Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a slot for attaching auxiliary attachments. The slot is formed into the pad of the bracket rather than being included in the bracket body. By forming the slot into the pad of the bracket rather than incorporating it into the bracket body, the slot may have a vertical orientation and may be centered on the bracket.

Abstract: Provided are orthodontic corrector devices, related assemblies and methods which direct forces within the oral cavity. These corrector devices and assemblies include a flexible cantilever which is coupled to both a connector component and a force module. The cantilever acts to isolate adjacent components from mastication forces encountered during treatment. By resiliently deflecting in response to these inadvertent forces, the cantilever reduces the likelihood of device breakage and bond failure. Upon removal of these forces, the cantilever returns to its original orientation thereby maintaining the proper alignment of the corrector. Advantageously, the cantilever also allows the force module to be positioned further in the distal direction thereby enabling a greater range of connection options.

Abstract: An orthodontic slider apparatus is disclosed. The orthodontic slider is used to apply intra or inter maxillary forces to distalize or mesialize teeth. The orthodontic slider of the current invention can easily be applied to the archwire of the fixed brackets of an orthodontic appliance without having to remove the archwire from the brackets. The slider utilizes self locking arms that allow it to easily attach to or detach from the archwire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire arch for use in orthodontics wherein a white or tooth-colored shrink tube is shrunk onto the wire arch.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a shaped fiber optic tip having a side-firing output end with a double bevel-cut shape. The shaped fiber optic tip can be configured to side-fire laser energy in a direction away from a laser handpiece and toward sidewalls of a treatment or target site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental mold on the basis of a thermoplastic film (4), and to an impression tray (1) for producing such a dental mold (2). The impression tray (1) is charged with a kneadable, malleable material (3) on which the thermoplastic film (4) that can be formed to a dental mold (2) is located. The softening temperature of the thermoplastic film (4) ranges between approximately 40 DEG C and approximately 80 DEG C.

Abstract: A transfer coping configured to take an impression of an implant is disclosed. The transfer coping has an impression material contact portion and an implant mating portion. The implant mating portion has at least one support portion and at least one deflection portion configured to be received within an opening on a coronal portion of an implant. The at least one protrusion is disposed on the at least one deflection portion and is configured to engage in a snap-fit manner with a coordinating feature of an implant. A method for identifying the position of an implant in a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: Scanbody for detecting the position and orientation of a dental implant. A scanbody including a bottom section capable of being connected to an implant, and also a three-dimensional scannable region having an asymmetrical geometry permitting unequivocal detection of its surface from different scanning directions in relation to a longitudinal center axis of the scanbody. The scannable region is provided, on its peripheral cylindrical surface, with scannable sections that are radially offset outwardly and/or inwardly in relation to the peripheral cylindrical surface, each of which scannable sections is differently shaped from the other scannable sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a guiding template for dental implantation. The method provides for associating a base template to a reference device, subjecting the patient to CAT, loading the data to a computer program, making an implant planning, generating the volume model, coupling the volume model to the reference device model, projecting the elements of the implant planning on the volume model, making a volume suitably drilled on the basis of the projection, coupling the volume to the reference device and making the holes of the planning on the base template. The present invention also relates to the guiding template thus obtained and the reference device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A dental positioning stent for drilling an implant hole and a manufacturing method, a using method and components for the same are provided. The manufacturing method includes: slicing a tooth mold and a false tooth model along a preset slice plane; fixing two markers in the preset slice plane on two sides of the false tooth model respectively; covering the markers and the false tooth model with a shaping agent to form a positioning stent; putting the positioning stent on the teeth in a mouth to perform tomography imaging to acquire a slice image of the preset slice plane; mounting a positioning aid having a positioning hole in the positioning stent according to the slice image pasted up on the tooth mold to guide an initial drill. A dental positioning stent for tomography imaging, and a manufacturing method, a using method, and components thereof are provided.

Abstract: There are disclosed apparatus and method for obtaining a proper emergence profile for a dental implant. An emergence profile guide may be seated into an osteotomy and a dental bur may be guided onto and along the emergence profile guide. The emergence profile guide may include a pilot, and the dental bur may include a corresponding channel, such that the channel rides onto the pilot. The dental bur is stopped by the emergence profile guide, such that a countersink is created with an optimum depth.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a dental substance which comprises a body formed in a single piece. The body connects a first passageway and a second passageway which extend along different paths. The body further comprises a nozzle with a free dispensing end. The second passageway extends into the nozzle and tapers toward the dispensing end. The invention helps to reduce manufacturing costs, and helps facilitating handling of the device.

