Abstract: Expandable introducer sheaths and associated laser cut frames for the insertion of a medical device into a blood vessel. In some examples, an expandable sheath may have a frame including a plurality of radial expansion bands and a plurality of connecting bridges for connecting adjacent radial expansion bands. The radial expansion bands are configured to accommodate radial expansion and the plurality of connecting bridges are configured to be longitudinally expandable and to impart column strength as a medical device (e.g., an intracardiac heart pump) is passed through the sheath, such as during insertion or removal of the medical device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing physiologically active human Interleukin-18 (“IL-18”).

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences for HC gp-39L are provided. Methods of detecting altered expression of tissue remodeling proteins and diagnosing tissue remodeling disorders are also provided.

Abstract: Human interleukin-18 (IL-18) polypeptides and substitution mutants thereof were conjugated to water-soluble polymers at specific sites on the human IL-18 protein. These conjugated human IL-18 and substitution mutants thereof retain biological activity. These conjugated cytokines demonstrate enhanced and unexpected biological properties when compared to the corresponding unconjugated cytokines.

Abstract: HC gp39-L polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such HC gp39-L and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such HC gp39-L for the treatment of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, artherosclerosis, metastatic cancers, periodontia, chronic renal diseases, etc. Antagonists against such HC gp39-L and their use as a therapeutic to treat rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, artherosclerosis, metastatic cancers, periodontia, chronic renal diseases, etc. are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to mutations in the nucleic acid sequences and altered concentrations of the polypeptides. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting mutations in the polynucleotides encoding the HC gp39-L and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide in a host.

Abstract: A refrigerated vehicle system is particularly adapted for use with refrigerated tractor/trailer and rail car vehicles to provide data on the operation of the vehicle and to monitor and provide a record of the operation of ancillary equipment important in the proper refrigeration of the vehicle. With refrigerated vehicles, the system can provide records of the temperatures of articles when loaded into the refrigerated vehicle, throughout their transportation and upon delivery from the vehicle and can monitor refrigerated vehicles, store information on the refrigeration of the vehicles, including time/temperature records and information of the operation and status of refrigeration system components, and output such information to remote and distant locations.