Abstract: A substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the substance comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate and milled mineral trioxide aggregate, or comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate, milled mineral trioxide aggregate and water. A method of making a substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the method comprising milling by high shear and impact impingement of particles using high pressure homogenization. A method for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material.

Abstract: The method for monitoring an activity of a cognitively impaired user using a device having a body resting on a plurality of support areas and loadable by the cognitively impaired user, generally comprises the step of measuring a plurality of force values exerted by a weight of a load to corresponding ones of the support areas; the step of obtaining a state of an activity of the cognitively impaired user based on the measured values; and the step of generating a signal indicative of the state of the activity. The state of the activity typically can be a given step in a recipe to be cooked on a smart stove in order to assist a cognitively impaired person in the completion of a cooking activity.

Abstract: A method is provided for assigning a relative score number to foods. Assignment of a relative score number to foods allows consumers to select foods that will provide a desirable diet. Equations are provided which are effective to yield a predicted raw score based on measured characteristics. The predicted raw score statistically correlates to a raw score that would be determined by an actual panel. The predicted raw scores are further processed to provide a relative score number that can be easily tracked by a consumer.

Abstract: Apparatus for aiding learning by a person comprises a cover or shield (1) for concealing from the person a part of the person's body, and a webcam (6) and a screen (10) for visually displaying to the person, during concealment of the concealed body part, images of a part of the person's body not in direct view of the person. The apparatus may be used in the learning of a skill, such as hand-writing. In another embodiment, the shield is a collar worn to conceal part of the wearer's body, and the webcam and screen display the concealed body part in real time to the wearer. This apparatus can be used in many applications, such as to learn sports activities or to correct body image, posture or movement.

Abstract: A system for reading improvement has a computerized server connected to a network and coupled to a data repository and software executing on the computerized server from a non-transitory medium. The software provides interactive interfaces including a first interactive interface enabling the user to select a reading game from a list of a plurality of reading games, and once the user selects a specific reading game, a second interactive interface is presented having a first window enabling the user to set parameters and initiate the selected reading game, with wherein reading material presented in a second window in the second interactive interface in a format specific to the selected reading game.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for providing an educational gaming platform. The educational gaming platform can include games and puzzles that users can solve. The educational gaming platform can also include an editor that permits users to modify the games and puzzles as well as create new games and puzzles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for online assisted pre-intervention or “prevention” are described. A prevention system may provide the ability to initiate a prevention campaign in order to create a customized support forum for persons who may be afflicted by a harmful addiction. The prevention system can receive a request to initiate a campaign for a recipient from a host and facilitate the invitation of other participants to the campaign. Knowledge-based questionnaires may be dynamically generated for the host and participants, and a profile built for the recipient based on received responses. Customized messages may be generated by the prevention system using expert knowledge-based rules, and delivered to the recipient. The messages may be unique to the recipient based on the recipient's circumstances and relationship to the host and participants. Support services provided by the prevention system encourage the recipient to agree to accept help and provide action plan recommendations.

Abstract: A ski training harness comprising: (a) an adjustable, releasable waist strap; (b) a pair of retractable leashes connected to the waist strap at a left-side and right-side location relative to a child, wherein each of the retractable leashes comprises a handle adapted to allow an adult wearing ski gloves to easily grasp the leash handle, a portion of each of the leashes extending from each of the handles; and (c) means for securing the pair of leash handles to the waist strap.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention disclosed herein provides techniques for controlling a movement training environment. A movement training system retrieves a movement object from a set of movement objects. The movement training system attains first motion capture data associated with a first user performing a movement based on the movement object. The movement training system generates a first articulable representation based on the first motion capture data. The movement training system compares at least one first joint position related to the first articulable representation with at least one second joint position related to a second articulable representation associated with the movement object. The movement training system calculates a first similarity score based on a difference between the at least one first joint position and the at least one second joint position.

