Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of emulating a patient programmer. A first language is associated with a virtual representation of the patient programmer. The first language corresponds to a language understood by a healthcare professional. A second language is associated with the virtual representation of the patient programmer. The second language corresponds to a language understood by a patient user of the patient programmer. The virtual representation of the patient programmer is displayed in the first language and in the second language simultaneously.

Abstract: A system of evaluating reading fluency by monitoring the underlining of text as it is being read on a tablet or other computing device. The text or passage is presented on the screen of the tablet computing device with a touchscreen, such as, but not limited to, an iPad. The reader uses a stylus, finger, or other device to underline each word as it is read, and may go back and re-underline any words to regress within the passage. Alternatively, a mouse can be used to indicate words as they are read. Computer software tracks the reader's underlining, providing detailed information about reading rate, pauses, regressions, and other word and word combination features.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for learning call analysis. Audio fingerprinting may be employed to identify audio recordings that answer communications. In one embodiment, the system may generate a fingerprint of a candidate audio stream and compare it against known fingerprints within a database. The system may also search for a speech-like signal to determine if the end point contains a known audio recording. If a known audio recording is not encountered, a fingerprint may be computed for the contact and the communication routed to a human for handling. An indication may be made as to if the call is indeed an audio recording. The associated information may be saved and used for future identification purposes.

Abstract: A simple, low-cost but extremely effective means to represent an intraoperative (for example) fire that highlights recognition using multi-sensual stimulation. The device can be used as part of a high fidelity simulation program that includes an explosion (sound), profuse smoke (visual), and odor (smells) to simulate an intraoperative fire. The design is re-usable, simple to set up, and does not use toxic agents (either to participants or mannequin).

Abstract: Arc welding simulations that provide simulation of virtual destructive and non-destructive testing and inspection of virtual weldments for training purposes. The virtual testing simulations may be performed on virtual weldments created using a virtual reality welding simulator system (e.g., a virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system). The virtual inspection simulations may be performed on “pre-canned” (i.e. pre-defined) virtual weldments or using virtual weldments created using a virtual reality welding simulator system. In general, virtual testing may be performed using a virtual reality welding simulator system (e.g., a virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system), and virtual inspection may be performed using a standalone virtual weldment inspection (VWI) system or using a virtual reality welding simulator system (e.g., a virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system).

Abstract: A computer-implemented mental and emotional life efficacy development system and method are disclosed which assist lay individuals to measure and improve their mental health and emotional capabilities and life skill deficits to increase the individual's ability to achieve life efficacy. A scoring subsystem measures competencies or deficits in a breadth of critical life skills. The system provides feedback concerning personality traits and mental and emotional deficits and compares the user's scores to the scores of those who are successfully navigating a particular life step. This pinpoints deficits for which the user can receive training and treatment tailored to that user's personality and individual difficulties. Through the collection and aggregating of such symptoms, a preliminary diagnosis is made of the user's mental health and life skills. This diagnosis is subsequently refined before it is used to offer emotion and/or mental health care treatment and life skills training for life efficacy competency.

Abstract: A method of recording the motion of a physical object moved under human control is described that allows repeated replay of the exact motion using a robot to cause the motion of the object to occur in such a way as to allow a human student to interact with the object and experience the fundamental movements required to reproduce the motion consistently, thereby enhancing motor learning.

Abstract: Managing individual fitness training over a communications network comprising a mobile client device (1) such as a smartphone, a server (2) and a computer program. Upon performing a physical self-testing conducted by the mobile client device (1), the server (2) generates a training plan and provides it to the mobile client device (1). During the training, the mobile client device (1) acquires training data (e.g. via GPS, pedometer, accelerometer, gyroscope, camera), analyses the training, provides feedback to the athlete and supports social networking. Optionally, the mobile client device (1) is communicatively connected to an on-body sensor (3) via short-range communications.

Abstract: A toothbrush training system for children includes an instrumented toothbrush with physics sensors, along with optional feedback elements, interacting with a dynamic audio-visual instructional program providing guidance, assessment and feedback on proper brushing procedures. The system provides instruction on tooth brushing technique in combination with monitoring and corrective feedback based on that technique in the context of an audio-visual game environment. The instructional program uses an animated character to illustrate the desired toothbrush positioning and movement for cleaning specific tooth surfaces. The content and progress of the audio-visual presentation may be dynamically altered based on data received from the toothbrush to adjust the presentation in response to a comparison of the instructional information and the actual tooth brushing movement performed by the user.

