Abstract: The invention relates to a biocompatible body to be implanted into a cavity of a bone, comprising a main structure made of a bone substitute material. According to the invention, the body has a connecting element, said connecting element being embedded at least partially in the main structure of the body.

Abstract: The present application provides dental fillers, and methods of making and using dental fillers that include a treated surface that includes phosphorus and a divalent cation. Dental compositions including such dental fillers can be useful for delivering ions to the oral environment.

Abstract: When a semi-automatic weapon is live fired, its firing pin is reset and is ready to be fired again. The shooter's hands remain in the firing position, and just the trigger finger and trigger are employed. But with dry fire practice, the shooter must remove a hand from the weapon and ratchet the slide to reset the firing pin, allowing the trigger to return to its unfired position. This must be done each time a shot is simulated. This invention provides, by incorporating a modified ammunition magazine in the weapon's magazine compartment, realistic muscle memory training by duplicating the action of the trigger, the feel and the sound of the release of the firing pin and the resetting of the trigger for additional trigger activations. It does not interact with the weapon's firing pin and does not require any alterations to the weapon such as disassembling and reassembling of parts.

Abstract: A multi-function dry fire training device to be inserted into the chamber of a firearm, which comprises an illuminator for emitting, upon receiving a command from a controller, a beam of visible or invisible illumination from the barrel of the firearm, the beam being parallel to its central axis; a controller for controlling the functionality of the device including illumination of the illuminator, in response to activation of the firearm trigger; an actuator, being electrically connected to the controller, for activating the controller whenever being struck by the firearm striker and a power source for providing DC power to the controller and illuminator.

Abstract: A training system and method for operating aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means during independent ground travel is provided. The system and method of the present invention is designed specifically to train pilots, ground personnel, and air traffic control to move an aircraft safely and efficiently on the ground during taxi and pushback using the aircraft's non-engine drive means to propel the aircraft independently during ground travel. Simulations and procedures for training pilots and ramp personnel in the conduct of pushback operations and forward taxi with an aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means are also provided.

Abstract: Fulfillment and verification of pre-licensing requirements of a motor vehicle agency may be facilitated for a student driver. In certain implementations, a duration of time associated with driving of the student driver may be recorded. The recording occurs during the time associated with the driving. The time duration associated with the driving may be stored in a student-driving session. The student-driving session may be stored. A presence of a first supervisor of the student driver with the student driver during the driving may be confirmed. In some implementations, the pre-licensing requirements may be obtained. The pre-licensing requirements and the stored student-driving session may be compared to generate status information of the student driver with respect to fulfillment of the pre-licensing requirements. In various implementations, the status information may be provided to the motor vehicle agency responsive to a determination that the student driver has fulfilled the pre-licensing requirements.

Abstract: The color education system for the visually impaired is a battery-powered device including a console having a plurality of color identification modules mounted on the top platform, each of the rectangular members being formed of a unique color and having a corresponding touchpad sensor mounted thereon. The touchpad sensor has a Braille inscription mounted thereon spelling the color of the rectangular member in Braille. The touchpad sensors are connected to a processor that identifies which touchpad has been touched by a user. A voice synthesizer connected to the processor is programmed to announce the color associated with the touchpad touched by the user. A speaker or headset is connected to the audio output of the voice synthesizer, thus allowing the user to hear the announced color. Each rectangular member also has a well defined therein, and a vial containing a pigment dye of the corresponding color disposed in the well.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for providing a meal plan using a refrigerator, and a refrigerator using the same.

Abstract: A wireless sensor probe is used for performing experiments in an interactive laboratory. The probe may include a plurality of sensors for collecting experimental data during an experiment and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the collected data to a receiver module. The receiver module is adapted for transferring the data to a computer where a software component may process the data for presentation of the resultant processed data on a display substantially in real-time.

Abstract: The present invention is a team roping dummy that encourages more correct roping via new innovations. The dummy has a relatively compact main body with collapsible legs, removable head, and internal body storage for head. The dummy head has a means for allowing the head to be rotated to different angles to match that of a typical running steer. The neck is sloped similar to an actual steer. They shoulder of the dummy has a hump as to the shoulders of live steers, which makes roper deliver at the proper angle to achieve the rope curling on the back. It's legs rotate back onto body for storage, which also creates rope storage compartments on both sides of main body. In order to aid in the rope's loop expansion and ease of removal, the legs collapse toward one another under the pressure of a tightened rope, and re-expand after rope is loosened. A blocker post extends vertically out of neck, which makes the roper deliver the loop at the proper plane.