Abstract: Disclosed are adjustable powered rehabilitation devices and methods for using the same to rehabilitate and/or train a user. The rehabilitation devices preferably have a plurality of selectable power settings that correspond to one or more rehabilitation-oriented actions or functions of the rehabilitation devices. For example, the power of the rehabilitation device may be selected based on a need, ability, muscle-power and/or physiological characteristics of the user. For instance, a rehabilitation device may be operated at a relatively low power setting to allow a patient to use his or her own muscle power when moving with the rehabilitation device. The rehabilitation device may also include an adjustable sensitivity level that corresponds to a user difficulty in triggering a particular rehabilitation-oriented action. The powered rehabilitation device may also temporarily be used to train a user in interacting with a passive or more conventional prosthetic device.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including a content analysis unit configured to analyze a group of content by setting individual pieces of content included in the group of content as nodes of a graph structure and a link between the pieces of the content as a link of the graph structure, and a learning support information generation unit configured to generate learning support information that supports learning of knowledge provided as at least a part of the group of content based on a result of the analysis.

Abstract: Computer-readable storage media, computing devices, and methods associated with an adaptive learning environment associated with an adaptive learning environment are disclosed. In embodiments, a computing device may include an instruction module and an adaptation module operatively coupled with the instruction module. The instruction module may selectively provide instructional content of one of a plurality of instructional content types to a user of the computing device via one or more output devices coupled with the computing device. The adaptation module may determine, in real-time, an engagement level associated with the user of the computing device and may cooperate with the instruction module to dynamically adapt the instructional content provided to the user based at least in part on the engagement level determined. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: An intelligent teaching and tutoring test method is provided with a remote learning online test mode, a remote learning test paper test mode, a classroom teaching online test mode, and a classroom teaching test paper test mode. Based on the diversified data input methods and intelligent data analyzing process offered by an intelligent teaching and tutoring test system, the invention is a proprietary teaching and tutoring test method for different learners according to their differentiated individual learning situations so as to substantially enhance the learning efficiency of the learners.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices herein receive an inquiry and automatically analyze words used in the inquiry, potential answers, and data maintained by evidence sources using the computerized device to determine the sensitivity level associated with the inquiry. The sensitivity level associated with the inquiry represents an emotional and cognitive state of the user. Such methods and devices automatically generate at least one follow-up question based on the sensitivity level associated with the inquiry and receive a follow-up response into the computerized device in response to the follow-up question(s). The methods and devices also automatically produce scores for the potential answers using the computerized device based on the inquiry, the follow-up responses, and ratings of the evidence sources. Following this, these methods and devices automatically generate output answers to the inquiry based on the sensitivity level associated with the inquiry using the computerized device.

Abstract: A shaving demonstration method having a step of providing a first shaving razor with a shaving surface having at least one blade with a cutting edge. A transparent first surface is provided. The shaving surface the first shaving razor contacts the transparent first surface. Another step includes illustrating the shaving surface of the first shaving razor against the transparent first surface through a transparent second surface opposite the first surface. The first shaving razor is moved along the transparent first surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides tablets with interconnection features and a system of multiple tablet assemblies removably interconnected to one another. The tablets may be removably mounted to a vertical surface or positioned on a horizontal surface. Features of the present invention allow a user to remove or move one tablet from the system without disrupting or moving the other tablets.

Abstract: A preservative for body fluids, proteins, cells and tissues comprising an effective amount of an AGE crosslink breaker for preventing formation of advanced glycation end products. The AGE crosslink breaker comprises a compound of Structure (1): wherein V, W, X, Y and Z are any atom suitable for a heterocyclic carbene or carbene precursor framework, including B, C, O, N, S, Se, P, and As in any chemically-feasible oxidation state; wherein Q, R, M, T and U are any atom or substituent, including but not limited to, H, CLn, NLn, PLn, OLn, SLn, SeLn, LnCl, LnBr, LnI, wherein L is any atom, substituent or group, and n is any integer such that Q, R, M, T, and U can access all chemically-feasible oxidation states; and wherein G comprises any charged counter ion including, but not limited to those derived from C, O, N, B, Al, S, Se, Cl, Br, I in any chemically-feasible oxidation state.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid products and corresponding methods for screening a biological sample for the presence of a respiratory infection-causing microorganism.

