Abstract: The invention provides a planographic printing plate material that excels in on-press development property, printing durability, sensitivity and resistance to fogging by pressure, and a printing process employing the planographic printing plate material. As a means thereof, a planographic printing plate material of on-press development type is used which comprises a support and provided thereon, a hydrophilic layer and a thermosensitive image formation layer, wherein the thermosensitive image formation layer contains heat fusible particles in an amount of not less than 10% by weight based on the total solid content of the thermosensitive image formation layer, the heat fusible particles comprising a heat melting compound having a melting point of from 60 to 100° C. and a heat softening compound having a softening point of from 70 to 150° C.

Abstract: A resist material and a nanofabrication method provide high-resolution nanofabrication without an expensive irradiation apparatus using, for example, electron beams or ion beams. That is, the resist material and the nanofabrication method provide finer processing using exposure apparatuses currently in use. A resist layer of an incompletely oxidized transition metal such as W and Mo is selectively exposed and developed to be patterned in a predetermined form. The incompletely oxidized transition metal herein is a compound having an oxygen content slightly deviated to a lower content from the stoichiometric oxygen content corresponding to a possible valence of the transition metal. In other words, the compound has an oxygen content lower than the stoichiometric oxygen content corresponding to a possible valence of the transition metal.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a semiconductor device having patterns including two adjacent sides forming a corner portion with an external angle and a periodic pattern with a high density arrangement in the same layer is provided with (a) the step of exposing the first divided pattern including a first side which is obtained by dividing the pattern including two sides and the region which corresponds to a first thinned out pattern from which the periodic pattern is thinned out to light through a first mask having a first mask pattern, and (b) the step of exposing the second divided pattern including a second side which is obtained by dividing the pattern including two sides and the region which corresponds to a second thinned out pattern which is obtained by thinning out the periodic pattern to light through a first mask having a second mask pattern.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate is provided which includes generating a meniscus on the surface of the substrate and applying photolithography light through the meniscus to enable photolithography processing of a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of double patterning a thin film is described. The method comprises forming a thin film to be patterned on a substrate, forming an organic planarization layer (OPL) on the thin film, forming an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on the OPL, and forming a mask layer on the ARC layer. Thereafter, the mask layer is patterned to form a first pattern and a second pattern therein, and the first and second patterns are transferred to the ARC layer and partially or fully transferred to the OPL using a transfer process, such as an imaging and developing process. During a partial pattern transfer to the OPL, the mask layer is removed and the first pattern and second patterns are completely transferred to the OPL using an etching process. Thereafter, the first and second patterns in the OPL are transferred to the underlying thin film using another etching process.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a fuel manifold adapted to receive a flow of fuel from a fuel source, the fuel manifold including at least one orifice from which the received fuel is discharged. The combustion system further includes a rotary fuel slinger disposed adjacent to the fuel manifold. The rotary fuel slinger includes a coupler shaft and a slinger disc coupled to the coupler shaft. The slinger disc includes a first portion disposed generally perpendicular to the coupler shaft and a second portion disposed at an angle to the first portion. The fuel manifold is positioned relative to the rotary fuel slinger such that the discharged fuel impinges on the second portion. The rotary fuel slinger is configured to rotate such that the flow of fuel is centrifuged radially outwardly from the second portion onto the first portion and subsequently off the rotary fuel slinger to atomize the received fuel.

Abstract: A utility lighter includes a handle casing, a gas releasing valve, a bendable extension arm, a torch nozzle, a piezoelectric unit and an actuation device. The bendable extension arm has an upper end and a lower end extended from the handle casing, wherein the extension arm has a deformable receiving channel which is extended from the lower end to the upper end and is adapted to be curved when the extension arm is selectively bent between the upper end and the lower end. The torch nozzle is provided at the upper end of the extension arm to communicate with the gas releasing valve through the receiving channel for releasing the gas through the torch nozzle when the actuation device is actuated to depress the piezoelectric unit. The result is that a torch flame is generated at the torch nozzle at a distance from the handle casing.

Abstract: A gas burner includes: a base having a bottom wall and a surrounding wall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall, that cooperates with the bottom wall to define an inner space, and that is formed with flame apertures in fluid communication with the inner space; a partitioning unit dividing the inner space into a main gas chamber and at least one buffer gas chamber separated from the main gas chamber, the partitioning wall being formed with through-holes that are in fluid communication with the main gas chamber and the buffer gas chamber and that open toward the bottom wall of the base; and a gas input conduit secured to the bottom wall of the base and in fluid communication with the main gas chamber.

