A column-based device and method for retrieving cells of interest were enclosed. The said device comprises a column comprising (i) an inner wall defining an inner chamber with inlet and outlet openings, (ii) a perforated plug disposed adjacent to the outlet opening, (iii) a sleeve insert with a channel and disposed within the chamber and adjacent to the perforated plug, and (iv) a filtering means housed within sleeve insert sandwiched between two sealing means. In particular, Tumor-derived endothelial cell clusters (TECCs) as characterized multiple nuclei, expression of endothelial markers (PECAM1, VWF and CDH5), and non-expression of leukocyte, megakaryocyte and platelets markers, may be retrieved using the disclosed device. Also encompassed are methods, reagents and kits for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers by detecting for the presence of TECCs isolated from blood samples using the claimed device.

Provided is a filtering facepiece respirator. The respirator includes a mask body having an anterior side portion, a posterior side portion, a middle portion, a first side portion, a second side portion, a top side portion, a bottom side portion and outer edge portions. The respirator further includes a primary port positioned at the anterior middle portion of the mask body and a detachable primary port adapter which is positioned over and engages the primary port. The respirator may further include an oxygen port and oxygen port adapter and a luer port and luer port adapter.

A provided stretched porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane has a node-fibril structure including a plurality of nodes and a fibril connecting the plurality of nodes. A ratio of an average length of the plurality of nodes in a thickness direction of the stretched porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane to a thickness of the stretched porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane is 10% or more. The above stretched porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane is less likely to suffer breakage. In the above stretched porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, assuming that there is a cuboid region having an upper surface and a lower surface respectively positioned at one membrane surface and the other membrane surface of the stretched porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, the number of the nodes included in the region may be 4 or less per micrometer thickness, the upper surface and the lower surface each having dimensions of 280 μm×280 μm.

Provided is a porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane in which an absolute value of a difference in lightness between one principal surface and the other principal surface is 1.0 or more, where the lightness is lightness L* of CIE 1976 (L*, a*, b*) color space specified in JIS Z8781-4: 2013. The porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane may be colored black or gray. The porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane provided can have properties with a reduced coloring-induced deterioration.

Provided is an internal pressure adjustment member to be attached to an outer surface of a housing, the member having high air permeability even when a differential pressure that can be generated between the inside and the outside of a housing to which the internal pressure adjustment member is attached is small, and inhibiting damage to the member and a reduction in the air permeability of the member due to coming soil and mud. The internal pressure adjustment member includes: a filter portion including a net-like or mesh-like support layer and first and second porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes laminated on the support layer such that the support layer is interposed therebetween, the first porous PTFE membrane being exposed on one surface of the filter portion, the second porous PTFE membrane being exposed on another surface of the filter portion; and an adhesive portion, formed on the one surface of the filter portion, for attaching the filter portion to the outer surface of the housing. The first porous PTFE membrane and the second porous PTFE membrane each have an average pore diameter of 2.0 μm or more, the filter portion has a thickness of 140 μm or less, and the filter portion has a density of 0.60 g/cm.sup.3 or less.

The present application relates to an integrated washer-dryer, including a box body, an inner and outer drum assembly installed in the box body, a drying air duct provided between the box body and the inner and outer drum assembly, and a heat exchange device provided in the drying air duct. An air inlet and an air outlet of the drying air duct are both in communication with the inner and outer drum assembly, the air inlet is configured with a first filter member, and a second filter member is provided between the first filter member and the heat exchange device. A water spray nozzle is provided within the drying air duct, and the water spray nozzle is provided between the first filter member and the second filter member, and is used for washing off debris trapped on the first filter member.

A smoke and dust treatment apparatus for welding, said apparatus comprising a polishing and dust extraction module and a smoke and dust purification module. The polishing and dust extraction module comprises a double-layer dust extraction cover (3), a protective cover (2), an industrial brush (4), a first air guide portion, a second air guide portion (24) and a drive motor (22), the drive motor (22) driving the industrial brush (4) to rotate at high speed to perform polishing. During welding and polishing, a mechanical arm (6) drives the double-layer dust extraction cover (3), and a suction hole (20) of the double-layer dust extraction cover (3) and a suction guide hole (19) on the industrial brush (4) simultaneously take in toxic gas and debris such as iron filings.

Process for the removal of particulate matter from an aqueous stream containing a concentrated acid, preferably concentrated sulfuric acid, the process including mechanical filtration by passing the aqueous stream through a filter unit, the filter unit including a metallic, ceramic or polymeric filter, or a filter including a filter aid on a septum. The aqueous stream is the exit stream of a sulfuric acid condenser, optionally the exit stream of a sulfuric acid concentrator arranged downstream the sulfuric acid condenser.

Charged polymeric webs, such as electret webs, include a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additive is a substituted-benzimidazole compound. The electret webs may be a non-woven fibrous web or a film. The electret webs are suitable for use as filter media.

There is provided a multi-layered membrane for separating components in an aqueous sample. There is also provided a method of preparing said multi-layered membrane, a method of separating blood plasma from a whole blood sample and a diagnostic device for separation of blood plasma from a whole blood sample.