Abstract: Methods of using probes and probe sets for the detection of high grade dysplasia and carcinoma in cervical cells are described. Methods of the invention include hybridizing one or more chromosomal probes to a biological sample obtained from a subject and detecting the hybridization pattern of the chromosomal probes to the sample to determine whether the subject has high grade dysplasia or carcinoma. Methods of the invention also include preliminary screening the cells for a marker associated with a risk for cancer, and preferably involves screening for HPV infected cells by in situ hybridization using an HPV probe mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bandage for closing a wound or incision, and methods for the use of same. The bandage comprises a first flat flexible component having adhesive on a lower surface and one or more first elongated connectors extending in an offset manner from one edge thereof in a first direction. The bandage further comprises a second flat flexible component having adhesive on a lower surface and one or more second elongated connectors extending in an offset manner from one edge thereof in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction. Pulling elements are joined to the first and second elongated connectors. Means are provided for attaching the first elongated connectors to the second flat flexible component and the second elongated connectors to the first flat flexible component.

Abstract: A tool for scribing tile includes a base member, a bottom member, and one or more bottom member opening. Further, bottom member is couplep to the base member through the one or more bottom member opening by at least one bottom fastener and slidable relative to the base member. The tool further comprises a center member defining at least one center member opening, wherein the center member is coupled to bottom member through the at least one center member opening by at least one center fastener and slidable relative to the bottom member.

Abstract: A catheter system and method for selectively cooling or freezing target neuronal tissue to induce lesions along the neuroaxis and produce cryoanalgesia by impairing nerve conduction of the targeted neuronal tissue. The system includes a catheter that has cryogenic capability for variable cooling or freezing of neuronal tissue. The catheter also includes temperature sensing and electrodiagnostic capabilities. A pressurized fluid source is included for inflating a portion of the catheter body. The system includes electrodiagnostic equipment for stimulating and monitoring sensory evoked potentials in the patient. The method involves placement of the catheter tip in the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal and location of the tip on the neuronal target using imaging and electrodiagnostic techniques.

Abstract: The present invention includes a nozzle insert for use in a drying machine of the type used in paper web drying. The nozzle insert of the present invention includes at least one intake having a central portion, wherein a pair of center vanes is disposed for directing airflow. The central portion is bounded by at least one turning vane adapted for directing airflow in a lateral direction. For each turning vane, there is at least one straightening vane adapted for curtailing swirling of the airflow. The vanes are oriented at optimal angles for directing the flow of the nozzle in a lateral direction, while permitting some air to penetrate the central portion through a series of ports. The intakes are bounded by a series of insulated bulkheads, which serve to direct airflow and contain heat-loss through thermal emission.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-component device for closing a laceration or incision. The device includes a first component comprising a first adhesive-backed anchoring member and one or more first connecting members extending from one edge thereof in a first direction. Also included is a second component comprising a second adhesive-backed anchoring member and one or more second connecting members extending from one edge thereof in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction. Means for attaching the one or more first connecting members to the second anchoring member and means for attaching the one or more second connecting members to the first anchoring member is also provided. The attachment of the connecting members to the anchoring members forms attached and bridging portions of the one or more connecting members, the attached portions being attached to an anchoring member, and the bridging portions spanning the over-laceration area between the first and second anchoring members.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies which catalyze hydrolysis of ?-amyloid. Antibodies generated are characterized by the amide linkage which they hydrolyze. Methods of generating the antibodies by using ?-amyloid peptides which incorporate transition state analogs are also provided. Also disclosed is a vectorized antibody which is characterized by the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, and is further characterized by the ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of ?-amyloid. The vectorized antibody can take the form of bispecific antibody, which has a first specificity for the transferrin receptor and a second specificity for a taransition state adopted by ?-amyloid hydrolysis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are peptides comprising a leptin sequence and methods for their use in preventing ObR signaling in a leptin-responsive cell. A leptin peptide of the present invention binds to but does not activate ObR signaling in a leptin-responsive cell, thereby inhibiting the up-regulatory effects of leptin on ObR signaling in the leptin-responsive cell. Administration of the peptide effectively prevents embryo implantation in a mammal to which the peptide has been administered. Also disclosed herein is a method for identifying a peptide antagonist of ObR, wherein the peptide comprises a leptin sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital information system for displaying information on at least one display means with the aid of at least one television set or camera. The exposures are presented at places accessible to and frequented by a general public. The information system includes external information mediators and information is controlled dynamically through the medium of a communication interface and through the medium of an exposure handler in a central computer. The inventive system also includes a communication interface against an elective number of cinema computers having connected television or camera computers which control television sets or cameras for displaying pictures or exposures. The cinema computers and peripheral equipment are situated at mutually distanced places.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-component device for closing a laceration or incision. The device includes a first component comprising a first adhesive-backed anchoring member and one or more first connecting members extending from one edge thereof in a first direction. The first adhesive-backed anchoring member is protected by a two-stage release liner system which includes: 1) a release liner with a bottom surface covering the adhesive-backed surface of the first anchoring member; and 2) a semi-rigid tab attached to a portion of the top surface of the release liner. The semi-rigid tab includes a first and a second edge. The first edge is oriented generally parallel to the wound edge of the first anchoring member and attached to the release liner at a position intermediate in the release liner between the portion of the release liner protecting the wound edge and the portion of the release liner protecting the edge of the first anchoring member generally opposite the wound edge.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing an interlaced device or composition which includes at least a first and a second interlaced element. Each interlaced element includes a mated first and second part, the first part having two termini and the second part having two termini, and a defined central void through which the other interlaced element passes. The method includes the processing and mating of a first and a second substrate layer, each including a top surface, a bottom surface and a mating zone. The first substrate layer includes a portion corresponding to a first part of a first interlaced element and a first part of a second interlaced element. The second substrate layer includes a portion corresponding to a second part of a first interlaced element and a second part of a second interlaced element. Also disclosed are interlaced devices or compositions.

