Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube has a latch for retaining an archwire in an archwire slot. The latch releases the archwire from the archwire slot whenever the archwire exerts a force on the appliance that exceeds a certain minimum value. The latch comprises at least one clip having certain features that significantly reduce strain during opening movements of the clip, so that the likelihood of fracture of the clip during use is significantly reduced.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for a molar tooth has a latch that is movable between an open position to admit or release an archwire into an archwire slot and a closed position to retain the archwire in the archwire slot. In one aspect of the invention, the appliance lacks tiewings and has a mesial archwire guide that is spaced from a distal archwire guide by a channel that extends in a generally occlusal-gingival direction across the appliance. In another aspect of the invention, the appliance includes a flange with at least one groove for retaining a wire segment or other item in place.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to selection of individual patient archwires by examining the patients inner arch rather than the patients teeth. In particular, a method of archwire selection comprises (a) obtaining a representation of a patient's inner arch curve (a “PIAC”); (b) selecting an archwire shape based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (c) making an initial selection of an archwire size based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (d) selecting a final archwire size after considering something other than the PIAC representation; and (e) selecting an archwire to be used based on the selected archwire shape and selected final archwire size. Using the PIAC rather than the occlusal or labial and buccal surfaces of the teeth for archwire shape selection promotes shaping the teeth to the shape of the jaw bone and gives consistent facial esthetics plus better retention of the treatment correction.

Abstract: A double dental mirror to provide a multi-angular view of a working area, the double dental mirror comprising: a first mirror; a second mirror; and a bridge section. The bridge section forms at least one of an angle and an arch. The configuration of the dental mirror provides the dental practitioner with multiple views of the working area, and at the same time, provides an enlargement of the working area by isolating the tongue and cheeks from the working area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for establishing correct interproximal contact between a tooth (12) that has been bored out and the cavity (13) filled with plastic filling (14), and an adjacent tooth (15) with a contact surface (17) directed towards the bored out tooth (12) referred to, with plastic filling. The tool is provided with two outer pins (4) and a central pin (5). The outer pins (5) create stability for the tool, when a head (2) of the tool, and from where the pins (4, 5) extend, is arranged in the bored out cavity (13). The central pin (5) ensures, together with the outer pins (4) and facing outs (18) between the pins (4, 5), that it is possible to establish the correct interproximal contact for the plastic filling against the contact surface (17) of the adjacent tooth (15).

Abstract: Temporary dental cements used to temporarily affix a dental prosthesis or appliance to a tooth or other dental substrate includes one or more soothing agent to prevent or reduce tooth sensitivity. The temporary dental cement includes a mixture of an ion leaching agent, polycarboxylic acid, a soothing agent and water. The soothing agent (e.g., 2-ethoxybenzoic acid and 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol) is added in an amount so as to reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity associated with the reaction between the polycarboxylic and the ion leaching agent (base). The temporary cement composition is sufficiently hydrophilic that it can be readily removed from the tooth when it is desired to permanently restore the tooth.

Abstract: A detachable architecture of false teeth is comprised of a fixed denture base, a detachable denture base, and a fixing device, in which the fixed denture base is provided with a bridge at its bottom edge and a plurality of hollow fixing caps is consecutively disposed on the bridge for clothing onto normal healthy teeth. Also, at least a retaining seat for securing the detachable denture base is formed in the fixed denture base such that a denture with false teeth will be accommodated in that retaining seat. In addition, for preventing the detachable denture base and the fixed denture base from being dropped away when occluding, a tooth skirt shaped as a flat piece is hence arranged protrusively on two respective sides at a front portion of the bottom edge of the detachable denture base for choking the detachable denture base stably at healthy teeth's roots.