Abstract: Flow cytometer systems are provided that mitigate aerosols generated during operation of a flow cytometer. A flow cytometer system can include various combinations of: a flow cytometer instrument base, a flow cytometer, and a biosafety hood (BSH). In some embodiments, a subject flow cytometer system includes a flow cytometer instrument base, a flow cytometer, and a BSH. In some embodiments, a subject flow cytometer system includes a flow cytometer instrument base and a flow cytometer. In some cases, a BSH includes an aerosol management system, which provides a redundant air filtration system. Also provided are components of a flow cytometer system (e.g., a BSH configured to attach to a flow cytometer instrument base, a flow cytometer instrument base configured to attach to a BSH, etc.). Also provided are methods, including methods of performing a flow cytometric procedure using a flow cytometer system; and methods of decontaminating a flow cytometer system.

Abstract: A process for detecting human rhinovirus nucleic acid in a biological sample, includes producing an amplification product by amplifying an human bocavirus nucleotide sequence using a forward primer of SEQ ID NO: 1, and a reverse primer of SEQ ID NO: 2, and measuring said amplification product to detect human rhinovirus in said biological sample. Also provided are reagents and methods for detecting and distinguishing human rhinovirus from other viruses. A kit is provided for detecting and quantifying human rhinovirus in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid.

Abstract: Improved dipstick assays for testing for the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample solution are described. A dipstick is provided which comprises a contact end for contacting the sample solution and a capture zone remote from the contact end for capturing target nucleic acid. Sample solution is contacted with the contact end to cause sample solution to move by capillary action to the capture zone. Target nucleic acid in the sample solution is captured at the capture zone and is detected by a plurality of different labelled detection probes each capable of hybridizing to a different region of the target nucleic acid. The detection signal is thereby enhanced. In other methods a plurality of different capture probes are added to the sample solution which can then be bound by a capture moiety at the capture zone to indirectly capture target nucleic acid. Capture of target nucleic acid is thereby improved. Kits and dipsticks for carrying out such methods are also described.

Abstract: In certain aspects, methods of the invention involve performing modification state specific enzymatic reaction of nucleic acid in a sample, determining a value associated with efficiency of the modification state specific enzymatic reaction based on a control, determining an amount of target nucleic acid in the sample, and normalizing the amount of target nucleic acid based on the efficiency value. Based on the normalized amount of target nucleic acid, the method further includes determining whether the normalized amount of target nucleic acid is indicative of a condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods of culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells, with the methods comprising culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells in the presence of feeder cells and a calcium-containing medium while inhibiting the activity of Rho kinase (ROCK) in the feeder cell, the non-keratinocyte epithelial cells or both during culturing.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and kits for detecting one or more species of RNA molecules are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first adaptor and a second adaptor are ligated to the RNA molecule using a polypeptide comprising double-strand specific RNA ligase activity, without an intervening purification step. The ligated product is reverse transcribed, then at least some of the ribonucleosides in the reverse transcription product are removed. Primers are added and amplified products are generated. In certain embodiments, the sequence of at least part of at least one species of amplified product is determined and at least part of the corresponding RNA molecule is determined. In some embodiments, at least some of the amplified product species are detected, directly or indirectly, allowing the presence and/or quantity of the RNA molecule of interest to be determined.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transcription activator-like effector-based strategy, termed “TALEColor”, for labeling specific repetitive DNA sequences in human chromosomes. TALEs were custom designed for human telomeric repeats and fused with any of numerous fluorescent proteins (FPs). TALE-telomere-FP fusion proteins were used to detect telomeric sequence in both living cells and fixed cells. Using human cells with different average telomere lengths, TALEColor signals correlated positively with telomere length. TALEs were also designed to detect centromeric sequences unique to specific chromosomes, enabling localization of these specific human chromosomes in live cells. These methods may have significant potential both for basic chromosome and genome research as well as in clinical applications.

