Abstract: The present invention comprises compounds of Formula I. wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 are defined in the specification. The invention also comprises a method of treating or ameliorating a syndrome, disorder or disease, wherein said syndrome, disorder or disease is rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. The invention also comprises a method of modulating ROR?t activity in a mammal by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 1.

Abstract: A system controller for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system which actuates a variable-focus optic is disclosed herein. The system controller is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The controller including multiple state machines configured as digital logic gates.

Abstract: A lens driver or lens driver circuitry for an ophthalmic apparatus comprising an electronic system which actuates a variable-focus optic is disclosed herein. The lens driver is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic apparatus. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The lens driver circuitry includes one or more power sources, one or more high voltage generators and one or more switching circuits.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of sulfamide derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved process for the preparation of sulfamide derivatives.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices and kits for determining the likelihood of recurrence of prostate cancer using the expression levels of preferably three-gene classifier. The methods, devices and kits can be used independent of many nomograms currently in use or to improve the overall performance of such nomograms.

Abstract: A spinal implant with at least one flexible elongated extension element is provided. The spinal implant has a profile that is lower than standard spinal implants. The spinal implant includes a bone anchor with a head portion and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A head plate is coupled to the bone anchor. The head plate includes a first elongated extension element and a second elongated extension element. The first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element may be formed as a single monolithic element that is attached to the head plate by passing through a pair of openings provided on the head plate. At least one of the first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element is flexible.

Abstract: The present invention outlines a novel approach to utilizing the results of genomic sequence information by computer-directed polynucleotide assembly based upon information available in databases such as the human genome database. Specifically, the present invention may be used to select, synthesize and assemble a novel, synthetic target polynucleotide sequence encoding a target polypeptide. The target polynucleotide may encode a target polypeptide that exhibits enhanced or altered biological activity as compared to a model polypeptide encoded by a natural (wild-type) or model polynucleotide sequence.

Abstract: A device for use in tissue repair, a method of using the device in a surgical procedure and a method of making the device. The device is an assembly of a cannulated anchor with a cord passed through it, and a stopper to prevent the cord from passing back through the anchor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and systems comprising peptide-based reagents for delivery of cosmetic benefit agents to human hair, human skin, or human nail.

Abstract: A method and a daily replacement patch for transdermally administering an opioid for analgesic effect. The patch is applied to a subject to deliver the opioid through the skin. The patch may be replaced daily and over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in a human knee. Femoral and tibial tunnels are drilled into the femur and tibia. A transverse tunnel is drilled into the femur to intersect the femoral tunnel. A filamentary loop is threaded through the femoral tunnel and tibial tunnel and partially through the transverse tunnel. A replacement graft is formed into a loop and moved into the tibial tunnels using a surgical needle and suture. A flexible filamentary member is simultaneously moved along with the loop into the femoral and transverse tunnels. The filamentary member is used as a guide wire in the transverse tunnel to insert a cannulated cross-pin to secure a top of the looped graft in the femoral tunnel.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an ultra-high pressure chromatography system (UHPLC) is provided and includes a high pressure chromatography arrangement of equipment (HPLC system) as well as a UHPLC module for converting the HPLC system into the UHPLC system. One exemplary module includes a gradient storage column fluidly connected to the HPLC equipment in a post injector manner such that an injection plug can be selectively delivered and stored, in an inverted manner, therein at low pressures, while stored injection plug (gradient) is delivered to an analytical column using higher pressures for chromatographic separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stiffening member, which is a stylet, that helps increase the fluid flow area within a catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the stylet is made of a single piece of flat rectangular stock that can be twisted to provide equal rigidity in all directions. A cross-section of the stylet reveals that the substantially flat rectangular shape of the stylet permits maximum fluid flow between the stylet and the catheter. This results in increased ease in manipulating and removing the stylet from the catheter. In addition, because the preferred embodiment of the stylet comprises a single element, it is easier to manufacture and should result in lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, the use of the present invention should also result in lower overall health-care costs.

Abstract: A high throughput high performance chromatography system operating at a high mixing pressure including a plurality of pressurized solvent reservoirs, e.g. pumps, each maintaining an associated solvent at a substantially constant pressure. A plurality of flow control valves are connected downstream or upstream of the reservoirs for controlling the flow rate of the solvent into the respective columns. The number of reservoirs equals the number of solvents. Accordingly, the system reduces the number of pumps required thereby saving money and space. Furthermore, the system increases sample throughput, accelerates method development and minimizes organic waste.

Abstract: A system and method for quality performance evaluation and reporting allows for easy entry of quality performance data via spreadsheet or other file format, or directly, into a quality performance system. Data elements are associated across data types, allowing searches to be performed on the entire corpus of quality performance data. A typical data may be displayed as well, allowing users to focus on problematic quality performance. Data in reports may be displayed graphically or in tabular form; printed or displayed on screen; and searched for once, periodically, or upon other triggers.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. As a result of locating these devices beneath these stations, the desired movement of the carriers can be achieved without increasing the footprint of the station. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, a complete set of assemblies is provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. This set of assemblies accomplishes this movement in a completely automated, high speed, mass production basis. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus designed to perform chemical reaction kinetics studies and more particularly to an apparatus which is capable of conducting accelerated automated kinetics studies with user-defined temperature profiles and sampling periods. The apparatus includes at least one hot reaction block for heating one or more reaction vessels and at least one cold reaction block for cooling the one or more reaction vessels after heating thereof. The apparatus includes a robotic device for transferring one reaction vessel from one hot reaction block to one cold reaction block and a controller having a user interface for inputting a predetermined temperature profile and a predetermined sampling interval.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automatically transferring and weighing a powder material. The apparatus comprises a weigh station including a device for weighing the powder material in a container. A transfer device for collecting and dispensing the powder material is provided in which the device has a hollow body having a first end and a second end. The first end being operatively connected to a vacuum source so that a vacuum is selectively formed in the body. A collecting/dispensing tip is detachably coupled to the second end of the body. The tip is a hollow member with a tip orifice at one end so that a vacuum is formed in the tip upon actuation of the vacuum source. A controller for causing the selective actuation of the vacuum source and movement of at least one of the transfer device and the container is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization system that includes a low frequency power feedback control system for controllably adjusting a power applied to a low frequency plasma within a vacuum chamber of the sterilization system to remove gas or vapor species from the article. The power has a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The low frequency power feedback control system includes a power monitor adapted to produce a first signal indicative of the power applied to the low frequency plasma within the vacuum chamber. The low frequency power feedback control system further includes a power control module adapted to produce a second signal in response to the first signal from the power monitor, and a power controller adapted to adjust, in response to the second signal, the power applied to the low frequency plasma to maintain a substantially stable average power applied to the low frequency plasma while the article is being processed.