Abstract: A surgery visualization system is described herein. The surgery visualization system includes a display monitor positioned in view of a surgeon and a support arm system including a first support arm and a second support arm. The first and second support arms are orientated such that the display monitor is visible to the surgeon between the first and second support arms. A 3D digital viewport coupled to the first support arm. A 3D digital microscope coupled to the second support arm. A computer system including a processor programmed to receive and process images from the 3D digital microscope and display the processed images on the 3D digital viewport and the display monitor.

Abstract: The lighted surgical access system is provided that includes a circumferential retractor/protector and a light emitter system attached thereto. The circumferential retractor/protector retracts and protects a patient's body opening while the light emitter system illuminates the internal surgical site, body cavity or body opening.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to methods to differentiate pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem, embryonic germ, or embryo-derived cells, to obtain subpopulations of cells from heterogeneous mixtures of cells wherein the subpopulation of cells possess reduced differentiation potential compared to the original pluripotent stem cells and where the subpopulation is capable of being propagated.

Abstract: A base block for a cutting drum is disclosed. The base block may have a first end. The first end may have an opening configured to receive a tool. The first end may also have a flat surface surrounding the opening. The base block may have a second end configured to abut the cutting drum. The base block may further have an internal passageway commencing at the opening configured to receive the tool. The passageway may define a longitudinal axis that is offset by an acute angle from being perpendicular to the flat surface.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are drawn to methods and compositions for producing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in vitro from pluripotent stem cells and compositions containing such EPCs. The methods produce sufficient EPCs to use in therapeutic applications. In certain embodiments the EPCs are bipotent, giving rise to both vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells. In certain embodiments, EPCs express one or more of the following gene products: LYVE-1, PV-1/PAL-E, CD31, and CD34.

Abstract: A base block for a cutting drum is disclosed. The base block may have a first end. The first end may have an opening configured to receive a tool. The first end may also have a flat surface surrounding the opening. The base block may have a second end configured to abut the cutting drum. The base block may further have an internal passageway commencing at the opening configured to receive the tool. The passageway may define a longitudinal axis that is offset by an acute angle from being perpendicular to the flat surface.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods to differentiate pluripotent primordial stem cells, such as human embryonic stem (“hES”) cells, human embryonic germ (“hEG”) cells, human embryo-derived (“hED”) cells and human embryonal carcinoma (“hEC”) cells, to obtain subpopulations of cells from heterogeneous mixtures of cells, wherein the subpopulation of cells possess reduced differentiation potential compared to the original pluripotent stem cells and where the subpopulation is capable of being propagated 20 or more population doublings. This invention also provides novel compositions of such subpopulations of cells and methods to propagate and differentiate said cells.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to methods to differentiate pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem, embryonic germ, or embryo-derived cells, to obtain subpopulations of cells from heterogeneous mixtures of cells wherein the subpopulation of cells possess reduced differentiation potential compared to the original pluripotent stem cells and where the subpopulation is capable of being propagated.

Abstract: A laparoscopic scissor with a shaft for use through an access port, such as a trocar cannula, with one or more parabolic, cubic, quadratic or higher order cutting blades extending from the shaft is provided.

Abstract: Methods and compounds are disclosed that relate to screening and selection of monoclonal antibodies specific for antigens in heterogeneous antigen mixtures. Antibody-secreting cells such as hybridomas are modified to make them capable of directly binding antigens by capturing their secreted antibody products onto their surface membranes in appropriate binding density and orientation. Selectivity of binding to novel or desired antigens is achieved by first reacting the antigen mixtures affixed to a solid substrate with a polyclonal antibody library that prevents access to the majority of antigens or epitopes other than those that are novel or desired.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, and polyclonal antibody libraries (PALs) that relate to screening and selection of antibodies and the cells that produce them are disclosed. In particular, an antigen or a subset of antigens which has some desired feature can be distinguished from among a multitude of other undesired antigens present in a heterogeneous antigen mixture which lack such feature by use of PALs raised against the undesired antigens. When such PALs are brought into contact with a heterogeneous antigen substrate, the antibodies in the PAL can bind to those antigens, masking them from subsequent binding by a test antibody having a similar specificity. By decreasing binding of test antibodies to those undesired antigens, if binding of test antibodies to the substrate occurs, such binding will more likely be by way of binding of the antibody to a desired antigen in the mixed antigen substrate. Thus, this invention can improve the efficiency of screening antibodies directed towards desired antigens.

Abstract: A check valve plunger assembly for use in a fluid channel is provided. The check valve plunger assembly includes a check valve plunger having a first end, a second end, and a body portion. The body portion extends between the first and second end of the check valve plunger. The plunger assembly also includes an integral breakaway retention device having a ring shaped portion. The retention device is capable of being positioned around the check valve plunger such that the ring shaped portion surrounds at least a portion of the first end of the check valve plunger. Breakaway connectors are provided which connect the first end of the check valve plunger with the ring shaped portion of the retention device. After assembly, the check valve plunger is separated from the breakaway connectors and the plunger is able to freely move within the fluid channel. The present invention also provides a method of inserting this check valve plunger within the fluid channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of amplifying in vitro stemcells. In this method hematopoietic CD34.sup.+ stem and progenitor cells are isolated from human bone marrow and contacted with endothelial cells. The contacted stem cells and endothelial cells are cultured in the presence of at least one cytokine in an amount sufficient to support amplification/expansion of the hematopoietic CD34.sup.+ stem and progenitor cells. This method produces increased yields of hematopoietic CD34.sup.+ stem and progenitor cells which can be used in human therapeutics.