Abstract: A pneumatic dental care device for in-home use that is particularly suited for cleaning and providing prophylaxis of teeth, gingiva, and other oral tissue wherein pressurized air is directed into a user's oral cavity to clean teeth, remove oral debris and to both stimulate and massage gum line tissue. The compressed air, by means of a length of flexible tube, is delivered from a pressurized air source to a hand piece having both a nozzle tip and only one hand piece conduit. A control button disposed on the hand piece operably opens and closes a valve located within the hand piece, thereby allowing or stopping the outflow of compressed air from the nozzle tip of the hand piece. Additionally, a method of installing such a pneumatic dental care device for in-home use is disclosed.

Abstract: A dental device has a U-shaped carrier with at least one channel for embracing an arch of teeth. The carrier has recessed insets in the channel. Discrete inserts carrying a beneficial agent can fit into the insets and release the agent gradually. When the device is used in a primarily therapeutic application, the inserts may be installed into all or less than all of the insets to form various insert patterns. Thus, different oral regions can be affected by different insert patterns. When the device is used as an athletic mouthguard, temporary blanks may be initially fitted in the insets, while a portion of the mouthguard is softened before an arch of teeth is pressed into the channel to make a custom impression. The inserts that are later installed in the insets possess different physical properties than the carrier and may be positioned and shaped to mechanically buffer teeth of the arch from mechanical shocks as well as release beneficial agents.

Abstract: A dental instrument comprising a handpiece with a threaded extension and a working tool for attachment to the extension includes a wrench mounted on the distal end of the handpiece for use in attaching the tool to the extension. The wrench comprises a nose piece mounted on the front end of the handpiece, said nose piece rotateable radially about the front end of the handpiece as well as longitudinally slidable forward of the distal end of the handpiece so that an opening in a front end of the nose piece extends over the hub of the tool. Rotating the extended nose piece radially around the front end of the handpiece causes the hub of the tool to rotate, attaching the tool to the threaded extension. The nose piece is then retracted to a storage position during use of the tool.

Abstract: An absorbent and degradation resistant knitted gingival retraction cord comprising silk is formed from one or more strands by interlocking a plurality of loops. As a whole, the knitted retraction cord comprises at least about 50% silk which, when manufactured so as to have a knitted structure, exhibits resistance to degradation and has the ability to absorb liquid (e.g., an active agent solution). An active agent is impregnated within the one or more strands and/or the plurality of interlocking loops of the knitted retraction cord such that the cord advantageously retains the active agent and resists degradation by the active agent.

Abstract: A cheek and lip retractor is defined by a supporting member (4) supporting a pair of retracting elements (2) to be inserted at least partially in a patient's mouth (3), by a light source (11) fixed to the supporting member (4), and by an optical device (17) for the transmission of the light emitted from the light source (11) inside the mouth (3); the optical device (17) extending wholly along the supporting member (4) and/or the retracting elements (2).

Abstract: A direct dental bridge, built in the mouth of a patient, comprising Zirconium oxide or Aluminium oxide reinforcement bars (19, 20) onto which the pontic of the bridge is assembled. The ceramic bars of the present direct dental bridge bond better to dental filling materials and dental bonding resins than metal bars, and are easier to use than fiber ribbons and resin bars. Also disclosed is a method of building a direct dental bridge further comprising the use of a dental material gingival wedge bonded on an abutment tooth, demale molds for surface veneers, malleable gingival veneers and occlusal/buccal surface veneers.

Abstract: A grinding disk has a pilot region or ring that does not include abrasive material. The pilot region aids in positioning the disk between teeth or in other orientations. The disk may be used in conjunction with a guard. For example, the guard may include grip enhancements such as finger plates or cups. Guards can accommodate contra-angles. Guards made of transparent plastic improve work area visibility for a dentist or user. Some guards are made of plastic and are disposable. Embodiments of the guard may include a lubrication port for introducing a lubricant to the disk. The port may include an orifice in a wall of the guard. The port may also include a tube, for guiding the placement of a lubricating hypodermic needle and/or a hose barb for communication with a lubrication source via tubing. A disk stop in the guard can position the disk for receiving lubricant.