Abstract: A healthcare simulation system includes a mannequin with active physiological characteristics, a display monitor adapted for displaying physiological parameters and a computer for controlling the mannequin and the monitor. A healthcare simulation method includes the steps of programming the computer with healthcare scenarios, operating active characteristics of the mannequin and dynamically displaying physiological parameters corresponding to patient vital signs. Alternative aspects of the invention include tools, such as computers and other equipment, for obtaining and displaying information and for interconnecting and interfacing participants, subjects and controllers in training systems and methods.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for providing education service based on knowledge units is provided, comprising the steps of: (a) generating a curriculum based on a user's achievement for at least one knowledge unit, said curriculum including at least one problem composed based on said at least one knowledge unit; and (b) providing said at least one problem to said user.

Abstract: In one aspect, in general, a system comprises a computer system configured to enable users to interact with a collection of learning groups, each learning group associated with at least one group leader and having members each approved by a group leader, and within each learning group, instances of training programs chosen by the group leader from a library of training programs available to the system, each instance of a training program includes a collection of lessons, each lesson includes a multimedia portion and an interactivity portion, the interactivity portion enabling asynchronous interaction among the members of the learning group, the multimedia portion being available to users other than members of the learning group, and the interactivity portion being available only to the members of the learning group

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for monitoring participants in an educational environment and comprises: obtaining a set of predefined parameters, obtaining a first data set and a second data set, wherein the first data set comprises standardized summary data relating to the educational environment and the second data set comprises non-standardized granular data relating to the educational environment, converting the second data set into a standardized data set (a third data set) by identifying relationships between a value in the first data set and a value in the second data set, storing the standardized data sets in a consolidated data set on a memory resource, and generating a notification when the data in the consolidated data set satisfies the set of predefined parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of automated evaluation, assessment and analysis. Disclosed is a method to create and store assignments, automatically analyze student accuracy and ability, and store analysis on individual students for an extended amount of time. This method can reduce the time and effort exerted by teachers in the creation and grading of assignments and more effectively analyzes student progress than any known software. An assessment software, “TEACH-TECH,” combined with a web-based database, “Cloud,” in the novel manner disclosed provides a means for substantially increasing the effectiveness of the educational system.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for creating an assessment model are disclosed. Marked regions in an electronic document are identified. Thereafter, mark-ups within the marked regions are identified. Based on the identified marked regions and mark-ups the assessment model is created.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is an imaging system for processing educational assessments. According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, educational assessments are received in a paper format and processed from the paper format to an electronic format. A navigation console is provided and adapted to provide a portal and a login interface to a user. Educational assessment documents are scanned and images are generated. The images are passed through applications to derive data from the images, and the data is transferred to peripheral systems, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating learning exercises is provided. The method comprises receiving text, processing the text using linguistic parsers to generate linguistic characteristics of the text, storing the linguistic characteristics in a data file, retrieving user information comprising a user knowledge level and user goals, using the stored linguistic characteristics and the user information to generate the learning exercises based on a parametrical model, receiving responses to the learning exercises from the user, and updating the user information based on the responses to the learning exercises. The linguistic characteristics comprise words of the text and relationships between the words.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing life-based organic particles, including particles selected from the list comprising cells, cellular spheroids, tissues, eukaryotes, micro-organisms, organs or embryos, comprises a hollow volume (10) that (a) is internally divided into at least first (14), second (16) and third (17) sub-volumes by at least two phaseguides (12, 13) formed inside the volume and (b) includes parts that are relatively upstream and relatively downstream when judged with reference to the movement of a meniscus or a bulk liquid in the volume (10). The apparatus includes at least first, second and third fluid conduits (19, 21, 22) connected to permit fluid communication between the upstream exterior of the volume (10) and a respective said sub-volume (14, 16, 17); and at least one further conduit (24) connected to permit fluid communication between the downstream exterior of the volume (10) and a said sub-volume.

