Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer optical disk including a plurality of information storage layers is disclosed. The method includes a mastering step of preparing a plurality of metal dies, a replicating step of producing a base plate onto which a desired pattern is transferred using the plurality of metal dies and forming recordable/reproducible information storage layers. The desired pattern includes a wobbling tract pattern that is formed by combining a plurality of wobble patterns each having the same fundamental frequency. The mastering step produces the plurality of metal dies for the plurality of information storage layers having a shape that specifies a track groove whose shape factor differs from one information storage layer to another.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a substrate for making a microarray wherein a monomolecular film for immobilizing a target molecule can be simply formed position-selectively in manufacture of the substrate for making the microarray is provided. A method for manufacturing a substrate for making a microarray, comprising, a step of forming a resist film on the substrate using a chemically amplified positive resist composition using a copolymer where a content of a monomer unit having a hydroxyl group is 5 mole % or less relative to total monomer units as a binder; a step of patterning the resist film; a step of forming a monomolecular film having a silicon oxide chain on the substrate having the patterned resist film; and subsequently a step of removing the resist film.

Abstract: A method of forming 3D micro structures with high aspect ratios includes the steps of: disposing a mask, which has a plurality of through holes having at least two different sizes, on a substrate to expose the substrate through the through holes; forming a negative photoresist layer on the mask and the substrate; providing a light source to illuminate the negative photoresist layer through the substrate and the through holes of the mask so as to form a plurality of exposed portions and an unexposed portion; and removing the unexposed portion and leaving the exposed portions to form a plurality of pillars each having a bottom portion contacting the substrate and a top portion opposite to the bottom portion. A top area of the top portion is slightly smaller than a bottom area of the bottom portion, and the pillars are allowed to have at least two different heights.

Abstract: A video analytics system for characterization of a flare. A video of a flare may be taken for obtaining information so as to appropriately control the flare in an interest of reducing emissions not necessarily favorable to the environment. The system may incorporate a control scenario involving one or more parameters of a flare which are to be controlled in view of a flare characterization from an algorithmic analysis of the video.

Abstract: A heat accumulating-type burner that operates by alternately repeating heat accumulation and combustion where the heat accumulating element is heated by exhaust gas to accumulate heat therein, and combustion air is passed through the heat accumulating portion to preheat the combustion air by thermal exchange with the heat accumulating element that holds the heat accumulated therein, and the preheated combustion air is used to carry out, combustion. The cross-sectional area of the heat accumulating portion at the furnace-inner side is made to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the heat accumulating portion at the air supply/discharge port side, and in addition, the thickness of the fireproof heat insulating member that covers the heat accumulating portion is made to be thick at the furnace-inner side of the heat accumulating portion, and is made to be thin at the air supply/discharge port side of the heat accumulating portion.

Abstract: A combustor for a turbine engine is disclosed. The combustor may have a can-like dilution zone, a primary combustion zone, and a secondary combustion zone. The primary combustion zone may be disposed radially about the can-like dilution zone. The secondary combustion zone may be disposed at an end of the can-like dilution zone to fluidly communicate the primary combustion zone and the can-like dilution zone.

Abstract: The invention discloses a heating apparatus, which includes a housing frame consisting of conduits for containing gas and/or liquid fuel and which includes supporting means for supporting an object to be heated; burning means for heating the object supported on the supporting means; and inlet means for supplying the gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means. The apparatus furthermore includes valve means associated with the burning means, and being adapted to prevent the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means if the supporting means is not substantially horizontal. The apparatus furthermore includes valve means associated with the burning means, and being adapted to prevent the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means if an object is not supported by the supporting means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous melting of inorganic salts and a furnace installation for realizing the method. Solid salts are fed into a furnace with the aid of a feeding unit. The salts contained in the furnace are heated. A flow of the salts is generating inside the furnace with the aid of a circulating unit. The flow generates a two-phase region containing solid and melted salt and a separate second region containing substantially solely a melt that is heated to the desired temperature. The melt is discharged from the separate second region simultaneous with the feeding of the solid salts into the furnace with the aid of a removal unit.