Abstract: Fuel pellets which include substantial amounts of agricultural biomass having a relatively low lignin content are provided. The fuel pellets have a low ash content, good pellet durability (e.g., as determined by their pellet durability index) and heating values comparable to conventional hardwood fuel pellets. The fuel pellet may be formed by pelleting a mixture comprising agricultural biomass which includes whole corn, corn cobs, corn stover, wheat, wheat middlings, wheat straw, soy beans, soy bean hulls, soy cotyledon fiber, alfalfa, dried distillers grain, oats, oat straw, sugar beet pulp and/or sunflower hulls. Other suitable agricultural biomass materials which may be used to form the fuel pellets include co-products from corn milling processes (e.g. corn gluten feed, white fiber), oat hulls, rice hulls, rapeseed meal, rapeseed fractions, bagasse, ground barley, cottonseed hulls, whole cottonseed, ground milo, oatmeal, oat flour, rye, broken rice and empty palm fruit bundles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roller (R), used in particular in continuous product heating furnaces for handling and conveying steel products and in particular slabs, comprising a cooled central shaft (1), in particular by a liquid, whereon are mounted a plurality of discs (2), for supporting the products (3) to be transported, arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal geometrical axis of the roller (R), spaced apart along the axis of the roller (R) and separated by an insulating sleeve (4). The insulating sleeve (4) is maintained at each longitudinal end by at least one cold component (5) secured to the shaft (1) and cooled by the shaft, with axial play (Ja) between the sleeve (4) and the shaft (1) such that possible sagging of the shaft (1) may occur in use without causing substantial mechanical stress on the insulating sleeve (4) and the heat transferred from the sleeve (4) to the shaft (1), and from the discs (2) to the sleeve (4) is limited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for driving an anchor to support the orthodontic wire for correcting the twisted teeth by connecting a number of teeth in a body. The apparatus for driving an anchor comprises a fixed holding part which surrounds partly some space between a pair of two adjacent teeth and has a penetrated thread hole facing the side of the gum, a movable holding part which surrounds partly some space between a pair of two adjacent teeth by approaching to and getting away the fixed holding part and has a supporting protrusion which supports the side of protruding gum, an anchor position setting up part which determines the position at which the anchor is installed by being connected to at least one of the fixed holding part and the movable holding part, a adjusting screw which supports the side of the gum by being connected to the penetrated thread hole of the fixed holding part and adjusting the distance between the fixed holding part and the movable part.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic expansion screw having two bodies whose distance from each other can be changed by means of a spindle that engages both bodies, whereby the spindle comprises an actuation part by means of which a torque can be effected for readjusting the spindle, and having straight-line guiding means that engage both bodies and guide them along two guide axes that are parallel to each other while preventing a relative rotation of the bodies when their distance from each other is being changed. The invention provides a friction brake that presses onto the actuation part of the spindle and thus generates a frictional force that renders a rotation of the spindle in both directions of rotation more difficult in order to prevent inadvertent readjustment of the spindle.

Abstract: A dental drill system and method for drilling a socket to a predetermined depth and diameter which is sized to receive an implant includes a probe portion and a collar threadably disposed on the probe. The probe includes a number of spaced thread sections, wherein each thread section has a margin. Aligning the collar with any one of the thread section margins positions the collar at a desired position. The resulting distance between a tip of the probe and the collar corresponds to a specified depth for a standard implant. The collar is sized and shaped to accurately mimic an implant platform and is used to confirm proper formation of the socket and the resulting orientation of the implant platform before the implant is inserted into the site.

Abstract: In a medical or dental-medical handpiece having a tool, a drive mechanism for the tool has at least one rotary part mounted rotatably by means of a bearing arrangement. The bearing arrangement includes at least one ball bearing with a plurality of balls arranged between an inner track and an outer track, wherein the inner track of the ball bearing is formed by means of the end face of a first bearing part rotatable with the rotary part, and the outer track is formed by means of the end face of a second bearing part fixed in relation to the rotary part.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oral rehydration device for the treatment of xerostomia. The device delivers fluid, from an external reservoir, passively, directly to a patient. No human activity is required to provide hydration. The device is capable of operating in a number of clinical and hospital settings, but also in the home environment, where extended treatment of xerostomia is required.

