Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid based polymerase inhibitors and methods for reducing non-specific polymerase extension and amplification in nucleic acid amplification reactions. The polymerase inhibitors provide a double stranded nucleic acid portion that is recognized by a polymerase enzyme as a template for extension but is incapable of being extended by the polymerase enzyme. The polymerase binds to the polymerase inhibitor which sequesters the enzyme until the temperature achieves a level that denatures the double stranded portion of the inhibitor after which the polymerase is released and can then catalyze nucleic acid extension.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing therapeutic hypothermia using irrigation of the aerodigestive tract with cooled liquids. The disclosed method provides much more rapid therapeutic cooling to lower temperatures than could previously be achieved, thereby improving clinical outcomes. Novel cooling liquids and cooling devices are disclosed for carrying out the method. An external turbulent flow of cooling liquid may also be applied to the exterior of the head to further promote heat exchange. Multiple embodiments of devices are disclosed for performing rapid induction and maintenance of therapeutic hypothermia either in a hospital setting or in the field so that hypothermic treatment can be quickly instituted before significant tissue damage occurs. Methods are also disclosed for targeting brain cooling by irrigating the upper airway/aerodigestive tract, and more generalized cooling by irrigating the esophagus and/or stomach.

Abstract: A method for treating an ophthalmic lens comprising two main sides, wherein at least one side comprises an organic or mineral external layer coated with a MgF2 temporary protective layer, said method comprising the specific treating step of depositing the MgF2 temporary protective layer on the external layer through vacuum evaporation at a speed lower than or equal to 0.5 nm/s. The lens obtained from the above method is capable of being submitted to a trimming operation within 48 hours after the ophthalmic lens has been treated, i.e. after the various layers have been deposited.

Abstract: Bone-penetrating needles for delivering a quantity of fluid to bone marrow of a bone or providing access to remove fluids from a target site is provided. The bone penetrating needles each includes at least one side port disposed at an angle away from the direction of rotation. Some of the bone penetrating needles are operable to attach to a cartridge assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining composition and completion of an experiment are provided. One-computer-implemented method for determining composition and completion of an experiment includes determining one or more characteristics of data acquired during the experiment and determining if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics. One system configured to determine composition and completion of an experiment includes a processor configured to determine one or more characteristics of data acquired during the experiment and to determine if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics. Another system configured to perform an experiment includes a measurement subsystem configured to acquire data during the experiment and a processor configured to determine one or more characteristics of the data during the experiment and to determine the composition of the experiment and if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods which provide for an inter-action between unrelated databases such that information provided to a first database by a first provider can be pushed from the first database to a user based, at least in part, on data provided by that user to a second database unrelated to the first database. This then allows a user to have information pushed to him/her based upon information previously obtained from that user or about that user. In one embodiment, the user enters his/her information into one or more databases and the entered information forms the basis for information to be pushed to that user from any database even if the pushed information resides in a non-related database. In another embodiment, the data required from a provider is determined based upon data gathered from other providers for similar items. In some situations certain data is gathered without active participation from the provider.

