Abstract: A plant branch spacer that is utilized to spread or otherwise manipulate the direction of branches, without interfering with the roots; the plant branch spacer having an expandable ring, a plurality of knobs, and a locking mechanism. The expandable ring has a first arc-section and a second arc-section that are slidably engaged with each other, allowing the expandable ring to contract, expand, and separate. The locking mechanism is connected to the first arc-section and removably engaged with the second arc-section, wherein the locking mechanism secures the second arc-section in place along the first arc-section. The plurality of knobs is positioned about the expandable ring, and distributed to form a series of pockets used to separate branches from one another. A branch manipulator can be attached to one of the plurality of knobs in order to further redirect one or more branches away from the expandable ring.

Abstract: A method for cultivating plants of the Asteraceae family, which promotes flower bud formation in the reproductive phase. A method for cultivating plants of the Asteraceae family, wherein the cultivation temperature in the reproductive phase is set lower by at least 5° C. than the cultivation temperature in the vegetative phase to promote flower bud formation in the reproductive phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of environmental protection, and in particular to a leaf surface barrier for accurately controlling cadmium absorption and transport related gene expression in rice, and an application thereof. The present invention comprises: reducing a raw material, i.e., selenious acid or selenite, by using ascorbic acid to generate a nanogel, and then emulsifying the nanogel for peptization to obtain a leaf surface barrier for accurately controlling cadmium absorption and transport related gene expression in rice; and then mixing the leaf surface barrier with a silica sol to obtain a composite selenium and silica sol leaf surface barrier. The present invention also provides a leaf surface barricading method for accurately controlling cadmium absorption and transport related gene expression in rice.

Abstract: A device for holding a wood log in place in such a way that a person can cut the log with a saw or split it with an axe is disclosed. The device can be attached to trees or vehicles to keep it in place and can be assembled and disassembled with relative ease. The device is configured to hold the logs between two support arms attached to a post and a grip member attached to each of the support arms. The post is configured for attaching to standing trees through extending arms or brackets and configured for position adjustments by way of sliding inside sleeves that attach to the post, bracket or a hitch of a vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transporting or delivering elastomeric emitters and inserting elastomeric emitters into drip line are disclosed herein, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for manufacturing drip line to form an irrigation assembly or system. In one form, the apparatus comprises a feeder, conveyor, emitter drive mechanism and guide bar for insertion into an extruder to bond the elastomeric emitter to an inner surface of the extruded tube. Friction reducing apparatus and methods are further disclosed as well.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes an inlet and an outlet, and has a first state where liquid is stopped from flowing from the inlet towards the outlet, a second state where liquid is released to flow from the inlet towards and out of the outlet, and a terminal state where after flowing out of the outlet, the liquid is stopped form flowing out of the outlet. An incoming command triggers the valve assembly from the first state towards the second state and, at or after reaching the terminal state, the valve assembly transmits an outgoing command.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide systems and methods of controlling irrigation, comprising: communicating an assumption broadcast from a first irrigation controller to each of a plurality of other irrigation controllers defining assumed states of control elements, wherein the control elements are shared with one or more of the first irrigation controller and the other irrigation controllers; determining whether a reply is received from one or more of the other irrigation controllers in reply to the assumption broadcast; identifying, from the reply, a correction to a state corresponding to a first control element; updating state information corresponding to the first control element in response to the identifying the correction; and communicating a subsequent notification from the first irrigation controller to each of the plurality of other irrigation controllers of the irrigation system, where the subsequent notification comprises the updated state information corresponding to the first control element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated G263532R. Also included are seeds of canola G263532R, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola G263532R and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola G263532R with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola G263532R.