Abstract: Dental implant kits and methods of installing the dental implant kit into a bone are provided. The kits and methods make us of a housing understructure having opposing electrodes for providing a therapeutic electrical signal across the electrodes in order to promote the health and accelerate the healing of the implanted housing understructure in bone. The dental implant kit also has a closure unit configured to be attached to the housing understructure that provides the electrical energy required to drive the therapeutic electrical signal. An optional abutment unit is also described that also provides the electrical energy to drive the therapeutic electrical signal. The method includes the steps of cementing, combining, cutting, extricating, installing, joining, linking, obtaining, opening, reaming, releasing, removing, sewing, and testing.

Abstract: A method for implanting a tooth implant in an at least partially edentulous patient including the steps of anchoring at least one attachment element in a patient's jaw bone, remove ably and replaceably mounting a carrier assembly bearing at least one fiducial marker onto the at least one attachment element in a precisely repeatable position with respect to the patient's jaw bone, employing the carrier assembly for providing registration between the at least one fiducial marker and the patient's jaw bone and implanting the tooth implant by employing a tracking system which uses the registration to guide a drilling assembly.

Abstract: An endodontic device includes a thermoplastic polymer having a polymer backbone having arylene or heteroarylene moieties joined together by covalent bonds between ring carbon atoms.

Abstract: This is a system of prefabricated components of various materials that are physically, chemically and structurally compatible with one another and with various esthetic veneering materials used in the fabrication of fixed dental restorative and prosthetic devices. Due to the considerable expense and time generated by using external laboratories, there exists a need to provide a system for the production of non-metallic crown and bridge understructures utilizing, to the greatest extent possible, pre-fabricated components from on-site inventory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device of braille points. In the device, a coating layer 40 is formed on the upper surface of a receiving holes 120, a recognition stick 130 is installed in the hole 120 and has a metal plate 130, a guide axis 150 is installed below a base part 110, a header part 180 which has a supporting part 170 having a number of pins 160 therein is installed on the guide axis 50, and a magnetic body 90 is attached to a side of the supporting part 170.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a teaching aid for increasing the probability of learning the results of a mathematical operation consisting of a series of tables containing mathematical facts based on mathematical operations performed on a subset of whole numbers. Each successive table displays a decreasing subset of the mathematical facts, which encourages the student to learn said facts based on the mathematical operation involved.

Abstract: A method for a swimmer swimming laps in a swimming pool to record the number of laps swum employs a swim lap counter having a pair of floatable end blocks and a series of parallel rods extending between the floatable end blocks. Each rod carries a series of apertured beads movable from being adjacent to one of the floatable end blocks to being adjacent to the other floatable end block. Each bead and each row of beads represents laps swum by the swimmer. The swim lap counter is placed at one end of the swimming pool. The swimmer moves the beads from being adjacent to one of the floatable end blocks to being adjacent to the other floatable end block to record the number of laps swum by the swimmer.

Abstract: A wearable cardiopulmonary resuscitation assist device or system including: a wearable article to be worn by a cardiopulmonary resuscitation performer or a patient, for assisting administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by the performer; at least one sensor for measuring at least one parameter to assist in cardiopulmonary resuscitation; at least one feedback component for conveying feedback information based on the parameter to the performer for assisting the performer in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and a processing unit, the processing unit being configured to receive the at least one parameter from the at least one sensor and to send information based on the parameter to the at least one feedback component. Also a method for training or improving cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures using the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying candidate biomarkers in the plasma microparticle proteome. It also provides methods for isolating, identifying, and analyzing microparticles derived from plasma, particularly platelet-poor plasma.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside analogues and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimes and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular hepatitis B virus variants.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling the microbiological quality of an environmental aqueous medium, suspected of containing various micro-organisms, having the following steps: selecting a reference set, having at least three micro-organisms, representing jointly or separately a microbiological quality level; providing a microbiological detection kit, having at least three probes specifically and respectively identifying said three micro-organisms; after treating the medium to be analyzed, contacting said micro-organisms, or any fraction thereof derived from the medium to be analyzed therefrom, with said detection kit, whereby a multiple determination of the micro-organisms is carried out, the determination representing the microbiological quality level of the medium.

Abstract: A process of detecting a target nucleic acid using labeled oligonucleotides uses the 5? to 3? nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed labeled oligonucleotide from hybridized duplexes and release labeled oligonucleotide fragments for detection. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification, assay.