Abstract: The present system for biomechanical endodontic preparation uses an electro-electronic piece of equipment commanded by software, based on the principle whereby the mechanical forces determining the fracture of the file are monitored by an electronic circuit of great precision to detect the existence of a force equal to or greater than the one determined by the system, and interrupt its operation prior to the actual risk of file fracture, developed to monitor the forces applied to the file being used, within the sequence of sectored cutting, as appropriate for the work, controlling the torque applied to said files, thus avoiding their rupture.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a cognitive learning course over a network is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of presenting to a user connected to a network a plurality of options for assembling course content, the plurality of options related to an existing course and a new course, receiving, at a managing location remote from the user, a user's selection of one of the plurality of options, and, accepting, from the user, input for adding, modifying, or deleting course content for assembly, the presenting, receiving, and accepting steps being executed over the network. The options may include editing an existing course and creating a new course.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for computer based training relating to a target system. A user interface includes at least one graphic display portion, and a courseware viewer portion. Several exercise modules are provided, each having (1) at least one display file, (2) at least one script corresponding to the display file(s), and (3) a work file, to be loaded into the target system. The steps in the exercise module are displayed by parsing a script in the exercise modules. The steps are sequentially displayed in the courseware viewer portion, and the corresponding display files are displayed in the display window(s). The work file is simultaneously loaded into the target system, and the target system is run by the user while displaying the exercise. The target system generates events corresponding to user responses to the exercise, and the training system displays appropriate confirmation and feedback messages based on the responses.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching and learning history and geography which uses color-coded lines that are created, then filled in, by the user with pertinent information about the era or person and area of world being studied. The color-coding for such timelines is based on the breakdown of the historical experience in seven basic categories to which a specific color is then assigned.

Abstract: An arithmetic teaching device including a base plate bearing a table with numerical indicia and a cover plate secured atop the base plate. The cover plate is provided with a number of slots configured to permit the numerical indicia in the table to be viewed through the slots. A number of slides are positioned in the slots between the base plate and the cover plate, each of the slides has a length about half that of the slots.

Abstract: A learning machine for brains development includes a main body, a control unit, a record unit, a play unit, an alarm clock device, a multi-stage timing device, and a display unit. Thus, the learning machine can develop the alpha wave and the theta wave in the user's brain during the sleeping period, thereby enhancing the memory learning effect of the user's brain. In addition, the learning machine can receive different teaching machines, such as the IC memory card, microphone, tape recorder, MP3, CD, DVD, computer, internet download or the like, thereby enhancing the diversity of the learning machine.

Abstract: A diving simulator system, includes an interactive submersible diver apparatus having a computer monitor and user input control, a source of selectable underwater three dimensional virtual images and information relating to a diving site, and a computer interconnected between the source and the diver apparatus and programmed to selectively present diving site images and information to the apparatus in response to user input.

Abstract: A swim training apparatus has been designed to help swimmers of any age or any type of experience by teaching the right swimming techniques, correcting their swimming bad habits, and enhancing their swimming capabilities. The apparatus is destined to be used under water in a swimming pool or in a natural basin of water and it consists of a plurality of under water steps which are equipped with reference markers.

Abstract: A remote control includes a base and an insert that is attached in a detachable manner to the base. The base includes a remote control circuit, a button coupled to operate the remote control circuit and a fastener capable of holding the insert. The insert includes a printed publication (such as a card, a sheet of paper or a booklet) containing at least one leaf having human-understandable content (such as text and/or graphics). To assemble the remote control, a user attaches the insert to the fastener, so that the human-understandable content is laid over the button. Thereafter, when the user operates the button (e.g. by touching the leaf), the base transmits a remote control signal that causes a host device to visually display information related to the human-understandable content at the touched location. A base in the form of a three ring binder gives the user an intuitive feel of simply touching human-understandable content on a leaf in the binder to view a display of information related to the content.

Abstract: A system for managing resolvers of test answers to maintain consistent and efficient scoring of test answers. Collaborative scoring monitors and resolves discrepancies in two or more scores for the same test answers. Quality items monitor a test resolver's scoring performance against a known standard. Performance feedback data tracks a resolver's scoring rate to monitor efficiency and optionally recommend break times or provide the resolver with diversionary activities during breaks. Consistent scoring is further promoted by selectively matching resolvers with test answers based on classifications of the resolvers and persons who generated the test answers. An on-line scoring guide dynamically provides test resolvers with rules for scoring answers to particular test questions.

Abstract: A method of improving and/or prolonging sperm viability which comprises contacting spermatozoa with an isolated, cell-free, protein obtainable from a peripheral membrane fraction of oviductal apical plasma membrane (APM), or a fragment or derivative therefrom, the protein having a molecular weight of between approximately 10 kDa and 100 kDa, which finds use in maintenance of sperm viability to increase the success rate of artificial insemination (AI).

Abstract: A method of improving and/or prolonging sperm viability which comprises contacting spermatozoa with an isolated, cell-free protein fraction of oviductal apical plasma membrane (APM). This finds use in maintenance of sperm viability to increase the success rate of artificial insemination (AI).