Abstract: A biocompatible, resorbable collagen membrane having a wedge shape with a thick edge of relatively higher strength and rigidity and a thin edge of relatively higher deformability and elasticity, which membrane is bendable to a desired configuration and is sufficiently rigid to retain the bent configuration upon implantation at a surgical site; a method of making such a membrane, and the use of such a membrane in a “sinus lift” procedure for augmenting alveolar bone.

Abstract: Dental obturator point having an obturation body containing a composite material comprising (a) a polymer and b) a particulate filler, whereby the obturation body has a radio opacity of at least 3 mm/mm Al, characterized in that the composite material has (i) a tensile strength of from 5 to 70 MPAl (ii) a flexural strength of from 5 to 90 MPA, (iii) a flexural module of from 0.1 to 2.5 GPa, and which has (iv) a 300 rpm drilling coefficient at 37° C. in the range of from ?1 to 7.00.

Abstract: Fastening screws for prosthetic components are provided with a thread achieved by a rolling process (thread rolling). These fastening screw are connected to the fitted screw of universal trunnion CM, angled universal trunnion CM, angled conic mini pillar CM over the dental implant CM (Morse Cone system) intraorally placed. The screw can be used in a variety of prosthetic components line for CM dental implants (Morse Cone system) and other implants lines (outer hexagon, inner hexagon, etc.). The screw made by the rolled thread process provides stronger screws that can be used to fasten prosthetic components onto various dental implants.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alveolar bone graft, a processing method thereof, and a method of treatment using the same. The processing method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) separating the tooth gathered from a patient into a crown and a root; (b) removing soft tissues and enamels within neurons of the crown and the root; (c) washing the crown and the root taken in step (b); (d) forming a number of holes in the washed crown and the root; (e) dewatering, degreasing and decalcifying the crown and the root having a number of holes; and (f) freeze-drying the crown and the root. The present invention allows the safety of an implant operation to be improved; and a metastasis of infectious diseases of allograft, xeno (animal) graft to be prevented by using the patient's own tooth. Also, the present invention allows an autogenous bone graft to be possible without additional operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant analog for placing in a jaw model for modeling a dental prosthesis by means of the jaw model. Said analog comprises a sleeve extending in an axial direction and comprising an axial inner bore having an internal thread for threading in a fastening screw for fastening a post to the implant analog, wherein the post is provided for fastening a dental prosthesis. According to the invention, the sleeve comprises a self-tapping external thread for threading in the implant analog into a jaw model. The invention further relates to a method for applying such implant analogs and an implant system having such implant analogs.

Abstract: Immersive training scenario systems and related methods are provided. The immersive training scenario systems can provide at least one simulated structure. The at least one simulated structure can include a base structure having at least one surface thereon. One or more substrates with one or more photographic images printed thereon are applied to the surface of the base structure so that the simulated structure has realistic visual characteristics representative of a mission site or mission scenario.

Abstract: Driver training methods, systems, and computer readable media are disclosed. A training method receives sensor information from a vehicle driven along a driving route by an individual, assesses performance of the individual based on the sensor information and an individual mastery level, and adjusts the individual mastery level based on the assessed performance of the individual. The method may be embodied in a computer readable media. A driver training system includes a receiver that receives vehicle sensor information associated with a vehicle being driven along a driving route by an individual and a processor coupled to the receiver that assesses performance of the individual based on the received sensor information and an individual mastery level and adjusts the individual mastery level based on the assessed performance of the individual. Driver training protocols and systems and methods for implementing and transforming driver training protocols are also disclosed.

Abstract: A meal plate includes: a plurality of container receiving parts for receiving a container to serve food; an input part for inputting the kind of the food served in the container which is received in the container receiving parts; a measuring part disposed under the container receiving part for measuring information of the food served in the container; a storage part for storing the information of the food measured in the measuring part; and a communication part for transmitting the information of the food stored in the storage part to a user terminal.

Abstract: A portable terminal including: an imaging portion; a storage portion configured to store a database in which a plurality of foods and the calories thereof are associated with the shapes of containers and with the colors of the foods; a container detection portion configured to detect, from an image taken of a food slantwise at a predetermined angle to a horizontal direction, a container on which the food is placed; a container shape classification portion configured to classify the shape of the container detected by the container detection portion; a color detection portion configured to detect the container having been detected by the container detection portion; and a food estimation portion configured to estimate the food and the calories thereof from the database.

