Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of fabricating a successive set of patterns representing incremental stages of an orthodontic treatment plan, and then sending all or a portion of the successive patterns at the same time to the dentist. The dentist is provided with a vacuum machine for thermoforming a set of aligners as negative impressions of the positive teeth patterns. A polymeric sheet is inserted into a vacuum forming machine and sucked down over the positive pattern, forming a polymeric shell with cavities shaped to receive the teeth and resiliently bias or reposition at least some of the teeth into alignment with the aligner cavities. When the aligner is formed and while still on the stereolithographic plastic pattern, excess portions of the aligner polymeric material are trimmed using manual tools and/or a laser cutting machine.

Abstract: A non-custom, dental tray device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a labial-buccal wall, a lingual wall, and a bottom wall. The dental tray device includes at least one of the following structural features to enhance the fit of the device; (1) the bottom wall includes an abrupt reduction of width at a location corresponding to where the first bicuspid meets the canine; (2) a bottom wall in the posterior region having a width that is equal to or less than the width of the bottom wall in the anterior region, with no lingual wall in the posterior region; or (3) a transition portion between the bottom wall and either the labial-buccal wall or the lingual wall has a larger radius of curvature as compared to a radius of curvature at a transition portion between the bottom wall the other of the labial-buccal wall and the lingual wall.

Abstract: A dental articulator system including a device and method of forming dental casts. The dental articulator has adjustable ball and socket joints, which are secured in place with a hand tightenable screw. Tightening the screw applies force through a plunger to the ball, impinging the ball against the inner wall of the socket of the ball and socket joint. The device does not require any glue; thus the dental articulator is easily adjusted and reusable.

Abstract: A toothbrush body includes a handle connected to a head and bristles projecting from the top of the head. A channel runs longitudinally through the body between a first opening and a second opening such that the first opening is in communication with the second opening through the channel. The channel and the first and second openings are arranged so that a substantially downward running stream of water directed into one of the first opening and the second opening is redirected through the channel and out of the other of the first opening and the second opening to form a fountain. A direction of a flow of the fountain at the other of the first opening and the second opening has an upward component so that a user, i.e., holder of the toothbrush, can easily reach the fountain for oral rinsing.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument extractor tool is configured for removing a fragment of a broken endodontic instrument that has become lodged within a root canal of a tooth. The extractor tool comprises an elongate shaft, including a hollow gripping body at a distal end, and a proximal handle portion. The hollow gripping body includes an inside diameter that is initially greater than a cross-sectional dimension of a fragment of a broken endodontic instrument to be removed from a root canal of a tooth. The inside diameter of the hollow gripping body defines a hollow interior cavity portion into which at least a portion of the fragment is receivable. At least the hollow gripping body of the body is formed of a shape memory alloy (e.g., nickel-titanium) or polymer in an expanded configuration so that upon heating, the shape memory alloy or polymer returns to its unexpanded configuration, tightly gripping around a proximal end of the fragment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing endodontic instruments is disclosed. Each of the instruments includes a substantially non-cutting pilot portion, a relatively short working portion, and a flexible shank portion which is of a substantially smaller average circumferential span than the working portion. The working portion of the instrument has a maximum circumferential span larger than that of the blank from which it is made. The instrument may have a handle at its distal end for manual manipulation, or may be adapted for attachment to a mechanical handpiece. The non-cutting pilot, the short length of the working portion, and the flexibility of the shank combine to allow the instrument to be used in curved root canals without causing undue change in the natural root canal contours.

Abstract: A carry and drive device and method for a dental implant or a dental implant component with a driving recess. The device includes a drive end with a configuration substantially matching the drive recess and with an interference surface frictionally engageable with a portion of the driving recess.

