Abstract: A device for preventing the hook, or a similar attachment element, mounted at the free extremity of a winch cable to contact the winch or associated related structures is disclosed. The device is mounted to the winch cable, typically near or adjacent to the hook and comprises a resilient member or cushion configured to resiliently absorb over-tension in the cable and/or hook when the cable is wound on the shaft of the winch. The device therefore generally prevents damaging contacts between the hook and the winch.

Abstract: A device for preventing the hook, or a similar attachment element, mounted at the free extremity of a winch cable to contact the winch or associated related structures is disclosed. The device is mounted to the winch cable, typically near or adjacent to the hook and comprises a resilient member or cushion configured to resiliently absorb over-tension in the cable and/or hook when the cable is wound on the shaft of the winch. The device therefore generally prevents damaging contacts between the hook and the winch.

Abstract: Labeled antimicrobial peptides and method of using the same to detect a microorganism of interest. In one embodiment, the method involves adding immuno-capture beads to a sample, the immuno-capture beads including capture antibodies coupled to a paramagnetic bead, the capture antibodies being specific for the type of microorganism of interest. After mixing, the target microorganism binds to the capture antibodies. Next, the beads are collected by positioning a magnet close to the sample, and the unbound material is removed from the sample. Then, a solution containing fluorescently-labeled antimicrobial peptide is added to the sample, the labeled peptide binding in great numbers to the immuno-captured microorganism. After removing unbound peptide, the beads are suspended in solution and a magnetic probe is used to collect the beads in a small volume. With the beads thus drawn together, the solution is excited with a laser. Such excitation causes the label to fluoresce, which fluorescence is then detected.

Abstract: A membrane assembly adapted for use in capturing an analyte of interest, the membrane assembly comprising in one embodiment (a) an electrospun nanofibrous membrane, the electrospun nanofibrous membrane comprising a random mat of electrospun nanofibers, at least some of the electrospun nanofibers including one or more types of functional groups; and (b) at least one molecular recognition element immobilized on the random mat via a functional group, the molecular recognition element being adapted to selectively bind the analyte of interest. The membrane assembly may be incorporated into a sensor.

Abstract: A method for making a food preservative comprises the steps of removing outer skins of taro corms, cutting the corms into pieces, grinding the pieces of corm to produce ground taro, drying the ground taro, diluting the ground taro with water, cooking the taro and water, inoculating the cooked taro and water with a selected bacteriocin producing bacterium and permitting the taro to ferment, to provide the food preservative.

Abstract: A method for making a food preservative comprises the steps of removing outer skins of taro corms, cutting the corms into pieces, grinding the pieces of corm to produce ground taro, drying the ground taro, diluting the ground taro with water, cooking the taro and water, inoculating the cooked taro and water with a selected bacteriocin producing bacterium and permitting the taro to ferment, to provide the food preservative.