Abstract: The present invention provides novel isothermal methods of generating multiple copies of, detecting and/or quantifying nucleic acid sequences of interest based on limited primer extension or attachment of oligonucleotide pairs using composite RNA/DNA primers. Methods for generating multiple copies of and/or detecting and/or quantifying nucleic acid sequences, wherein products of primer extension or attachment of oligonucleotide pairs comprising a cleavable portion are generated, and wherein cleavage of the products results in dissociation of cleaved products from target polynucleotides, are provided. The invention further provides compositions, kits and systems for practicing these methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrosurgery, and more particularly to systems and methods for ablating, cauterizing and/or coagulating body tissue using radio frequency energy. More in particular, the systems utilize voltage threshold means for controlling the voltage applied to tissue in a cycle-to-cycle manner.

Abstract: Embolic coil implant systems and methods whereby coils are mechanically detachable are disclosed. The coils include a retention element that may be releasably retained within the distal end of an implant tool. The implant tool may include a fulcrum configured to engage a first filament and prevent the release of the coil when the first filament is engaged. Alternatively, an urging means and aperture may be disposed within the sidewall of the implant tool, and a first filament may, in conjunction with the aperture and sidewall, releasably retain the coil until the first filament is withdrawn. The implant tool may also include an alignment member for aligning the first filament.

Abstract: The invention provides compostions for administering memantine to a subject. Memantine in an extended release form containing 22.5 to 30 mg memantine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt achieves particular pharmacokinetic criteria such as change in plasma concentration of memantine over time and ratio of maximum memantine plasma concentration to mean memantine plasma concentration.

Abstract: Provided herein are liposomal glycolipopeptidic vaccine formulations comprising an adjuvant and an immunogen for immunotherapy and/or treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) are provided, as are methods of treating various disorders using SAMe formulations with improved pharmacokinetic profiles. More specifically, the invention is directed to methods of treating a disease or disorder in a subject and/or improving the nutritional status of a subject by administering formulations exhibiting improved pharmacokinetic profiles of exogenous SAMe. The method also includes the step of orally administering compositions of the invention to the subject once per day after overnight fast; that is prior to food intake in the morning.

Abstract: A system receives a mask pattern and a first image of at least a portion of a photo-mask corresponding to the mask pattern. The system determines a second image of at least the portion of the photo-mask based on the first image and the mask pattern. This second image is characterized by additional spatial frequencies than the first image.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: Apparatus for closing a surgical incision include a base having left and right panels, a force distribution structure coupled to each panel, and a closure component which releasably attaches to the force distribution structure to draw the inner edges of the panels together in order to close adhered tissue edges. The force distribution structures allow the inner edges of the panels to expand while restraining expansion of the outer edges of the panels and limiting elongation of the lateral dimension of the panels. The incision closure apparatus may be placed on skin or other tissue prior to forming the incision to be available to close said incision at the end of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Practitioners are certified to perform a medical procedure, such as an orthodontic procedure. Certified practitioners are maintained in a referral directory and classified within tiers based on criteria such as the number of procedures that they have performed. Inquiries are solicited from prospective patients, and referral lists are provided to those patients who request them. The referral lists are obtained from the referral directory with doctors from higher tiers who have performed more procedures receiving preferential inclusion on the referral lists.

Abstract: A method for producing ethanol is disclosed that uses a distributed production method where processing and pretreatment of combined liquid and solid material takes place outside of a centralized ethanol producing plant at a distributed feedstock processing plant, and separation of the resulting liquid and solid occurs prior to fermentation using this distributed production method. The resulting process liquid is then transported from each distributed feedstock processing plant to a centralized ethanol producing plant for fermentation, distillation and related processing. This novel distributed process reduces transportation costs, operating costs of ethanol producing plants, increases ethanol production throughput and improves the overall economics of ethanol production.

Abstract: This application concerns certain 4-cyanophenylamino-substituted bicyclic heterocycles of formula I where the dashed line represents a double bond that may be located either between A and C(V) or between C(V) and D, where A is S or C(Z); D is S or C(W); provided that one and only one of A and D is S; where T is NH, O, or S; and where other substituents are defined herein. These compounds are non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and have potential as anti-HIV treatment.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying agents that modulate intracellular calcium. Also provided are methods of modulating calcium within cells and methods of identifying proteins involved in modulating intracellular calcium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for increasing the infrared absorptivity of a therapeutic target. Also disclosed are methods for detecting or ablating a therapeutic target that include providing a nanoparticle composition for increasing the infrared absorptivity of the therapeutic target. Subsequently, the therapeutic target having increased infrared absorptivity is exposed to a therapeutically effective dose of infrared irradiation to effect its detection or ablation. In addition, a method is disclosed for treating a subject suffering from a tumor by providing to the tumor a nanoparticle composition for increasing its infrared absorptivity. The tumor having increased infrared absorptivity is then heated by exposing it to a therapeutically effective dose of infrared irradiation.

Abstract: Provided are topical compositions comprising opioid antagonists, such as naltrexone or naloxone, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and methods for treating skin conditions, such as those caused by human papillomavirus, therewith.

Abstract: Cartilage and other tissues are treated by generating a plasma in an interior space of a probe and exposing the tissue to the plasma. The plasma is released through a gap in a working end of the probe.

Abstract: Biodegradable endoprostheses are formed from amorphous polymers having desirable biodegradation characteristics. The strength of such amorphous polymers is enhanced by annealing to increase crystallinity without substantially increasing the biodegradation time.

Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. The device comprises an elongated tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is movable between contracted and expanded configurations. A deformable membrane having proximal and distal outer surfaces at least partially covers the expansile member in the expanded configuration. The proximal and distal outer surfaces have substantially different configurations when the expansile member is in the expanded configuration. Deployment means is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is coupled to the expansile member for moving the expansile member between the contracted and expanded configurations. A handle assembly is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and coupled to said deployment means.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating metabolic diseases and conditions associated with metabolic diseases.

Abstract: Medical retractors including light guides made of cyclo olefin polymer.