Abstract: Dental implants made at least in part of a porous tantalum material for enhancing the osseointegration of the dental implant into surrounding bone. For example, there is provided a dental implant which includes a porous tantalum portion and an outer portion having a color generally replicating the color of natural teeth. The dental implant further comprises a core portion and the porous tantalum portion at least partially surrounds the core portion. An esthetic portion is disposed at least the outer portion and the porous tantalum portion is disposed for at least partially reinforcing the esthetic portion. After implantation of the implant, bone tissue may osseointegrate into the porous tantalum portion to anchor the implant in position within the surrounding bone. Other embodiments of implants are provided, each implant including at least a portion thereof formed of porous tantalum for improved osseointegration.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for producing denture elements, whereby surface data of a remaining dental area are digitally acquired, at least one molded part, especially a denture element for the remaining dental area, is three-dimensionally designed using the surface data of the remaining dental area acquired and corresponding mold data are produced, and the at least one denture element is partially or completely produced on the basis of the surface data and mold data, with one or more of the following aspects being taken into consideration: dimensionally designing web constructions between tooth stumps and producing corresponding mold data; acquiring surface data of a three-dimensional dental impression, on one side, on two sides or on several sides; graphically representing the surface data, fixing at least one mark on the graphical representation of the surface data, and constructing mold data for a denture element based on the surface data and taking into consideration the mark in the gra

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the treatment of dental caries includes a source of oxidizing gas, an aqueous medium and a handpiece for delivering the gas and aqueous medium to a tooth. A cup attached to the handpiece is provided for receiving the gas and exposing a selected area of the tooth to the gas and aqueous medium. The cup includes a resilient edge for sealably the edge for engaging the tooth around the selected area to prevent escape of gas and aqueous medium therepast.

Abstract: A laser tip, and method for the use thereof, is described for utilization in medical and dental applications. Specifically, a tip with an increased photoacoustic wave emission capability is formed by beveling the tip and further enhanced by stripping the adjacent sheath. Preferably, this conic and/or stripped tip section is surface modified, for example, by texturing, derivatization or metalization. In the field of endodontics the tip is inserted into a solution that has been introduced into a root canal and the pulsed laser is fired. The resulting generation of an enhanced photoacoustic wave propagates through the solution. These photoacoustic waves turbulently clean the interior of the root and lateral canal systems and/or causes cell lysis and dissolution of inorganics in biotic systems.

Abstract: TIME OUT is a participant assisted system and process that can help participants learn to modify their inappropriate behavior in the classroom and/or in life. The educational, interactive computer program can guide the participant with pre-recorded or interactive verbal directions, videos and exercises in experiential learning. The system and process can have a Bio-feedback Check that measures the participant's level of stress at the beginning of the process and after the process has been completed that can measure the physiological change created by participating in the process. The particular exercise can be automatically chosen for them for the specific inappropriate behavior, specific age group and experience with the TIME OUT system and process. Each TIME OUT can be automatically saved in their TIME OUT Tool Kit. The system and process also can include off-site electronic or manual coaches that the participant accesses through the system.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer aided method for guided teaching of language between a teacher and a class of students in a guided teaching session, comprising the steps of: (a) presenting a question to the student at a student display; (b) receiving input from the teacher at the teacher workstation for the teacher to give further information related to the question; (c) presenting information using at least one of a plurality of styles and stimuli corresponding to the input from the teacher on the student display; (d) receiving answer from the teacher at the teacher workstation, wherein the answer is received by the teacher from the student; (e) determining whether the answer is correct; and (f) presenting feedback to the answer at student display. In the guided teaching session, after presenting a question to the students, the teacher may further provide guidance to the students on the student display to assist the students in reaching the correct answer.

Abstract: An educational device is provided which can be used to teach arithmetic. The educational device comprises a track having a scale on an outer surface of said track. The scale is comprised of a plurality of evenly spaced apart unit markings, the markings being spaced apart by a unit length. Blocks are provided which are be slidingly received on the track. Each block has a length based on the unit length, and indicium is provided on the each block to identify the length of the block in unit lengths. When a set of blocks a positioned on the track, the end of the last block will line up with a unit marking on the scale representing the overall length of the set of blocks in “units”, and hence showing the sum of the lengths of the set of blocks placed on the track. By adding and removing blocks to the track, addition and subtraction “facts” can be visually taught.

