Abstract: Provided herein are Complement Factor I (CFI) variants that exhibit at least one improved characteristic relative to a wild type CFI. CFI variants of the disclosure can exhibit tunable specificity and activity. Also included are CFI-containing fusion constructs comprising at least one domain of CFI, for example, wild type full length CFI fused to human serum albumin. Also included are methods of making and using such CFI variants and fusion constructs. The CFI variants and fusion constructs provided herein may be useful for treating a disease or condition associated with dysregulation of the complement system or a deficiency of CFI.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electronic assemblies, integrated circuit (IC) packages, and communication devices implementing three-dimensional power combiners. An electronic assembly may include a first die, comprising a first transmission line, and a second die, comprising a second transmission line. Each die includes a first face and an opposing second face, and the second die is stacked above the first die so that the first face of the second die is coupled to the second face of the first die. The electronic assembly further includes a first conductive pathway between one end of the first transmission line and a first connection point at the first face of the first die, a second conductive pathway between one end of the second transmission line and a second connection point at the first face of the first die, and a third conductive pathway between the other ends of the first and second transmission lines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments that provide for accessing a cloud environment with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). In particular, the embodiments provide managing communications via an identity broker through a secure tunnel between at least one network device and a cloud environment via an access device. The access device is preconfigured to contact the identity broker to establish the secure tunnel. At least one policy may then be applied to the at least one network device via the access device. In such a configuration, the at least one network device, such as a legacy device or a plurality of network devices, does not require a software client to communicate directly with the identity broker.

Abstract: The invention encompasses equipment used to condition a recirculating gas stream in order to cure a CO2 Composite Material (CCM) and processes that use such equipment to cure the CCM. The gas conditioning equipment allows for a process that controls, reduces or eliminates the rate-limiting steps associated with water removal during the curing of a composite material. The equipment may include, but will not be limited to, control over the temperature, relative humidity, flow rate, pressure, and carbon dioxide concentration within the system; which includes the conditioning equipment, any vessel containing the CCM, and the material itself. Flow rate control can be used as a means to achieve uniformity in both gas velocity and composition.

Abstract: The invention encompasses equipment used to condition a recirculating gas stream in order to cure a CO2 Composite Material (CCM) and processes that use such equipment to cure the CCM. The gas conditioning equipment allows for a process that controls, reduces or eliminates the rate-limiting steps associated with water removal during the curing of a composite material. The equipment may include, but will not be limited to, control over the temperature, relative humidity, flow rate, pressure, and carbon dioxide concentration within the system; which includes the conditioning equipment, any vessel containing the CCM, and the material itself. Flow rate control can be used as a means to achieve uniformity in both gas velocity and composition.

Abstract: Laser ablation is used in curettage to treat periodontal disease. After an initial step of ablating afflicted tissues, an anti-microbial rinse is applied. A flexible fiber optic guide is the preferred means of directing radiant energy to the afflicted tissues. Sulcular disinfection may also be achieved by similar associated processes. Various anti-microbial agents and laser sources are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental implant utilizing a polymeric dental post. The actual prosthetic portion of the implant may also be manufactured from a polymer. Various post designs are disclosed for setting and securing the post in a patient's jaw. Numerous polymers are disclosed and may be blended to achieve desired characteristics for both the post and prosthetic.

Abstract: An improved product and method for production of a restorative tooth preparation and treatment composition that combines select organic acids and glutaraldehydes as a means to disinfect, desensitize, and etch in a single step that requires no rinsing.

Abstract: Laser ablation is used in curettage to treat periodontal disease. After an initial step of ablating afflicted tissues, an anti-microbial rinse is applied. A flexible fiber optic guide is the preferred means of directing radiant energy to the afflicted tissues. Sulcular disinfection may also be achieved by similar associated processes. Various anti-microbial agents and laser sources are disclosed.

Abstract: A slip roller conveyor has a frame comprising a pair of parallel, spaced-apart side plates. Secured to each of the side plates is a plurality of annular rollers with a predetermined pitch distance between adjacent rollers. The annular rollers have tubular sleeves of a lesser diameter projecting outward from a side surface thereof. The tubular sleeves on an opposed pair of annular rollers fit into the lumen of a longer tubular roller with a clearance fit. The annular rollers on each of the side plates are driven by an endless belt that also surrounds a motor-driven nose roller.

