Abstract: A device is provided for use in a centrifuge to separate or isolate material (such as pelleted cells, particulates, aggregates, compounds, blood components, and the like) from the liquid in which they are suspended while limiting or preventing loss of any of the resulting separated or pelleted material during further manipulations. The device can be inserted into a standard centrifugation bucket in a centrifuge and holds a flexible centrifuge bag. The device includes at least one damp assembly, which includes a partition that is maintained in an open position during centrifugation and in a closed position at unit gravity, thus isolating separated or pelleted material at the bottom of the flexible bag in the device after centrifugation and preventing the isolated material from being disturbed during liquid changes and other manipulations.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for obtaining a recombinant retroviral packaging cell capable of producing retroviral vectors as well as the recombinant packaging cell obtained by the method. Also provided is a method of producing recombinant retroviral particles obtained by introducing into the packaging cells obtained according to the methods disclosed herein, a recombinant retroviral vector and propagating the resulting producer cells under conditions favorable for the production and secretion of retroviral vector supernatant. The retroviral supernatant produced by these methods also is claimed herein. This invention further provides a method for screening retroviral vector supernatant for high transduction efficiency and methods for producing retroviral vector supernatant for transducing cells with high efficiency in gene therapy applications.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for obtaining a recombinant retroviral packaging cell capable of producing retroviral vectors and the recombinant packaging cell obtained by the method. Also provided is a method of producing recombinant retroviral particles obtained by introducing into the packaging cells obtained according to the methods disclosed herein, a recombinant retroviral vector and propagating the resulting producer cells under conditions favorable for the production and secretion of retroviral vector supernatant. The retroviral supernatants produced by these methods also is claimed herein. This invention further provides a method for screening retroviral vector supernatant for high transduction efficiency and methods for producing retroviral vector supernatant for transducing cells with high efficiency in gene therapy applications.

Abstract: An ambulatory monitor for monitoring the action of a pacemaker and the cardiac response of a patient fitted with a pacemaker. The monitor comprises a detection electrode coupled in use to the patient for detecting pacemaker pulses and cardiac responses; an analyser connected to the detection electrode fora) analysing the relationship between the detected pacemaker impulses and cardiac responses,b) analysing the shape and timing of the cardiac responses, andc) generating corresponding data signals; and a recorder for recording the data signals.