Abstract: A flame scanning device is provided for monitoring a flame. The device includes a radiation collection and transmission element for collecting flame radiation and transmitting it to detection elements, a flame sensor element for the detection of radiation and conversion of the detected radiation into electrical signals, and an evaluation unit for the conversion of the electrical signals into flame parameters. The flame sensor element can include at least two individual detectors each with an individual central detection wavelength and a width of observation window, respectively. The individual central detection wavelength and the width of observation window are not overlapping and are covering individual regions of interest of the spectrum of radiation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuous real time heating value/coal flow balancing of coal from a coal feeder to a burner. The apparatus includes a Dual-energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA)/Multi-energy Gamma Attenuation (MGA) device for measuring coal quality at a specific location between the coal silo/bunker and the coal feeder in a coal fired plant in order to control the individual burner stoichiometries according to the measured coal quality. By strategically placing the DGA/MGA device, continuous accurate real-time coal quality information is accomplished for making individual adjustments in order to improve stoichiometry to optimize performance of the system.

Abstract: A heat engine can have a fuel selector valve for selecting between a first fuel and a second fuel. Making the selection with the fuel selector valve can also determine a flow path through the heat engine, there being two different paths, each configured for a different fuel. A burner nozzle can form a single unit with the fuel selector valve. In some embodiments the burner nozzle can also form a single unit with an outlet valve.

Abstract: A dual fuel heating source can have a dual entry valve unit with a main body at least partially defining a certain flow paths or channels therethrough. The dual entry valve can have first and second inlets and first and second outlets. The dual fuel heating source may also include a pressure regulator, an exit valve, a control valve and/or a manifold connected to the dual entry valve unit.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus mainly consists of burners, a fuel supply channel having branched channels, an air feeder for supplying air to the burners, and a pressure regulator and has a combustion space. The branched channels allow fuel gas supplied to the burners to pass therethrough and are provided with shutoff valves. The pressure regulator includes a signal-pressure inlet and a secondary-pressure inlet. A signal pressure introduced through the signal-pressure inlet is detected at a downstream of the air feeder and a secondary pressure introduced through the secondary-pressure inlet is detected at a vicinity of a boundary of the branched channels in the fuel supply channel. Fuel gas discharged from the pressure regulator is regulated so as to satisfy a predetermined relationship between the signal pressure introduced through the signal-pressure inlet and the secondary pressure introduced through the secondary-pressure inlet.

Abstract: A method for producing a fuel nozzle is provided. In the method a swirl duct is mounted in an outer jacket surface of a pin and/or in an inner surface of a sleeve and the pin is attached in the sleeve so that the outer jacket surface of the pin is connected to the inner surface wherein the pin is disposed in the sleeve. The outer jacket surface of the pin and/or the inner surface of the sleeve includes at least one-swirl duct. A fuel nozzle and a burner are also further disclosed wherein the burner includes the fuel nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to orthodontic or dental appliances with a substrate, at least certain regions of which are provided with a coating containing titanium dioxide and/or titanium nitride, as well as a coating formulation and a method of applying the coating formulation to the orthodontic or dental appliances.

Abstract: An optical tip for disinfecting a site of a periodontal pocket includes a first portion configured to be optically coupled to a light source, and a second portion configured to be introduced into the site of the periodontal pocket, where a distal end of the second portion is cylindrical in form and has a constant outer diameter. The second portion is configured to carry light from the light source to the distal end.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing hardenable dental articles, packaged hardenable dental articles, and methods of packaging hardenable dental articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the manufacturing may involve molding a hardenable dental material in a mold cavity that may be lined with a mold liner. The mold body may also form the package of the hardenable dental article formed within the mold cavity. In other embodiments, the hardenable dental articles may be provided in mold cavities located in sacrificial mold bodies that may be torn, stretched, softened, dissolved, etc. to release the hardenable dental articles in the mold cavities.

Abstract: Single-use cartridges for the storing and dispensing of dental two-component impression materials have a closable external chamber with a cylinder-shaped external wall, a cylindrical closable internal chamber that is arranged coaxially or eccentric therein, a mixing element including housing and mobile mixer that is to be mounted separately or connected firmly to the external chamber at its inlet end. Either the internal cylindrical chamber is arranged such that it can be rotated and forms the drive shaft for the mobile mixer part of the mixing element, or the drive shaft extends parallel to the central axis through the internal cylindrical chamber or forms the central axis. The content of the chambers can be dispensed by means of conveying means whose axial thrust motions can be controlled independent of each other.

