Abstract: A system for delivering an implantable medical device includes a handle housing. An outer sheath is coupler secured to a proximal end of an outer sheath that is configured to cover at least a portion of the implantable medical device. An outer sheath drive assembly is operably coupled to the outer sheath coupler and is configured to translate the outer sheath relative to the handle housing. An actuation shaft coupler is secured to a proximal end of an activation shaft. An actuation shaft drive assembly is operably coupled to the actuation shaft coupler and is configured to cause the actuation shaft to translate relative to the handle housing and shift the implantable medical device from a first position and a second position in which the implantable medical device is radially expanded relative to the first position.

Abstract: A delivery system for an implantable medical device includes an outer shaft defining an outer shaft lumen and an inner shaft translatable within the outer shaft lumen, the inner shaft defining a lumen extending through the inner shaft. An actuation mechanism extends through the lumen and includes a coupler, a force translation rod that extends proximally from the coupler and a plurality of push pull rods that extend distally from the coupler and that releasably couple to the implantable medical device. The force translation rod includes a transition in electromagnetic permeability. The delivery system includes an inductive coil disposed relative to the force translation rod and positioned to detect a change in inductance resulting from the transition in electromagnetic permeability passing through the inductive coil.

Abstract: A drive assembly for use with a delivery catheter for delivering an implantable medical device includes a drive motor configured to be operably coupled to an inner shaft of the delivery catheter such that operation of the drive motor causes the inner shaft to translate relative to the outer shaft and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a position signal from a position sensor indicating a position of the implantable medical device relative to the outer shaft as well as a motor signal indicating a rotational position of an output shaft of the drive motor. The controller is configured to output a control signal instructing operation of the drive motor based upon the indicated rotational position of the output shaft of the drive motor and the indicated position of the implantable medical device relative to the outer shaft.

