Abstract: Sap-collecting devices, systems and methods for sap-producing saplings are disclosed. The saplings each have at least one stem, which is cut to form a top end at a reasonable height above ground. The sap-collecting system includes a sap-collecting device that fits over the top end and forms a vacuum-tight seal with the stem. The sap-collecting device includes an interior and an access port open to the interior. The access port can be connected to a line system. A vacuum system is operably connected to the line system and forms a vacuum within the sap-collecting device. This serves to draw the sap from the top end of the sapling, through the sap-collecting device, through the line system and to a collecting tank. A plantation growth, management, and sap-collecting system that comprises the sap-collecting system and a stand of saplings is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for measuring molecular interactions in a viscoelastic material, as well as related products and kits. The methods involve, for instance, taking multiple pressure measurements in the viscoelastic material and calculating the complex modulus from the pressure measurements to produce the measurement of viscoelastic properties in the viscoelastic material. Also included in the invention are methods and systems for detecting molecular interactions in vivo.

Abstract: A method of preparing mesoporous inorganic oxide spherical particles includes providing a reaction mixture capable of producing mesoporous inorganic oxide spheres; heating the reaction mixture to produce mesostructured inorganic oxide particles and removing organic material from the mesostructured inorganic oxide particles to form the mesoporous inorganic oxide spherical particles. In one embodiment a reaction mixture includes a proton donor, a source of inorganic oxide, and a source of fluoride. In another embodiment a reaction mixture includes a proton donor, a source of inorganic oxide, and an alcohol. Mesoporous inorganic oxide spheres produced by the method of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus for a low numerical aperture exclusion imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include an electromagnetic illumination source for illuminating a portion of a specimen; and for collecting an image created by the electromagnetic radiation an objective lens optically coupled to the electromagnetic illuminated portion of the specimen. The apparatus also includes an optical blocking plate disposed between the objective lens and a focusing lens. The optical blocking plate is positioned to substantially block undesired electromagnetic radiation from image sources distally aligned in the same optical axis as the specimen. This invention is enhances narrow depth of field characteristics in imaging. It also enhances discreet imaging in a narrow focus field by eliminating some or most of the light which contributes to wide depth of field focus. This is useful for optical sectioning ranging from microscopy to photography.

Abstract: The Portable Ultrafine Particle Sizer (PUPS) invention is provided. The PUPS is an instrument which can measure particle number concentration for particle sizes under 200 nanometers in-situ. The PUPS is a compact design for quick mounting on vehicles. Size discrimination is accomplished using a compact reverse Differential Mobility Analyzer (rDMA). Particle charging is accomplished using corona ionization. Concentration measurements are completed using a unique flexible printed circuit board electrode which can be removed for cleaning, disposal or chemical analysis of collected particles at the end of its in situ measurement life.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to treatments involving glutaredoxins. In one aspect, systems and methods of the invention can be used to treat a subject having an oxidative stress condition, for example, airway inflammation or asthma. In some embodiments, a glutaredoxin may be used to treat a subject. Also provided in certain aspects of the present invention are kits for therapies involving glutaredoxins, methods for promoting such therapies, and the like.

Abstract: The invention includes, in part, methods and compounds for treating cancer including, but not limited to gliomas, melanomas, and neuroblastomas. In some embodiments of the invention, a glyceryltriacetate compound is administered to a subject in an amount effective to treat or prevent a cancer in the subject.