Abstract: A method of determining nephrotoxicity of pharmaceuticals by conducting a metabolite formation study in cells using PAH in a control group; measuring metabolite formation; exposing cells to pharmaceuticals in the treatment group; conducting the metabolite formation study using PAH; measuring the metabolite formation in the treatment group; comparing the metabolite formation in the control and treatment group, and making a determination as to the nephrotoxicity of pharmaceutical.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluorescent proteins and Split-Fluorescent proteins (SFPs) including Split-Green Fluorescent Proteins, such as tripartite split-GFPs. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the fluorescent proteins and SFPs, as well as methods of using the fluorescent proteins and SFPs, are also disclosed. For example, methods of detecting protein-protein interactions are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring airborne microorganisms in real time using a microorganism lysis system and ATP bioluminescence, the method including sampling the airborne microorganisms in a particle classification device to which an ATP-reactive luminescent agent is applied and, at the same time, lysing the microorganisms in a microorganism lysis system under continuous operation to extract adenosine triphosphate (ATP) of the microorganisms sampled in the particle classification device, thus inducing a luminescent reaction between the ATP-reactive luminescent agent and the ATP of the particle classification device in real time; and measuring the concentration of microorganisms using a light receiving device. According to the detection method using ATP organism illumination, the floating microorganisms in the gas phase can be readily detected and the detection can be automatically conducted in real time without manual labor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacterial cell with texturizing property, starter cultures comprising the cell, and dairy products fermented with the starter culture.

Abstract: An optical system for determining the concentration of a metabolic gas in a container sealed to biological contamination and enclosing a biological material. The optical system has a broadly tunable coherent infrared light source, a detection module, and a control system connected to the light source and detection module and operates the light source, to receive and analyze the data provided by said detection module, and to process the data indicative of the concentration of said metabolic gas in said sealed container.

Abstract: Systems and processes of providing novel thermal energy sources for hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) reactors are described herein. According to various implementations, the systems and processes use concentrated solar thermal energy from a focused high-energy beam to provide sufficient energy for driving the HTL biomass-to-biocrude process. In addition, other implementations convert biowaste, such as municipal biosolids and grease and food waste, to biocrude using anaerobic digesters, and a portion of the biogas generated by the digesters is used to produce the thermal and/or electrical energy used in the HTL reactor for the biomass-to-biocrude process. Furthermore, alternative implementations may include a hybrid system that uses biogas and solar radiation to provide sufficient thermal energy for the HTL reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid molecules coding for a bacterial xylose isomerase (XI), preferably coming from Clostridium phytofermentans, for reaction/metabolization, particularly fermentation, of recombinant microorganisms of biomaterial containing xylose, and particularly for the production of bioalcohols, particularly bioethanol, by means of xylose fermenting yeasts. The present invention further relates to cells, particularly eukaryotic cells, which are transformed utilizing a nucleic acid expression construct which codes for a xylose isomerase, wherein the expression of the nucleic acid expression construct imparts to the cells the capability to directly isomerize xylose into xylulose. Said cells are preferably utilized for reaction/metabolization, particularly fermentation, of biomaterial containing xylose, and particularly for the production of bioalcohols, particularly bioethanol.

Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, are compositions and methods of synthesis and detection of tetrazines and diazonorcaradienes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antagonizing the activity of IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-23 using bispecific antibodies that comprise a binding entity that is cross-reactive for IL-17A and IL-17F and a binding entity that binds IL-23p19. The present invention relates to novel bispecific antibody formats and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification method includes: adsorbing a nucleic acid onto fine particles by mixing a chaotropic substance-containing adsorbent liquid and the fine particles with a nucleic acid-containing sample; washing the fine particles adsorbing the nucleic acid with a first washing liquid; eluting the nucleic acid adsorbed to the fine particles in an eluate; and performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction on the nucleic acid in the eluate. The adsorbent liquid contains an alcohol, and the first washing liquid is acidic. This method can be carried out by a nucleic acid extraction device, a nucleic acid amplification reaction cartridge, and a nucleic acid amplification reaction kit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent beta-glucosidase, comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 142, 183, 266, and 703 of amino acids 1 to 842 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or corresponding to positions 142, 183, 266, and 705 of amino acids 1 to 844 of SEQ ID NO: 70, wherein the variant has beta-glucosidase activity. The present invention also relates to nucleotide sequences encoding the variant beta-glucosidases and to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified polynucleotide encoding aspartate kinase (EC:2.7.2.4; hereinafter, referred to as LysC), transketolase (EC:2.2.1.1; hereinafter, referred to as Tkt) or pyruvate carboxylase (EC:6.4.1.1; hereinafter, referred to as Pyc), in which the initiation codon is substituted with ATG, a vector including the same, a microorganism transformed with the vector, and a method for producing L-lysine using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of the Bacillus subtilis alanine dehydrogenase or a variant thereof, where Leu197 or an amino acid which is located at a homologous position in the amino acid sequence is exchanged for an amino acid with a positively charged side chain, to a nucleic acid molecule encoding such a polypeptide, and to a process for the production of alanine or a compound generated with consumption of alanine, comprising the step of reacting pyruvate with ammonium and NADPH to give alanine by bringing the pyruvate into contact with the polypeptide according to the invention or with the cell according to the invention.