Abstract: A culture device for cellular media including a biomedia growth chamber defining a closed environment and an electronically controllable jetting device in communication with a source of material supporting biological function. The jetting device emits the material into the biomedia growth chamber.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding a chimeric or fusion polypeptide which polypeptide comprises a first domain comprising a translocation polypeptide; and a second domain comprising at least one antigenic peptide are disclosed. The preferred translocation polypeptide is a bacterial toxin translocation polypeptide, such as domain II of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (ETA(dII)). Such nucleic acids, expression vectors thereof, and cells expressing these vectors are used as vaccine compositions in a method for enhancing an antigen specific immune response, a method of increasing the numbers of CD8+ CTLs specific for a selected desired antigen in a subject, or a method of inhibiting the growth of a tumor in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing a DNA comprising steps, wherein (a) a DNA comprising a full length copy of the genomic RNA (gRNA) or an RNA virus; or (b) a DNA comprising one or several fragments of a gRNA of an RNA virus, which fragments code for an RNA dependent RNA polymerase and at least one structural or non-structural protein; or (c) a DNA having a homology of at least 60% to the sequences of (a) or (b); is cloned into a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). Additionally, DNAs are provided, which comprise sequences derived from the genomic RNA (gRNA) of a coronavirus which sequences have a homology of at least 60% to the natural sequence of the virus and code for an RNA dependent RNA polymerase and at least one structural or no-structural protein, wherein a fragment of said DNA is capable of being transcribed into RNA which RNA can be assembled to a virion.

Abstract: This invention describes novel DNA sequences that function as promoters of transcription of associated nucleotide sequences. More specifically, this invention describes DNA sequences conferring constitutive expression to an associated nucleotide sequence. The invention also describes recombinant sequences containing such promoter sequences. The said recombinant DNA sequences may be used to create transgenic plants, but especially plants expressing a nucleotide sequence of interest at all times and in most tissues and organs.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of methods to treat bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast precursor cell fusion. Describe herein is the molecular cloning of a polypeptide encoding a protein termed RAIN. The functions of RAIN include regulating osteoclast differentiation and fusion events. In certain embodiments, compositions comprising polynucleotide and/or polypeptides of RAIN may be used in therapeutic compositions and methods for treating bone loss. In various embodiments, bone loss may be treated by inhibiting the differentiation of osteoclast. Inhibition of osteoclast differentiation may be accomplished by inhibiting osteoclast precursor cell fusion, thus inhibiting the formation of a multi-nucleate resorptive osteoclast.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent system for detecting the presence of influenza virus in a biological fluid sample is provided. An influenza diagnostic kit is provided which includes (1) a sampling device for obtaining the biological fluid from a subject, (2) a chemiluminescent substrate material which, in the presence of influenza virus in the biological sample, will generate a chemiluminescent product that will produce detectable light, and (3) a means for detecting any generated light. A liquid sample containing the biological fluid, and preferably a diluent, are contacted with the an absorbent material containing the chemiluminescent substrate material. The substrate responds to neuraminidase activity intrinsic to influenza A and influenza B virus particles, such that when the substrate is in contact with influenza virus, the substrate is cleaved to yield a chemiluminescent product that then decomposes to produce light which can then be detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for determining whether a compound influences a phase in the life cycle of a virus comprising providing a cell with the compound and with at least a fragment of the virus sufficient for performing the phase and determining whether the phase is influenced in the cell, the cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding an adenovirus early protein or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue of the adenovirus early protein. In another aspect, the invention provides the use of a cell, the cell comprising nucleic acid encoding an adenovirus early protein, for screening a library of compounds for the presence of a compound capable of influencing a phase in the life cycle of a virus capable of entering the cell.

Abstract: Compounds represented by the general formula (I): which two DNA strands can be interstrand-crossliked:

Abstract: Cancer associated antigens have been identified by autologous antibody screening of libraries of nucleic acids expressed in methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma cancer cells using antisera from mice bearing such tumors. The invention relates to nucleic acids and encoded polypeptides which are cancer associated antigens expressed in mice afflicted with methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcomas, as well as homologs thereof, particularly human homologs. The invention provides, inter alia, isolated nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing those molecules and host cells transfected with those molecules. The invention also provides isolated proteins and peptides, antibodies to those proteins and peptides and cytotoxic T lymphocytes which recognize the proteins and peptides. Fragments of the foregoing including functional fragments and variants also are provided. Kits containing the foregoing molecules additionally are provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a means for simply performing a gene analysis without performing complicated operations. The present invention provides a method for the detection of a nucleic acid, comprising the steps of: performing a PCR reaction or a reverse transcription reaction by adding a template nucleic acid to a solid support on which a nucleic acid is fixed; and hybridizing the nucleic acid fixed on said solid support with the nucleic acid synthesized by the PCR reaction or the reverse transcription reaction.