Abstract: An inbred corn line, designated 8RTDD2014, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line 8RTDD2014, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line 8RTDD2014 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line 8RTDD2014 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line 8RTDD2014, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line 8RTDD2014 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated AM10995468, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123619. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the AM10995468 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated PX333117W3FE, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety PX333117W3FE, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety PX333117W3FE with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety PX333117W3FE with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX333117W3FE, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX333117W3FE, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: Inbred corn line, designated LK4, are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line LK4, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line LK4 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line LK4 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line LK4 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line LK4.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH42N1 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH42N1 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH42N1 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH42N1 or a locus conversion of PH42N1 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2RGF and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2RGF with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2RGF through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2RGF or a locus conversion of PH2RGF with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2SW5 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2SW5 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2SW5 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2SW5 or a locus conversion of PH2SW5 with another maize variety.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to seed and plants of lettuce variety Armstrong. Another embodiment relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce variety Armstrong, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves, with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another genotype, or with vegetatively propagating said plant. Another embodiment further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. Further embodiments relate to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A novel sorghum variety designated XSW256 and seed, plants, plant parts and plant cells thereof are produced from a cross of inbred sorghum varieties. Methods for producing a sorghum plant comprise crossing hybrid sorghum variety XSW256 with another sorghum plant. Sorghum variety XSW256, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of sorghum variety XSW256 are provided. Methods for producing a sorghum plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into sorghum variety XSW256 include one or both of backcross conversion and transformation of one or both inbred parents. The sorghum seed, plants and plant parts produced thereby are described.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X08M624 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08M624 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08M624 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X08M624, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08M624 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08M624 and methods of using maize variety X08M624 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X13M668 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13M668 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13M668 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X13M668, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13M668 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13M668 and methods of using maize variety X13M668 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X13M671 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13M671 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13M671 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X13M671, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13M671 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13M671 and methods of using maize variety X13M671 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X15M017 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X15M017 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X15M017 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X15M017, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X15M017 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X15M017 and methods of using maize variety X15M017 are disclosed.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 172293221658 is disclosed. Embodiments include the seeds of soybean 172293221658, the plants of soybean 172293221658, to plant parts of soybean 172293221658, and methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean 172293221658 with itself or with another soybean variety. Embodiments include methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to soybean cultivars, breeding cultivars, plant parts, and cells derived from soybean 172293221658, methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean 172293221658, and the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing 172293221658 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PHFW50 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PHFW50, cells from soybean variety 5PHFW50, plants of soybean 5PHFW50, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PHFW50. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PHFW50 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PHFW50, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PHFW50, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PHFW50. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PHFW50 are further provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 5PKGL32. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 5PKGL32. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 5PKGL32 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 5PKGL32 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 5PKVF24. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 5PKVF24. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 5PKVF24 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 5PKVF24 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are alfalfa varieties with low or reduced lignin content, including an alfalfa seed designated CW 096043 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122473, an alfalfa seed designated CW 103009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122475, an alfalfa seed designated CW 099079 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122474, an alfalfa seed designated CW 090075 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122471, an alfalfa seed designated CW 054004 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122470, an alfalfa seed designated CW 093009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122472, and an alfalfa seed designated CW 104015 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122476.

Abstract: A novel pepper hybrid plant, designated HMX5177 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of pepper hybrid HMX5177, to the plants and plant parts of pepper hybrid, and to methods for producing a pepper plant by crossing the pepper hybrid HMX5177 with itself or another pepper plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a pepper plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other pepper plants derived from the pepper hybrid plant HMX5177.

Abstract: A novel pepper hybrid plant, designated HMX15636 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of pepper hybrid HMX15636, to the plants and plant parts of pepper hybrid HMX15636, and to methods for producing a pepper plant by crossing the pepper hybrid HMX15636 with itself or another pepper plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a pepper plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other pepper plants derived from the pepper hybrid plant HMX15636.

Abstract: A Petunia plant designated KLEPH18389 is disclosed. Embodiments include seeds of Petunia KLEPH18389, plants of Petunia KLEPH18389, to plant parts of Petunia KLEPH18389, and methods for producing a plant by crossing Petunia KLEPH18389 with itself or with another variety. Embodiments also relate to Petunia varieties, breeding varieties, plant parts, and cells derived from Petunia KLEPH18389, methods for producing other Petunia lines or plant parts derived from Petunia KLEPH18389, and the Petunia plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid Petunia seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing Petunia KLEPH18389 with another Petunia variety or another plant type.

Abstract: A methylphenidate, particularly including dextro-threo-methylphenidate, is administered to a subject to treat a speech, gait or limb impairment secondary to a genetically acquired pre-frontal cortex processing disease or disorder, particularly including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Angelman syndrome, Rett syndrome and Fragile-X syndrome.

Abstract: Door frame assembly that includes a frame that defines an opening therein for allowing access therethrough. The door frame also includes a door pivotably coupled to a first vertical wire of the of the frame for pivoting the door between an open position and a closed position. The door frame further includes a first coupling mechanism and a second coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism releasably couples the door to the frame and is formed by a first horizontal wire. The first horizontal wire forms a hooked end protruding outward toward the door and spaced inwardly of the frame to intersect with the opening. The second coupling mechanism releasably couples the door to the frame. The second coupling mechanism includes a portion configured to limit movement of the door relative to the frame until the second portion is pivoted in a direction toward the door.

Abstract: A device for securing a portion of a sheet of flexible material includes a first clamping element having a proximal end mounted to a first substantially vertical surface, a distal end, a first clamping surface orthogonal to the first substantially vertical surface, and a first opposite surface opposite to the first clamping surface. The device includes a second clamping element having a second clamping surface fitted against the first clamping surface and a second opposite surface opposite to the clamping surface. The device includes a securing element that, when engaged, forces the second clamping surface to exert pressure against the first clamping surface. In an embodiment, a portion of a sheet of flexible material placed between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface prior to securing the securing element is held there by the pressure exerted against the first clamping surface by the second clamping surface.