Abstract: A filling material pin (1) is provided made from a flexible material and is used for filling a root canal (6) of a tooth. The flexible material is memory material, which expands upon heating to the tooth or body temperature in the form of a volume change. The exterior of the filling material pin (1) is profiled at least across the length thereof that is effective in the use position such that regions having both larger and smaller cross-sections alternate in the axial direction, which can be achieved in a particularly useful and simple manner by a helical, threaded, or worm shape of the profiling, which simultaneously pushes an added cement or filling material more effectively and deeper into the canal (6) upon rotating the filling material pin (1) inserted into the root canal (6), thus allowing air contained therein to escape.

Abstract: An irrigator handle to be used with a water jet apparatus for cleaning gums and teeth includes a visual indicator to let a user know when a tip has been properly attached to the handle. The handle in some embodiments also includes an audible indicator to let the user know when the tip has been properly attached. The handle has a pause button attached to plunger to restrict water flow when the pause button is depressed.

Abstract: A dental tool displacement apparatus for use with a motorized power handle to displace a dental tool includes a tool holder having a receptacle for receiving the dental tool, and a drive arrangement. The drive arrangement defines a transmission from the motorized power handle to the tool holder such that the tool holder undergoes reciprocating motion parallel to the tool axis at a first frequency of oscillations per minute and rotates about the tool axis at a second frequency of rotations per minute. In some cases, the two types of motion are generated by an eccentric drive pin engaging an annular slot which has gear teeth along one side, thereby generating an angular rotation step of the tool holder during each reciprocating stroke. In some cases, the first frequency is at least one order of magnitude greater than the second frequency.

Abstract: A compound angular joint for connecting an abutment to a dental implant in a predefined angle. One compound angular joint comprises a basal member connectable to the dental implant, and an apical member connectable to the abutment. The apical member is connected to the basal member forming the predefined angle. Assembling the compound angular joint of the two members allows achieving a strong and stable connection between the basal member and the dental implant, between the apical member and the abutment, and between the basal member and the apical member. The compound angular joint may be used in prostheses to allow optimally exploiting the bone structure of the jaw.

Abstract: Dental implant system for mounting a dental superstructure is disclosed. Enossal, gingival, transgingival sections plus implant head are integrated into a single-piece implant body. The enossal and gingival sections have geometries derived from diagnostic patient data and, thus, correspond geometrically precisely to the shape of the patient's jawbone and the drilled implant cavity and therefore completely fill those portions of the cavity. The superstructure covers the entire surface of the implant head, filling out the rest of the cavity. The surface structure of the dental implant has no gaps in it and portions of it are textured so as to facilitate complete fusing of tissue to implant, thereby preventing formation of gum pockets. Sections of the dental implant are rotationally asymmetrical, so as to ensure proper location of the implant in the cavity and prevent rotation. The construction of the implant also prevents the occurrence of micro-movements.

Abstract: A bridge support (1, 60, 90, 140) for arrangement to an implant (2) has a surface abutting (30) the implant (2), and a first compressible sealing (31) integrally made with said surface (30). The bridge support (1, 60, 90, 140) has a through channel (33) ending at said surface and is shaped so that a shoulder (34) is formed inside said channel (33), and has a second compressible sealing (35) integrally made with said shoulder (33). According to a second embodiment the bridge support (1, 60, 90, 140) has external protrusion at an outside (160) integrally made with the bridge support (1, 60, 90, 140). A screw (3, 250) for fastening the bridge support (1, 60, 90, 140) to an implant has a head (230, 252) with an abutment surface (231) and a stem (232, 252), and has a compressible sealing (237) integrally made with said abutment surface (230). The stem (232, 252) has an external longitudinal recess (234) or a longitudinal through hole (251).

Abstract: The present invention is a dental implant utilizing a polymeric dental post. The actual prosthetic portion of the implant may also be manufactured from a polymer. Various post designs are disclosed for setting and securing the post in a patient's jaw. Numerous polymers are disclosed and may be blended to achieve desired characteristics for both the post and prosthetic.

Abstract: An asymmetrically placement designed to preserve bone by having the coronal aspect being compatible with the bony anatomy at the time of tooth extraction. The implant may be of either a single or two stage design. By modifying the top of the implant fixture to partially mimic the bony anatomy at the time of extraction more crestal bony anatomy can be preserved and bone growth encouraged.

Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing a fixture of a dental implant with an improved structure in which the performance of osseointegration is excellent, spread of inflammation is reduced and a combination force between the fixture and an alveolar bone is remarkably increased, and a fixture of a dental implant manufactured by the method. The performance of osseointegration is excellent, and spread of inflammation can be reduced, and a combination between the fixture and an alveolar bone can be remarkably improved. Furthermore, the fixture of the dental implant having the above structure can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a composition and method for cleaning and polishing dentures during denture fabrication.

