Abstract: A stent, a system for delivering a stent and a method of assembling a stent on a stent delivery shaft. The stent delivery system comprises a delivery shaft and a stent configured to be positioned about the delivery shaft. The stent includes an extension extending circumferentially from a portion of the stent to a free end, thereby defining a shoulder surface. A belt has a first portion fixed relative to the delivery shaft and a second portion positioned circumferentially about at least a portion of the stent to retain the stent in an at least partially constrained configuration. A release wire is configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the belt to retain the belt. The shoulder surface engages at least a portion of the belt to minimize axial movement of the belt during release of the release wire from engagement with the belt.

Abstract: A system and method of developing better-designed medical devices, particularly cardiovascular stents and endovascular grafts. The system comprises a geometry generator, a mesh generator, a stress/strain/deformation analyzer, and a visualization tool. In one embodiment, the geometry generator receives three-dimensional volumetric data of an anatomical feature and generates a geometric model. The mesh generator then receives such geometric model of an anatomical feature or an in vitro model and a geometric model of a candidate medical device. In another embodiment, the mesh generator only receives a geometric model of the candidate medical device. Using the geometric model(s) received, the mesh generator creates or generates a mesh or a finite element model. The stress/strain/deformation analyzer then receives the mesh, and the material models and loads of that mesh.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for adjusting a wavelength, bandwidth or both. Such systems and methods may be applicable to laser beams within a laser cavity or amplifier. For some embodiments, such systems and methods may be used to allow a user to set a desired wavelength and bandwidth of a short pulse laser system for operation at those parameters without further adjustment by the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods useful for determining DNA quality after bisulfite treatment. The methods include a PCR-based assay, which allows ab-initio assessment of the DNA quality after bisulfite treatment and can help to prevent inaccurate quantitative measurement resulting from poor bisulfite treatment.

Abstract: Provided in part herein is an improved method for the detection of specific polymorphic alleles in a mixed DNA population. The method comprises enriching the relative percentage of a given polymorphic allele that is exponentially amplifiable by PCR. Provided also are methods for selectively enriching target nucleic acid, for example, fetal nucleic acid in a maternal sample. In the case of detecting fetal nucleic acid in a maternal sample, a restriction enzyme is introduced that can discriminate between the alleles of a polymorphic site. In some embodiments, the maternal allele is digested and nucleic acid comprising the paternal allele is relatively enriched.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel serum-free cell culture medium and methods for cultivating MDCK cells. In particular, non-tumorigenic MDCK cells. The present invention also provides methods for producing influenza viruses (e.g., particularly cold-adapted, and/or temperature sensitive, and/or attenuated influenza viruses) that eliminate the need for a cell culture medium exchange step. The novel medium and methods are useful to grow influenza viruses, in cell culture to high titer. The present invention further provides purification methods for purifying influenza viruses with high overall recovery of live virus and result in levels of host cell DNA (HCD), host cell protein (HCP) and non-specific endonuclease (e.g., Benzonase), which are below the specifications required by regulatory agencies. The immunogenic compositions can be used to actively immunize subjects or to generate antibodies for a variety of uses, including passive immunization and diagnostic immunoassays.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.

Abstract: The invention in part provides nucleic acid-based assays, which are particularly useful for non-invasive prenatal testing. The invention in part provides compositions and methods for RhD typing, detecting the presence of fetal nucleic in a sample, determining the relative amount of fetal nucleic acid in a sample and determining the sex of a fetus, wherein each of the assays may be performed alone or in combination.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tube loading system suitable for rapidly loading, handing, manipulation and storing large numbers of tubes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed in part to a method for detecting a target nucleic acid using detector oligonucleotides detectable by mass spectrometry. This method uses the 5? to 3? nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed oligonucleotide probes from hybridized duplexes and release labels for detection by mass spectrometry. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification assay. The method also includes embodiments directed to quantitative analysis of target nucleic acids.

Abstract: Surgical coils are disclosed for marking, anchoring, stapling and suturing. Such surgical coils may be implanted in the body by deforming them to a small cross section profile, sliding it them through a low profile delivery device then deploying them from an embodiment of a delivery device at a targeted site. Embodiments of surgical coils when deployed revert back to a coiled configuration and circle tissue at the target site. Such surgical coils may be deployed about attachment members, such as suture lines, marker lines and the like for anchoring same.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel MDCK-derived adherent non-tumorigenic cell lines that can be grown in the presence or absence of serum. The cell lines of the present invention are useful for the production of vaccine material (e.g., viruses). More specifically, the cell lines of the present invention are useful for the production of influenza viruses in general and ca/ts influenza viruses in particular. The invention further provides methods and media formulations for the adaptation and cultivation of MDCK cells such that they remain non-tumorigenic. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for the production of vaccine material (e.g., influenza virus) in the novel cell lines of the invention.

Abstract: Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. A method of producing a cold adapted (ca) influenza virus that replicates efficiently at, e.g., 25° C. (and immunogenic compositions comprising the same) is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are genetically modified microorganisms that have enhanced fermentation activity, and methods for making and using such microorganisms.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides methods for increasing the replication capacity of influenza viruses in hens' eggs and/or cell culture, recombinant and/or reassortant influenza viruses with increased replication capacity, and immunogenic and vaccine compositions comprising such recombinant and/or reassortant influenza viruses. In other aspects, the invention further provides nucleic acids encoding influenza genes associated with increased replication capacity, expression vectors comprising the nucleic acids of the invention, methods for making influenza viruses with increased replication capacity, and kits useful for practice of the methods.

Abstract: Provided is a three-dimensional structure of an alcohol bound to an alcohol-binding site of an inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channel, Kir channel alcohol modulators and methods for identifying Kir channel modulators.

Abstract: Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. In addition, the present invention includes an improved method of rescue, wherein animal cells (e.g., SF Vero cells) are electroporated with plasmids and vectors of the invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are genetically modified microorganisms that have enhanced fermentation activity, and methods for making and using such microorganisms.