Abstract: There is provided a first reservoir containing a liquid solution including a molecule to be characterized and a second reservoir for containing a liquid solution including a molecule that has been characterized. A solid state support structure is provided including an aperture having a molecular entrance providing a fluidic connection to the first reservoir and a molecular exit providing a fluidic connection to the second reservoir. First and second electron transport probes are each disposed on the support structure with a surface abutting a perimeter of the aperture. At least one of the probes comprises a fullerene structure, e.g., a carbon nanotube. A voltage source is connected between the probes to apply a voltage bias across the aperture. An electrical current monitor is connected between the probes for monitoring changes in electron transport between the probes corresponding to translocation of a molecule through the aperture.

Abstract: Methods of producing and/or analyzing spectroscopically labeled proteins, e.g., proteins site-specifically labeled with NMR active isotopes, spin-labels, chelators for paramagnetic metals, and the like, are provided. The labeled proteins are produced in translation systems including orthogonal aminoacyl tRNA synthetase/tRNA pairs. Methods for assigning NMR resonances, e.g., methods using isotopically labeled proteins, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, nucleic acids and kits for detecting, classifying and/or distinguishing between or among lung cell proliferative disorders. The invention discloses genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have utility for the improved detection of and differentiation between said class of disorders, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identifying subjects with osteoporosis or osteopenia, subjects at risk for developing osteoporosis, osteopenia, and bone fractures, methods of evaluating the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments in subjects with osteoporosis or osteopenia, and methods of selecting therapies for treating osteoporosis or osteopenia, using biomarkers.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying brain cells that determine and can evoke subjective states that do not contain smaller constituents, by establishing a correspondence between intrinsic function of a cell type with its hierarchy of constitutively-expressed proteins. The hierarchy level of a dysfunctional protein is of diagnostic value and is an effective target for therapeutic modification.

Abstract: Markers associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance are provided. Methods of identifying resistant, and susceptible plants, using the markers are provided. Methods for identifying and isolating QTL are a feature of the invention, as are QTL associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance.

Abstract: The invention generally provides molecular biosensors. The molecular biosensors are useful in competition assays to detect the presence of a target molecule.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, systems and methods for the early detection and consistent determination of the extent, type and nature of a host immune response and the nature of the infectious disease using gene expression data.

Abstract: A method comprises loading one or more sample portions into respective sample chambers, subjecting each of the sample portions to an amplification step, for each sample portion, determining whether the sample portion contains at least one molecule of a target nucleic acid; and then quantifying a number of the sample portions which contain at least one molecule of the target nucleic acid, and/or quantifying a number of peaks indicative of the detectable concentration, and/or detecting an intensity of at least one peak indicative of a concentration of the target nucleic acid. Any of the sample portions which contains a single molecule of the target nucleic acid would attain a detectable concentration of the target nucleic acid after a single round of amplification.

Abstract: A method comprising loading a sample portion into a sample chamber inside a microcapillary device, subjecting the sample portion to at least a first amplification step, and then determining whether the first sample portion contains at least one molecule of a target nucleic acid. Also, a microfluidic device comprising a sample chamber inside a microcapillary device, and a sample portion and/or an amplification targeting reagent in the sample chamber. Also, a microfluidic assembly comprising a microcapillary device having a sample chamber containing a reagent which enables amplification of a target nucleic acid. Also, a microfluidic device comprising a microcapillary device having a sample retaining means which contains a sample portion and/or an amplification targeting reagent.

Abstract: A method comprising depositing a sample portion in a sample retaining means, and forcing a curable fluid across an exposed surface of the sample retaining means, thereby displacing excess first sample from the exposed surface without displacing the sample from the sample retaining means. Also, a method comprising depositing a sample portion in a sample retaining means, removing excess sample from an exposed surface of the sample retaining means, and depositing a curable fluid on the exposed surface. Also, a microfluidic device comprising a sample chamber, a first sample portion in the sample chamber, and a curable fluid and/or a cured fluid positioned on an exposed surface of a sample retaining means.