Abstract: A computer console comprising a display, one or more speakers, a computer and a keyboard has key top stickers each applied each to a respective keyboard character key. Each respective key top sticker provides a cartoon image of an animal drawn in the shape of the underlying letter represented by the respective character key. The key top stickers are provided on a character key sheet respectively laid out to correspond with their position to be attached on the keyboard. A writing tablet can also be used by a student to provide a representation of a character to the computer. The computer employs an application program to provide audiovisual shows through the display and speakers indicative of a creature from the key top stickers indicating a character key to be pressed. The application program monitors the character keys pressed by the student and adjusts the audiovisual show in response.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable media for providing a reading incentive system to encourage reading in children and/or adults are described.

Abstract: The invention provides a handheld device for training a user in operating an auto-injector. The device has a screen and a sensor which can quantify a physical activity of the device. A visual representation of the auto-injector and a visual instruction for a desired use of the auto-injector are presented on the screen while the user is requested to manipulate the handheld device as if it was the auto-injector. By use of the sensor date, the device evaluates the performance of the user and determines a level of compliance with the instructions. Accordingly, the invention provides an increased safety in the use of auto-injectors e.g. for epinephrine (adrenaline).

Abstract: A PC (1) comprises a tomographic image information acquisition section (6), a memory (9), a volume rendering calculator (13), a display unit (2), a mouse (4), and a voxel label setting section (18). The tomographic image information acquisition section (6) acquires tomographic image information. The memory (9) stores voxel information about the tomographic image information. The volume rendering calculator (13) samples voxel information in a direction perpendicular to the line of sight, on the basis of the voxel information. The display unit (2) displays calculation results from the volume rendering calculator (13). The mouse (4) inputs cutting instructions for a liver (22) displayed on the display unit (2). The voxel label setting section (18) displays the status of the liver (22) after cutting using the cutting instructions from the mouse (4), and displays blood vessels (23) inside the liver (22) included in a cut portion (C), in a pre-cut state even after cutting.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of increasing retention rates in an educational institution while significantly improving the educational experience of its students. More particularly, the present invention provides means for proactively identifying students in need, whether the need is emotional, physical, spiritual, or scholastic, and providing an avenue to assist those students.

Abstract: A system and method for education including community-sourced data and community interactions. The method can include registering a plurality of users in a database, presenting educational material to a user of the plurality of users, recording the performance of the user in regards to the educational material, collecting personal statistics regarding the performance of the user, compiling the personal statistics for the plurality of users to generate community statistics regarding the performance of the plurality of users, comparing the personal statistics of a user to the community statistics or to a subset thereof, collecting personal information from each user of the plurality of users, subdividing the plurality of users into a plurality of communities based on the personal information of each user, facilitating interactions between the users within a community of the plurality of communities, and generating a credibility score for each user within the community.

Abstract: A Portal Assessment Design System includes a system for designing assessment models and assessments (e.g., standardized tests). In assessment design, specifications are organized around three basic elements: 1) what knowledge, skill or abilities are important to measure; 2) what is necessary evidence of that knowledge, skill or ability; 3) what performance situations are needed to elicit the required evidence from students and other assessment users. The system includes three modules (i.e., Domain Analysis, Domain Modeling, Conceptual Assessment Framework), each of which targets a specific phase of the design process, for designing an assessment in accordance with the three basic elements. The sequence of modules represents the structure of a design process that helps assessment developers work through successive stages or phases of assessment design, from the gathering of raw information to the creation of a complete set of specifications for an assessment product.

Abstract: The invention facilitates asynchronous interaction between a geographically separated facilitator and at least one user. The said invention provides asynchronous interaction between rural classrooms (teacher-student community) and expert teachers to increase the outreach of the expert teachers much beyond that is permitted with the teachings of the prior art.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating adaptive surveys including questions and answer options selectable by users, and human-readable review prose based on answers to the questions. The survey may be related to an assessment of a business, and may be transmitted to a user electronic device. The generated survey may include one or more questions with selectable answer options. The selection of the answer options can be received from the user electronic device, and be used to generate the prose for the review. The user and/or the business may edit the prose and/or modify the intensity of the generated review. Tree data structures may be utilized to generate the questions of the survey, to store the answers, and generate the sentences of the review. Analytic data may be generated based on the selected answer options, which can be used to assess and influence marketing and business efforts.