Abstract: The invention provides human drug metabolizing enzymes (DME) and polynucleotides which identify and encode DME. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with aberrant expression of DME.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inferring a plant organ, in which a certain gene is to be expressed, using a part of a base sequence, a method for searching for a gene which is to be expressed at a desired site, and a composition, kit, system and program for carrying out these methods. The present invention also relates to a method for inferring a plant organ, in which a plant gene is to be expressed, based on information about the presence or absence of a base sequence which is highly similar to a transposable element in the vicinity of a protein coding region of a plant gene.

Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic acid probe-immobilized substrate comprising a substrate and a nucleic acid probe containing a nucleotide sequence complementary to a target sequence and immobilized via a spacer onto the substrate, wherein upon hybridization, with the nucleic acid probe, of a target nucleic acid partially containing the target sequence, the spacer satisfies the relationship:

Abstract: A gene which is useful in searching for a therapeutic agent which restores tissue that suffered damage in a renal disease, a polypeptide encoded by the gene and an antibody which recognizes the polypeptide, are provided.

Abstract: Human GABA transporter2 like protein polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing human GABA transporter2 like protein polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: DUSP10 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing DUSP10 polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: Methods of making RNA duplexes and single-stranded RNAs of a desired length and sequence based on cleavage of RNA molecules at a defined position, most preferably with the use of deoxyribozymes. Novel deoxyribozymes capable of cleaving RNAs including a leader sequence at a site 3′ to the leader sequence are also described.

Abstract: A method and device for recording sequence information on nucleotides in nucleic acids or genes or on amino acids in proteins by as small amounts of data as possible. After two mathematical digests of two text data each representing the sequence of nucleotides are computed, it is checked whether the two sequences are equal by comparing the two mathematical digests. Then, each text data is converted into binary data using a conversion table, and the binary data is divided into plural converted data A(i,j) arranged in plural columns and rows. Then, syndromes C(j) (j=1,2, . . . ) are computed by applying an operation to the converted data A(i,j) of each row in the arranged direction, and syndromes B1(i), B2(i) (i=1,2, . . . ) are computed by applying operations to the converted data A(i,j) of each column in the non-arranged direction. The sequence of the nucleotides is represented approximately by the syndromes C(j) and B1(i), B2(i).

Abstract: A method to diagnose hemochromatosis includes examining a biological sample for the presence of a G→A mutation at nucleotide 506 and/or a G→T mutation at nucleotide 502 and/or of a G→C mutation at nucleotide 502 of the HFE cDNA sequence and/or by examining the biological sample for the presence of a C→G mutation at nucleotide 750 and/or a T→A mutation at nucleotide 515 and/or a frameshift mutation by insertion of a cytosine in a polyC tract at nucleotides 84-88 of the TFR2 cDNA sequence or examining a biological sample for the presence of respective amino acid substitutions. Probes according to the invention are capable of hybridizing with nucleic acids of a biological sample in a region corresponding to a region of the HFE or TFR2 cDNA sequence containing the above mentioned positions if respective mutations exist.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules of a Pleckstrin Homology (PH) Domain-Interacting Protein, proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules; and uses of the proteins and nucleic acid molecules in the preparation of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. The proteins, nucleic acids molecules, and agents may be used in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions and disorders involving the proteins and nucleic acid molecules including but not limited to cancer, and disorders associated with insullin response.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of nucleic acids in the pleural fluids of a patient suffering from a pleural effusion for the classification of the pleural effusion.

Abstract: Ralstonia solanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial brown rot of potato, is often carried latently in seed potato tubers. Primers and a probe were designed for a real-time BIO-PCR assay technique for detecting potato tubers latently infected with R. Solanacearum. Using naturally infected potato tubers, as few as 20 cells/ml extract could be detected. Two of 14 naturally infected potato tubers with no disease symptoms were positive by the newly described real-time BIO-PCR (pre-enrichment on agar or in liquid medium) assay but not by direct real-time PCR.