Abstract: A method of producing patchoulol and 7-epi-?-selinene by contacting at least one polypeptide with farnesyl phyrophosphate (fpp). The method may be carried out in vitro or in vivo to produce patchoulol and 7-epi-?-selinene, compounds which can be useful in the field of perfumery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered stability, in particular at high temperatures and/or at low pH relative, and/or low Ca2+ to the parent alpha-amylase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing energy. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for producing energy, such as energy in the form of electricity, and fuels, such as, for example, biodiesel and/or cellulosic ethanol in a small scale energy center. Moreover, the systems and methods of the present invention provide for recovery of materials, such as in soil production and/or recycling.

Abstract: A solid state fermentation process for producing methane, and a bioreactor and solid support for use in the process are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a biogas generation system comprising a fermenter for generating a biogas containing carbon dioxide and methane by decomposing an organic waste by the action of methane bacteria; a biogas refinery for condensing the methane contained in the biogas by dissolving the carbon dioxide contained in the generated biogas in a liquid; and a photoelectrochemical device for generating methane, carbon monoixide, or formic acid from the carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid. The photoelectrochemical device comprises a cathode chamber for storing a first electrolyte solution containing the carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid; an anode chamber for storing a second electrolyte solution; a solid electrolyte membrane; a cathode electrode provided in the cathode chamber; an anode electrode provided in the anode chamber; and an external power supply for applying a negative voltage and a positive voltage to the cathode electrode and the anode electrode, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a porous membrane having an immobilized enzyme wherein the enzyme is immobilized within pores which are three-dimensionally connected to each other. The porous membrane having the immobilized enzyme is three-dimensionally crosslinked in a molecular level wherein nanopores of 5 to 100 nm are interconnected, so that the immobilized enzyme may be in contact with a reactant in all directions, and the reaction solution may be easily diffused, thereby proceeding with the catalytic reaction fast and conveniently without deterioration of material transport.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to carbonic anhydrase xerogel particles comprising a polysilicate-polysilicone copolymer and carbonic anhydrase. The carbonic anhydrase xerogel particles can be used for carbon dioxide capture.

Abstract: Methods are provided for engineering non-naturally occurring proteins comprising artificial pH-sensitive conformational switches that respond to a change in pH by causing a global unfolding of the proteins. Non-naturally occurring proteins comprising artificial pH-sensitive conformational switches that respond to a change in pH by causing a global unfolding of the proteins are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, containers, and methods are provided for performing biological analysis in a closed environment. Illustrative biological analyses include nucleic acid amplification and detection and immuno-PCR.

Abstract: A spectroscopic system is provided. In one embodiment, the spectroscopic system comprises a light source adapted to provide a beam of illumination; an optical system adapted to provide the beam of illumination to a sample and receive a spectroscopy signal from the sample and direct the spectroscopy signal to at least one single channel detector, wherein the optical system comprises an adjustable dispersing element for directing one or more spectral features of the spectroscopy signal to the at least one single channel detector; a calibration detector adapted to determine a set point of the adjustable dispersing element; and a source synchronization component adapted to synchronize an operation of the light source and the at least one single channel detector. A method of calibrating a dispersing element of a spectrometer is also provided.

Abstract: A buoyant device containing chromatography media performs the function of protein harvesting replacing the steps of cell separation and volume reduction; the device can be loaded into columns for further purification.