Abstract: Described herein are cassettes and methods for using these cassettes for cryopreserving biomaterials (e.g., a bioengineered construct or natural tissue sample) by vitrification while reducing or preventing the loss of viability associated with conventional preservation methods.

Abstract: Rib hook devices, systems, and methods of assembling and using the devices and systems are disclosed. The rib hook device includes a body with a first end and a second end and a rod attachment member coupled to and extending away from the second end of the body. The rib hook system includes at least one rib hook device, a first rod for engaging the at least one rib hook device, and at least one fastener for securing the first rod to the at least one rib hook device. Methods for assembling and using the rib hook devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Rib hook devices, systems, and methods of assembling and using the devices and systems are disclosed. The rib hook device includes a body with a first end and a second end and a rod attachment member coupled to and extending away from the second end of the body. The rib hook system includes at least one rib hook device, a first rod for engaging the at least one rib hook device, and at least one fastener for securing the first rod to the at least one rib hook device. Methods for assembling and using the rib hook devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for evaluating written work-product which includes several categories in which work-product is rated using a unique set of Levels and categories. An exemplary embodiment of the rating scheme includes a rating scale of integers from 1 to 5, inclusive, in which rating below 3 is considered unacceptable. After a particular piece of work-product is reviewed, another piece of work-product produced by the same person may also be reviewed. Typically, each review is performed by two reviewers. In the event that two reviewers disagree as to the rating of a particular work-product item, a third reviewer, or arbitrator, is used to rate the work-product again to determine a rating for the product. Each creator of work-product may have two or more items of their work-product reviewed to determine the overall quality of the creator's work.

Abstract: A device for preventing calls from a network interface device, disposed between a customer's premise equipment and that portion of a telephone loop owned by a telephone company connecting the network interface device to a telephone central office, by periodically disconnecting that portion of the telephone loop owned by the telephone company from the subscriber's premises equipment every few seconds. An unauthorized person can get dial tone and can attempt to dial a number, but before the called party can answer, the line is disconnected. Dial tone will appear again after a given period of time, the cycle of dial tone-no dial tone continuing indefinitely. A premise owner may test the integrity of the loop between the owner's premises and the central office in a conventional manner notwithstanding.