Abstract: This invention describes a new method of constructing double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) microarrays based on the use of pre-synthesized or natural DNA duplexes without a stem-loop structure. The complementary oligonucleotide chains are bonded together by a novel connector that includes a linker for immobilization on a matrix. A non-enzymatic method for synthesizing double-stranded nucleic acids with this novel connector enables the construction of inexpensive and robust dsDNA/dsRNA microarrays. DNA-DNA and DNA-protein interactions are investigated using the microarrays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new methodology for detecting and/or quantitating nucleic acid sequences, termed “Reporter Oligo Capturing After Specific Hybridization,” (ROCASH). As described above, the prior art methods for detection of nucleic acid samples are often forced to trade sensitivity in the detection assay to achieve increased specificity. In this method, unlike the prior art methods, the specificity of hybridization and the sensitivity of the detection step are provided by different nucleic acid sequences hybridizing in different steps of the method. Therefore, conditions for these critical steps may be optimized independently of each other.

Abstract: A method of reading an array of moieties such as polynucleotides (for example, DNA) on at least a portion of a surface of a transparent slide which is opposite a first portion on the opposing surface, which array has been previously exposed to a sample. The method may include mounting the slide on a slide holder and retaining the slide thereon in an enclosed and protected environment in which the holder does not contact the previously exposed array and the array or dyes bound there to are not subject to external factors that might impact their measurement over time. The holder is then inserted into an array reader and the array read. A holder and slides that can be used in the method are also provided.

Abstract: A device having multiple individual pieces of flexible array substrate (a “multi-array device”) has a foundation structure with a plurality of array sites and a plurality of individual pieces of flexible array substrate occupying each array site on the foundation structure. In an embodiment the foundation structure has a pedestal supporting a plurality of prongs arranged in an x-y grid layout. Each prong has an array site with an individual piece of flexible array substrate attached thereto. The foundation structure is adapted to mate with a multi-well plate, such as a 96-well microtiter plate, with each individual piece of flexible array substrate being disposed in a well of the plate. Kits containing the multi-array devices and methods of using the multi-array devices for performing multiple hybridization reactions in parallel are taught.

Abstract: A system, including methods and apparatus, for microfluidic analysis of a nucleic acid target in a nucleic acid mixture. The system includes a method to preselect the target from the mixture before amplification. Preselection enriches the mixture for the target by retaining the target on a target-selective receptor and then removing unretained non-target nucleic acids. The preselected target then may be amplified from the enriched mixture and assayed. Devices configured to carry out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Individual and aggregate test strip arrays having a backing strip supporting a flexible array substrate which supports an addressable collection of probes are taught. Hybridization cells for use with the individual test strip arrays are also disclosed, and in particular embodiments the hybridization cells closely fit a portion or all of the individual test strip arrays. Array hybridization systems that include test strip arrays and hybridization cells are disclosed with methods for performing a hybridization assay on a sample solution.

Abstract: A system is provided, including apparatus and methods, for microfluidic processing and/or analysis of a nucleic acid(s) in a sample having the nucleic acid(s) and waste material. The system includes a microfluidic device having a fluid-handling portion and an assay portion. The fluid-handling portion may be configured to move fluid mechanically and defines at least one fluid compartment. The fluid-handling portion is configured to receive the sample and to pre-process the sample in the fluid compartment to at least partially separate the nucleic acid from the waste material. The assay portion interfaces with the fluid-handling portion and defines at least one fluid chamber. The fluid chamber is connected fluidically to the fluid compartment. The assay portion includes electronics configured to process the nucleic acid in the fluid chamber.

Abstract: We disclose a method for the correlation of structural feature information derived from digital images of a diagnostic set of histopathological tissue specimens from a group of subjects with shared characteristics and molecular activity (which may be either gene or protein expression) information derived from related specimens of the same set to provide for the objective characterization and analysis of the variability of tissue structural features in relation to such molecular activity (the product of such correlation referred to herein as the “correlated tissue information”). Such correlated tissue information allows for comparison and combination with correlated tissue information obtained through studies taking place at different times, with different protocols for the collection, preservation, histological staining and molecular activity assays of the tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding at least one array are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a housing having at least one array therein and an absorbing material associated with the housing that is capable of absorbing molecules within the housing deleterious to the array(s) held therein. The seal may be resealable and/or may be a hermetic seal. The subject methods include packaging at least one array in a subject array holding device. Also provided are methods for using an array that is held in a subject array holding device in an array assay. Kits for use in the subject methods are also provided.