Abstract: A dental implant system, comprising an implant and a secondary piece, which is fixed to the implant such as not to rotate and on which a superior construction may be installed. A positioning tool is also provided, to transfer the position of the implant in the mouth of the patient onto a model. The implant comprises a recess extending inwards from a coronal front side, into which an apical end of the positioning tool may be introduced. Grooves or ribs are embodied in the recess, which together with corresponding ribs or grooves of the apical end of the positioning tool introduced into the recess, form a stable locking relative to a rotation of the positioning tool about an implant axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, a new concept of numeral created from alphabet is able to apply in education, telecommunication, computer and toy industry. For the sake of applicability, the present invention provides substitution methods where alphabet is replaced to the corresponding arabic numeral by similarity in shape, similar pronunciation with numbers, similarity in Roman and Chinese. In education, alphabetic language (English, French, Spanish) learners can calculate words and sentences in mathematics (abacus calculation, mental arithmetic, calculation), and learn words and sentences of languages in detail. Math (abacus calculation, mental arithmetic, calculation) learners can study alphabetic languages (English, French, Spanish) not in a tedious repetition of calculation but in a mathematical learning process.

Abstract: A method of teaching pronunciation is provided which includes communicating by a voice portal server to a user a model word and detecting a response by the user to the voice portal server. The method also includes comparing the response word to the model word and determining a confidence level based on the comparison of the response word to the model word. The method further includes comparing an acceptance limit to the confidence level and confirming a correct pronunciation of the model word if the confidence level one of equals and exceeds the acceptance limit.

Abstract: A system and method for improving reading through use of games is disclosed. The pairing of game playing with teaching as provided by the present invention heightens a student's level of awareness, generates enthusiasm for learning, increases mental alertness, wakes up a student's intellect, and trains that intelligence in a way that supports proficient reading.

Abstract: A method and system for recording, cataloging, and analyzing infant speech in order to enhance speech development by producing lists of suggested future words. The invention utilizes voice recognition software to update a database table comprising words that the infant has spoken. Speech analysis software then compares the previously spoken words in the database table to a set of rules, which are used to analyze consonant/vowel patterns and thereby identify trends in word usage. After identifying trends in an infant's word usage, the speech analysis software may then generate reports comprising trends in an infant's word usage and also generate lists of suggested future words for the infant to learn. The computer system then outputs the reports to a display screen, electronic data file, network connection device, or printout.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in conducting an eruption reaction are disclosed. The apparatus includes a catalytic solids container with a mouth and fluid egress opening and a trigger device or mechanism that allows for the controlled release of a catalytic solid into an eruptible fluid. The catalytic solids container may be adapted to be coupled to a container for an eruptible fluid.

Abstract: A tutorial generation unit (100) is introduced for explaining to a user multimedia management behavior of a multimedia item management system (130) arranged to manage multimedia items (164, 166, 168, 169) according to user preferences by means of at least one multimedia management rule (MMR).

Abstract: A system for providing educational content to a user includes an audiovisual medium via which presentation(s) included in a course offering are accessible as audiovisual content and as text content. The system is selectively promptable by a user via the medium to activate a plurality of expositions of aspects of the course offering, including aspects of the presentation(s), in a plurality of different modes of exposition. This system makes it possible for an individual student to optimize his/her approach to educational content in order to make use of the most effective ways in which that student learns.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.

Abstract: Methods and systems for playing games in an audience response system. Spontaneous inquiries can be posed by a presenter during a game, and portable wireless transmitter units can be used to respond to the inquiries. The responses are evaluated and the results are reflected in a graphical presentation displayable to audience members. The spontaneous inquiries can be selected from a set of paper-based questions provided to audience members.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.