Abstract: A delivery system for an implantable medical device includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft translatable within the outer shaft. An internally exposed coil is disposed within the inner shaft and is electrically coupled to an externally exposed coil that can be used to inductively transmit a current flowing through the internally exposed coil. An actuation member extends within the inner shaft and includes a coupler, a force translation rod that extends proximally from the coupler and a plurality of push pull rods that extend distally from the coupler and that releasably couple to the implantable medical device. As the force translation rod moves relative to the internally exposed coil, an impedance varies in accordance with relative position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new vitamin D compounds which are bonded to a labelling group at the C3 stereocentre by means of a linker. The present invention further relates to a method for producing these vitamin D compounds and to the use of an intermediate for producing these compounds. The present invention also relates to a method for quantitatively determining vitamin D using a vitamin D compound according to the invention as a tracer. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a reagent for determining vitamin D, containing a compound according to the invention, and to the use thereof for determining vitamin D.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example system for delivering an implantable medical device includes a handle member including a seal assembly, wherein the seal assembly includes a turnbuckle assembly including a stationary member and a cap coupled to the stationary member. Further, the stationary member is coupled to an inner member and the cap is coupled to an exoskeleton disposed along an outer surface of the inner member. Additionally, the cap is designed to shift relative to the stationary member such that the exoskeleton is put in compression.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example system for delivering an implantable medical device includes an outer shaft having a proximal end, a distal portion and a lumen extending therein. The system includes an inner catheter, wherein the inner catheter extends within at least a portion of the lumen of the outer shaft. The system also includes an actuation shaft extending within a portion of the lumen of the inner shaft, wherein a distal end of the actuation shaft is coupled to a coupling member. The system also includes a plurality of translation members coupled to the implantable medical device and the coupling member. The system also includes a grouping coil wound around at least a portion of each of the plurality of translation members.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example delivery system for an implantable medical device includes an inner shaft having a proximal end region, a distal end region, a non-circular lumen extending therethrough. The delivery system also includes a tension resistance member extending at least partially between the proximal end region and the distal end region, a deployment catheter disposed along the outer surface of the shaft, and an actuation shaft disposed within the non-circular lumen. Further, the actuation shaft is coupled to the implantable medical device and translation of the actuation shaft shifts the implantable medical device from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for releasing bound vitamin D by bringing a sample containing vitamin D into contact with a release reagent which contains at least one hydrotropic substance and at least one transition metal salt. The released vitamin D can subsequently be determined quantitatively. The present invention relates further to a reagent for releasing and optionally determining vitamin D, containing at least one hydrotropic substance and at least one transition metal salt, as well as to the use of such a release reagent for releasing and optionally determining vitamin D.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antigen-binding protein construct or “modubody”, which contains at least three functional single domain modules of an antibody. The modubodies contain a domain from the heavy chain variable region of an antibody (VH), a domain from the light chain variable region of an antibody (VL) and bind monospecifically to an antigen. The modubodies further contain a domain from the constant region of antibodies. The modubodies can be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: This application relates to methods of quantifying AKT1 and AKT2 and determining AKT1 and AKT2 phosphorylation status. The disclosed methods allow for selection of cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antigen-binding protein construct or “modubody”, which contains at least three functional single domain modules of an antibody. The modubodies contain a domain from the heavy chain variable region of an antibody (VH), a domain from the light chain variable region of an antibody (VL) and bind monospecifically to an antigen. The modubodies further contain a domain from the constant region of antibodies. The modubodies can be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antigen-binding protein construct or “modubody”, which contains at least three functional single domain modules of an antibody. The modubodies contain a domain from the heavy chain variable region of an antibody (VH), a domain from the light chain variable region of an antibody (VL) and bind monospecifically to an antigen. The modubodies further contain a domain from the constant region of antibodies. The modubodies can be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a pair of first fasteners, at least a portion of each first fastener being situated inboard from each longitudinal side edge in the first waist region, each first fastener being adapted to engage at least a portion of the inner surface of the second waist region, each first fastener comprising a resilient material. The disposable absorbent article also includes a disposal fastener, at least a portion of the disposal fastener being situated inboard from the longitudinal side edge in the second waist region, the disposal fastener adapted to engage at least a portion of the outer surface, the disposal fastener comprising a resilient material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of delivering calls. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a call at a server within an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system, where the call is directed to a user premise. The method also includes determining a presence of a user at a set-top box device at the user premise and determining a speed select function associated with the user. The method also includes selectively delivering the call to a communication device in proximity to the set-top box device via a private access network of the IPTV system, based on the speed select function.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for manufacturing several distinct disposable absorbent articles on a single machine. The apparatus includes three sections. The first section is capable of forming an absorbent assembly and cutting the absorbent assembly into individual absorbent assemblies. The second section is capable of moving a bodyside liner into alignment with the individual absorbent assemblies and applying an outer cover to the individual absorbent assemblies to form a continuous web having a primary stretch in a cross direction. The second section is further capable of adding at least three components to the web. The third section is capable of severing the continuous web into individual absorbent articles which can then be folded, stacked and packaged.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for mechanically fastening a partially assembled absorbent undergarment during manufacture, a longitudinal folding device is carried by a transport device and moveable between an open configuration in which it receives a partially assembled undergarment, and a closed configuration in which the undergarment is folded longitudinally by the folding device. A first transverse folding device folds a first fastening portion of the undergarment relative to the folding device and generally toward a second fastening portion, and a second transverse folding device carried by the transport device folds the second fastening portion relative to the folding device and generally toward the first fastening portion to facilitate engagement therebetween. A separate retention member is carried by the transport device and draws at least one of the first and second fastening portions against the retention member while the garment is moved by the transport device.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with stretch direction properties are disclosed, having at least three stretch zones. A first edge zone and a second edge zone are separated by a middle zone. The middle zone, which may the same length as each edge zone, has different stretch-direction characteristics than the edge zones. The middle zone may stretch in a single direction, whereas the edge zones may stretch in a different single direction or in bi- or multi-axial directions. The flaps may be created from the edge zones. Through this construction, the absorbent article exhibits improved fit and appearance.

Abstract: A refastenable, pant-like garment, including a chassis including a first waist region and a second waist region, together defining a waist opening and first and second leg openings. The garment also includes a first refastenable seam joining a first distal portion of the first waist region to a first distal portion of the second waist region. The first refastenable seam includes a first refastenable bond connecting the first distal portion of the first waist region and the first distal portion of the second waist region having a first refastenable bond peel strength.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a presence and availability management configuration. The system and method can include a system that pings multiple communication devices associated with a targeted party prior to sending a communication. The system can transmit a target device identifier with a status request (a ping) over a communication network. A response to the ping can provide presence information related to the targeted party. In addition, the system can ping a second target communication device by transmitting a second device identifier over the communication network. In response to a reply from the second target device, additional presence information can be determined. Utilizing a response or responses from the first and second party device(s), (and possibly other devices and/or multiple presence servers), a target device address and a communication mode can be determined, (i.e. where and how to send a communication and to which device).