Abstract: Compositions comprising from about 40 weight parts to about 1000 weight parts of a botanical nitrate source; from about 20 weight parts to about 500 weight parts of a botanical source of nitrite reduction activity; and from about 4 weight parts to about 100 weight parts of a nitrite salt. Methods of reducing triglycerides or reducing C-reactive protein levels are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a multimode tuner architecture implementing direct frequency conversion are shown. Embodiments provide a highly integrated configuration wherein low noise amplifier, tuner, analog and digital channel filter, and analog demodulator functionality are provided in a single integrated circuit. A LNA of embodiments implements a multi-path configuration with seamless switching to provide desired gain control while meeting noise and linearity design parameters. Embodiments of the invention implement in-phase and quadrature (IQ) equalization and a multimode channelization filter architecture to facilitate the use of direct frequency conversion. Embodiments implement spur avoidance techniques for improving tuner system operation and output using a clock signal generation architecture in which a system clock, sampling clock frequencies, local oscillator (LO) reference clock frequencies, and/or the like are dynamically movable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article having a nanotextured surface with superhydrophobic properties, comprising an array of vertical tabs, preferably regular, wherein the pillar array fulfils the following conditions: the surface fraction of the pillars Øs is such that 3%?Øs?13%, preferably 5%?Øs?12%, preferably 5%?Øs?13%, even better 5.5%?Øs?13%, even better 6%?Øs?13%, and better still 8%?Øs?13%; the pitch p of the array is such that 100 nm?p?250 nm; the height h of the pillars is such that 100 nm?h?400 nm, preferably 250?h?400 nm, even better 300?h?400 nm; and the lateral surface of the pillars is inclined at most by an angle of ±20°, preferably ±10° or even better ±5°, in relation to the vertical axis of the pillars.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the biological repair of cartilage using a hybrid construct combining both an inert structure and living core are described. The inert structure is intended to act not only as a delivery system to feed and grow a living core component, but also as an inducer of cell differentiation. The inert structure comprises concentric internal and external and inflatable/expandable balloon-like bio-polymers. The living core comprises the cell-matrix construct comprised of HDFs, for example, seeded in a scaffold. The method comprises surgically removing a damaged cartilage from a patient and inserting the hybrid construct into the cavity generated after the foregoing surgical intervention. The balloons of the inert structure are successively inflated within the target area, such as a joint, for example. Also disclosed herein are methods for growing and differentiating human fibroblasts into chondrocyte-like cells via mechanical strain.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a timing correction message in a wireless communication system, the method comprising, Generating the timing correction message comprising a 8-bit MessageID field and a 2-bit NumSectors field wherein, the NumSectors field indicates the number of sector records in the message and a 16 bit TimingCorrection field wherein, the TimingCorrection indicates the timing correction on the sector and last 15 bits indicate the magnitude of timing correction in units of 1/8 chips and transmitting the timing correction message over a communication link.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymerisable liquid mixture comprising: (a) a polymerisable thermosetting composition which is a precursor by polymerization of a first thermoset polymer material, said composition containing at least one polythiol and/or one polyol, preferably a polythiol, and at least one polyiso(thio)cyanate; and (b) a second polymer material solubilized in the aforementioned polymerisable thermosetting composition, whereby the second material (i) contains at least one block copolymer comprising at least two polymer blocks A and B, namely an elastomer block A and a hydrophilic block B, and, following polymerization of the polymerisable mixture, (ii) forms domains which are rich in elastomer block A and which are dispersed throughout the first material, said domains being smaller than 80 nanometers and preferably smaller than 50 nanometers.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a nitrite salt, a nitrate salt, and ascorbic acid are provided in several embodiments. Use of said composition in a method of enhancing cardiovascular performance or treating adverse cardiovascular event in a mammal is also provided.

Abstract: A method for processing an input signal is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input signal. The method also includes applying a first transfer function to the input signal to produce a first signal, wherein the first transfer function exhibits a high pass characteristic. The method further includes applying a second transfer function to the input signal to produce a second signal, the second transfer function exhibiting a low pass characteristic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a hybrid network based solution for digital data file backup are shown. Embodiments utilize a transport mass storage system to provide transmission of digital data files between user equipment and a network based mass storage system. A manifest may be used to manage transporting and/or storage of digital data files. User equipment may then access the digital data files stored to the network mass storage system for various purposes using a network link. Subsequent, incremental backups and other transfers of relatively small amounts of digital data files are preferably accomplished using a network link for the transfer.

Abstract: Improved power control methods and power control systems are described wherein received RSSI values are processed to generate a power control signal which may be used by a link manager, or other element in a receiving station, to determine whether to send a power control message to the transmitting station. The method used to process the received RSSI values is dependent upon a value of the power measurement, for example, the method may involve a comparison between the value of the power measurement and a value of the power control signal. In another embodiment, the received RSSI values may be converted to power values and then smoothed using a filter.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying and characterizing polynucleotide sequences in a sample which may include a heterogeneous sample. Some of the methods are directed to the identification and characterization of a virus in a sample, which may include HIV capable of cause AIDS or AIDS-like symptoms. The virus may be HIV-1, and may also include drug resistant mutations. The methods may include reacting a mixture that includes, in addition to nucleic acid isolated from the sample, at least one oligonucleotide capable of specifically hybridizing to HIV nucleic acid where the oligonucleotide includes at least one non-natural base. In addition, the methods may include detection of one or more mutations in HIV nucleic acid that are associated with drug resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing Open state is provided, the method comprising receiving a Control Channel and a Forward Traffic Channel, requesting a MultipleInputMultipleOutput(MIMO) mode on the Forward Traffic Channel by sending a MIMORequest message, monitoring overhead messages and determining if the access terminal receives a ConnectionClose messages.