Abstract: A firefighting trainer includes a tank for containing a volume of a non-combustible dispersion medium such as water. The water resides within the tank having an upper surface of the water exposed through an open upper end of the tank. A fuel distribution system distributes a combustible fuel into the tank beneath the water surface. An air distribution system distributes an oxygen containing gas (such as air) into the tank beneath the upper water surface. An ignition system ignites a mixture of a vapor of the fuel and the air at the upper surface of the water. A screen covers the open end of the tank and is spaced from the upper surface of the water. The screen has open spaces permitting passage of flame through the screen.

Abstract: A personalized psychological transition guidance system to assist a child through the difficulties of divorce or separation comprising a combination of a transitional journal and a transition bag for photos and memorabilia. The carrying bag has removable picture frames on both sides of the bag for pictures representing each side of the broken family. The bag is washable with the photo frames removed. The transitional journal has frames on both covers for pictures, one on each side. The journal has a front and a rear section of pages, one section for each side of the broken family. Each of the sections of pages includes a contact page, calendar, holiday schedule, journal pages for the parents to write on, psychologically instructive information on what needs to be communicated, and parenting ground rules.

Abstract: A sports-oriented religious apparatus in the form of a game rosary, including a string of beads having a least a subset of the beads representing one or more implements used in the execution of a single sport. In an alternative configuration, the string of beads includes a loop of a first set of beads and a tail of a second set of beads connected to the loop of the first set of beads, at least a portion of the beads of the first and second set of beads representing one of more implements associated with the execution of a single sport.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for blood sugar control, blood pressure control and heart failure care are disclosed. The methods and apparatus enable a user to provide blood sugar control, blood pressure control, and heart failure care to himself/herself. For example, after being treated by a doctor for a heart problem, a person may use the disclosed system to prevent additional heart related problems.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to an anatomical model for training that includes a head portion; at least one auricle portion; at least one ear canal; and at least one cartridge. The at least one cartridge may be adaptable to mimic at least one pathology of the human ear, such as an eardrum perforation, a middle ear fluid, a cholesteatoma, a tumor, or earwax.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for enhancing the learning of a student, where such system contains a memory with a stored program, a user interface, a processor, and a power source, wherein the program contains one or more codified pedagogical principles. A method for teaching a student is also taught, whereby a scenario from a program is generated, interaction with the student is facilitated, feedback is delivered to the program, the feedback is analyzed, another scenario is generated wherein further scenarios are modified using codified pedagogical principles.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment, a concept learning system and method is used for classifying instances, which, for example, may include web pages or text documents. An instance is input into the system. One or more candidate concepts are recalled from a set of candidate concepts. For each recalled concept, a classifier that corresponds to it is applied to the instance to determine if the recalled concept is related to the instance. Samples are selected from a training set. A learning method is applied, and a set of candidate concepts are updated according to the results from applying the learning method.

Abstract: Uses a telecommunications device/computer as an open microphone for collecting media, for example audio, video or text performances that are then integrated into an online community for feedback/judging. The media may include singing, instrumental music, rhythmic music, videos, writings. The performances may also be made available as ring tones. Allows for a server to accept a call/IP connection from an artist, accept payment for a number of recording minutes, provide a genre list (e.g., singing, band, DJ, beat makers), accept selection of a genre and record a performance. Furthermore, the server may also be configured to play, transfer or email a performance, for example as directed from a website or telecommunications device. The media may be judged and/or ranked by members of the community. Recording time may be monitored and a charge levied for submission of the performance. Server may play, download or email the performance.