Abstract: A method comprising subjecting one or more sample portion(s) to a single amplification step, thereby amplifying a single molecule in the sample portion to a detectable level, and, in some embodiments, then determining whether the sample portion contains at least one molecule of the target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the sample portion is in a porous sample structure, or in a sample chamber which comprises means for minimizing diffusion of the sample portion, or in a sample chamber which is inside a microcapillary device, or in a sample retaining means.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the discovery that proteins encoded by a family of vertebrate genes, termed here hedgehog-related genes, comprise morphogenic signals produced by embryonic patterning centers, and are involved in the formation of ordered spatial arrangements of differentiated tissues in vertebrates. The present invention makes available compositions and methods that can be utilized, for example to generate and/or maintain an array of different vertebrate tissue both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of nucleic acid analysis. Such methods entail forming a population of gel microdrops encapsulating a population of biological entities, each entity comprising a nucleic acid, whereby at least some microdrops in the population each encapsulate a single entity. The population of gel microdrops is then contacted with a probe under conditions whereby the probe specifically hybridizes to at least one complementary sequence in the nucleic acid in at least one gel microdrop. At least one gel microdrop is then analyzed or detected. The biological entities can be cells, viruses, nuclei and chromosomes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a target nucleotide sequence. This method involves forming a ligation product on a target nucleotide sequence in a ligase detection reaction mixture, amplifying the ligation product to form an amplified ligation product in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mixture, detecting the amplified ligation product, and identifying the target nucleotide sequence. Such coupling of the ligase detection reaction and the polymerase chain reaction permits multiplex detection of nucleic acid sequence differences.

Abstract: The present invention is related generally to analysis of polynucleotides, particularly polynucleotides derived from genomic DNA. The invention provides methods, compositions and systems for such analysis. Encompassed by the invention are constructs that include pairs of target sequences which are separated by a known distance in the polynucleotide from which they are derived.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel mutations of the CFTR gene related to cystic fibrosis or to conditions associated with cystic fibrosis. Also provided are probes for detecting the mutant sequences. Methods of identifying if an individual has a genotype containing one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are further provided.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA compositions that relate to transgenic insect resistant maize plants. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the maize DAS-59122-7 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the maize genome and the DNA sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA compositions that relate to transgenic insect resistant maize plants. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the maize DAS-59122-7 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the maize genome and the DNA sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for designing a diet with a desired fat content for an individual in need thereof to allow the individual to, for example, maintain or reduce healthy weight, manage diabetes, for example by managing weight or accommodate a food allergy. The method comprises determining whether the individual carries APOA5 ?1131T and/or C allele or both or any allele in chromosome 11 that is in a tight linkage disequilibrium with said-alleles, wherein if the individual is a homozygote for APOA5 ?1131T allele or an allele in tight linkage disequilibrium with APOA5 ?1131T allele, the designing of a diet comprises reducing a total fat content of the diet below 30% of total calorie intake and/or reducing the amount of monounsaturated fatty acids in the diet under about 11% of total calorie intake. We surprisingly found that these methods and kits apply to both females and males and to a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention also provide methods based on novel UCN3 nucleotide polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of AAFC03043460.1:g.8272-8281AATAATAAAT(SEQ ID NO: 9)>GGAGC, g.8208C>T, g.8265C>T, g.8287T>C, g.8412A>G, g.8426T>A, c.8786C>T, g.9074T>C, c.12609C>T, c.12621T>C, c.12667T>G and c.12669C>A, which may provide novel markers for marbling and/or subcutaneous fat. Additional aspects provide for novel methods which may comprise marker-assisted selection or marker-assisted management to improve marbling and/or subcutaneous fat depth in cattle.

Abstract: A method for isolating a nucleic acid from a cell-containing sample by using a magnet with a removable cover attached thereto and a plurality of containers arranged on a table, the plurality of containers having (1) a first container for mixing a cell-containing sample and magnetic beads to which cells can be adhered, (2) a cleaning tank for cleaning the magnetic beads with cells adhering thereto, and (3) a second container for heating the cleaned magnetic beads, the method includes: mixing a liquid including cell-containing sample and magnetic beads in the cell-containing sample in the first container so as to adhere cells in the cell-containing sample to magnetic beads; taking out the magnetic beads from the first container and cleaning the magnetic beads; and suspending the magnetic beads in a re-suspension buffer in the second container and heating the second container at 80 to 120° C. for 20 to 30°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for diagnosing neuroinflammatory demyelinating diseases, including but not limited to, multiple sclerosis. In particular, the present invention provides methods of identifying methylation patterns in genes associated with neuroinflammatory demyelinating diseases.