Abstract: Methods for filling a prescription are provided. In some instances, a method for filling a prescription includes providing a housing and a locking cap. The locking cap is configured to be fixedly secured to the housing, a first member of the locking cap is configured to threadedly engage the housing, the locking cap is configured to be fixedly secured to the housing via a plurality of latching members of the first member of the locking cap, and the plurality of latching members are configured to encase a lip of the housing. The method for filling the prescription further includes filling, by an authorized user, the housing with a substance; receiving a unique identifier associated with an intended user; and coupling, by the authorized user, the housing and the locking cap.

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: Voice and media services are provided over an IP network incorporating a plurality of nodes and in which connection oriented traffic is transported in tunnels via said nodes. SS7 signalling is provided between nodes. The voice and media components are multiplexed to form a point to point protocol (PPP) session which is switched end to end across the network under the control of the signalling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method by which a terrestrial based or satellite based cellular telephone is tested in-service, preferably at a retailer location, to identify the source of a cellular telephone user's dissatisfaction and to aid the retailer in resolving the issue. Test equipment is embedded within the cellular telephone network to captures currently available but unrecognized information relating to cellular telephone operation from a known location, i.e. the retailer's location, having known performance parameters. In this way, network related problems, such as fading, are eliminated. This allows cellular telephone performance to be evaluated and further allows various cellular telephone functions to be simulated. The invention thus allows identification of the nature of cellular telephone user dissatisfaction.

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 balloon catheter has an inner tube communicating with a blood introduction port provided at a tip of the balloon portion. The inner tube is affixed to the inner wall of the catheter tube by adhesion, melt-bonding, or integral formation. The balloon catheter has a small channel resistance in the channel where the pressurized fluid which expands and contracts the balloon portion flows, even when the catheter tube has been bent, and enables expansion and contraction of the balloon portion with a good response. Another balloon catheter has the balloon portions at a range of the end sides of the balloon portions smaller in sectional area compared with the balloon portions at the tip sides. The catheter is able to effectively prevent side effects which occur only rarely but which are serious when they do occur. The catheter impairs as little as possible the effect of assisting the heart action inherent to the IABP method without special measurement of the diameter of the patient's blood vessels.

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.