Abstract: Nucleic acid amplification tests have been widely used in clinical laboratories. Nucleic acid extraction from biological materials is challenging because different unfavorable substances may co-extract and inhibit downstream applications. The present invention relates to a composition of and a method for treating the sample prior, during or post extraction of nucleic acid. More specifically, the claimed invention relates to a composition of and a method for using low concentrations of common organic solvents to remove inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification. The present invention can be used for extracting nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other biological materials or matrices, including but not limit to, stool samples, body fluids, plants and cultures. The method is rapid, low-cost, and easy to use in a laboratory setting. The nucleic acid extracted in accordance with the invention can be used for nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: Nucleic acid amplification tests have been widely used in clinical laboratories. Nucleic acid extraction from biological materials is challenging because different unfavorable substances may co-extract and inhibit downstream applications. The present invention relates to a composition of and a method for treating the sample prior, during or post extraction of nucleic acid. More specifically, the claimed invention relates to a composition of and a method for using low concentrations of common organic solvents to remove inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification. The present invention can be used for extracting nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other biological materials or matrices, including but not limit to, stool samples, body fluids, plants and cultures. The method is rapid, low-cost, and easy to use in a laboratory setting. The nucleic acid extracted in accordance with the invention can be used for nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: A gastric tube temperature sensing apparatus for use during gastric or surgical procedures on a patient includes a gastric tube, such as an NG or OG tube, having a proximal end opposite a distal end and defining a tubular configuration. The gastric tube includes a flexible construction and defines a plurality of spaced apart openings proximate the distal end. An esophageal temperature device includes a temperature sensor situated in the gastric tube proximate the distal end thereof and a temperature monitoring element operatively connected to and displaced from the temperature sensor. The temperature monitoring element is situated external from the gastric tube and in communication with the temperature sensor, such as by wires. The temperature monitoring element may be electrically connected to a vitals monitor or the like. The apparatus includes an adapter for coupling a proximal end of the gastric tube to another device such as a suction pump.

Abstract: Nucleic acid amplification tests have been widely used in clinical laboratories. Nucleic acid extraction from biological materials is challenging because different unfavorable substances may co-extract and inhibit downstream applications. The present invention relates to a composition of and a method for treating the sample prior, during or post extraction of nucleic acid. More specifically, the claimed invention relates to a composition of and a method for using low concentrations of common organic solvents to remove inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification. The present invention can be used for extracting nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other biological materials or matrices, including but not limit to, stool samples, body fluids, plants and cultures. The method is rapid, low-cost, and easy to use in a laboratory setting. The nucleic acid extracted in accordance with the invention can be used for nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: Nucleic acid amplification tests have been widely used in clinical laboratories. Nucleic acid extraction from biological materials is challenging because different unfavorable substances may co-extract and inhibit downstream applications. The present invention relates to a composition of and a method for treating the sample prior, during or post extraction of nucleic acid. More specifically, the claimed invention relates to a composition of and a method for using low concentrations of common organic solvents to remove inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification. The present invention can be used for extracting nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other biological materials or matrices, including but not limit to, stool samples, body fluids, plants and cultures. The method is rapid, low-cost, and easy to use in a laboratory setting. The nucleic acid extracted in accordance with the invention can be used for nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: A system for making a trust determination of a telephone number includes a memory, which stores the telephone number, communicatively coupled to a processor. The processor transmits a request message, which comprises the telephone number and at least two of a telephone porting information request, a call forwarding information request, a telephone switching information request, and a telephone simultaneous ring information request, to a service provider. The processor then receives from the service provider a response message, which includes at least two of a telephone information response, a call forwarding information response, a telephone switching information response, and a telephone simultaneous ring information response. The processor then determines a tampering concern associated with at least one of the responses in the response message and increases an inquiry level based at least upon the determined tampering concern.

Abstract: An exhaust system includes an ability to adjust the noise and performance of a vehicle. In one version, the system includes a pipe having an inlet connectable to an engine of the vehicle, with a valve configured to selectively direct the exhaust flow either through the muffler and its typical spiral baffles, or alternatively to be diverted for a more direct exhaust path without travelling through the spiral baffles for muffling effect.

Abstract: A system for making a trust determination of a telephone number includes a memory, which stores the telephone number, communicatively coupled to a processor. The processor transmits a request message, which comprises the telephone number and at least two of a telephone porting information request, a call forwarding information request, a telephone switching information request, and a telephone simultaneous ring information request, to a service provider. The processor then receives from the service provider a response message, which includes at least two of a telephone information response, a call forwarding information response, a telephone switching information response, and a telephone simultaneous ring information response. The processor then determines a tampering concern associated with at least one of the responses in the response message and increases an inquiry level based at least upon the determined tampering concern.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates multi-zone furnace (102) based deposition processes by iteratively adjusting deposition time and zonal setpoint temperatures to mitigate deviations from desired target thickness(es). Coupled feedback loops are employed to update the deposition time (520) and the zonal setpoint temperatures (510) lot to lot and batch to batch while mitigating deviations fro the desired target thickness(es). Error checking is performed by computing an error metric (506) and only updating the setpoint temperatures on the error metric being within an acceptable value (508). Additionally, an excitation parameter (512) is determined that indicates variations in furnace operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and devices for detection of substances in liquid samples. The assays and devices utilize passive diffusion between a porous material and a porous membrane containing a specific binding pair member to enable detection of the substance of interest.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates multi-zone furnace (102) based deposition processes by iteratively adjusting deposition time and zonal setpoint temperatures to mitigate deviations from desired target thickness(es). Coupled feedback loops are employed to update the deposition time (520) and the zonal setpoint temperatures (510) lot to lot and batch to batch while mitigating deviations fro the desired target thickness(es). Error checking is performed by computing an error metric (506) and only updating the setpoint temperatures on the error metric being within an acceptable value (508). Additionally, an excitation parameter (512) is determined that indicates variations in furnace operation.