Abstract: A method of dynamically generating electronically presented educational courses. The automated method evaluates a user's skill levels and desires and dynamically constructs a lesson plan specifically tailored to the user's desires and understanding of the subject material. Also included are a software application utilizing the method and a mobile device having a software application utilizing the method.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing differentiated content to a user comprising determining a skill level of the user, obtaining unmodified content, aligning the unmodified content to a set of content standards, modifying the aligned content in accordance with the user's skill level, providing the modified aligned content to the user, re-assessing the user's skill level based on a response from the user to the modified aligned content, and modifying new aligned content in accordance with the re-assessed user's skill level.

Abstract: The Ideaboard comes in two sizes and is truly portable with multiple whiteboard sheets fitted into a ring binder as opposed to the traditional whiteboard that are like pieces of furniture and can not be moved easily. It provides you multiple surfaces, as against one writing surface on a traditional or wheeled whiteboard. Due to its design the board can be used in different positions, Collaboration Mode (Standing up), Writing mode- (folded over in half) and Carry mode (Closed) so that you can have the Ideaboard with you anywhere you go. Available in two sizes—the Medium, and the Mini, it is your personal workspace.

Abstract: This invention is a novel method for perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant (inactivation of pathogens, microorganisms, cells, viruses and the like and reduction in antigenicity thereof), and the novel implant produced by such treatment. The process presents a system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants for implantation.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for exchanging gas in an oxygenator device, and methods for preparing and using such oxygenator devices. The systems and methods can be used to transfer oxygen to blood to assist lung function in a patient.

Abstract: A liquid handling system of a PCR system is instructed to obtain a matrix of samples and reagents for a PCR experiment. A fluid pumping system of the PCR system is instructed to maintain a continuous flow of a transport fluid through a plurality of micro-channels that allows the mixture of the samples and the reagents producing a plurality of mixed sample droplets. One or more post-bridge detection values are received from a post-bridge detection system of the PCR system for each mixed sample droplet to determine if the mixed sample droplet is mixed correctly. A thermocycler of the PCR system is instructed to maintain one or more temperatures for cycling the temperature of the plurality of mixed sample droplets. One or more endpoint detection values are received from an endpoint detection system of the PCR system for each mixed sample droplet to analyze the PCR experiment.

Abstract: A composition, method and kit for performing a two-reagent enzymatic homocysteine assay, wherein a single homocysteinase enzyme and a Schiff-based conjugate of N,N-dibutyl-p-phenyldiamine (DBPDA) with pyridoxal 5?-phosphate (PLP) are used to measure total homocysteine in plasma or serum. The assay measures a chromophore reaction product of H2S and the DBPDA released from the Schiff-base conjugate in the presence of a Fe+3 containing compound. The resulting chromophore may be measured absorbance or fluorescence spectrophotometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the detection of an altered therapeutic response of a subject infected by HCMV to a treatment with a 3,4 dihydroquinazoline or N-{3-[({4-[5-(6-aminopyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]phenyl}sulfonyl)amino]-5-fluorophenyl}-1-cyanocyclopropanecarboxamide, a method for the detection of a drug resistance of a HCMV to a 3,4-dihydroquinazoline or N-{3-[({4-[5-(6-aminopyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]phenyl}sulfonyl)amino]-5-fluorophenyl}-1-cyanocyclopropanecarboxamide, and to a method for the detection of a mutation of a HCMV resulting in a drug resistance to a 3,4-dihydroquinazoline or N-{3-[({4-[5-(6-aminopyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]phenyl}sulfonyl)amino]-5-fluorophenyl}-1-cyanocyclopropanecarboxamide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for determining the presence or absence of HAV in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for isolating populations of nucleic acids from biological, forensic, and environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. The disclosed compositions safely facilitate rapid sample collection, and provide extended storage and transport of the samples at ambient or elevated temperature without contamination of the sample or degradation of the nucleic acids contained therein. This process particularly facilitates the collection of specimens from remote locations, and under conditions previously considered hostile for presenting the integrity of nucleic acids released from lysed biological samples without the need of refrigeration or freezing prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: Provided is an HPV E6, E7 mRNA assay, referenced herein as the “In Cell HPV Assay,” that is capable of sensitive and specific detection of normal cervical cells undergoing malignant transformation as well as abnormal cervical cells with pre-malignant or malignant lesions. The In Cell HPV Assay identifies HPV E6, E7 mRNA via in situ hybridization with oligonucleotides specific for HPV E6, E7 mRNA and quantitates the HPV E6, E7 mRNA via flow cytometry. The In Cell HPV Assay can be carried out in less than three hours directly from liquid-based cervical (“LBC”) cytology specimens. The In Cell HPV Assay provides an efficient and highly sensitive alternative to the Pap smear for determining abnormal cervical cytology.