Abstract: An indirect bonding tray places orthodontic appliances in precise, predetermined positions on the teeth of a patient. The indirect bonding tray includes a first matrix material that extends over a set of appliances and a second matrix material that extends over the first matrix material. The indirect bonding tray also includes at least one occlusal stop member that is connected to the second matrix material for firm, relatively hard contact with the occlusal tips of the patient's teeth when the tray is received in place over the patient's dental arch.

Abstract: An active dental attachment. Specifically, an attachment device for interacting with a polymeric shell dental appliance is described. The attachment device includes an anchoring attachment body. A bonding surface is coupled to the anchoring attachment body, wherein the bonding surface is configured for anchoring the anchoring attachment body to a dental feature of a patient's dentition. A force-applying active mechanism is coupled to the anchoring attachment body. A polymeric shell dental appliance contact region is coupled to the force-applying active mechanism. The polymeric shell dental appliance contact region is configured to contact the force-applying active mechanism and apply a force generated by the force-applying active mechanism between the dental feature and the polymeric shell dental appliance when the polymeric shell dental appliance engages the force-applying active mechanism.

Abstract: A bonding tray for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances includes a body adapted to fit over at least a portion of the dental arch. One or more orthodontic appliances are releasably connected to the body, and a photocurable adhesive material extends across the base or bonding pad of each appliance for bonding the appliance to a tooth. An outer surface of the body includes at least one receptacle for removably receiving a source of light in order to facilitate curing the photocurable adhesive material.

Abstract: Indirect bonding trays for orthodontic treatment are made from a model of the patient's dental arch that is manufactured using digital data and rapid prototyping processes. The model includes one or more guides for orienting an orthodontic appliance in a desired position on a model tooth of the dental arch model. A holder is connected to the archwire slot of the appliance and is brought into contact with the guide in order to move the appliance to its intended position for subsequent manufacture of the indirect bonding tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a tooth shade of at least a portion of a patient's tooth which is to be replaced or restored, by capturing an electronic image of the patient's tooth, the image including color information representative of the patient's tooth shade; storing color information representative of known tooth shades with each known tooth shade representing a different tooth color; calibrating the color information of the patient's tooth and the color information representative of known tooth shades; and comparing the color information of the patient's tooth with the stored color information to identify a single tooth shade or a combination of tooth shades with a color or combined color corresponding to the color of at least a portion of the patient's tooth, such that the patient's tooth may be comprised of a single tooth shade or a plurality of tooth shades.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light curing device, comprising a light source which is accommodated in a housing which has a light exit, through which light leaves the housing. It is provided that the light exiting direction of the light beam is variable, in particular infinitely variable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light curing device/base station combination, comprising a heat absorbing element, which is in particular metallic, and which is in thermally conducting connection with a heat source, in particular a light source, and in particular comprising a handle. The base station (12) has for the light curing device (14) a heat dissipating device(27), which lies against the heat absorbing element (24) when the light curing device (14) is accommodated in or on the base station (12).

Abstract: A dental implement for applying a hemostatic compound to a root canal of a person's tooth includes an elongate applicator having an upper section and a lower section. The lower section includes a tip having a generally pointed configuration. The tip and lower section may be coated with a hemostatic agent that inhibits bleeding. A user may hold the applicator by its upper section and insert the lower section and tip into a root canal for applying the hemostatic compound to the tissues therein, whereby to inhibit bleeding during a root canal procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to dental machining device (1) having at least one shaft (2) which projects into a machining chamber (4) and is displaceable in both axial and radial directions, and having a sealing element (7) for sealing the shaft (2), wherein the sealing element (7) exhibits at least two axially spaced sealing lips (8, 9) bearing against the shaft (2) in its peripheral direction and enclosing an annular chamber (10) with the shaft (2), at least one fluid conduit (11) opening into the annular chamber (10) to supply a fluid (16) thereto, and means (14) for detecting a state variable of the fluid. The invention further relates to a method for monitoring such sealing elements, by means of which a state variable of the fluid (16) is detected and held ready for transmission to a control unit (14?).