Abstract: An O-ring insertion tool is disclosed herein which holds and inserts an O-ring into a cap for releasably securing a dental appliance to, for example, a dental attachment assembly secured in the mouth of a patient. The tool comprises a driver having a central portion and at least one end portion with resilient prongs designed to push an O-ring through a bore in a bushing sleeve sized at one end to match the entrance of the cap. The bore has a tapered, frustoconical portion that at least extends up to the smaller end of the bore. The opposite end of the bore is of larger diameter matching the uncompressed dimensions of the O-ring. The prongs fit into the larger end of the bore in which the O-ring is positioned and are adapted to engage and advance the O-ring through the bore. The O-ring is uniformly compressed as it advances through the frustoconical portion of the bore, and the compressed O-ring is then pushed out of the second end of the bore and into position in the cap.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for diagnosis of and early treatment adoption for asymptomatic diseases. In one embodiment, an examination system is provided including an input device for entering patient data, a computer including a medium for storing entered data, and a feedback module for providing feedback to an examined patient based on the data entered. A method of using the examination system is also provided in which feedback is provided directly to the patient concurrently with the measurement or other acquisition of a significant data point. Feedback is also provided at the conclusion of the examination in the form of a report, treatment plan, or customized educational materials. In a further embodiment, the patient is an active participant in the examination, recording data points themselves via the input device.

Abstract: A motorized toothbrush comprising a motor disposed within an interior chamber of a handle member. A drive shaft is in communication with the motor, its distal end having a drive gear thereon. A brush head is secured to the handle member, having three brush assemblies disposed therein, each brush assembly including a base gear disposed within the cover, and a bristle block disposed above the cover. Each of the base gears are engaged with the adjacent base gears of the other brush assemblies, and the drive gear is engaged with the first base gear. When the motor rotates the drive shaft, the first base gear rotates the first bristle block in a first direction, which causes counter-rotation of the second base gear and bristle block, which causes the third base gear and bristle block to rotate in the first direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a root canal in a tooth or hard and/or soft tissue within a tooth and surrounding tissues by pulsing a laser light into a reservoir, preferably after introducing liquid fluid into the reservoir, so as to disintegrate, separate, or otherwise neutralize pulp, plaque, calculus, and/or bacteria within and adjacent the fluid reservoir without elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, bones, gums, other soft tissues, other hard tissues, and any other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Abstract: A tactile identification and classification system including a tab having an adhesive layer, a first field on the tab having at least one first projection, in which the first field defines a main category of items. Also included is a second field on the tab having at least one second projection. Further, the at least one second projection differs from the at least one first projection in shape or size, and the second field defines a sub category of items corresponding to the main category of items.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving study are described. A study aid kit includes a study plan, activities and challenges. In one example, a study aid is embodied in a surface marked with a plurality of indicia and a plurality of markers identifies progress of the participants. Performance of the activity determines advancement according to the study plan. Activities are associated with one or more related human competencies. In certain embodiments, human competencies are selected from one of factual knowledge competencies, audio/visual performance/tactile/olfactory competencies, multidimensional graphic competencies and spelling/vocabulary/language competencies.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of simulating facilities for use in locate operations training exercises are disclosed. Embodiments of the simulated facilities systems include a floor system in which one or more concealed wires may be energized to simulate underground facilities for the purpose of performing, for example, locate operations training, updating, and/or certification exercises for locate technicians. Embodiments of the simulated facilities systems include configurable pedestals by which either non-electric power line type of facilities and/or electric power line types of facility may be simulated. In some embodiments, simulated facilities systems may be configured manually and/or by use of a system controller.

Abstract: A system and method for moderating child interaction in a networked community by a supervisor that includes monitoring interactions of a child within a first environment; selecting a child interaction that satisfies a notification parameter of the supervisor; and sending a notification to the supervisor within a second environment with information associated with the selected interaction.

Abstract: A soccer training system is used to condition soccer players to make shots at the goal with an improved likelihood of scoring by conditioning the soccer players to aim towards the areas of the goal where shots are more likely to score. Similarly disclosed is a novel method of conditioning soccer players to improve their ability to score goals.

Abstract: An intelligent tissue mimicking ultrasonic phantom, which is a temperature-sensitive polymer gel having the following acoustic properties and other physical characteristics: acoustic velocity: 1500-1550 m/s; acoustic impedance: (1.50?1.60)×106 Pa·s/m; density: 1.01-1.06 g/cm3; and a denaturation temperature, namely, a Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) or a Volume Phase Transition Temperature at which the volume of the phantom changes, adjustable by changing the ratio of raw materials, around which there is a reversible phase transformation between the opaque phase and the transparent phase. Said gel can be a polymer of isopropylacrylamide (NIPA).