Abstract: An improved process and novel catalyst system for alkylating arylamines generally comprising the combination of an arylamine and an alkylating agent in the presence of a trialkyl aluminum compound and a hydrogen halide. The improved process and new catalyst system allows for higher total conversion of the arylamine feedstock without sacrificing substitution product selectivity and also allows for the reaction of recycled alkylene feedstock.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates multi-zone furnace (102) based deposition processes by iteratively adjusting deposition time and zonal setpoint temperatures to mitigate deviations from desired target thickness(es). Coupled feedback loops are employed to update the deposition time (520) and the zonal setpoint temperatures (510) lot to lot and batch to batch while mitigating deviations fro the desired target thickness(es). Error checking is performed by computing an error metric (506) and only updating the setpoint temperatures on the error metric being within an acceptable value (508). Additionally, an excitation parameter (512) is determined that indicates variations in furnace operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the differentiation of Crohn's disease from other gastrointestinal illnesses, such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, using the presence of fecal anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) as a marker for Crohn's disease are provided. The apparatus includes an enzyme-linked immunoassay or other immunoassay that utilizes antibodies specific to human immunoglobins for the measurement of total endogenous ASCA in a human fecal sample. The method and apparatus may be used by healthcare providers to distinguish Crohn's disease from other gastrointestinal illnesses, such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring Fc?RII/CD23 IgE receptor in human feces or other biological specimens as an indicator of a TH2 immune response indicative of gastrointestinal illnesses such as ulcerative colitis and food allergy is described. The apparatus consists of either a qualitative or quantitative enzyme-linked immunoassay or other immunoassay that utilizes antibodies specific to human Fc?RII/CD23 IgE receptor for the measurement of endogenous Fc?RII/CD23 IgE receptor in human feces. The method and apparatus can be used by healthcare providers as an aid for determining gastrointestinal illnesses that are predominantly a TH2 predominant immune response such as ulcerative colitis, large bowel Crohn's disease (IC-like Crohn's disease), allergic colitis (food allergy) and parasitic infections.

Abstract: A blade plow preferably formed by three frame sections hingedly coupled together includes a ground or terrain contour following mechanism within each frame section. The contour mechanism allows the middle blade to be raised and lowered to maintain the entire central blade horizontal relative to the plow frame and at a constant depth within the ground. Additional "fixed" blades are hydraulically setable for depth of cut. The terrain contour following mechanism allows for larger frame widths without the usual tendency of smaller width frames to buckle due to ground unevenness.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle allows independent forward, reverse and neutral operation of two independent drive wheels. The transmission includes a gearbox with a pair of output shafts. A transfer wheel with a cylindrical friction surface and a belt pulley is mounted on each output shaft. A drive pulley is associated with each drive wheel. Each drive pulley is rotatable and pivotally mounted relative to the gearbox and has a cylindrical surface and a coaxial belt pulley thereon. A belt is reeved over each of the belt pulleys. Each drive pulley is swingable between alternative configurations where the surfaces engage and the belt is loose so as to drive the drive pulley in one direction, where the belt is taut to drive the drive pulley in an opposite direction and where the surfaces do not engage and the belt is loose so as to be in neutral. Each drive pulley is operably connected to a respective drive wheel.

Abstract: A field cultivator frame has a number of generally horizontal implement frame sections, each frame section having ground engaging wheels for movable support over the ground. First and second center frame sections are pivotally connected to a prime mover by a hinged draw bar assembly. Front ends of the center frame sections are pivotally connected by a flex link assembly including a connecting bar with ball joint connections at either end. The flex link assembly allows vertical movement of the center frame sections relative to one another, which movement is limited by a plate assembly attached to one of the center frame sections. A swivel joint assembly connects rear parts of the first and second center frame sections for allowing hinged movement of the frame sections relative to one another. A spring-loaded limit assembly connects the first and second center frame sections and includes compression springs for resilient limiting of relative movement of the center frame sections.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydraulic servomotor-actuated folding mechanism for swinging the hinged extension of an implement frame horizontally between an extended and a retracted position characterized by a two-part foldable strut, the adjacent ends of its sections being hingedly interconnected for pivotal movement, a first link connected between the piston rod of the servomotor and the foldable strut section, and a second link pivotally connected to the main strut section at a point displaced from the pivotal connection between its sections, said second link having its other end connected to the first link at a point intermediate its ends so as to cooperate therewith and with the strut sections to define a pair of fixed length lever arms movable upon actuation between a crossed relation and a side-by-side relation to effect folding and unfolding of the strut.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved scraper assembly for the discs of ground tillage implements which is characterized by a mounting bracket fastenable onto the implement frame, an inverted generally L-shaped hanger subassembly carried by the mounting bracket for pendulous pivotal movement about an axis defined by the horizontally-disposed leg of said subassembly, a blade-carrying shaft mounted for rotational movement in the downwardly-opening vertically-disposed leg of the L-shaped subassembly, the latter element defining a self-cleaning housing therefor, biasing means connected between the bracket and hanger subassembly normally biasing the scraper blade housed therein against the concave face of the adjacent disc, an oversize annular groove in the shaft to which the blade is attached located inside the housing defined by the downwardly-opening tubular element of the hanger subassembly, a pin carried by said tubular element in tangential relation to the bottom of the annular groove within the shaft, and a