Abstract: A breath biofeedback method and system for encouraging a subject to modify respiration. The system includes a thoracic volume input module measuring thoracic volume data of the subject and a pattern module providing target breathing patterns in communication with a display generator. The display generator producing display information representing a displayable image including a first object having a first position determined as a function of the thoracic volume data and a second object having a second position determined as a function of the target breathing pattern and the thoracic volume data. The displayable image is designed such that when displayed on the display device the displayable image encourages the subject viewing the displayable image to modify respiration.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to treatments involving glutaredoxins. In one aspect, systems and methods of the invention can be used to treat a subject having an oxidative stress condition, for example, airway inflammation or asthma. In some embodiments, a glutaredoxin may be used to treat a subject. Also provided in certain aspects of the present invention are kits for therapies involving glutaredoxins, methods for promoting such therapies, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cGMP protein kinase (PKG) and regulatory domains and methods of use thereof. The structural determination of PKG domains is also described. cGMP independent PKG activators and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: The invention includes, in part, methods and apparatus for determining the status of labor in a pregnant subject. In some embodiments of the invention, organ-level uterine function is determined as a measure of the status of labor such as non-labor (e.g. false labor), latent phase labor, active phase labor, or post-delivery.

Abstract: A maple syrup production spout assembly (10) with a backflow check valve (79) is disclosed. The spout assembly is designed for use with vacuum-based maple syrup productions systems (200) and is used to prevent the backflow of sap (270) into the maple tree (100) and thus prevent the drying out of the taphole (110) due to microbial contamination. Certain existing maple production spout assemblies can be retrofitted to form the backflow check valve spout assembly disclosed herein. Methods of using the spout assembly in maple syrup production are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for modulating PPAR-? activity using relaxin or agonists thereof. The result is wide range of new therapeutic regimens for treating, inhibiting the development of, or otherwise dealing with, a multitude of illnesses and conditions, including small vessel disorders of the brain and those associated with increased blood-brain barrier permeability, cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, epilepsy, stroke, CADASIL and migraine.

Abstract: A ground-based system that provides quasi real-time measurement and collection of snow-water equivalent (SWE) data in remote settings is provided. The disclosed invention is significantly less expensive and easier to deploy than current methods and less susceptible to terrain and snow bridging effects. Embodiments of the invention include remote data recovery solutions. Compared to current infrastructure using existing SWE technology, the disclosed invention allows more SWE sites to be installed for similar cost and effort, in a greater variety of terrain; thus, enabling data collection at improved spatial resolutions. The invention integrates a novel computational architecture with new sensor technologies. The invention's computational architecture is based on wireless sensor networks, comprised of programmable, low-cost, low-powered nodes capable of sophisticated sensor control and remote data communication.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for determining polypeptide-nucleic acid interactions.

Abstract: A maple syrup production spout assembly (10) with a backflow check valve (79) is disclosed. The spout assembly is designed for use with vacuum-based maple syrup productions systems (200) and is used to prevent the backflow of sap (270) into the maple tree (100) and thus prevent the drying out of the taphole (110) due to microbial contamination. Certain existing maple production spout assemblies can be retrofitted to form the backflow check valve spout assembly disclosed herein. Methods of using the spout assembly in maple syrup production are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for regulation of GSK3? activity. The invention provides phosphorylated GSK3? polypeptides and antibodies that recognize such polypeptides. The invention further includes methods for treating disorders that are associated with elevated or reduced GSK3? activity.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of assessing urinary flow rate via sound analysis. Embodiments of the uroflow measurement systems include a computer and a telephone or a digital recording mechanism to capture the sound of one or more urination events, which are stored as audio files in a database. The uroflow measurement systems may include sound analysis software for analyzing the strength and duration of each urination event and may include a web-based uroflow software application for viewing the results via the Internet or other network. In one embodiment, the sound analysis software performs the steps of reading in the raw data of a selected audio file, generating a plot of the audio signal amplitude vs.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating cancer by administering one or more chemokines that are downregulated in cancerous cells. More specifically, the invention provides methods for treating or preventing cancers such as malignant melanoma by administering a chemokine such as CCL18 and/or CCL3. The invention further provides methods for diagnosing cancer such as melanoma.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for regulation of GSK3? activity. The invention provides phosphorylated GSK3? polypeptides and antibodies that recognize such polypeptides. The invention further includes methods for treating disorders that are associated with elevated or reduced GSK3? activity.