Abstract: The present invention provides a healing abutment for attachment to a dental implant with marking locations thereon. The marking locations either lack or have markers that provide a binary code system for retrieving unique information about the healing abutment and the underlying implant.

Abstract: A two-part screw for a dental implant with a screw rod and a nut, which is sized so as to be received into a screw passage channel of an abutment in an axially secured manner, and which is formed with an inner thread for screwing connection to a first coronal thread on the screw rod, the screw rod being furnished with a second apical thread, which is formed to screwingly connect the screw to the dental implant; the construction made up of screw rod and nut can be replaced with a screw with a screw bush.

Abstract: The abutment for a tooth implant comprises a connecting portion for fixing to the tooth implant and a post with a groove. In one example, the connecting portion and the post are made in one-piece and the abutment has the form of a sleeve. Such an abutment permits repeated further treatment and use of snap-on elements, in particular, the use of a snap-on cap which can be used as a manipulation element or as a base for the production of a crown.

Abstract: A powder blast tool for mixing a powder with a pressurised gas, having at least one powder reservoir, with supply lines for the pressurised gas, and a discharge line, which is connected to a discharge nozzle, at which a powder-gas mixture and optionally pressurised water are discharged, wherein the powder blast tool can preferably be connected to plural powder reservoirs simultaneously and exchangeably, wherein at least one receiving region with at least one mixture terminal and at least one gas terminal is disposed on the powder blast tool and wherein the powder reservoir has a coupling region for exchangeable connection of the powder reservoir to the powder blast tool. Also disclosed are a suitable powder reservoir and an insert for such powder reservoirs and a corresponding method of dental treatment.

Abstract: An autonomous device which includes a trough, shaped for the immersion of teeth and/or gums of a dental arch, or a dental brace and one or more electrical components which provide functionality is disclosed. The device is useful in methods for whitening teeth, relieving pain, treating bacteria, treating bad breath, and healing. Inserts for use with the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to the invention, the components of the system have been optimised such that they interact and complement each other and such that one cannot operate without the other in the formation of refractory moulds for multiple metal castings in the production of fixed dental prostheses. The invention also relates to a mechanical metal device for positioning increased length refractory cylinders in standard horizontal centrifuges, thereby increasing the number of fixed dental prostheses that can be cast at one time.

Abstract: A video camera and recording device integrated with a real or toy weapon to provide video recording of the assault and aiming process of the weapon holder in operational training, actual combat, hunting, sports and gaming scenarios. A video camera is boresighted with the weapon, and a video memory stores the recorded dynamic scenario, and a trigger sensor which continually senses and records the triggering actions imposed by the weapon holder. The trigger sensor is attached to the actual trigger of the weapon thus enabling normal operation of the weapon. The video camera, may be mounted internally within the bore of the weapon, such that the external form of the weapon is not altered, thus achieving closer operation to real life situations. The recorded trigger data is utilized upon playback of the recorded video, enabling quick review and scoring of the recorded aiming process for training and gaming.

Abstract: A flight training hood that can be collapsed for compact storage. A spring member can quickly restore the flight training hood to its pre-collapsed position ready for use.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously advertising and educating students which uses a corporate sponsor of consumer products or service which pays for a modular hands-on real-life simulation of an occasion for encountering the products or service and provides ability to learn and to permit revenue sharing via an internet teaching and testing component.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided. In at least one embodiment, the method includes receiving an indication of selection of a key from a keyboard, including at least one of a polysemous symbol and a compilation symbol; and displaying a scene related to the selected at least one of a polysemous symbol and a compilation symbol. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a keyboard including a plurality of keys including polysemous symbols; and a display to display, on at least a portion thereof and in response to receiving an indication of selection of a key including at least one of a polysemous symbol and a compilation symbol, a scene related to the selected at least one of a polysemous symbol and a compilation symbol.