Abstract: The present invention provides system and methods for detecting an analyte indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid. The present invention also provides for systems and method for detection a plurality of analytes, at least two of which are indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of redistributing magnetically responsive beads in a droplet. The method may include providing a droplet including magnetically responsive beads. The droplet may be provided within a region of a magnetic field having sufficient strength to attract the magnetically responsive beads to an edge of the droplet or towards an edge of the droplet, or otherwise regionalize or aggregate beads within the droplet. The method may also include conducting on a droplet operations surface one or more droplet operations using the droplet without removing the magnetically responsive beads from the region of the magnetic field. The droplet operations may in some cases be electrode-mediated. The droplet operations may redistribute and/or circulate the magnetically responsive beads within the droplet. In some cases, the droplet may include a sample droplet may include a target analyte.

Abstract: Blood plasma of pregnant women contains fetal and (generally>90%) maternal circulatory extracellular DNA. Most of said fetal DNA contains 500 base pairs, said maternal DNA having a greater size. Separation of circulatory extracellular DNA of <500 base pairs results in separation of fetal from maternal DNA. A fraction of a blood plasma or serum sample of a pregnant woman containing, due to size separation (e.g. by chromatography, density gradient centrifugation or nanotechnological methods), extracellular DNA substantially comprising 500 base pairs is useful for non-invasive detection of fetal genetic traits (including the fetal RhD gene in pregnancies at risk for HDN; fetal Y chromosome-specific sequences in pregnancies at risk for X chromosome-linked disorders; chromosomal aberrations; hereditary Mendelian genetic disorders and corresponding genetic markers; and traits decisive for paternity determination) by e.g. PCR, ligand chain reaction or probe hybridization techniques, or nucleic acid arrays.

Abstract: Methods for determining genotypes and haplotypes of genes are described. Also described are single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes in the ApoE gene and methods of using that information.

Abstract: A liquid injection jig set includes a chip receiver in which a microchip having a plate shape is received in a case, and a jig that is configured to be fittable to the chip receiver includes a hollow needle that can pierce a side end surface of the microchip, which is exposed from the case, and introduces liquid into the microchip via the hollow needle.

Abstract: A 3D organotypic culture which phenocopies aggressive, invasive cancer and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for analysis of genomic DNA and/or RNA from small samples or even single cells. Methods for analyzing genomic DNA can entail whole genome amplification (WGA), followed by preamplification and amplification of selected target nucleic acids. Methods for analyzing RNA can entail reverse transcription of the desired RNA, followed by preamplification and amplification of selected target nucleic acids.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to isolating nucleic acids. In particular, the technology relates to methods and kits for extracting nucleic acids from problematic samples such as stool.