Abstract: A kit useful by hobbyist and students in constructing displays and dioramas. The kit comprises a base formed from integral sidewalls and a top which presents a planar surface. A channel is formed around the periphery of the planar surface. The kit further includes a backboard which is foldable into a generally planar configuration and has a width greater than the width of the channel. The backboard is wedged into the channel and will remain in place without the use of external fasteners. The backboard is received in the channel on at least three sides of the base. The backboard is formed from a material so that it can be cut to present a desired configuration. A method of constructing a display kit comprises placing the base on a flat surface, at least partially unfolding the backboard to conform on the configuration of the base on at least three sides and then securing the backboard to the base without the use of external fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention provides an instructional exercise mat system comprising a mat having instructional indicia for performing at least one group of exercises, the mat including at least one visual display comprising a plurality of illustrations, selected ones of which represent an individual performing at least one of the exercises in the group. The at least one visual display is positioned on a surface of the instructional exercise mat, the system providing all of the information needed by an individual to perform the group(s) of exercises so as to complete at least one exercise routine without the need for additional instruction. Consistent with the present invention, one embodiment may utilize a plurality of such visual displays, and another embodiment may utilize both sides of the mat wherein each side includes one or more such displays. A method and center for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: An exsanguinous metabolic support system for maintaining an organ or tissue at a near normal metabolic rate is disclosed that employs a warm perfusion solution capable of altering the production of nitric oxide (NO) in an organ or tissue and supporting the metabolism of the organ or tissue at normothermic temperatures. Perfusion with the solution of the invention, therefore, can be used to regulate nitric oxide production in situations where it is desirable to do so, for example, to prevent reperfusion injury. The system also monitors parameters of the circulating perfusion solution, such as pH, temperature, osmolarity, flow rate, vascular pressure and partial pressure of respiratory gases, and nitric oxide (NO) concentration and regulates them to insure that the organ is maintained under near-physiologic conditions.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for eliminating potentially toxic and/or harmful substances, wherein particles which are capable of binding, taking up and/or carrying the toxic and/or harmful substances, are removed from a body fluid in an extracorporeal step or in an extrinsic or exogeneous device.

Abstract: Provided are SARS-CoV detection PCR primers having nucleotide sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 1-46, a method for detecting SARS-CoV using the primers, and a SARS-CoV detection kit including the primers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the use of an envelope polypeptide or a functional variant thereof from a lentivirus that is not HIV-1 as a molecular scaffold for HIV-1 epitopes. The HIV-1 epitopes can be recognized by HIV-1 binding antibodies, HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies and/or CD4-induced antibodies. Thus, methods are provided for detecting HIV-1 binding antibodies in a subject infected with HTV-1. Further provided are methods to determine an epitope for an HIV-1 binding antibody; methods to assay for an HIV-1 binding antibody; methods to identify a soluble CD4 mimic; methods to neutralize an non-HIV-1 virus; diagnostic assays to monitor HIV disease in a subject or to monitor the subject's response to immunization by a HIV vaccine; and methods to alter the neutralization potential of an HIV-1 derived CD4-induced antibody. Chimeric polypeptides, chimeric polynucleotides, kits, cells and viruses are also provided.

Abstract: Determining when a landfill is stabilized by comparing the biological signature of a landfill over a predetermined time period with that of a known stabilized landfill.

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: Primers have been isolated that are diagnostic for the detection of the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). The primers are based on a new portion of the WSSV genome and may be used in primer directed amplification or nucleic acid hybridization assay methods.