Abstract: An animal food caddy that stores animal-related items and is designed to improve animal posture and comfort. The animal food caddy has an upper and lower section which have dual functionality depending on the use. The first application of the animal food caddy is as a portable container that stores animal-related contents such as food, snacks or toys. The second application of the animal food caddy is as a feeding apparatus that generally functions as a non-skid placeholder to stabilize the upper section while the animal is feeding. The inner concave surface of the upper section has a low coefficient of friction designed so that food gravitationally funnels toward the nadir of the bowl. The animal food caddy conveniently provides the owner a means of efficiently transporting animal-related items while substantially improving animal posture and comfort during times of travel.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for providing aerial animal food delivery. In one embodiment, a system for providing aerial animal food delivery comprises: an unmanned aerial vehicle, an animal food container coupled to the unmanned aerial vehicle, the animal food container being configured to hold animal food during transport by the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a central computer system communicatively coupled to the unmanned aerial vehicle, the central computer system being configured to: instruct the unmanned aerial vehicle to travel to a service location at a service time with the animal food container and instruct a release of the animal food from the animal food container in an unpackaged form at the service location such that the animal food is accessible to and edible by one or more animals upon release.

Abstract: A magnetic tower pet toy includes a base, a pole member, and an arm. The base has a bottom portion and an extension extending from the bottom portion, the extension including a base magnet disposed therein. The pole member extends from the extension. The arm member includes an opening configured to receive the pole member and a first magnet. The first magnet is configured to be repelled by the base magnet such that the arm member is disposed spaced away from the extension and capable of rotating about the pole member.

Abstract: A tracking insert adapted, in an exemplary embodiment, to be inserted into and received by the collar connector of a state-of-the-art pet collar, such that the tracking insert becomes an extension of the pet collar is provided. The tracking insert comprises a linear band housing a linear array of electronic modules in electronic communication with one another. For instance, the modules include, in an exemplary embodiment, a GPS radio receiver, one or more modules adapted to communicate with a mobile device by known protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile communication protocols in a manner readily understood and implementable by those skilled in the art, and other modules such as a light, a camera and/or a communication module to allow the owner to communicate with the pet.

Abstract: A dual-pet leash to secure a pair of dogs includes a hub body having a first internal channel with an inlet connected to a pair of outlets and a second internal channel, a first cord coupled to a guide fastener and oriented such that a pair of ends of the first cord extend through the inlet and out the pair of outlets of the first internal channel, a second cord disposed within the second internal channel and oriented such that a pair of ends of the second cord extend out the hub body, a first securement fastener coupled to the first end of the first cord, first end of the second cord and the first dog, and a second securement fastener coupled to the second end of the first cord, second end of the second cord and the second dog. The user maneuvers the guide fastener to control the dogs.

Abstract: A pet tractor includes a housing with a handle formed thereon; a turntable rotatably disposed in the housing; a hauling rope coiled on the turntable, with the housing provided with a rope hole for drawing out the hauling rope, the handle being provided with a button partially exposed out of the housing; a guide sleeve, fixed in the housing, provided inside with a guide hole extending along the radial direction of the turntable; a tab, in linkage with the button, slidably arranged in the guide hole of the guide sleeve, with a return spring connected between the tab and the guide sleeve; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth, engaging with the tab, are formed circumferentially around the turntable.

Abstract: The invention regards an animal monitoring system for determining feed consumption of one or more animals feeding at a feeding area, comprising an imaging unit for range imaging the feeding area, identification means configured to uniquely identify each feeding animal, and processing means configured for assessing the amount of feed consumed by each identified animal by determining the reduction of feed in subsequent images of the feeding area in front of each identified animal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems in egg hatching, based on hatching eggs in a tray (2), comprising arranging eggs in a pattern in or on the tray, comprising egg supporting positions and holes together defining the pattern, wherein the holes are dimensioned to allow chicks (27) after hatching to pass there through into a crate (4), detecting at least one of numbers of unhatched eggs (22) in or on the tray; numbers of dead chicks in the crate; and numbers of objectionable chicks in the crate, and supplementing or removing chicks to or from the crate in correspondence therewith.