Abstract: The present invention is an obstructive sleep apnea demonstration model device for a user and a patient. The device includes a vertical display stand with a horizontal base, a vertical front surface and a horizontal flange, a vertical side profile base with a removed oral cavity portion attached to the display stand and disposed within the horizontal flange, a top movable side piece with an upper lip, a set of upper teeth, a hinge and a palate. The device also includes a back elongated movable side piece disposed behind the top side piece that hinges on the palate, a chin assembly side piece with a chin, a lower lip, a set of lower teeth and a tongue and an intraoral appliance that is placed between the upper teeth and the lower teeth to treat the patient with an obstructive sleep apnea condition.

Abstract: Method and system for organ preservation. According to one aspect, an organ may be preserved by being perfused with an in situ generated preserving gas. The organ may be, for example, a human or porcine pancreas, and perfusion of the pancreas may be anterograde, retrograde, ductal, anterograde/ductal, or retrograde/ductal. The preserving gas used to perfuse the organ may be dissolved in a liquid and then administered to the organ as a gas/liquid solution or may be mixed with one or more other gases and then administered to the organ as a gas/gas mixture. The preserving gas may be, for example, oxygen gas generated in situ using an electrochemical oxygen concentrator. According to another aspect, an organ preservation system may include an electrochemical oxygen concentrator having a water vapor feed, as well as auxiliary equipment to control and measure delivery pressure, flow, temperature and humidity.

Abstract: Provided are nucleic acid sequences that are used to prepare primers and probes that are used in a kinetic polymerase chain reaction (kPCR) assay to detect influenza viruses in a human or animal subject. The starting material for the kPCR assays may be DNA or RNA and the assays may be conducted in a singleplex assay to detect a single influenza virus or in a multiplex assay to detect multiple influenza viruses. The primers and probes have utility in the detection and quantification of type A and type B influenza viruses (INFA and INFB, respectively) and have been shown to be effective for the detection and quantification of all the known INFA subtypes, namely, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, and H9.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro methods of screening human subjects for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) which exhibits loss of regulation of E6/E7 mRNA expression and loss of replication and/or expression of a stabilized pre-mRNA encoding full length E6 protein. In particular, the invention provides in vitro methods of screening for persistent transforming HPV infection equivalent to persistent cell abnormalities or persistent CIN III lesions, cancer in situ or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). The methods are useful in the context of cervical cancer screening.

Abstract: Specified restriction endonucleases have been characterized for the first time by their amino acid and DNA sequences. These sequences and those with at least 90% identity thereto have been used as probes in sequence similarity analyses to identify sequence matches in a sequence database that corresponds to novel restriction endonucleases or isoschizomers. The sequence similarity analyses includes selecting a positive sequence match from any sequence producing an expectation value of less than or equal to e-02.

Abstract: This procedure is intended to demonstrate the genetic foundation of infirmities caused by abnormal base pair sequences and protein deficiencies (which are an expression of genetic aberrations). Comparisons of normal and abnormal genetic sequences and protein outputs can be used to determine the root origin of the problem.

Abstract: Methods for sequencing nucleic acids are presented. Sequencing is accomplished through the chemical amplification of the products of DNA synthesis and the detection of the chemically amplified products. In embodiments of the invention, a substrate is provided having a plurality of molecules of DNA to be sequenced attached and a plurality of molecules capable of chelating pyrophosphate ions attached, the DNA molecules to be sequenced are primed, and a next complementary nucleotide is incorporated and excised a plurality of times leading to the buildup of pyrophosphate ions locally around the DNA molecule to be sequenced. Pyrophosphate ions are captured by the substrate-attached chelators and optically detected to determine the identity of the next complementary nucleic acid in the DNA molecule to be sequenced.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel solid cancer antigenic proteins, and diagnostic kits for solid cancer and therapeutic agents for solid cancer based on the antigenic proteins. Specifically, the present invention provides a human solid cancer antigenic polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73, and 75.

Abstract: The present application discloses a process for improving the accuracy of fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assays in which the sample being assayed is likely to contain cells in apoptosis by excluding these cells from the evaluation of the FISH assay. This is conveniently done by labeling the cells in apoptosis by incorporating labeled nucleotides into the apoptosis typical breaks in their nuclear DNA. The present application also discloses a kit and system adapted for carrying out this process for improving the accuracy of FISH assays.

