Abstract: Tubular ePTFE materials which are capable of being radially expanded under the influence of a radially outward force applied from the lumen of the ePTFE tubular material to substantially uniformly radially deform the ePTFE material. The ePTFE material is radially expandable to a diameter 700% its unexpanded diameter under the influence of pressures less than 6 atm while retaining the structural integrity of the ePTFE microstructure. Conservation of the structural integrity of the ePTFE material is determined by conservation of the ePTFE microstructure structural integrity.

Abstract: A method and single solution denaturation and hybridization solution useful with synthetic oligonucleotide probes for hybridizing DNA or RNA sequences by in situ hybridization. The inventive protocol employs synthetic oligonucleotide probes and a glycerol-based hybridization solution which is particularly useful in fluorescence labeling of chromosomes X, Y, 13, 18 and 21 in human lymphocytes, amniocytes and metaphase chromosomes, with the label being sufficiently stable to permit archival storage of the labeled sample for later hybridization or analysis.

Abstract: A charge-flow separation apparatus (CFS) for enriching rare cell populations, particularly fetal cells, from a whole blood sample by separating the rare cell fractions from whole fractions according to the relative-charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix is described. The apparatus having an internal cooling system allows for dissipating heat generated by the electric field of the apparatus. The internal cooling system, consisting of a plurality of cooling tubes to circulate coolant material, prevents cellular degradation typically associated with the high heat generated by the electric field and permits the use of a higher voltage gradient to shorten separation times.

Abstract: A snow ski simulation apparatus which employs a plurality of in-line wheels mounted onto a longitudinally flexible ski chassis member having torsional rigidity which is generally greater than the longitudinal flexibility of the ski chassis. A simulated ski camber is created by providing in-line wheels positioned in spaced apart relationship along the longitudinal length of the ski chassis member. The differential diameter of the spaced-apart in-line wheels facilitates longitudinal flexion of the ski chassis member upon a user weighting or unweighting the ski apparatus in a manner which simulates snow skiing. In this manner the ability of the user to turn and modulate the arc of each turn by angulation relative to the running surface and weighting and unweighting of the ski apparatus is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A multi-stage, modular water filter apparatus having at least first and second filter housings engageable with one and other, and each being engageable with a water inlet member, a water outlet member and a fluid filter cartridge for removing undesired components in a water supply.

Abstract: A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) flexible and bendable working channel section which is circumferentially reinforced against kinking and which is adapted to be insertable, in-line, with the rigid section of the endoscopic working channel.

Abstract: A computer-implemented program for profiling medical claims to assist health care managers in determining the cost-efficiency and service quality of health care providers. The software program allows an objective means for measuring and quantifying health, care services. An episode treatment group (ETG) is a patient classification system with groups that are clinically homogenous (similar cause of illness and treatment) and statistically stable. ETG grouper software uses service or segment-level claim data as input data and assigns each service to the appropriate episode. The program identifies concurrent and recurrent episodes, flags records, creates new groupings, shifts groupings for changed conditions, selects the most recent claims, resets windows, makes a determination if the provider is an independent lab and continues to collect information until an absence of treatment is detected.