Abstract: A self-contained, fully automated, biological assay-performing apparatus includes a housing; a dispensing platform including a controllably-movable reagent dispensing system, disposed in the housing; a reagent supply component disposed in the housing; a pneumatic manifold removably disposed in the housing in a space shared by the dispensing platform, removably coupled to a fluidic transport layer and a plurality of reservoirs, wherein the fluidic transport layer, the reservoirs, and a test sample to be introduced therein are disposed in the housing in the space separate from the dispensing platform; a pneumatic supply system removably coupled to the pneumatic manifold in the housing in a space separate from the dispensing platform; and a control system coupled to at least one of the dispensing platform and the pneumatic supply system, disposed in the housing.

Abstract: Provided is a new polyomavirus, provisionally named MX polyomavirus, (MXPyV). Further provided are cDNA nucleic acid sequences, recombinant proteins, expression vectors and host cells, recombinant anti-MXPyV antibodies, vaccines, compositions, methods of detecting MXPyV, methods for assaying for anti-MXPyV compounds, and methods for treating or preventing a MXPyV infection.

Abstract: A method of providing a risk evaluation and diagnosis of human oral cancer, by examining at the presence in human saliva sample of a combination of particulate nucleic acids from bacteria, virus, as well as human, and/or the presence of particulate biochemical volatile organic compounds, which are indicative of an increased risk of oral cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in a population comprising comparing the anti-HIV antibody levels of in vitro stimulated tissue samples to those of un-stimulated tissue samples from individual members of said population and related kits. The present invention also provides a method of determining the distribution of recent, non-recent, and late stage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in a population comprising comparing the in vitro stimulated anti-HIV immunoreactivity and un-stimulated anti-HIV immunoreactivity in tissue samples from individual members of said population and related kits.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a biomarker in exhaled breath condensate nanodroplets comprises noninvasively collecting exhaled breath condensate nanodroplets of a subject, and analyzing said nanodroplets utilizing immuno-quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect one or more target biomarkers.

Abstract: A method is provided for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) comprising a) amplifying a reverse transcribed cDNA in a mixture comprising Norovirus Genogroup I and Norovirus Genogroup II primers and probes, wherein said Norovirus primers and probes distinguish between Genogroup I and Genogroup II viruses; b) quantifying virus; and c) normalizing data based on a universal internal RNA control. Optionally, the method may also include primers and probes for Enteroviruses. A reaction mixture comprising Norovirus Genogroup I and Norovirus Genogroup II primers and probes, wherein said Norovirus primers and probes distinguish between Genogroup I and Genogroup II viruses and universal internal RNA control primers and probes are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for sequencing long nucleic acid fragments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the labeling of nucleic acid polymers in vitro and in vivo. Certain methods are provided that include a [3+2] cycloaddition between a nucleotide analogue incorporated into a nucleic acid polymer and a reagent attached to a label. Other methods are provided that include a Staudinger ligation between a nucleotide analogue incorporated into a nucleic acid polymer and a reagent comprising a substituted triarylphosphine attached to a label. Such methods do not require fixation and denaturation and therefore can be applied to the labeling of nucleic acid polymers in living cells and in organisms. Also provided are methods for measuring cellular proliferation. In these methods, the amount of label incorporated into the DNA is measured as an indication of cellular proliferation.

Abstract: A single device to collect, transfer, and measure salivary nitric oxide analyte and metabolite, nitrite, a biomarker for nitric oxide, as well as, a method to assess the effects of diet and exercise on changing an individual's nitric oxide status and health.

Abstract: The present invention provides labeled phospholink, nucleotides that can be used in place of naturally occurring nucleotide triphosphates or other analogs in template directed nucleic acid synthesis reactions and other nucleic acid reactions and various analyses based thereon, including DNA sequencing, single base identification, hybridization assays, and others.

Abstract: A method for the enumeration of micronucleated erythrocyte populations while distinguishing platelet and platelet-associated aggregates involves the use of a first fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for reticulocytes, a second fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for platelets, and a nucleic acid staining dye that stains DNA (micronuclei) in erythrocyte populations. Because the fluorescent emission spectra of the first and second fluorescent labeled antibodies do not substantially overlap with one another or with the emission spectra of the nucleic acid staining dye, upon excitation of the labels and dye it is possible to detect the fluorescent emission and light scatter produced by the erythrocyte populations and platelets, and count the number of cells from one or more erythrocyte populations in said sample.

