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: A securement assembly for releasably securing an expandable stent or stent-graft relative to a delivery tube. The securement assembly comprises a belt base configured for securement relative to the delivery tube. The belt base defines a release member passage and a receiving portion. A first end of a belt is fixed relative to the belt base. The opposite end of the belt includes a retainment portion configured to releasably engage the receiving portion of the belt base. A release member is removably positioned through the release member passage and aligned with the belt retainment portion such that the retainment portion is maintained engaged with the receiving portion until the release member is moved to a non-aligned position. A method of releasably securing a portion of an expandable stent or stent-graft relative to a delivery tube is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a stent-graft system comprising a graft member and a stent having a connection end interconnected with the graft member and a free end opposed thereto. A belt retaining structure is provided at the stent free end. A belt is releasably retained in the belt retaining structure and is configured to constrain the stent free end independent of the stent connection end. A method of securing at least one end of a stent-graft within a vessel is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging the reflectance of a substrate, such as a tissue substrate, may include a light source, a light transport body configured to project light from the light source to an examination substrate and transmit light reflected by the examination substrate, and an analysis section in optical communication with the light transport body and having a reflectance avoidance imaging module and at least one of a reflectance spectrophotometry module and a fluorescence imaging module. Methods may include utilizing the microcirculatory flow information, oxygen availability information, and the adequacy of oxygenation of tissue cells information, making an early and sensitive determination regarding states of shock in patients.

Abstract: A series of compressible members disposed with a vessel lumen designed to produce a flow rate that increases with respect to an increasing flow material pressure with the rate of increase having a stepped behavior. The first compressible member is designed so as to partially restrict flow so as to allow for only moderate increases in flow rate with respect to flow material pressure. Subsequent compressible members are designed to allow for increases in flow rate greater than the moderate rate of increase when the flow material pressure is above a given flow material pressure.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising (avian pandemic) influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for penetrating a tissue membrane to gain access to a target site are disclosed. In some examples, systems and methods for accessing the left atrium from the right atrium of a patient's heart are carried out by puncturing the intra-atrial septal wall. One embodiment provides a system for transseptal cardiac access that includes a stabilizer sheath having a side port, a shaped guiding catheter configured to exit the side port and a tissue penetration member disposed within and extendable from the distal end of the guide catheter. The tissue penetration member may be configured to penetrate tissue upon rotation and may be coupled to a distal portion of a torqueable shaft. In some embodiments, the stabilizer sheath and shaped guiding catheter may be moved relative to the patient's body structure and relative to each other so that a desired approach angle may be obtained for the tissue penetration member with respect to the target tissue.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the optimization and production of influenza viruses, e.g., ca influenza B strains, in eggs and host cells suitable as influenza vaccines are provided.

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.

Abstract: Provided herein are optimized methods for performing multiplexed detection of a plurality of sequence variations. Also provided are methods for performing multiplexed amplification of target nucleic acid.

Abstract: An adjustable optical mount embodiment includes a first plate configured to mount an optical element and a second plate disposed adjacent the first plate with a pivot point between the plates. At least one adjustable threaded member has a contact end in contact with a rear surface of the first plate and a threaded outer surface in threaded engagement with a threaded bore of the second plate. A lock collar having a threaded bore in threaded engagement with a threaded outer surface of the adjustable threaded member which extends from a rear surface of the second plate has a torqueable surface disposed at an adjustment end which is configured to be engaged for the application of torque from a rearward position relative to the adjustable optical mount.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising (avian pandemic) influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

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: A multicapillary column especially useful for liquid chromatography and sample preparation comprising a plurality of uniform capillaries coated with an insoluble stationary phase, wherein the thickness of the stationary phase is correlated with the radius of the individual capillaries for high efficiency.

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: 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 method and system for identifying a biological sample generates a data set indicative of the composition of the biological sample. In a particular example, the data set is DNA spectrometry data received from a mass spectrometer. The data set is denoised, and a baseline is deleted. Since possible compositions of the biological sample may be known, expected peak areas may be determined. Using the expected peak areas, a residual baseline is generated to further correct the data set. Probable peaks are then identifiable in the corrected data set, which are used to identify the composition of the biological sample. In a disclosed example, statistical methods are employed to determine the probability that a probable peak is an actual peak, not an actual peak, or that the data are too inconclusive to call.

Abstract: The present invention provides vascular introducer sheaths incorporating improved passive valves which can maintain hemostasis around medical instruments. A passive sheath valve for creating a hemostatic seal around a medical instrument comprises a valve body having an upstream end, a downstream end, and a lumen having an inner and outer surface therethrough. The valve body defines a sealing aperture that is configured nominally to remain open. The upstream end includes an upstream annulus region defining at least one opening and the downstream end includes a downstream annulus region. Each annulus region and lumen outer surface define at least one chamber. The at least one opening transmits pressure from the upstream end through the upstream annulus region so as to allow a fluid to enter the at least one chamber.