Volutidae), with high success rates. The subject invention also provides cultured pearls produced by the methods as described herein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of reducing the level of tau protein in a subject's brain for the treatment of tau tangles. The method includes administrating an effective dose of drug that reduced Sp1 levels to the subject to lower tau mRNA and protein levels, CDK5 mRNA and protein levels, as well phosphorylated tau in the brain.

Abstract: A method for protection of tissues subject to ischemic and/or reperfusion damage is provided. The method includes administering to the tissue a composition comprising nanodevices. The nanodevices can take the form of, for example, polymeric nanoparticles or lipidic nanoparticles. The nanodevices also find use in methods for reducing ischemic injury in tissue at risk of such injury, such as heart and brain tissue.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus of the present invention allow the evaluation of inflammation of the esophagus. Measurements may be utilized, for example, to diagnose a disease of the esophagus, to monitor inflammation of the esophagus, or to access the treatment of a disease of the esophagus. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method for measuring esophageal inflammation comprising deploying a device into the esophagus of a subject, removing the device after a predetermined period of time, analyzing the device for a diagnostic indicator of esophageal inflammation and evaluating the diagnostic indicator to diagnose esophageal inflammation.

Abstract: A wireless sleep apnea treatment system comprises a garment having at least one ECG monitor, a wireless signal acquisition board in communication with the ECG monitor and the computer and providing the electrical reading from the ECG monitor to the computer, and a patient stimulator controlled by the computer through the wireless signal acquisition board.

Abstract: PKC V5 isozyme-specific peptides are described. The sequences and compositions comprising the sequences are useful for treating disease states associated with the PKC isozyme from which they are respectively derived. Methods of treatment, pharmaceutical formulations and methods of identifying compounds that mimic the activity of the peptides are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of chemistry and radionuclide imaging. More particularly, it concerns compositions, kits and methods for imaging and therapy involving N4 compounds and derivatives.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a one-bead-two-compound method for the creation of encoded cyclic peptoid libraries. This scheme is useful for the creation of cyclic peptoid microarrays since only the cyclic peptoid, not the linear encoding molecule, contains an attachment residue and thus can be spotted onto an activated substrate.

Abstract: A method is described for the direct photochemical modification and micro-patterning of polymer surfaces, without the need to use a photoresist. For example, micropatterns of various functional chemical groups, biomolecules, and metal films have been deposited on poly(carbonate) and poly(methyl methacrylate) surfaces. These patterns may be used, for example, in integrated electronics, capture elements, or sensing elements in micro-fluidic channels.

Abstract: Methods for creating coatings composed of a single material or a composite of multiple materials, beginning with ESC to deposit the base layer and then using other methods for the binding step beyond CVI. Also, for certain materials and applications, some pre-processing or pre-treatment of the coating materials is necessary prior to deposition in order to achieve a satisfactory coating. This application discloses methods for pre-deposition treatment of materials prior to ESC deposition. It also discloses methods for post-processing that provide additional functionality or performance characteristics of the coating. Finally, this application discloses certain apparatus and equipment for accomplishing the methods described herein.