Abstract: Uses a telecommunications device/computer as an open microphone for collecting media, for example audio, video or text performances that are then integrated into an online community for feedback/judging. The media may include singing, instrumental music, rhythmic music, videos, writings. The performances may also be made available as ring tones. Allows for a server to accept a call/IP connection from an artist, accept payment for a number of recording minutes, provide a genre list (e.g., singing, band, DJ, beat makers), accept selection of a genre and record a performance. Furthermore, the server may also be configured to play, transfer or email a performance, for example as directed from a website or telecommunications device. The media may be judged and/or ranked by members of the community. Recording time may be monitored and a charge levied for submission of the performance. Server may play, download or email the performance.

Abstract: A system for instruction a student comprises an online learning system having one or more nodes that creates a learning session at a session start time. The online learning node creates a learning environments having a virtual classroom such that at the virtual class room, at least one student can view the activity associated with at least one other student with or without teacher involvement. A database stores one or more matching parameters for matching on or more students with one or more teachers. A matching node selects a teacher for a plurality of students for the online learning session based on the one or more matching parameters. The online learning node places the plurality of students in the virtual class room after the matching node matches the teacher and one or more students and prior to the session start time. According to another aspect, the virtual classroom is created between a first online learning session and a second online learning session scheduled for a student consecutively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preserving an organ or tissue comprising contacting the organ or tissue with an effective amount of a kallikrein inhibitor and solutions useful for such a method. Also provided is a method for reducing reperfusion injury of an organ during surgery and/or following removal of the organ from a subject comprising placing the organ in an organ storage and preservative solution, wherein the solution comprises a kallikrein inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preserving human red blood cells including the acts of cryogenically freezing a number of human red blood cells suspended in a fluid at a rate of 20° C. to 100° C. per second, maintaining a predetermined thickness of the fluid between a pair of plates during freezing of the plurality of red blood cells, and warming the cryogenically frozen red blood cells to an ambient temperature to recover at least some of the red blood cells.

Abstract: There are many situations where oligonucleotides that efficiently bind a target DNA or RNA are desired. These oligonucleotides can be used for a variety of purposes, including antisense, diagnostics, and array generation. While researchers have worked for many years to identify algorithms and methods for predicting the oligonucleotides that will bind the target with the highest efficiency, better prediction methods are needed. Disclosed are methods, articles, machines, and compositions that aid in identifying oligonucleotides and sets of oligonucleotides that will efficiently bind a target nucleic acid molecule. Also disclosed are optimized sets of oligonucleotides that bind HIV-1 genomic RNA or DNA, such as the GAG RNA, and methods of using them.

Abstract: The present invention results from the examination of tissue from hepatic carcinomas to identify genes differentially expressed between cancerous liver tissue and diseased but non-cancerous liver tissue. The invention includes diagnostic, screening, drug design and therapeutic methods using these genes, as well as solid supports comprising oligonucleotide arrays that are complementary to or hybridize to the differentially expressed genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using nucleotide sequences from the promoter region of a S. cerevisiae gene YRM325W whose expression is an indicator of inhibition or modulation of the sterol biosynthesis pathway in S. cerevisiae. The invention envisions using a target polynucleotide sequence, wherein the target polynucleotide sequence is operably linked to the promoter region of the YMR325W gene, to screen chemical libraries and natural products for compounds which can be used either as antifungal agents for use against a variety of fungal pathogens, or as lipid lowering agents to treat hypercholesterolemia. The invention also envisions using the methods of the invention to assay the efficacy of and/or specificity of antifungal agents and lipid lowering agents, and/or to monitor the activity of the sterol biosynthesis pathway.