Abstract: A system and method in which unpublished subscribers of telecommunications services are able to receive a notification that an individual is trying to contact them, without revealing unpublished contact information. A requestor of a telecommunication subscriber's unpublished contact information is given an opportunity to indirectly send the subscriber a notification message. This is accomplished by collecting information from the requestor regarding the desired content of the notification message and then sending the notification message to the subscriber. The unpublished subscriber receiving such a notification message has the choice of contacting the requestor or ignoring the notification message.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and/or rearranging musical content on a mobile device such as a cellphone or personal digital assistant (PDA), or on a computer for subsequent download and interactive playback on a mobile device. The method includes the creation and use of a digital music file, preferably consisting of MIDI sequence data, defining a musical composition having distinct musical parts, and the creation and use of a control file used in the rearrangement of the musical parts. The control file includes a plurality of control parameters for the musical composition, including which musical parts are active for each measure of the musical compositions. A user interface is included for allowing a user to alter one or more of the control parameters.

Abstract: A through-air device includes a permeable roll having a hollow interior and mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis. At least one divider is located in the hollow interior so as to define a plurality of roll channels within the roll, the roll channels being positioned side-by-side along the longitudinal axis. A first housing bounds a first portion of the roll, and a second housing bounds a second portion of the roll. At least one partition is located in the second housing so as to define a plurality of housing channels within the second housing. Each one of the housing channels is aligned with a corresponding one of the roll channels. The device further includes structure for individually controlling airflow through each pair of corresponding roll channels and housing channels.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for manufacture of RFID tags. The RFID tag of the present invention includes a substrate, an antenna, and a die positioning structure disposed on the substrate that is cast and cured specifically for receiving a silicon die of the type typically used in RFID applications. The substrate is selected from a number of materials, the properties of which render it penetrable by electron beam radiation. The die positioning structure is a second material which is electron beam curable, and which is deposited and cured at high speed on the substrate in a novel fashion in accordance with the present invention in a highly efficient, reproducible and economical manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an MHC class II antigen presentation enhancing hybrid polypeptide. The hybrid has an N-terminus comprising the mammalian Ii key peptide LRMKLPKPPKPVSKMR (SEQ ID NO: 1) and modifications thereof which retain antigen presentation enhancing activity, a C-terminus comprising an antigenic epitope in the form of a polypeptide or peptidomimetic structure which binds to the antigenic peptide binding site of an MHC class II molecule, and an intervening chemical structure covalently linking the N-terminal and C-terminal components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single-use surgical scalpel having two molded plastic elements, and a surgical blade. The first molded plastic element is a housing. The housing has an upper and a lower radiused edge, and ribbed interior wall surfaces. The ribbed interior wall surfaces of the molded plastic housing define a channel for slidable engagement of the second molded plastic element which is referred to as a blade carrier. The channel has one open end through which a surgical blade is extended during use, a slot through the lower radiused edge for slidable engagement of an actuator/locking fin, a single-use indicator window, and a retaining element for engaging a distal end of a leaf spring. The molded plastic blade carrier has a first end adapted for engaging the surgical blade, a second end having a leaf spring to assist in blade retraction, the leaf spring having a proximal and a distal end, and a central portion having the actuator/locking fin and a single-use indicator. A single-mold embodiment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable breakwater system for use in a body of water includes first and second support members adapted to be positioned on the floor of the body of water and a curtain attached between the first and second support members. The first and second support members allow the curtain to freely rise in response to a wave in the body of water so as to attenuate the wave. Each support member includes a base plate and a frame assembly extending upwardly from the base plate. The base plates can be anchored to the water floor with one or more weights. The frame assemblies include pivoting or telescoping sections that permit the curtain to rise in response to a wave. Alternatively, the curtain can be attached to pre-existing underwater structure, such as the support members of a dock located in the body of water. In this case, the curtain is attached to the support members via attachment sleeves that are slidingly mounted on the support members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-and-socket connector element (10) comprising a base body (12) in which at least one plug contact (16) is arranged, with the at least one plug contact (16) permitting an insertion of an electric feed line (62) in an axial direction from the rear end of the at least one plug contact (16), and a fitting part (14) which is preferably movable in an axial direction with respect to the base body (12) which at the rear end permits a lateral access to the at least one plug contact (16) in a first latch position and, in a second latch position, laterally covers the at least one plug contact (16) at least partially.