Abstract: A method of genome analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method of comprises: a) contacting a genomic sample comprising a double-stranded DNA with a site-specific nicking endonuclease to provide a nicked double-stranded DNA comprising a plurality of nick sites, in which the nicking endonuclease nicks a site adjacent to a variable nucleotide; b) contacting the nicked double-stranded DNA with a polymerase in the presence of a nucleotide composition comprising a first labeled nucleotide comprising a first label, thereby producing a labeled double-stranded DNA that is not labeled at every nick site; c) stretching out the labeled double-stranded DNA to provide a stretched, labeled double-stranded DNA; and d) imaging the stretched, labeled double-stranded DNA to identify a labeling pattern on the stretched labeled double-stranded DNA.

Abstract: A method of sample analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) site-specifically labeling a test genome with at least two different labels to produce a labeled genome labeled at a plurality of discrete sites across the genome; b) stretching a nucleic acid of the labeled genome to produce a linear pattern of the different labels along a region of a stretched nucleic acid; c) reading the labels along the region to provide a test pattern comprising a sequence of colors emitted by the labels; d) comparing the test pattern to a plurality of reference patterns obtained from a reference genome, in which the reference patterns are mapped to corresponding genomic locations in the reference genome; and e) identifying one or more reference patterns that match the test pattern, thereby mapping a location for the region in the test genome.

Abstract: A method is provided in various embodiments for determining a profile data set for a subject with cervical cancer or conditions related to cervical cancer based on a sample from the subject, wherein the sample provides a source of RNAs. The method includes using amplification for measuring the amount of RNA corresponding to at least 1 constituent from Tables 1-5. The profile data set comprises the measure of each constituent, and amplification is performed under measurement conditions that are substantially repeatable.

Abstract: The invention provides allelic ladder mixtures and individual alleles suitable for use in such mixtures. The allelic ladder mixtures give improved identification and distinguishing capabilities, particularly suitable in forensic investigations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic polypeptide isolated from Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and variants of the polypeptide. The polypeptide and variants may be used in vaccines against Johne's disease and in methods for detection of the disease. Antibodies against the polypeptide or variants may be used in diagnostic tests for Johne's disease. Also included are polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide and variants, and methods for preparing these.

Abstract: The present invention provides 27 marker genes comprising Orm1, Scarb1, Stmn1, Rad21, Nup54, Jun, Dmp1, Abi1, 6530403A03Rik, Slc2a1, Plf (Plf2, Mrpplf3), Fosl1, Chek1, Pik3r5, JunB, Vegfa, Rif1 (LOC671598), Il1rl1, Phex, Tfrc, Zfhx1b, Rad51ap1, Hells, Mcm3, Orm2, Car13 and Ccnb1, which enables the detection of a tumor promoter in a simple manner and within a short period of time in a test for predicting carcinogenicity as a tumor promoter using a cultured cell. The present invention further provide a tumor promoter detection method using at least one of the marker genes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are are polynucleotides which may be used to calibrate or standardize quantitative nucleic acid assays. As disclosed, the polynucleotides comprise a sequence derived from a plant viroid polynucleotide or a bacterial or chloroplast Type II intron polynucleotide. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the polynucleotides.

Abstract: 1-(2-Fluoro-4-thio-?-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-methyluracil exhibits an anti-EB virus activity, and is therefore effective as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a disease associated with an EB virus. Each of a plasmid capable of expressing EB virus-TK and a plasmid capable of expressing human-TK is introduced into a TK-defect cell, thereby producing two types of cells respectively having the plasmids introduced therein. By using the two types of cells, it is possible to screen a medicinal agent which has cytotoxicity against the cell having the plasmid capable of expressing EB virus-TK introduced therein but has no toxicity against the cell having the plasmid capable of expressing human-TK introduced therein. In this manner, it becomes possible to screen a medicinal agent which specifically exhibits an anti-EB virus activity.

Abstract: In the present invention, an amplified DNA fragment having a first substance binding site to which a first substance is specifically bindable is prepared, which amplified DNA fragment amplified by a nucleic acid amplification method. The amplified DNA fragment is concentrated by binding the amplified DNA fragment to the first substance. The concentration makes it possible to detect the DNA highly sensitively. Therefore, with the arrangement, it is possible to detect the amplified DNA fragment amplified by the nucleic acid amplification method, easily and highly accurately without requiring any special device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent kit for analyzing a sample comprising a first reagent containing a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an aromatic carboxylic acid and a second reagent containing a fluorescent dye capable of staining nucleic acid, and a method for analyzing a sample using the kit.