Abstract: A method for obtaining from genomic material genomic copy number information unaffected by amplification distortion, comprising obtaining segments of the genomic material, tagging the segments with substantially unique tags to generate tagged nucleic acid molecules, such that each tagged nucleic acid molecule comprises one segment of the genomic material and a tag, subjecting the tagged nucleic acid molecules to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, generating tag associated sequence reads by sequencing the product of the PCR reaction, assigning each tagged nucleic acid molecule to a location on a genome associated with the genomic material by mapping the subsequence of each tag associated sequence read corresponding to a segment of the genomic material to a location on the genome, and counting the number of tagged nucleic acid molecules assigned to the same location on the genome having a different tag, thereby obtaining genomic copy number information unaffected by amplification distortion.

Abstract: An in vitro method of predicting whether a patient, having a neurodevelopmental, neurological or neuropsychiatric disorder, will derive a clinical benefit if treated with a glycine reuptake inhibitor (GRI), via determination of the protein concentration of one, two, three, four five or six members of the complement factor H family or a mixture or a combination thereof and comparison against a representative value, wherein a higher value of the protein concentration in the patient's sample against the representative value is indicative of a patient whom will derive clinical benefit from treatment with GRI.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method and reagents for predicting a subject's susceptibility or risk to developing a neurobehavioral deficit associated with mercury exposure. The method comprises performing an assay to determine the presence or absence of a CPOX4 polymorphism in one or both alleles of the coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPOX) gene, and classifying the susceptibility of the subject to developing a neurobehavioral deficit associated with mercury exposure. A subject determined to possess the CPOX4 polymorphism in at least one allele of the CPOX gene is classified as having an increased susceptibility to developing at least one neurobehavioral deficit associated with mercury exposure compared to a subject with no CPOX4 polymorphisms.

Abstract: A method for in vitro detecting keratin gene fusion of squamous-cell cancer comprises steps: (a) obtaining a sample of squamous cells from a testee; and (b) detecting whether the sample of squamous cells has gene fusion, which is likely to occur in squamous-cell cancer and unlikely to occur in healthy tissue. The sample of squamous cells is determined to have squamous-cell cancer if the gene fusion exists in the sample of squamous cells.

Abstract: Novel Y-STR multiplex analysis designs, primer design, allelic ladders, methods of use and kits are disclosed, including the use of primer sets designed to provide amplicons for at least 11 Y-STR loci having a base pair size of less than about 220 bp, as well as the use of primer sets designed to provide amplicons for at least 22 Y-STR loci including at least 5 rapidly mutating loci.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of determining susceptibility to bone fracture in a mammalian subject, wherein the methods comprise analyzing nucleic acid molecules obtained from the mammalian subject to determine which of the P, p X, and x alleles of the estrogen receptor ? gene are present, wherein the presence of a haplotype comprising the p and x alleles is indicative of an increased susceptibility to bone fracture. The present invention also provides kits for determining susceptibility to bone fracture in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for identifying a subject at risk of developing cancer, predicting the onset of cancer, and predicting a subject's response to chemotherapy/treatment by determining the presence or absence of a SNP in the KRAS oncogene, known as the KRAS variant.

Abstract: Methods for screening and isolating peptide, polypeptide, protein complexes and non-coding nucleic acids that are associated with selected target genomic locus are provided. The methods comprise the steps of obtaining a sample that comprises a modified target genomic DNA sequence and one or more peptide, polypeptide, protein complexes and non-coding nucleic acids as with that DNA sequence. The target genomic locus DNA sequence which contain all the elements that enable it keeping its function independently in spite of their genomic position are modified by introducing one or more labeling and cutting sequences. These modified target genomic locus DNA sequences are amplified and purified. The purified modified target genomic locus DNA sequences are introduced into cells or animals and their functions are regulated as the same as original endogenous target genomic locus. The modified target sequence and the factors associated with it are crosslinked and selectively isolated.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of a 16S rRNA or its encoding gene from bacterial species associated with bacterial vaginosis. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting several different chromosomes or DNA regions in a cell in order to provide evidence for structural chromosomal aberrations, wherein the chromosomal aberrations have at least two breaking point regions within a chromosome, on the basis of directly or indirectly labeled nucleic acid fragments (probes), wherein: a first probe labeled with label A (probe A) and a second probe labeled with label B (probe B) flank a breaking point region 1, and form the fusion signals A-B; and two probes, a third and a fourth, each labeled with a label C (probes C), flank a breaking point region 2, and form the fusion signals C-C, wherein the above-mentioned fusion signals change in the event of a chromosomal aberration to fusion signals A-C and to fusion signals B-C.