Abstract: The present invention concerns processes for the detection and quantitation of nucleic acid molecules, polynucleotides, and/or oligonucleotides in a sample using hybridizationdetection assays, antibody-mediated recognition assays, nucleic acid sensor molecules, chromatographic assays, and/or electrophoresis assays. The present invention specifically concerns processes for the detection and quantitation of double stranded nucleic acid molecules, polynucleotides, and/or oligonucleotides in a sample using hybridization-detection assays. The nucleic acid molecules, polynucleotides, and/or oligonucleotides can include molecules that mediate RNA interference, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel miRNA molecules, more particularly to novel miRNA molecules isolated from human embryonic stem cells. The miRNA molecules provided by the present invention can be usefully used as a molecular marker for early developmental stages of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells. Also, the miRNA molecules of the present invention may play an important role in the regulation of mammalian embryonic stem cells. Therefore, the miRNA molecules can be usefully used for analyzing regulatory networks of human embryonic stem cells.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing or detecting cancerous colon tissue. A panel of 21 specific marker genes are provided. The overexpression of some of these marker genes compared to their expression in normal colon tissue and the underexpression of the rest of these marker genes are indicative of cancerous colon tissue. By using these 21 marker genes as a diagnostic tool, smaller tissue samples, such as those obtained by core needle biopsies and from patient stool samples, can be used.

Abstract: A method allowing simultaneous amplification of multiple low-abundance targets in environmental samples. This is a two-step process that includes a combined reverse transcription and pre-amplification step, which utilizes a mix of gene-specific primer sets, followed by a second amplification step performed on the previously generated “RT-amplification” product. Initial amplification of each target is performed prior to the splitting of the sample for individual amplification and identification. The method combines the process of reverse transcription and amplification within a single processing apparatus. The method also enables gene-specific reverse transcription using gene-specific primers, thereby reducing if not eliminating non-specific product in this reverse transcription step of the process.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of detecting glycosylases. A test sample is mixed with substrate polynucleotide. A primer and a polymerase are added. An endonuclease is provided and a probe oligonucleotide sequence labeled with first and second labels is utilized for detection. The invention includes N-glycosylase assay methods. A test sample is mixed with substrate polynucleotide and formation of an abasic site is detected by forming a product that is complementary to a portion of the substrate sequence ending at the abasic site. The product is dissociated and is extended utilizing a polymerase. A probe is hybridized to the product and is cleaved. The invention includes synthetic substrates, transcription primers and probe molecules. The invention also includes an N-glycosylase detection kit including a substrate polynucleotide, an endonuclease and a dual-labeled probe having a fluorescent label and a quencher moiety.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying origin of a metastasis of unknown origin by obtaining a sample containing metastatic cells; measuring Biomarkers associated with at least two different carcinomas; combining the data from the Biomarkers into an algorithm where the algorithm normalizes the Biomarkers against a reference; and imposes a cut-off which optimizes sensitivity and specificity of each Biomarker, weights the prevalence of the carcinomas and selects a tissue of origin determining origin based on highest probability determined by the algorithm or determining that the carcinoma is not derived from a particular set of carcinomas; and optionally measuring Biomarkers specific for one or more additional different carcinoma, and repeating the steps for additional Biomarkers.

Abstract: A method of genotyping blood cell antigens comprising subjecting DNA from an individual of a mammalian species to a multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify and detectably label a region of the locus of at least two different blood cell antigens which contains the site of nucleotide polymorphism of said blood cell antigen and using the thus amplified and labeled DNA fragments to determine the genotype for each of said blood cell antigens. The multiplex PCR -comprises the use of at least one pair of blood cell antigen-specific chimeric primers for each blood cell antigen to be genotyped and at least one detectably labeled universal primer, preferably a pair of detectably labeled universal primers. The universal primer(s) have a unique sequence not occurring in the DNA of said mammalian species. Each chimeric primer pair comprises a left chimeric primer and a right chimeric primer, Each of them comprising a blood cell antigen-specific part at the 3? end and a universal part at the 5? end.

Abstract: A novel method of suppressing non-specific cross-hybridization between repetitive elements present in nucleic acid probes and corresponding repetitive elements in the target nucleic acid by using DNA synthesized to contain a plurality of repetitive elements while avoiding low and single copy sequences.

Abstract: A method for detecting cancer cells. A chemical luminescence reaction is used to obtain a result image. The result image is analyzed through a weighting process to a value of each gene. By doing do, a cancer can be precisely diagnosed.