Abstract: An oral composition and a method for enhancing tasting capability and tasting intelligence involve applying the oral composition of a specific design to a user's mouth, wherein the specific design comprises allowing the oral composition to release successively one or more stimulating factors in the user's mouth over time; allowing the oral composition to provide the user with an innovative tasting experience constructed from music-like, graduated, rhythmic tasting and mouthfeel while the stimulating factors successively dissolve in and release to the user's mouth in a predetermined manner; and conducting diagnosis, training and/or enhancement of tasting capability and/or tasting intelligence of the user based on the user's individual music-like, graduated, rhythmic tasting and mouthfeel.

Abstract: A method and system for digitally relating psychological characteristics of a subject to on-screen drawings, comprising— providing a display screen and graphic input means that enable the subject to graphically interact with the screen, the interaction including drawing a sequence of strokes, the strokes being associated with a plurality of parameters, at least one parameter being temporal and at least one parameter being geometric; providing a data base that contains relations between stroke parameters and psychological characteristics; letting the subject to graphically interact with the screen and capturing and storing values of parameters corresponding to one or more strokes drawn by the subject in any of the sequences; and relating the captured parameter values from one or more of the sequences to contents of the data base. Optionally, one parameter is of force exerted during drawing.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating and recording video and audio associated with a dental procedure such as a dental or medical procedure comprises a video camera comprising a lens including an outermost refractive element. A light source comprises a plurality of light emitting devices. The light source is positioned adjacent the lens. The lens comprises an outer cylindrical surface. The outer cylindrical surface serves as a shade preventing light from entering the outermost refractive element. A support member supports the video camera at a plurality of positions. The instructor computer is coupled to the video camera for recording video output by the video camera. An instructor graphics input device is coupled to the computer for inputting graphical representations generated by the instructor into the instructor computer for inclusion in the video.

Abstract: A system for secure, web-based, proctored examinations is provided. A web-based platform allows for test delivery beyond a local testing center with the test delivered directly to the test-taker. Computing devices that have been secured for the taking of an examination allow a student or prospective professional to access an examination wherever there is an Internet connection. As a result, students and professionals can take examinations where they live, learn, and work thereby reducing the costs associated with travelling to testing centers and minimizing time away from work. Test-takers, proctors, instructors, administrators, authors, and test developers can all access data and test information anytime and anywhere. Secure examinations can be taken under the purview of a proctor either in person or via the Internet and utilizing any number of testing environment capture devices in conjunction with data forensic technologies.

Abstract: The invention relates to providing a computer based learning environment for a user wherein the user defines the content to be studied. The learning tool allows students to store and arrange located information in respect of a study topic, the material being in many different formats and from many sources, explore that located information, reinforce the material by testing their comprehension and understanding, allowing them to enquire further by expanding the information themselves or by collaboratively acquiring additional information/testing. The information/content to be studied by the user is established as a series of questions with answer, the format and content of each being determined by the user. In studying the invention allows the stored information to be displayed for a particular topic, whereas in testing the invention includes the further step of the user determining whether their answer to the question was correct.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are related to methods comprising contacting an endothelial cell in an endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The released angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, the angiogenic growth factor is fibroblast growth factor-2. Preferably, the non-thermal plasma may be an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to methods for treating a disease comprising promoting angiogenesis by contacting an endothelial cell in a endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of making a cell-containing product having a uniform amount of cells therein. The method comprises pooling red blood cells from a plurality of blood units, and inactivating any pathogen contained therein. A storage solution added to the cellular component results in a cell-containing product that is essentially pathogen and white blood cell free and has an extended shelf life of about 42 to about 100 days. The cell-containing product is further divided into units which comprise a uniform dose of RBCs per unit.

