Abstract: Disclosed herein are engineered heterodimer or heterotrimer proteins which use a non-naturally occurring polypeptide domain comprising 1-5 alpha helices connected by amino acid linkers and an IgG2 hinge domain either alone or in conjunction with an IgG2 Fc domain. The heterodimer and heterodimer proteins can further comprise an antigen-binding fragment that binds a lineage-specific cell-surface antigen, a polypeptide that binds to a molecule expressed on an immune cell (e.g., natural killer cell) and/or a polypeptide that binds to a molecule expressed on another type of immune cell (e.g., T cells). Also disclosed herein are nucleic acids encoding the proteins, vectors comprising the nucleic acids, compositions, and methods of treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mandrel for use in Radio Frequency welding, wherein the mandrel comprises first and second conductive portions separated by an insulating material, such that different potentials may be applied to the first and second conductive portions. Also disclosed is a method of RF welding and a method of manufacturing a mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting foreign objects from the nasal passageway of a patient. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a flexible, elongate body having an inflatable balloon segment disposed at a distal end thereof. A method of practicing the invention involves introducing the distal end of the elongate body into the patient's nasal passageway to an extent that the balloon segment is advanced beyond the location in the nasal passageway at which the foreign body has become lodged. The balloon is then inflated. When the apparatus is withdrawn from the nasal passageway, the balloon draws the foreign object along and out of the nasal passageway. In one embodiment, the extraction apparatus is manufactured using methods and materials of a character that it is practical and cost-effective to render the apparatus disposable.