Abstract: In the present invention, the mechanisms to coordinately regulate EMT marker genes during EMT and the interplay between these chromatin modifiers were examined. According to the experimental results, a set of marker consisting of HIF-1?, HDAC3, and WDR5 is provided to predict prognosis or overall survival of cancer patients. By determining if the set markers are co-expressed in a biological sample, it can reach relatively higher predictability of prognosis situation or overall survival as compared with the current markers.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in detecting breast cancer. For example, nucleic acids for detecting gene rearrangements (e.g., translocations) associated with breast cancer as well as methods and materials for detecting breast cancer are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of increasing the fetal fraction in maternal blood and plasma. This increase in fetal fraction improves the accuracy and decreases the “no call” rate for prenatal testing that measures fetal DNA in maternal blood.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for isolating a fraction in a biological sample. The fraction is bound to solid phase substrate to define a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein to capture a desired fraction of the biological sample. A force is provided that is generally perpendicular to gravity. The force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone multiple other positions adjacent various purification, protein analysis, separation and extraction zones. The force captures the fraction-bound solid phase substrate and the fraction-bound solid phase substrate moves from the input zone to the other zones to perform a multi-step assay on the isolated fraction within the device.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for the detection of ribosome inactivating protein activity, including the ricin toxin, in a sample. According to one embodiment, the ribosome inactivating protein in the sample removes an adenine from a labeled DNA substrate to create an abasic site. An AP lyase can then cleave the DNA substrate at the abasic site, allowing the fluorophore located at or near one end of the DNA substrate and the quencher at or near the other end of the DNA substrate to spatially separate. Once the fluorophore and the quencher are sufficiently separated, the fluorophore will emit a fluorescence signal. Increasing fluorescence, indicating ribosome inactivating protein activity, will be monitored in real time using a detection system.

Abstract: The present teachings provide methods, compositions, and kits for performing primer extension reactions on at least two target polynucleotides in the same reaction mixture. In some embodiments, a reverse transcription reaction is performed on a first target polynucleotide with a hot start primer comprising a self-complementary stem and a loop, and extension products form at high temperatures but extension products form less so at low temperatures since the self-complementary stem of the hot start primer prevents hybridization of the target specific region to the target. However, non-hot start primers with free target specific regions can hybridize to their corresponding targets at the low temperature and extension can happen at the low temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for quantifying biomolecules, such as polypeptides in mass spectrometric analysis. The methods include use of a biomolecule standard having at least one atomic isotope different than that of the naturally occurring isotopes in the biomolecule of interest. Methods of the present invention also include methods for quantifying biomolecules where the copy biomolecule standard is made by expressing the biomolecule using a recombinant cell. Further included are the biomolecule standards themselves, method for making such standards, kits, systems, reagents, and engineered cells relating to the use of biomolecule standards in mass spectrometric analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for isolating and/or identifying nucleic acids. The invention also provides kits for isolating and/or identifying nucleic acids.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for substantially dry storage at ambient or elevated temperatures of biological samples such as nucleic acids, proteins and cells in a form from which the samples can be substantially recovered, using a dissolvable or dissociable dry storage matrix comprising a borate composition and a stabilizer as disclosed, such as any of a number of zwitterionic stabilizers.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and devices for separating and detecting nucleic acid fragments labeled with a plurality of spectrally resolvable dyes using a single light source or multiple light sources. Use of a greater number of light sources increases the number of spectrally resolvable dyes that can be interrogated. Labeling fragments with a greater number of spectrally resolvable dyes permits more overlapping of fragments with differentiation of the fragments, and thus separation can be conducted on a smaller range of fragment sizes/lengths. To improve the detection sensitivity of a detection system employing multiple light sources, light emitted by the light sources can be spatially separated from one another and/or the intensity of each of the light sources can be modulated. Each of the one or more light sources can be, e.g., a laser or a light-emitting diode. The methods and devices of the disclosure are useful for performing genetic analysis, e.g.

Abstract: In one example, the present invention comprises deliberate tumor insult and sequencing of the T cell repertoire before and after the insult in order to detect and sequence the TCR alpha and beta loci of highly expanded T cell clonotypes. In some examples, this information is used in turn to create autologous genetically engineered T cells with TCR sequences that target the individual's tumor.