Abstract: A method of promoting literacy through encouraging reading includes the step of providing a medium capable of storing and displaying information. Information relating to an individual is entered onto the medium, with at least a portion of the information being related to current reading materials of the individual. The medium is placed into a display mechanism adapted and constructed to be worn on the person of the individual, and the display mechanism is then worn by the individual.

Abstract: A method of using lights and a light system for teaching dance, particularly to students with hearing impairments. The method or dance instruction includes a light bar having a plurality of first lights and second lights. The first and second lights are visually distinguishable. The first lights are turned on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern, and the second lights of the light bar are turned on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern. A light system for dance instruction includes a light bar having a first lights and second lights, which are visually distinguishable, and a control unit for: a) turning the first lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning the second lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern.

Abstract: One embodiment of the apparatus includes clothing depicting a selected body anatomy so that when the clothing is associated with the body to be massaged the clothing presents the location of the body system of interest. Such clothing preferably forms a visual aid that is associated with a body to be massaged that shows (a) the location of a muscle system (with or without labels) perhaps including a split view overlaying muscles and underlying muscles, (b) a skeletal system depicting bony landmarks and origin, insertion and function of attached muscles, (c) a lymphatic system showing circulation paths, (d) the nine regions and quadrants of a human body, and (e) the location of organs and acupressure points including chakras. Such a visual aid would preferably be useful for allowing a student to better comprehend the meaning of terms such as medial, lateral, prone, and supine and the locations of body “landmarks.

Abstract: The interactive science learning method consists of a sequence of hands-on experiments with matching computer simulations that connect a student's prior experience to core science concepts, and the apparatus implements the learning method. A tutorial is employed to evoke a student's prior experience, and equates that experience with a hands-on laboratory experiment performed by the student. Computer generated simulations emulate the hands-on experiment to reinforce the concept, by picturing the phenomenon more completely and by allowing the student to instantaneously see how changing input variables affects an outcome, and may also extrapolate the concept to different physical scales. A remote sensor device, such as may for example incorporate an accelerometer feature, can be employed to transmit, in real time, signals containing information that is representative of phenomena that are sensed or experienced by the student, for use in the computer-generated simulations.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless learning system that includes a master control unit and a plurality of trigger units. Each trigger unit is able to wirelessly communicate with the master control unit and the other trigger units. Each trigger unit further includes at least one trigger switch and can provide an indication when that trigger unit is the first one of the trigger units to have its trigger switch actuated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of cross-linking amnion to be an improved biomedical material. The present invention adopts the amnion cross-linked by EDC (N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N?-ethyl-carbodiimide HCI) or NHS (N-hydroxysuccinimide), and the cross-linked amnion not only has more resistance to protease, but also binds specific extracellular matrix (ECM) such as heparin by using cross-linked functional group. Further, by using the affinity of the ECM with specific growth factors, the amnion can be an efficient carrier for specific growth factor. Hence, some specific diseases may be treated.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for separating and harvesting cells of interest, e.g., mononuclear cells, in a whole blood sample. The method of the invention uses the aspirating/dispensing probe of an automated sample preparation instrument to underlay a density gradient medium beneath a whole blood sample in a centrifugation tube, and the same probe is used to harvest cells of interest from a cell layer formed in the tube as a result of a centrifugation step. In harvesting cells, the probe is advanced inside the tube by a fixed, predetermined distance at which the probe tip (i.e., its aspiration port) is known to be located at, or within a predetermined distance below, the bottom of the cell layer. A predetermined volume of liquid is then aspirated through the probe tip, whereby most cells of interest (and more than 90% of those cells that can be harvested by a flawless manual method) are removed from the cell layer and collected for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for storing platelets to preserve the function and freshness of the platelets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a preservative composition having an antiplatelet agent, an anticoagulant, and an oxygen carrier, for maintaining the freshness of platelets. Additionally, the composition may also contain an ultra-short acting broad spectrum anti-microbial agents. The preservative composition may be used to store platelets in a liquid state, a frozen state, or a freeze-dried state.

