Abstract: The invention also provides methods, apparatuses and reagents useful for predicting future atherosclerosis based on expression levels of genes selected from the set of 68 genes with differential expression in response to pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. The invention also discloses reagent sets and biomarkers for predicting progression of atherosclerosis induced by anti-diabetic therapy in a subject. In one particular embodiment the invention provides a method for predict whether a compound will induce atherosclerosis using gene expression data from sub-acute treatments.

Abstract: The invention encompasses novel computer models of atherosclerosis and systems for predicting development and progression of atherosclerosis as well as associated cardiovascular risk. In particular, the computer model of atherosclerosis comprises a) a cholesterol metabolism module; b) an atherogenesis module; and c) a plaque stability module. The computer model optionally further comprises a cardiovascular risk module.

Abstract: Compositions, and articles having low thermal expansion suitable for high temperature applications, such as automotive exhaust treatment and method of manufacturing such articles are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing tooth decay by treating the tooth surface, including the occlusal surface and unexposed surfaces such as subgingival, interproximal, and contact areas, with a laser with a coherent or noncoherent light source are described. This process makes the tooth more resistant to acid and better able to bond fluoride, thus requiring a lower concentration of fluoride. The method allows the treatment to penetrate deeper into the tooth then previously accomplished with other methods and can be used in a dental office or at home.

Abstract: A method for preventing tooth decay by initially treating the tooth surface with a laser with a coherent or incoherent light source is provided. In one embodiment, this process makes the tooth more resistant to acid and more able to bond fluoride, thus requiring a lower concentration of fluoride. In one embodiment, the method allows for a deeper penetration of the tooth then previously accomplished with other methods. Low concentration fluoride compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A method for preventing tooth decay by initially treating the tooth surface with a laser with a coherent or noncoherent light source. This process makes the tooth more resistant to acid and more able to bond fluoride, thus requiring a lower concentration of fluoride. The method allows for a deeper penetration of the tooth then previously accomplished with other methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing tooth decay by treating the tooth surface, including the occlusal surface and unexposed surfaces such as subgingival, interproximal, and contact areas, with a laser with a coherent or noncoherent light source are described. This process makes the tooth more resistant to acid and better able to bond fluoride, thus requiring a lower concentration of fluoride. The method allows the treatment to penetrate deeper into the tooth then previously accomplished with other methods and can be used in a dental office or at home.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing tooth decay by treating the tooth surface, including the occlusal surface and unexposed surfaces such as subgingival, interproximal, and contact areas, with a laser with a coherent or noncoherent light source are described. This process makes the tooth more resistant to acid and better able to bond fluoride, thus requiring a lower concentration of fluoride. The method allows the treatment to penetrate deeper into the tooth then previously accomplished with other methods and can be used in a dental office or at home.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing tooth decay by treating the tooth surface, including the occlusal surface and unexposed surfaces such as subgingival, interproximal, and contact areas, with a laser with a coherent or noncoherent light source are described. This process makes the tooth more resistant to acid and better able to bond fluoride, thus requiring a lower concentration of fluoride. The method allows the treatment to penetrate deeper into the tooth then previously accomplished with other methods and can be used in a dental office or at home.

Abstract: A method for preventing tooth decay by initially treating the tooth surface with a laser with a coherent or noncoherent light source. This process makes the tooth more resistant to acid and more able to bond fluoride, thus requiring a lower concentration of fluoride. The method allows for a deeper penetration of the tooth then previously accomplished with other methods.

Abstract: A method for preventing tooth decay comprising: (1) laser irradiation of the tooth's surface with a carbon dioxide laser (wavelength=10.6 microns) at 20 to 50 watts for 1 to 400 seconds, and (2) subsequent chemical treatment of the tooth with a chemical agent such as ethane-1-hydroxy-1, 1-diphosphonic acid at concentrations greater than about 0.00001 molar. The resulting tooth has a reduced dissolution rate in acid and increased resistivity to cavities.