Abstract: A method for isolating nucleic acid molecules having a repeating nucleotide sequence or a homopolymeric nucleotide sequence, e.g. a poly A stretch, is described. In particular, the method uses oligomeric capture probes spiked with various amounts of locked nucleic acid (LNA). The invention further describes methods for the isolation of RNA molecules, for example polyadenylated mRNA molecules, which overcome the problems of rapid RNA degradation during isolation and analysis of such nucleic acid molecules. This is of major clinical and diagnostic importance, especially when dealing with RNA viruses, such as retroviruses or when analyzing rare or low-abundant mRNAs or mRNAs from biopsies or tissues enriched with RNases.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification assay for quantitative and/or qualitative analysis of the presence of a specific analyte or specific analytes in a biological sample, which analytes, if present, are contained in particles (4) of the sample (2), in which assay the sample is forced in a first direction through a filter (6) that retains the particles (4). The particles (4) retained in the filter (6) are flushed, by a flow (8), in a second opposite direction through the filter (6) out of the filter (6) and the flow (8) containing the particles (4) flushed out is analyzed for the analyte or analytes. An arrangement (12) for preparing the sample (2) for analysis according to the assay of the invention and to a kit of parts for analyzing the analyte or analytes, which kit includes the arrangement (12) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of determining the presence or amount of a target polynucleotide in a sample are provided. A sample that contains a target polynucleotide, a nucleic acid analog that is complementary to a target nucleic acid sequence of the target polynucleotide, and a dye for which the rate of change in an optical property is different in the presence and absence of a target polynucleotide/nucleic acid analog hybrid are combined to produce a reaction mixture. The rate of change in an optical property of the dye in the reaction mixture is compared to a reference value characteristic of the rate of change in the optical property of the dye in a similar reaction mixture containing a known amount of a polynucleotide/nucleic acid analog hybrid to determine a relative rate of change in the optical property. The relative rate of change in the optical property of dye in the reaction mixture is correlated with the presence or amount of the specified target polynucleotide in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining nucleic acid sequences of a template nucleic acid that requires no prior knowledge of the nucleic acid sequence present in the template nucleic acid. The method is based on combining information about the mass of a fragment, the mass of any one nucleotide and the combinations thereof, and the sequence specificity of a nucleotide cutter, either enzymatic or chemical cutter, to determine a sequence of a nucleic acid fragment. This method allows for de novo detection of sequences in a target nucleic acid without requiring any prior sequence information. This method is called Partial Sequencing by Fragmentation (PSBF) and it works by fragmenting a target into oligo- or polynucleotides whose masses or lengths are uniquely associated with known sequences. The identities of these sequences are determined solely by the specific fragmentation method used, and are always independent of the target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a salmonella selective enrichment medium containing tetrathionate or a salt thereof and at least one type of magnesium salt and to a method for detecting salmonella in a sample by using said selective enrichment medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of analysing samples by means of a ligand binding, in which duplexes or complexes are created and analysed. The invention is distinguished by the fact that the target molecules have a detectable marking in proximity to a target sequence and/or a detectable marking is incorporated in the target sequence. By this means, significantly higher signal intensities are obtained than with conventional methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assessment of the Microsatellite Instability (MSI) status of medically relevant conditions associated with MSI phenotype such as e.g. neoplastic lesions. The method is based on the analysis of a monomorphic T25 (CAT25) mononucleotide repeat located in the 3?-UTR of the Caspase 2 (CASP2) gene. Based on the determination of the length of the named mononucleotide repeat the presence or absence of MSI may be assessed. Determination of the length is performed in a single PCR procedure. Alternatively an enhanced assessment could be performed by combining the CAT25 marker with further markers such as BAT25 and BAT26 in a single multiplex PCR process.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a primer having a promoter region added thereto; and a method of using the primer having a promoter region added thereto in RNA amplification, gene expression analysis and/or identification analysis of an organism. A primer is constructed by adding a promoter region to a random primer capable of binding to a part highly complementary to an RNA or a primer containing a base sequence complementary to a specific gene. Then, the obtained primer is employed in RNA amplification, gene expression analysis and/or identification analysis of an organism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the specific amplification of template DNA in the presence of potentially contaminating PCR products from previous amplification experiments. In the first step DNA is contacted with a bisulfite solution, which reacts with unmethylated cytosines but not with methylated cytosines, by sulfonating them. This results in deamination of the cytosine whereby sulfonated uracil is generated. Such sulfonation protects the template nucleic acid from being a target for the enzyme UNG. Any contaminating DNA, which contains unprotected unsulfonated or desulfonated uracils is degraded enzymatically while UNG is active. After UNG treatment and inactivation, the sulfonated uracil bases are converted into uracil by desulfonation. This method is useful for decontamination of nucleic acid samples, or rather for avoiding amplification of ‘carry over products’ in particular in the context of DNA methylation analysis. Furthermore it can be used as a simplified method of bisulfite treatment in general.