Abstract: An assay is disclosed for measuring activity of enzymes, such as kinases, phosphatases, and proteses. Measurements of enzymatic activity are accomplished in a homogenous assay format utilizing a fluorescence quenching technique employing paramagnetic metal ions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new cytotoxic protein (M toxin, mucous layer devastating toxin) produced by Helicobacter pylori and the use. This invention provides a cytotoxic protein (M toxin) produced by Helicobacter pylori, a partial peptide, and an antitumor agent containing the cytotoxic protein. The protein is obtained by culturing a transformant which is transformed with a recombination vector containing DNA coding the cytotoxin protein. This invention provides further the use of the protein.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes to detect lamivudine resistant mutants of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which causes acute and chronic hepatitis, kits for detecting lamivudine resistant HBV comprising the PNA probes, and methods for detecting lamivudine resistant HBV by using the kits. They can accurately detect mutations of rtL180M, rtM204V, rtM204I and rtV2071 within B and C domains of HBV DNA polymerase gene, the main cause of lamivudine resistance, as well as mixed mutants of more than one mutant. They can detect lamivudine resistant HBV with high specificity and sensitivity.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention relates to a method for identifying inhibitors or viral entry comprising providing an indicator cell wherein said cell expresses a reporter gene and wherein said cell is capable of supporting entry by an effector particle, providing a candidate inhibitor of viral entry, co-compartmentalizing said candidate inhibitor and said indicator cell, contacting said indicator cell with an effector particle, incubating to allow any effector particle entry to take place, and assaying said indicator cell for reporter gene activity, wherein detection of reporter gene activity identifies the candidate inhibitor as an inhibitor for viral entry. Preferably the effector particle is HIV, preferably the reporter gene is a CD4-?-lactamase fusion or a tPA fusion, preferably the reporter gene activity is assayed by cleavage of an inert substrate into a fluorescent product.

Abstract: Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by disrupting the processing of the viral Gag capsid (CA) protein (p24) from the CA-spacer peptide 1 (SP1) protein precursor (p25) is disclosed. Amino acid sequences containing a mutation in the Gag p25 protein, with the mutation resulting in a decrease in the inhibition of processing of p25 to p24 by dimethylsuccinyl betulinic acid or dimethylsuccinyl betulin, polynucleotides encoding such mutated sequences and antibodies that selectively bind such mutated sequences are also included. Methods of inhibiting, inhibitory compounds and methods of discovering inhibitory compounds that target proteolytic processing of the HIV Gag protein are included. In one embodiment, such compounds inhibit the interaction of the HIV protease enzyme with Gag by binding to Gag rather than to the protease enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the development of a dual promoter system (preferably a RNA pol I-pol II system) for the efficient intracellular synthesis of viral RNA. The resultant minimal plasmid-based system may be used to synthesize any RNA virus, preferably viruses with a negative single stranded RNA genome. The viral product of the system is produced when the plasmids of the system are introduced into a suitable host cell. One application of the system is production of attenuated, reassortant influenza viruses for use as antigens in vaccines. The reassortant viruses generated by cotransfection of plasmids may comprise genes encoding the surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase from an influenza virus currently infecting the population and the internal genes from an attenuated influenza virus. An advantageous property of the present invention is its versatility; the system may be quickly and easily adapted to synthesize an attenuated version of any RNA virus.