Abstract: A method of providing a prognosis or diagnosis of prostate cancer in a subject is described. The method includes obtaining a urine or prostate sample from the subject; determining the level of expression of ABCA1 in the sample; and comparing the level of expression of ABCA1 in the sample to the level of a control sample, wherein a decreased level of ABCA1 expression compared to the control indicates the subject has prostate cancer or a more severe form of prostate cancer. Methods of treating subjects identified as having prostate cancer, and kits for carrying out the method of prognosis or diagnosis are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to oligonucleotides comprising a molecular switch which may exist in an “open” or “closed” position. The molecular switch portion of the probe is particularly sensitive to the identity of sequences complementary to the molecular switch. Oligonucleotides containing a molecular switch are applicable to all kinds of hybridization processes. Due to the sensitivity of the switch domain of the oligonucleotide, probes containing a molecular switch are particularly useful in the identification of single point mismatches. More specifically, a portion, but not all, of the oligonucleotide becomes unbound from a mismatched target. The invention further relates to methods of using said oligonucleotides for research reagents, and clinical diagnostics. An exemplary oligonucleotide comprises a first hybridizable domain, a second bridging block domain, and a third binding domain.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the genetic data for one or a small set of cells, or from fragmentary DNA, where a limited quantity of genetic data is available, are disclosed. Genetic data for the target individual is acquired and amplified using known methods, and poorly measured base pairs, missing alleles and missing regions are reconstructed using expected similarities between the target genome and the genome of genetically related subjects. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention incomplete genetic data is acquired from embryonic cells, fetal cells, or cell-free fetal DNA isolated from the mother's blood, and the incomplete genetic data is reconstructed using the more complete genetic data from a larger sample diploid cells from one or both parents, with or without genetic data from haploid cells from one or both parents, and/or genetic data taken from other related individuals.

Abstract: A method of identifying an alteration in a locus copy number is provided. The method is effected by determining a methylation state of at least one gene in the locus, wherein a methylation state differing from a predetermined methylation state of the at least one gene is indicative of an alteration in the locus copy number.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for resolving measurement problems such problems in measuring chromosomal copy number. Some disclosed methods involve first selecting a primary assay element characteristic to partition. Such characteristic may be a source of experimental variability such as the GC content of measured DNA sequences. Additionally, the disclosed methods may employ an abundance or copy number function to transform the assay element frequencies into an abundance, dose, copy number score, or the like. In some cases, the disclosed methods estimate an amount of certain fetal DNA in a sample. The methods can further compare the estimated amount to a measured amount of fetal DNA in the sample. The comparison can be used to determine the fetal sex or aneuploidy.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for modulating the amplification efficiency of nucleic acids, which are useful in multiplex reactions where the amplification efficiency of one or more nucleic acids in the mixture are desired to be modulated relative to one or more other nucleic acids. Embodiments relate to molecular diagnostics, including detecting sequence variants, such as SNPs, insertions deletions, and altered methylation patterns, as well as the modulation of the amplification efficiency of internal control sequences to provide more accurate control sequences for amplification reactions.

Abstract: System for detection and/or analysis of nucleic acids using nanowires to detect covalent modification of nucleic acids.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for regulation of exonic splicing enhancers and exonic splicing silencers. Compounds include polynucleotides targeted to aberrant exonic splicing enhancers and exonic splicing silencers. Compounds and methods for the diagnosis of diseases and conditions associated with aberrant exonic splicing enhancers and exonic splicing silencers. Methods for identifying splicing-sensitive disease mutations, and functional RNA elements as targets for amelioration of aberrant pre-mRNA splicing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-invasive methods, kits and means for diagnosing and/or prognosing of kidney cancer in a body fluid sample from a subject. Further, the present invention relates to set of polynucleotides or sets of primer pairs for detecting sets of miRNAs for diagnosing and/or prognosing of kidney cancer in a body fluid sample from a subject. In addition, the present invention relates to sets of miRNAs for diagnosing and/or prognosing of kidney cancer in a body fluid sample from a subject.

Abstract: The invention discloses a primer set for identification of meat species. The primer set comprises a pair of outer primers used to amplify a sense strand of DNA fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome b between positions 51 and 507. The pair of outer primers comprises a forward outer primer and a backward outer primer. The primer set further comprises a pair of inner primers comprising a forward inner primer and a backward inner primer. The forward inner primer comprises a first annealing portion and a first warped portion. The backward inner primer comprises a second annealing portion and a second warped portion. Accordingly, the primer set is used to identify species of meat especially with DNA fragmentation due to processing processes of processed food.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for high-resolution clonal typing of Escherichia coli.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of an ANGPTL3 mRNA and protein in an animal. Also provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing plasma lipids, plasma glucose and atherosclerotic plaques in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate any one or more of cardiovascular disease or metabolic disease, or a symptom thereof.