Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates search and rescue, for example, in open water. The apparatus comprises a substrate with a particular geometry and a perimeter. The apparatus further comprises a cover positioned atop the substrate with the cover also having a particular geometry and perimeter, which correspond to the geometry and perimeter of the substrate. An air-tight seal seals the substrate perimeter to the cover perimeter and creates a sealed internal region. A liquid-releasable vessel holding an illuminable dye located in the sealed internal region, along with an activator that is also located in the sealed internal region. When the liquid-releasable vessel releases the illuminable dye, the illuminable dye reacts with the activator, thereby resulting in illumination of the illuminable dye. The liquid-releasable vessel comprises an opening with a release mechanism (e.g., clamp, etc.).

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a sample processing device comprising a detection chamber, a motor configured to rotate the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and an optical module operatively positioned relative to the sample processing device and configured to determine whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber of the sample processing device. The method can include rotating the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and determining whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber, while rotating the sample processing device. In some embodiments, determining whether a selected volume of material is present can be performed by optically interrogating the detection chamber for an optical property of the material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a sample processing device comprising a detection chamber, a motor configured to rotate the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and an optical module operatively positioned relative to the sample processing device and configured to determine whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber of the sample processing device. The method can include rotating the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and determining whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber, while rotating the sample processing device. In some embodiments, determining whether a selected volume of material is present can be performed by optically interrogating the detection chamber for an optical property of the material.

Abstract: Chemical indicator compositions comprising a bismuth compound; elemental sulfur; and a compound with relatively high water solubility which makes the composition alkaline when exposed to water vapor at an elevated temperature; a chemical indicator comprising a substrate and the composition coated on at least a portion of a major surface of the substrate; and methods of making and using the chemical indicator are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a sample processing device comprising a detection chamber, a motor configured to rotate the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and an optical module operatively positioned relative to the sample processing device and configured to determine whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber of the sample processing device. The method can include rotating the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and determining whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber, while rotating the sample processing device. In some embodiments, determining whether a selected volume of material is present can be performed by optically interrogating the detection chamber for an optical property of the material.

Abstract: A system and method for volumetric metering on a sample processing device. The system can include a metering reservoir, and a waste reservoir positioned in fluid communication with a first end of the metering reservoir to catch excess liquid from the metering reservoir that exceeds a selected volume. The system can further include a capillary valve in fluid communication with the second end of the metering reservoir to inhibit liquid from exiting the metering reservoir until desired. The method can include metering the liquid by rotating the sample processing device to exert a first force on the liquid that is insufficient to move the liquid into the capillary valve, and rotating the sample processing device to exert a second force on the liquid that is greater than the first force to move the metered volume of the liquid to the process chamber via the capillary valve.

Abstract: A system and method for volumetric metering on a sample processing device. The system can include a metering reservoir, and a waste reservoir positioned in fluid communication with a first end of the metering reservoir to catch excess liquid from the metering reservoir that exceeds a selected volume. The system can further include a capillary valve in fluid communication with the second end of the metering reservoir to inhibit liquid from exiting the metering reservoir until desired. The method can include metering the liquid by rotating the sample processing device to exert a first force on the liquid that is insufficient to move the liquid into the capillary valve, and rotating the sample processing device to exert a second force on the liquid that is greater than the first force to move the metered volume of the liquid to the process chamber via the capillary valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a sample processing device comprising a detection chamber, a motor configured to rotate the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and an optical module operatively positioned relative to the sample processing device and configured to determine whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber of the sample processing device. The method can include rotating the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and determining whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber, while rotating the sample processing device. In some embodiments, determining whether a selected volume of material is present can be performed by optically interrogating the detection chamber for an optical property of the material.

Abstract: Chemical indicator compositions comprising a bismuth compound; elemental sulfur; and a compound with relatively high water solubility which makes the composition alkaline when exposed to water vapor at an elevated temperature; a chemical indicator comprising a substrate and the composition coated on at least a portion of a major surface of the substrate; and methods of making and using the chemical indicator are disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy hibiscus plant named “Strawberry Swirl” is the result of a unique hybridization. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized primarily to its novelty by, its extreme cold hardiness to Zone 4, large, pinwheel-shaped, pink and white flowers and its “maple-shaped” green foliage, compactness of about 3 feet, its vigorous and uniform breaking habit and its floriferous nature from midsummer until frost.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy Hibiscus plant named “Dave Fleming” is the result of a unique hybridization. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized primarily to its novelty by, its extreme cold hardiness to Zone 4, large, thick-textured and very overlapping, reddish-cerise flowers and its floriferous nature from midsummer until frost.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy hibiscus plant named “Stardust ” is the result of a unique hybridization. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized primarily to its novelty by, its extreme cold hardiness to Zone 4, large, thick-textured, heavily streaked and speckled, red and pink flowers and its “maple-shaped” foliage with a bronze coloration, compactness of approximately 2½ feet, its vigorous and uniform breaking habit, and its floriferous nature from midsummer until frost.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy Hibiscus plant named ‘James Fleming’ is the result of a unique hybridization. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized primarily to its novelty by, its extreme cold hardiness to Zone 4, large, thick-textured, light pink flowers and its ‘maple-shaped’ leaves with a purple coloration, compactness of about 3 feet, its vigorous and uniform growth habit and its floriferous nature from midsummer until frost.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: at least one multi-functional Michael donor, at least one multi-functional Michael acceptor, and at least one reaction promoter, wherein the at least one reaction promoter is applied to at least one substrate or is included in one or more compositions applied to at least one substrate.

Abstract: Functional mixtures and polymer compositions are provided, each comprising at least one multi-functional Michael acceptor, at least one multi-functional Michael donor, in which at least 20% of either the donor or acceptor or a combination of the donor and acceptor is derived from bio-based materials and at least one catalyst.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy hibiscus plant named ‘Cherub’ is the result of a unique hybridization. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized primarily as to novelty by its tropical aspects, its extreme cold hardiness to Zone 4, its medium-sized, thick-textured, tubular pink flowers with recurved petal edges and its shiny Maple-like green leaves and unusual pyramidal compactness of about 3 feet, its vigorous and uniform growth habit, and its floriferous nature from midsummer until frost, and its genetic achievement as a cross between a tropical and hardy Hibiscus.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy Hibiscus plant named “Dave Fleming” is the result of a unique hybridization. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized primarily to its novelty by, its extreme cold hardiness to Zone 4, large, thick-textured and very overlapping, reddish-cerise flowers and its floriferous nature from midsummer until frost.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy Hibiscus plant named ‘James Fleming’ is the result of a unique hybridization. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized primarily to its novelty by, its extreme cold hardiness to Zone 4, large, thick-textured, light pink flowers and its ‘maple-shaped’ leaves with a purple coloration, compact ness of about 3 feet, its vigorous and uniform growth habit and its floriferous nature from midsummer until frost.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy hibiscus plant named “Stardust ” is the result of a unique hybridization. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized primarily to its novelty by, its extreme cold hardiness to Zone 4, large, thick-textured, heavily streaked and speckled, red and pink flowers and its “maple-shaped” foliage with a bronze coloration, compactness of approximately 2½ feet, its vigorous and uniform breaking habit, and its floriferous nature from midsummer until frost.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy hibiscus plant named “Strawberry Swirl” is the result of a unique hybridization. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized primarily to its novelty by, its extreme cold hardiness to Zone 4, large, pinwheel-shaped, pink and white flowers and its “maple-shaped” green foliage, compactness of about 3 feet, its vigorous and uniform breaking habit and its floriferous nature from midsummer until frost.