Abstract: A method of measuring cytopathic effect in cells includes providing cells in culture, using electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) to measure the resistance of current associated with the cells, and quantifying the cytopathic effect (CPE) associated with the cells based on the measured resistance. The cells may be identified as being infected with a virus if the CPE associated with the cells is above a predetermined level. Alternatively, the cells may be provided in a healthy monolayer and infected with a virus in order to measure the effect of the virus on CPE associated with the cells. Cells may also be treated with candidate antiviral agents and the effects of the agents on the virus-infected cells may be measured to screen for and identify actual antiviral agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of obtaining a gene capable of becoming an index for predicting the efficacy of a histone deacetylase inhibitor, which comprises at least (I) a step of dividing tumor cells into a histone deacetylase inhibitor sensitive tumor cell and a histone deacetylase inhibitor resistant tumor cell, and (II) a step of examining the gene expression pattern of each of the sensitive tumor cell and the resistant tumor cell, and a step of selecting (i) a gene showing high expression in the sensitive tumor cell and low expression in the resistant tumor cell, or (ii) a gene showing low expression in the sensitive tumor cell and high expression in the resistant tumor cell, in order to provide a gene useful for predicting the efficacy, particularly an antitumor effect, of a histone deacetylase inhibitor, for a tumor desired to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides truncated gene-specific primers in panels that can be used during the reverse transcription step of RT-PCR to increase signal detection of cancer gene markers in a tissue sample. Also provided are forward and reverse primers for RT-PCR. Methods of using the primers are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of preparing biological databases, and databases prepared according to those methods. In some embodiments, the methods can be performed entirely using computer resources, relying solely on publicly available biological sequence information.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding fibrocystin-L polypeptides and fibrocystin-L polypeptides are provided. Antibodies against the polypeptides, vectors and host cells containing the nucleic acids, methods for using the nucleic acids and polypeptides, and compositions and articles of manufacture also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for detecting the presence or absence of a mutation of interest in the nucleic acid of a pathogen, wherein the mutation of interest is located adjacent to a length polymorphism defining multiple quasispecies of the pathogen.

Abstract: A method for classifying cancer patients as eligible to receive cancer therapy with a small molecule inhibitor of Bcl-2 comprising determination of the presence or absence in a patient tissue sample of chromosomal copy number status at the chromosomal locus 13q14 comprising the microRNA's miR15a and miR16-1. The classification of cancer patients based upon the presence or absence of 13q14 loss or gain allows better selection of patients to receive chemotherapy with a small molecule Bcl-2 inhibitor such as N-(4-(4-((2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,5-dimethyl-1-cyclohex-1-en-1- yl)methyl)piperazin-1-yl)benzoyl)-4-(((1R)-3-(morpholin-4-yl)-1-((phenylsulfanyl)methyl)propyl)amino)-3- ((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)benzenesulfonamide, and for monitoring patient response to this therapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to detection of specific extracellular nucleic acid in plasma or serum fractions of human or animal blood associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. Specifically, the invention relates to detection of nucleic acid derived from mutant oncogenes or other tumor-associated DNA, and to those methods of detecting and monitoring extracellular mutant oncogenes or tumor-associated DNA found in the plasma or serum fraction of blood by using rapid DNA extraction followed by nucleic acid amplification with or without enrichment for mutant DNA. In particular, the invention relates to the detection, identification, or monitoring of the existence, progression or clinical status of benign, premalignant, or malignant neoplasms in humans or other animals that contain a mutation that is associated with the neoplasm through detection of the mutated nucleic acid of the neoplasm in plasma or serum fractions.

Abstract: This invention relates to detection of specific extracellular nucleic acid in plasma or serum fractions of human or animal blood associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. Specifically, the invention relates to detection of nucleic acid derived from mutant oncogenes or other tumor-associated DNA, and to those methods of detecting and monitoring extracellular mutant oncogenes or tumor-associated DNA found in the plasma or serum fraction of blood by using rapid DNA extraction followed by nucleic acid amplification with or without enrichment for mutant DNA. In particular, the invention relates to the detection, identification, or monitoring of the existence, progression or clinical status of benign, premalignant, or malignant neoplasms in humans or other animals that contain a mutation that is associated with the neoplasm through detection of the mutated nucleic acid of the neoplasm in plasma or serum fractions.