Abstract: Ultrasound stimulation devices and related techniques are disclosed. An ultrasound transducer for generating ultrasound energy is carried by a transducer housing that seals the transducer and may also include a positioning element for positioning the transducer proximate an application area to which generated ultrasound energy is to be applied. The transducer housing may also carry such components as a battery, a wireless receiver, and a controller. The same housing or a separate sensor housing may include an ultrasound sensor that provides feedback to the ultrasound transducer or its controller, illustratively through a wireless transmitter.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including primers and probes, which are capable of interacting with the disclosed nucleic acids, such as the nucleic acids encoding the reverse transcriptase or protease of HIV as disclosed herein. Thus, provided is an oligonucleotide comprising any one of the nucleotide sequences set for in SEQ ID NOS:1-89, and 96-104. Also provided are the oligonucleotides consisting of the nucleotides as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1-89, and 96-104. Each of the disclosed oligonucleotides is a probe or a primer. Also provided are mixtures of primers and probes and for use in RT-PCR and primary PCR reactions disclosed herein. Provided are methods for the specific detection of several mutations in HIV. Mutations in both the reverse transcriptase and the protease of HIV can be detected using the methods described herein.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for integrated real-time nucleic acid analysis and a method for detecting target a nucleic acid using the same, and more particularly an integrated real-time nucleic acid analysis for simultaneously performing qualitative analysis or quantitative analysis on genes from various kinds of plural biological samples and a method for detecting target a nucleic acid using the same. The apparatus for integrated real-time nucleic acid analysis and the method for detecting target a nucleic acid using the same according to the present invention, perform tests of various targets required from various samples through a single step promptly and accurately, and thus, can be efficiently used by hospitals or the like needing to rapidly diagnose diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates, in part, to methods and compositions for determining altered susceptibility of a human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”) to the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (“NNRTIs”) efavirenz (“EFV”), nevirapine (“NVP”), and delavirdine (“DLV”), the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor AZT, and the integrase strand transfer inhibitors diketo acid 1, diketo acid 2, and L-870,810 by detecting the presence of a mutation or combinations of mutations in the gene encoding HIV reverse transcriptase that are associated with altered susceptibility to the anti-HIV drugs.

Abstract: The development of miniaturized chromatographic systems localized within individual polymer microspheres and their incorporation into a bead-based cross-reactive sensor array platform is described herein. The integrated chromatographic and detection concept is based on the creation of distinct functional layers within the microspheres. In this first example of the new methodology, complexing ligands have been selectively immobilized to create “separation” layers harboring an affinity for various analytes. Information concerning the identities and concentrations of analytes may be drawn from the temporal properties of the beads' optical responses, Varying the nature of the ligand in the separation shell yields a collection of cross-reactive sensing elements well suited for use in array-based micro-total-analysis systems.

Abstract: The invention provides oligonucleotide(s) derived from the gene sequence encoding the gag region of HIV-I for simple, specific and/or sensitive test(s) for the presence of HIV-I. In particular, the present invention provides oligonucleotide(s) for test(s) for HIV-I. Kit(s) comprising the oligonucleotide(s) for use as probe(s) and/or primer(s) useful in the test(s) are also provided.

Abstract: A method that uses an (DOPC) surfactant based biofilm that reacts with a material in a known manner, and a device that utilizes such a biofilm, to detect a material of interest is provided. The principles of the present invention are particularly useful in detecting/measuring a material that is harmful to a human or to property.

Abstract: Described herein are biomarkers which can be used for identifying a subject at risk for or evaluating the progression of cancer. In certain aspects, these biomarkers can be used to identify cancer stem cells. These biomarkers can include, but are not limited to, Oc1 or molecular variants thereof, Oc1 target proteins, or a combination thereof. In addition, described herein are methods for reducing the expression of these biomarkers associated with cancer.

Abstract: The subject invention provides new fluorescent and/or colored proteins, and polynucleotide sequences that encode these proteins. The subject invention further provides materials and methods useful for expressing these detectable proteins in biological systems.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases and the identification of agents useful in the treatment of such diseases based upon the agent's effect on reducing Pim-2 expression.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the use of genetic variance information for folate transport or metabolism genes or pyrimidine transport or metabolism genes in the selection of effective methods of treatment of a disease or condition. The variance information is indicative of the expected response of a patient to a method of treatment. Methods of determining relevant variance information and additional methods of using such variance information are also described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the identification of a fibrosis susceptibility gene locus, the CTGF gene locus, which can be used for detecting predisposition to, diagnosis and prognosis of fibrosis as well as for the screening of therapeutically active drugs. The invention resides, in particular, in a method which comprises detecting in a sample from the subject the presence of an alteration in the CTGF gene locus, the presence of said alteration being indicative of the presence or predisposition to fibrosis.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods for the detection of soluble antigens. In particular, the methods provide for the detection of soluble proteins and chemicals. In addition, the invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid sequence in a sample. Also described is an emittor cell comprising an Fc receptor and an emittor molecule for the detection of a target particle in a sample wherein the target particle to be detected is bound by one or more antibodies. Also provided is an optoelectronic sensor device for detecting a target particle in a plurality of samples.