Abstract: The invention relates to generating a signal indicative of a target nucleic acid sequence, comprising forming a complex by incubating a sample comprising a target nucleic acid sequence with a probe comprising a first and second subunit, and a binding moiety, and dissociating the first and second subunit to release the first subunit and generate a signal. The invention also relates to a method of generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, comprising forming a complex by incubating a target nucleic acid sequence, an upstream primer and a probe comprising a first and second subunit, and a binding moiety. The primer is extended with a nucleic acid polymerase to displace a portion of the first subunit from the target nucleic acid strand thereby dissociating the first subunit from the second subunit to release the first subunit and generate a signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the identification of a biological target of a chemical compound, such as saframycin A, known to bind a polynucleotide. The invention also provides methods of screening chemical compounds for those which act in a similar method and may be more potent than known compounds. The inventive methods are particularly useful in the high-throughput screening of chemical compounds that target GAPDH. The invention also provides kits useful in the practice of the inventive method. Compounds identified by inventive methods are also included in the invention.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of neurology. Specifically, the invention relates to the discovery and characterization of molecular components that play a role in neuronal demyelination or remyelination. In addition, the invention relates to the generation of an animal model that exhibits hypomyelination. The compositions and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for drug screening and/or treatment of demyelination disorders.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for detecting quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli strains in a biological sample. The present invention also relates to a kit adapted to perform the inventive method.

Abstract: A method which can objectively determine to what extent a cancer cell has metastasized to a lymph node, the method being a method for determining a size of a metastatic focus, including a step of quantitating a tumor marker mRNA in an assay sample prepared from a lymph node suspected of metastasis of a cancer cell, and a step of obtaining a size of a metastatic focus in the lymph node based on the quantitation result of the mRNA.

Abstract: The present application discloses a diagnostic method and a kit for prognosis assessment of colorectal cancer (CRC) and a novel tumor suppressor gene to be used for diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), the method comprising the steps of: (a) identifying recurrently altered regions (RAR) on a chromosome; and (b) detecting genomic alterations in the RAR. The present method makes it possible to perform early diagnosis as well as prognosis assessment for various cancers and tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for sequencing a polynucleotide, comprising the steps of: (i) reacting a target polynucleotide with a helicase/primase enzyme (which may be immobilised), under conditions suitable for enzyme activity; and (ii) detecting the interaction between the enzyme and a nucleotide on the target, by measuring radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for sub-grouping animals according to genotype wherein the animals of each sub-group have a similar polymorphism or combination of polymorphisms in the leptin gene selected from the group consisting of UASMS1, UASMS2, UASMS3, EXON2-FB, and E2JW. The combination of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the leptin gene, especially combinations which may comprise alleles of the E2JW locus, may indicate an increase in the tenderness of meat as well as indicating the quality of other traits of the animals. The leptin polymorphisms may also be combined with polymorphisms of the bovine growth hormone receptor gene.

Abstract: Biomarkers that correlate to treatment with drugs that inhibit c-met are disclosed. These biomarkers have been shown to have utility in assessing response to the compounds. The expression level of the biomarkers is reduced upon treatment with c-met inhibitor compounds, thus indicating that these biomarkers are involved in c-met activity.

Abstract: A change in viral tropism occurs in many HIV positive individuals over time and can be indicated by a change in coreceptor usage from CCR5 to CXCR4. The change in coreceptor usage to CXCR4 has been shown to correlate with increased disease progression. In patients undergoing HAART, the predominant populations of virus can be shifted back to CCR5-mediated entry after the CXCR4-specific strains have emerged. The present invention relates to a diagnostic method to monitor coreceptor use in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The present invention further relates to a diagnostic method applied to HIV-positive individuals undergoing HAART to monitor the suppression of CXCR4 specific strains. The diagnostic methods can be used to assist in selecting antiretroviral therapy and to improve predictions of disease prognosis over time.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cancer suppressing agent containing a cancer suppressing gene that is discovered through the use of a novel method rather than through existing methods. The present invention provides a cancer suppressing agent which comprises an RGC32 gene or a gene homologous thereto.