Abstract: A slip roller conveyor has a frame comprising a pair of parallel, spaced-apart side plates. Secured to each of the side plates is a plurality of annular rollers with a predetermined pitch distance between adjacent rollers. The annular rollers have tubular sleeves of a lesser diameter projecting outward from a side surface thereof. The tubular sleeves on an opposed pair of annular rollers fit into the lumen of a longer tubular roller with a clearance fit. The annular rollers on each of the side plates are driven by an endless belt that also surrounds a motor-driven nose roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying cancerous cells or tumors includes placing fiber needles into the human body adjacent cancerous cells or tumors that have been biologically dyed and exposing the cells or tumors to low-energy laser energy light emitted through the fiber needles so that the laser energy destroys the cancer cells or tumors through ablation without destruction of surrounding healthy tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying cancerous cells or tumors includes placing fiber needles into the human body adjacent cancerous cells or tumors that have been biologically dyed and exposing the cells or tumors to low-energy laser energy light emitted through the fiber needles so that the laser energy destroys the cancer cells or tumors through ablation without destruction of surrounding healthy tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a number of single piece unit dose delivery systems. Five related embodiments are disclosed with a number of variations with each embodiment. All embodiments are basically a dispensing system with a containment structure holding a single unit dose of materials for a particular procedure. The containment structure may be either a bulbous tube or a tubular structure attached to a valve body which is also attached to a cannula, of any shape, opposite the structure. A distribution means is located at a tip of the cannula. The valve body may be constructed to block initial communication between the containment structure and the cannula by employing a sealing diaphragm, a plunger apparatus, or by utilizing pull or twist-apart valve structures. Establishing communication is then accomplished by either breaking the diaphragm, as with a needle or other sharp object, or activation the valve, be it a plunger, pull apart or twist-apart variety.

Abstract: Hemostatic agents and devices are made from oxidized cellulose fiber, the oxidized cellulose having a carboxylation content increased by the action of nitrogen dioxide on virgin cellulose fiber. A composition may be incorporated into the oxidized cellulose fiber to cause a pharmacological effect on a wound to which the hemostatic agents and devices are applied. When applied, the oxidized cellulose fiber causes blood emanating from the wound to clot. The oxidized cellulose fiber can either be resorbed into the wound or removed from the wound after healing. A hemostatic bandage includes a pad of unwoven oxidized cellulose fibers mounted on a substrate. Methods of arresting a flow of blood emanating from a wound using such devices are also disclosed. Methods of fabricating oxidized cellulose are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular utility stand storage apparatus includes a plurality of components for storage/transport and utility stand operation. The storage components are stacked on top of one another in a utility stand mode. The apparatus also includes a platform which can serve as a working platform or a hand truck for transport of the various components. The stacked utility stand storage apparatus provides various working heights and the individual storage compartments are easily lifted and portable.

Abstract: The present invention is the use of Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) in the creation of peroxide gels for various applications. Such applications include bleaching of hair, teeth, laundry or any other bleachable item. Blending of the gel is accomplished by mixing the Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) with a peroxide such as hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, sodium perborate, or sodium percarbonate, usually also with water or an appropriate organic solvent. Peroxide concentrations in these new gels can reach a 30% concentration of hydrogen peroxide while maintaining a shelf life of six months at room temperature without developing peroxide decomposition.

Abstract: A set of vertical poles suspending therebetween, in abutting relationship, wall panels fastened thereto by threaded fasteners and floor panels fastened directly to the bottom edges of the wall panels by means of threaded fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally formable plastic anatomical form for dentistry and a holder for the same. The holder is specially adapted to accommodate the plastic form in that it is heat resistant and features a bite guide to assure an even distribution of the plastic around the teeth of the patient and thickened occlusal surfaces to register specific tooth impressions more readily. The form according to the present invention may be used in any conventional dental work where a form may be needed, such as tray creation and stone molds, or may be utilized with therapeutic plastics so as to become a therapeutic dental device in and of itself.

Abstract: The conveyor apparatus disclosed herein is generally formed of a first rail and a second rail, each rail having a plurality of rollers. A portion of the rollers are desirably drive rollers, receiving power from an integral motor assembly. The motor generally comprises a stator that is coupled to the rail and an outer roller assembly rotatably coupled to the rail. The roller assembly includes an outer circumferential magnetized portion positioned in surrounding engagement to the motor stator and functions both as the motor rotor and the conveying surface of the roller. Non-slip roller covering material may be attached to the exterior of the roller assembly. A circuit board having logic controls is preferably in communication with at least one sensor and the motor rotor to regulate rotation of the motor rotor during use of the conveyor.