Abstract: A new device capable of measuring the number of particles present in a colloidal suspension is disclosed, which includes a forward scatter detector, an extinction detector, a laser beam, a cylindrical lens with which to create a plane of light through which particles can pass, and the various pumps and tubing needed to pass the colloidal suspension through the plane of light. The device is particularly designed for measuring particles which have different refractive indices, and which are in the size range of between about 0.7 to 2 microns. The device can determine the presence or absence of biological particles of interest in a given sample, by incubating a sample with a given ratio of active particles and marker particles, and determining whether the ratio of active particles and marker particles has changed. Additional binding and/or non-binding particles can also be present, and kits including the particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a method and a means of rapidly and reliably detecting lymph node metastasis in cancer or the risk of lymph node metastasis. Specifically, the present invention provides a method and a rapid determination kit for detecting lymph node metastasis in cancer or its risk by identifying a certain genetic polymorphism of the human CRP gene, and it is clinically significant in determining the treatment strategy, because effective prediction/determination can be made regarding lymph node metastasis, which is an important phenomenon in cancer progression.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are drawn to processes for moving a region of interest in a polynucleotide from a first position to a second position with regard to a domain within the polynucleotide, also referred to as a “reflex method”. In certain embodiments, the reflex method results in moving a region of interest into functional proximity to specific domain elements present in the polynucleotide (e.g., primer sites and/or MID). Compositions, kits and systems that find use in carrying out the reflex processes described herein are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to diagnose and treat cancers using UNC-45A splice variants are disclosed. Expression of a human UNC-45A929 splice variant that is shorter than UNC-45A944 splice variant is increased in cancer cells including metastatic cancers. siRNA to inhibit or downregulate UNC-45A splice variants in cancers are disclosed.

Abstract: There is a need for improved methods for determining the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with conditions, including autoimmune disease and cancer. Provided herein are methods for using DNA sequencing to identify personalized biomarkers in patients with autoimmune disease and other conditions. Identified biomarkers can be used to determine the disease state for a subject with an autoimmune disease or other condition.

Abstract: Described herein is a fluid cell for an optical microscopy tool having a solid state membrane having a first side and a second, opposing side; a first fluid chamber comprising a first fluid having a first refractive index located on the first side of the membrane; and, a second fluid chamber comprising a second fluid having a second refractive index located on the second side of the membrane, the second refractive index being different than the first refractive index. Also described herein is a method for imaging a single biomolecule, the method including generating a field of evanescent illumination at a solid state membrane between a first fluid and a second fluid having different refractive indexes; and detecting light emitted by optical detectors linked to the single biomolecules at the solid state membrane.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for transforming a Pyrococcus furiosus with a polynucleotide. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting a P. furiosus with a polynucleotide under conditions suitable for uptake of the polynucleotide by the P. furiosus, and identifying transformants at a frequency of, for instance, at least 103 transformants per microgram DNA. Also provided are isolated Pyrococcus furiosus having the characteristics of Pyrococcus furiosus COM1, and plasmids that include an origin of replication that functions in a Pyrococcus furiosus. The plasmid is stable in a recipient P. furiosus without selection for more than 100 generations and is structurally unchanged after replication in P. furiosus for more than 100 generations.

Abstract: Bioassays for detecting the ability of one sample of a food substance, nutritional supplement, therapeutic agent and/or disease preventive agent relative to that of a second sample of such a substance, supplement and/or agent to inhibit, upregulate or otherwise modulate translation initiation, and thereby demonstrate a disease curative and/or preventive effect in a human and/or animal that consumes a such substance, supplement and/or agent or to whom a such substance, supplement and/or agent is administered are provided.

Abstract: A composition comprising: a plurality of identical first synthetic nucleotide oligomers; and a plurality of identical second synthetic nucleotide oligomers which are different to the first synthetic nucleotide oligomers, wherein each of the first synthetic nucleotide oligomers comprises a first primer binding sequence of bases, a first identifier sequence of three to seven bases in length, and a second primer binding sequence of bases, the first identifier sequence being disposed between the first and second primer binding sequences, wherein each of the second synthetic nucleotide oligomers comprises a third primer binding sequence of bases, a second identifier sequence of three to seven bases in length, and a fourth primer binding sequence of bases, the second identifier sequence being disposed between the third and fourth primer binding sequences, and wherein the first identifier sequence is different to the second identifier sequence.