Abstract: A process for making a sheath used to protect a medical device. The medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A sheath is placed over the crimped scaffold after crimping to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath is removed by a health professional either by removing the sheath directly or using a tube containing the catheter.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a liquid chromatography system including: a first solvent manager configured to dispense various ratios of a first solvent and a second solvent; a first column in fluid communication with the first solvent manager; a mixer in fluid communication with the first column; a first valve in fluid communication with the mixer; a second column having a first end in fluid communication with a first port of the first valve and a second end in fluid communication with a second port of the first valve; a second solvent manager adapted and configured to dispense various ratios of a third solvent and a fourth solvent; and a second valve in fluid communication with the second solvent manager, the first valve, and the mixer. The first valve and the second valve are adapted and configured for actuation between and a second position.

Abstract: The invention provides novel, simple, reliable and effective methods for separating various lipids from biological samples. In certain embodiments, the invention provides HILIC-based UHPLC separation methods. In one embodiment, the methods of the invention offer an efficient and rapid separation of ether glycophospholipids (e.g., plasmalogens) from their diacyl or monoacyl counterparts within the same lipid class. In certain instances, the invention relates to the use of a Waters ACQUITY UPLC® system.

Abstract: The subject technology is directed to a CO2-based system and method for rapid determination of the levels and/or the presence or absence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Abstract: A process for making a sheath used to protect a medical device. The medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A sheath is placed over the crimped scaffold after crimping to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath is removed by a health professional either by removing the sheath directly or using a tube containing the catheter.

Abstract: The invention provides novel, simple, reliable and effective methods for separating various lipids from biological samples. In certain embodiments, the invention provides HILIC-based UHPLC separation methods. In one embodiment, the methods of the invention offer an efficient and rapid separation of ether glycophospholipids (e.g., plasmalogens) from their diacyl or monoacyl counterparts within the same lipid class. In certain instances, the invention relates to the use of a Waters ACQUITY UPLC® system.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a liquid chromatography system including: a first solvent manager configured to dispense various ratios of a first solvent and a second solvent; a first column in fluid communication with the first solvent manager; a mixer in fluid communication with the first column; a first valve in fluid communication with the mixer; a second column having a first end in fluid communication with a first port of the first valve and a second end in fluid communication with a second port of the first valve; a second solvent manager adapted and configured to dispense various ratios of a third solvent and a fourth solvent; and a second valve in fluid communication with the second solvent manager, the first valve, and the mixer. The first valve and the second valve are adapted and configured for actuation between and a second position.

Abstract: A method of estimating the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks for a grassland based on the plant-derived SOC plus the dung-derived SOC minus the carbon lost through microbial maintenance respiration. The plant-derived SOC, dung-derived SOC, and microbial maintenance respiration are estimated by considering the effect of one or more of the lignin and cellulose content of the plant material, the estimated annual aboveground and belowground plant production, the grazing intensity, the number of fires per year, the mean annual rainfall, the belowground net primary production, and the soil texture. The method thus provides an allowance of plants to compensate for grazing without losing leaf area, and the diversion of carbon through grazing animals and into soil through the deposit of dung.

Abstract: A self-locking safety pin comprising a tubular body which extends in circular fashion in a plane between opposed, spaced ends, the ends disposed to form a gap in the circular body, and an elongated curved tongue slidably mounted to extend, under bias, between a closed position extending across the gap from one end of the body into the other, and an open position in which the tongue is withdrawn into said one end of the body. The free end of the tongue is tapered to a fabric-piercing point. An actuator, by which the tongue may be moved to open position, extends from the tongue through an elongated slot on the body to the exterior surface of the body. An anchor is also positioned on the exterior surface of the body, spaced from the actuator. The actuator, anchor and slot are located on the side surface of the body, opposite from the gap.