Abstract: Checkpoint receptors and their cognate ligands are frequently targeted in autoimmune disorders by B and T cells, wherein these adaptive immune responses are likely to significantly contribute to the underlying immunopathology. A novel technology for the clonal elimination of autoreactive B cells that targets checkpoint receptors and their ligands is described herein. One embodiment of this technology is a checkpoint receptor or ligand extracellular domain molecular chimera with an effector domain, which is capable of inducing B cell apoptosis, necrosis, and/or tolerization/anergization: herein, this technology is referred as PantIds (polyclonal anti-idiotypics). In other embodiments, this technology also includes effector molecular chimeras with immunoregulatory cytokines. Novel apoptotic effectors are also described. Methods for the identification of checkpoint receptor/ligand autoreactive B cell responses, construction of PantIds, and their in vitro and in vivo application are also described.

Abstract: An energy efficient and lighter-than-air high altitude platform (HAP) is disclosed that allows for sustained station keeping at high altitudes of about 50,000-80,000 feet for prolonged periods of time. The HAP includes an aerodynamically streamlined body that may have the topology of a torus. The body may be inflated with a lighter-than-air gas in an amount sufficient to provide lift to the high altitudes. The HAP has a duct extending through the pressurized body that diverts flow through the duct and reduces aerodynamic drag. The HAP may include one or more propellers situated in the duct to provide propulsion and maintain a given location of the HAP relative to ground. There may also be a control system, a solar energy collection system, an energy storage system, and/or any of a variety of payloads to accomplish various tasks, such as communication and/or situational awareness applications.

Abstract: An energy efficient and lighter-than-air high altitude platform (HAP) is disclosed that allows for sustained station keeping at high altitudes of about 50,000-80,000 feet for prolonged periods of time. The HAP includes an aerodynamically streamlined body that may have the topology of a torus. The body may be inflated with a lighter-than-air gas in an amount sufficient to provide lift to the high altitudes. The HAP has a duct extending through the pressurized body that diverts flow through the duct and reduces aerodynamic drag. The HAP may include one or more propellers situated in the duct to provide propulsion and maintain a given location of the HAP relative to ground. There may also be a control system, a solar energy collection system, an energy storage system, and/or any of a variety of payloads to accomplish various tasks, such as communication and/or situational awareness applications.

Abstract: A medical balloon for attachment to a catheter tube, and method of making the balloon. The balloon comprises a plurality of co-extruded and coextensive layers of different polymeric materials (20A, 20B) at least one of which is a base structural layer (20B) and the other of which (20A) is formed of polyethylene and copolymers thereof or of SELAR. The base structural layer is thicker than the other layer.

Abstract: A stiffenable balloon catheter assembly capable of being converted from an “over-the-wire” mode with respect to a quidewire extending therethrough to a “rapid-exchange” mode with respect to a guidewire extending therethrough, and vice versa. The catheter has a plurality of lumens, one lumen however, having a side opening with an obstructable galp, the orientation of which, determines the utilization “mode” of the catheter assembly. Stiffening stylets may be adjustably locked into the lumens, depending upon the “mode”, to control the stiffness of the catheter assembly during its utilization within a patient.

Abstract: A medical balloon for attachment to a catheter tube, and method of making the balloon. The balloon comprises a plurality of co-extruded and coextensive layers of different polymeric materials (20A, 20B) at least one of which is a base structural layer (20B) and the other of which (20A) is formed of polyethylene and copolymers thereof or of Selar. The base structural layer is thicker than the other layer.

Abstract: A stiffenable balloon catheter assembly capable of being converted from an “over-the-wire” mode with respect to a guidewire extending therethrough to a “rapid-exchange” mode with respect to a guidewire extending therethrough, and vice versa. The catheter has a plurality of lumens, one lumen however, having a side opening with an obstructable galp, the orientation of which, determines the utilization “mode” of the catheter assembly. Stiffening stylets may be adjustably locked into the lumens, depending upon the “mode”, to control the stiffness of the catheter assembly during its utilization within a patient.

Abstract: A method of forming a balloon for medical purposes comprising co-extruding in a tubular shape a base structural layer of a member selected from the group consisting oft polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters and copolymers thereof and a heat sealable layer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and copolymers thereof. The tubular member is then biaxially oriented by inflating the tube with a gas to a predetermined central diameter greater then the initial diameter of the tube and simultaneously heating the inflated tube to a temperature sufficient to biaxially orient the base structural layer. The member is then cooled the inflated tubular member and then elevated in temperature for a second time to the biaxially orienting temperature. The twice-heated tube is allowed to cool and the gas is withdrawn whereby the tubular member will assume a generally tubular shape and the main structural layer will remain biaxially orientated and the heat sealable layer will not be biaxially orientated.

Abstract: A method of forming a balloon for medical purposes including co-extruding in a tubular shape a base structural layer of polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters and copolymers thereof and a heat sealable layer of polyethylene and copolymers thereof. The tubular member is then biaxially oriented by inflating the tube with a gas to a predetermined central diameter greater then the initial diameter of the tube and simultaneously heating the inflated tube to a temperature sufficient to biaxially orient the base structural layer. The member is then cooled the inflated tubular member and then elevated in temperature for a second time to the biaxially orienting temperature. The twice-heated tube is allowed to cool and the gas is withdrawn whereby the tubular member will assume a generally tubular shape and the main structural layer will remain biaxially orientated and the heat sealable layer will not be biaxially orientated.