Abstract: A connecting bracket is disclosed which includes a base having first and second edges aligned at an angle to one another. A first member extends up from the first edge and a second member extends up from the second edge. Each of the first and second members has an end wall. A first tongue projects outward from the end wall of the first member and a second tongue projects outward from the end wall of the second member. The first and second tongues are designed to engage two frame members. Three or more frame members can be joined together in this fashion to form a frame assembly. A pair of frame assemblies can be used to secure at least three sidewalls of a structure to form an aquarium.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a reel body having a front chamber and a rear chamber, a spool hub rotatably mounted in the rear chamber, a drive shaft having a rear shaft segment rotatably mounted in the front chamber, a drive tube sleeved on the drive shaft to be rotatable relative to the drive shaft, and an output wheel which is sleeved on the drive tube, and which is coupled to drive the spool hub to rotate. When the drive tube is driven to rotate, the output wheel is driven by the drive tube to rotate at a first speed. When the drive shaft is driven to rotate, the drive tube is driven by the drive shaft to rotate via a gear unit, to thereby drive the output wheel to rotate at a second speed different from the first speed.

Abstract: In a method for treating soil at a work site, a first pressure application tool is connected to a base unit and moved relative thereto along a first area of the work site adjacent a structure and operated to inject soil treatment down into the soil along the first area of the work site. A second pressure application tool is interchanged with the first pressure application tool and moved relative to the base unit along a second area of the work site adjacent the structure and different from the first area of the work site. The second pressure application tool is operated to apply soil treatment to the soil along the second area of the work site.

Abstract: A boom spray assembly, such as for an agricultural sprayer, has a feed pipe and a spray pipe with a continuous tubular body. The tubular body has at least one facial feed opening therein between the ends opening along a second axis at an angle to a first axis of the tubular body. A saddle fitting is coupled to the spray pipe that defines a first passageway extending along the first axis to receive the tubular body and defines a second passageway extending along the second axis in registration with the at least one facial feed opening and receiving spray material from the at least one feed pipe. At least one spray nozzle is coupled to the tubular body of the at least one pipe in communication with the first and second passageways.

Abstract: A rodent barrier system is disclosed herein. The rodent barrier system includes a vehicle elevation platform, a perimeter ladder having a plurality of rungs, a right ramp, and a left ramp. The rodent barrier system is useful for deterring rodents from accessing a vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for deterring birds and animals from roosting on boat decks and other surface areas in form of a mechanical repeller includes a bracket for attachment to a surface area, and a housing including a quick-release fastening device to connect the housing with the bracket. The quick-release fastening device forms a pivotable bearing between the housing and the bracket. At least one pole extends from the housing and a bearing supports the housing in the bearing. An electric motor turns the housing and thereby moves the pole above the surface area. The electric motor includes an output shaft which engages the bracket axially detachable but torque proof. A rechargeable battery is provided and supplied with electric power from a solar cell. The housing is configured in form of a closed module which accommodates the solar cell, an electronic control unit, the electric motor, and the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method of placing a decoy spread to simulate landing. The user attaches a tree line to a tree and a pulley. The user attaches a pulley line to a reel and a decoy line. Then the user attaches one or more decoys to a loop on the decoy line. Then the user attaches the decoy line to a float.

Abstract: An apparatus for perfusing an organ or tissue includes a perfusion circuit for perfusing the organ or tissue with a perfusate; and a sensor operatively connected to the perfusion circuit. The sensor includes a solid support to which is attached a recognition molecule that permits detection of the target agent. The recognition molecule specifically binds to the target agent in the presence of the target agent but not significantly to other agents. The sensor also includes an enzyme that can catalyze the conversion of a substance to glucose. In the presence of the target agent the enzyme can convert the substance into glucose, which can then be detected and optionally measured by the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and methods for receiving, perfusing and maintaining and assessing excised donor heart physiological functionality. The system generally comprises an apparatus for receiving and holding an excised heart that is interconnected with: (i) a perfusate-processing system, (ii) a bi-directional perfusate pumping system, (iii) flow sensors for monitoring the flow of perfusate to and from an installed heart's aorta, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, and vena cava, (iv) an ECG apparatus interconnectable with the installed heart, and (v) probes interconnecting the installed heart with instruments for monitoring the heart's physiogical functionality using load independent indices and load dependent indices.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous fungicidal active substance compositions and to their use in the control of harmful microorganisms and in particular in the protection of cellulose-comprising materials, particularly wood, from infection by microorganisms, in particular those harmful fungi which can damage wood or cellulose. The active substance composition according to the invention comprises: a) at least one fungicidal organic active substance with a solubility in water of not more than 5 g/l at 25° C./1013 mbar, and b) a finely-divided polymer with an average particle size, determined by dynamic light scattering, of not more than 300 nm, in which the polymer particles comprise the active substance, the polymer being formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomers M comprising: at least 60% by weight, based on the total amount of the monomers M, of at least one neutral monoethylenically unsaturated monomer M1 with a solubility in water of not more than 30 g/l at 25° C.