Abstract: A variety of methods, compositions and kits are provided for the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of hemangiosarcoma in dogs and angiosarcomas in humans.

Abstract: Provided in certain embodiments are new methods for forming azido modified nucleic acid conjugates of reporter molecules, carrier molecules or solid support. In other embodiments are provided methods for enzymatically labeling nucleic acids with an azide group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for predicting drug responses. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for determining individualized Warfarin dosages based on genotype of DNA polymorphisms and haplotypes derived from them in the VKORC1 gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for predicting drug responses. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for determining individualized Warfarin dosages based on genotype of DNA polymorphisms and haplotypes derived from them in the VKORC1 gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel serine threonine kinase. The invention also relates to vector, host cells, antibodies and recombinant methods for producing the Cdk11 polypeptide. In addition, the invention discloses therapeutic, diagnostic and research utilities for Cdk11 and related products.

Abstract: This invention describes a nucleic acid testing procedure in a form of portable device or a test kit for the purposes of clinical genetic testing, infectious disease diagnostics, biodefense, forensic analysis, paternity testing, pet and cattle breeding, food testing, etc. This testing does not include toxic chemicals and is simple enough to be used by an average individual without any special laboratory training. The procedure includes collecting the sample, potential isothermal amplification of the whole genomic DNA or a fragment of genomic DNA, denaturing double-stranded DNA into single-stranded form, hybridizing the denatured sample DNA to single-stranded allele-specific tester oligonucleotides complementary to the analyzed DNA sequence of interest, selective removal of single-stranded DNA from DNA hybrids, and finally detecting the label in double-stranded hybrids to determine the presence or absence of a particular sequence in the initial sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to target-associative tags incorporating cysteamine as the target-associative moiety. The invention further relates to a method for producing a target-associative tag by addition of cysteamine as the target-associative moiety to another molecule or entity having a property or properties useful in discriminating or selecting between members of a set, where such properties could include, for example, fluorescence, mass, affinity, reactivity, size, absorbance, magnetism, subatomic spin characteristics, or an ability to associate specifically or preferentially with certain structures. The invention further relates to a method for analyzing, identifying, or purifying phosphorylated proteins or phosphorylated protein fragments using a tag having the properties of both fluorescence and affinity.

Abstract: A method for processing DNA polymerase and/or dNTPs for use in an amplification procedure, includes providing a solution mixture, the solution mixture including a DNA polymerase and/or dNTPs, a buffer solution and at least one stabilizing agent and hydration reducing the solution mixture. The solution mixture is hydration reduced at a temperature between 0 °C. and about 100 ° C.

Abstract: Methods for producing a target nucleic acid molecule from DNA encoding a gene comprising treating DNA from a higher organism with an agent that modifies cytosine to form derivative nucleic acid; and forming a modified nucleic acid having a reduced total number of cytosines compared with the corresponding untreated DNA, wherein the modified nucleic acid molecule includes the target nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, i.e. aneuploidy. In addition, the present invention provides methods to determine when there are insufficient fetal cells for a determination and report a non-informative case. The present invention involves quantifying regions of genomic DNA from a mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying DNA polymorphisms from the mixed sample.

Abstract: A nutritional plan based on a person's individual genetic APO E genotype, which has been shown to be the number one gene affecting diet, cholesterol, heart disease, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and chronic illness, possibly autism, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological diseases, and that focuses on the right percentages of macronutrients for each individual's genetic type, is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a body fluids identification method and kit. A parallel, multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the definitive identification of body fluids commonly encountered in forensic casework analysis, namely blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions. The methodology is based on gene expression profiling analysis in which the body fluid-specific genes are identified by detecting the presence of appropriate messenger RNA species. Gene-specific primers are labeled with fluorescent dyes, separated and subjected to laser induced fluorescence for identification of body fluid-specific genes present in a sample stain.