Abstract: Exemplary apparatuses and methods of killing or deactivating bacteria are disclosed herein. An exemplary apparatus for killing or deactivating bacteria includes a plasma vapor chamber. The plasma vapor chamber has a vapor inlet for allowing a vapor into the chamber, a high voltage electrode, one or more grounding electrodes. The one or more grounding electrodes at least partially surrounding the plasma vapor chamber. The plasma vapor chamber includes an outlet for allowing fluid to flow out of the chamber. When the chamber is filled with vapor for a period of time sufficient to saturate the chamber with vapor, the high voltage electrode is energized to generate plasma throughout the chamber.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for killing or deactivating spores include applying a fluid containing an additive to a surface containing a spore; and applying direct or indirect plasma to the surface for a period of time.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatuses and methods of killing or deactivating bacteria are disclosed herein. An exemplary apparatus for killing or deactivating bacteria includes a plasma vapor chamber. The plasma vapor chamber has a vapor inlet for allowing a vapor into the chamber, a high voltage electrode, one or more grounding electrodes. The one or more grounding electrodes at least partially surrounding the plasma vapor chamber. The plasma vapor chamber includes an outlet for allowing fluid to flow out of the chamber. When the chamber is filled with vapor for a period of time sufficient to saturate the chamber with vapor, the high voltage electrode is energized to generate plasma throughout the chamber.

Abstract: A treated crop plant or plant food product with decreased bacterial viability relative to an untreated crop plant or plant food product. The treated crop plant or plant food product has at least a 1-log reduction in bacterial viability relative to the untreated crop plant or plant food product. Methods and apparatuses of producing the treated crop plant or plant food product are also provided.

Abstract: Plasma treatment devices for reducing bacterial viability, enhancing stem growth, enhancing root growth or increasing germination times are disclosed herein. In addition, a treated sprout plant treated with a plasma activate medium or plasma with decreased bacterial viability relative to an untreated sprout plant. The treated sprout plant has at least a 1-log reduction in bacterial viability relative to the untreated sprout plant. Methods and apparatuses of producing the treated sprout plant are also provided.

Abstract: Exemplary methods of treating tissue that has been harvested for transplant are disclosed herein. An exemplary method of preparing corneal tissue for transplant includes obtaining corneal tissue that has been harvested for transplanting and exposing the corneal tissue to a plasma-activated fluid for a period of time.

Abstract: A gas tiller including a frame defining a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis spaced a distance from the first pivot axis, a motor coupled to the frame, a set of rotary tines coupled to the frame and operatively coupled to the motor, a swing arm pivotably coupled to the frame and rotatable about the first pivot axis between a first and second arm positions corresponding to travel and tilling configurations, respectively, of the tiller, the swing arm including one or more wheels coupled thereto, and a drag stake pivotably coupled to the frame and rotatable about the second pivot axis between first and second stake positions. Movement of the swing arm between the arm positions moves the drag stake between the stake positions.

Abstract: A gas tiller including a frame defining a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis spaced a distance from the first pivot axis, a motor coupled to the frame, a set of rotary tines coupled to the frame and operatively coupled to the motor, a swing arm pivotably coupled to the frame and rotatable about the first pivot axis between a first and second arm positions corresponding to travel and tilling configurations, respectively, of the tiller, the swing arm including one or more wheels coupled thereto, and a drag stake pivotably coupled to the frame and rotatable about the second pivot axis between first and second stake positions. Movement of the swing arm between the arm positions moves the drag stake between the stake positions.

Abstract: A runner for a suspended ceiling grid is roll-formed from a single strip of sheet metal so as to have a generally symmetrical appearance about a vertical center line, with a double vertical web and a double-thickness flange for supporting ceiling tiles. The bottom surface of the flange is continuous across its exposed surface, so that there is no visible juncture of the opposed flanges with the double web when viewed from below, thus providing an aesthetically more-pleasing appearance.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing siRNAs, e.g., in the form of a d-siRNA composition, from dsRNAs are provided. In the subject methods, a dsRNA is contacted with a composition that includes an activity that cleaves dsRNA into siRNAs, where the composition efficiently cleaves dsRNA into siRNAs. siRNAs produced by the subject methods find use in a variety of applications, particularly in applications where the specific reduction or silencing of a gene is desired. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing siRNAs, e.g., in the form of a d-siRNA composition, from dsRNAs are provided. In the subject methods, a dsRNA is contacted with a composition that includes an activity that cleaves dsRNA into siRNAs, where the composition efficiently cleaves dsRNA into siRNAs. siRNAs produced by the subject methods find use in a variety of applications, particularly in applications where the specific reduction or silencing of a gene is desired. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed which may comprise a high power excimer or molecular fluorine gas discharge laser DUV light source system which may comprise: a pulse stretcher which may comprise: an optical delay path mirror, an optical delay path mirror gas purging assembly which may comprise: a purging gas supply system directing purging gas across a face of the optical delay line mirror. The optical delay path mirror may comprise a plurality of optical delay path mirrors; the purging gas supply system may direct purging gas across a face of each of the plurality of optical delay line mirrors. The purging gas supply system may comprise: a purging gas supply line; a purging gas distributing and directing mechanism which may direct purging gas across the face of the respective optical delay path mirror.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid beam is provided that has an increased beam height to provide enhanced resistance to downward deflection. The beam has a cross-section generally in the form of an inverted T, with a central web, a pair of panel support flanges extending from one edge of the web, and a reinforcing bulb extending from the other edge of the web. The reinforcing bulb has a generally planar, fin-like structure extending therefrom opposite to and generally co-planar with the central web.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing siRNAs, e.g., in the form of a d-siRNA composition, from dsRNAs are provided. In the subject methods, a dsRNA is contacted with a composition that includes an activity that cleaves dsRNA into siRNAs, where the composition efficiently cleaves dsRNA into siRNAs. siRNAs produced by the subject methods find use in a variety of applications, particularly in applications where the specific reduction or silencing of a gene is desired. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject invention.

Abstract: A stocking has a top band composed of a 2.times.3 double rib band part knitted to the upper end of a single-ply 4.times.4 positive floater block pattern band part. The 2.times.3 feed is selected for feed 1 elastic yarns of the rib band part, and the 4.times.4 feed is selected for feeds 1 and 3 elastic yarns of the block pattern band part.