Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for treating pain. For example, this document provides methods that involve administering a neurotensin receptor (NTR) agonist and an opioid receptor agonist to a mammal (e.g., a human). Compositions containing an NTR agonist in combination with an opioid receptor agonist also are provided.

Abstract: Methods for reducing chronic pain caused by a disrupted spinal disc are described. In one method, a physiologically acceptable amount of an injectable is injected into the disc. The injectable is obtained from a stock solution comprising chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine HCl, aqueous solution of dextrose; sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and a buffer substance in quantity to bring the pH of the stock solution to a value above about 6.0. Water is also added to dilute the stock solution. The stock solution may further comprise an anesthetic such as bupivicaine.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and one or more expandable constricting/occluding members. The catheter is adapted for use with therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter and an atherectomy catheter. The constrictor/occluder is mounted at the distal end of the catheter. Manometers may be mounted distal to one or more constrictors for measuring pressure distal to the constrictor(s). Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during extracranial or intracranial carotid procedures or vertebral artery procedures by reversing blood flow in an internal carotid artery, an external carotid artery, and/or a common carotid artery toward the subclavian artery are disclosed.

Abstract: An advanced multiple-beam GPS receiving system is achieved that is capable of simultaneously tracking multiple GPS satellites independently, detecting multiple interference signals individually, and suppressing directional gain in the antenna pattern of each beam in the interference directions. The GPS receiving system can be used for both planar and non-planar receiving arrays, including arrays that are conformally applied to the surface of a platform such as an aircraft. The GPS receiver combines spatial filtering and acquisition code correlation for enhanced rejection of interfering sources. Enhanced gain in the direction of GPS satellites and the ability to shape the beam patterns to suppress gain in the direction of interfering sources make the GPS receiving system largely insensitive to interfering and jamming signals that plague conventional GPS receivers.

Abstract: A model train control system includes a controller that actively generates commands to control train operation based on user input and/or other information concerning settings of the controller, operating environment of the train, and historic operation of train control system. The model train controller includes a user throttle input for selecting a target speed for the model train. A processor in the controller is adapted to determine the commanded speed based upon at least the target speed, the processor thereby generating a speed command, to be transmitted to said train, to achieve the commanded speed. The model train controller may further include a momentum input for selecting a momentum level for the model train, in which case the processor would determine the commanded speed based on at least the target speed and a selected momentum level for the train.

Abstract: A method of tuning a high temperature superconductor (HTS) resonator includes the steps of providing a HTS inductor and a HTS capacitor, the HTS capacitor being electrically connected to the HTS inductor. A tuning body is provided adjacent to the HTS inductor and the HTS capacitor. The relative position of the tuning body with respect to the HTS inductor and the HTS capacitor is altered so as to tune the resonator. A tunable resonant circuit is provided that includes a substrate having a planar surface. At least one resonator formed from HTS material is disposed on the substrate, the resonator having one or more turns that when combined, turn through greater than 360°.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for substantially synchronizing sound and smoke in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor is configured to send a signal periodically to a smoke generating device and a controller, wherein the signal is used by the smoke generating device to produce a particular quantity of smoke. The controller is then configured to receive a signal from a motor, wherein the signal includes information that can be used to identify a rotational position of the motor, or a rotational position of an axle in communication with the motor. The controller then uses the signal from the sensor and the signal from the motor to estimate a transmission lime of a next signal from the sensor, wherein the next signal is used by the smoke generating device to produce a next production of smoke.

Abstract: An output circuit for a microwave tube is provided that has generally high interaction impedance for good efficiency, has high average power capability, and is physically large for a given operating frequency. The output circuit is designed to operate in conjunction with an off-axis, bunched electron beam. Electromagnetic fields are applied to the region in which the electron beam propagates to impart an azimuthal velocity to the bunched electron beam. The electron bunches then interact synchronously with a resonant output structure to excite radio-frequency modes from which energy can be extracted and applied to a load.

Abstract: The model train control system includes a remote control device that receives user input with respect to various train functions such as desired speed and effects, and that generates commands based on that input in order to cause the model train to perform in a desired manner. In an embodiment of the invention, the model train controller comprises control input devices that permit user control over corresponding control features of the model train. A touch screen display may be coupled to the housing and adapted to receive user selections regarding the control features. A processor is operatively coupled to the control input devices and the touch screen display. The processor is adapted to generate at least one model train command to be transmitted to the model train based at least in part on a user input received from either one of the control input devices or the touch screen display.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: An electrically adjustable resistor comprises a resistive polysilicon layer dielectrically isolated from one or more doped semiconducting layers. A tunable voltage is applied to the doped semiconducting layers, causing the resistance of the polysilicon layer to vary. Multiple matched electrically adjustable resistors may be fabricated on a single substrate, tuned by a single, shared doped semiconductor layer, creating matched, tunable resistor pairs that are particularly useful for differential amplifier applications. Multiple, independently adjustable resistors may also be fabricated on a common substrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a model automatic door. The operation of the door is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. A drive mechanism moves the door between open and closed positions. In the open position, the door is displaced laterally along and displaced outwardly of the body of the train car to expose a door opening. In the closed position, the door is substantially flush with the body of the car and covers the door opening. The control circuit permits automatic operation of the door and provides various features for enhancing realism of the operating model.

Abstract: A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a model pantograph. The operation of the pantograph is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. An upper articulating portion of the pantograph is mounting to the model vehicle using a breakaway assembly. The upper articulating portion may also be coupled to a drive motor via an elastic coupling permitting elastic movement of the upper portion independently of the drive motor.

Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic occlusion for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. The descending aorta is accessed. A device is then located downstream from the takeoff of the brachiocephalic artery. The device is operated to at least partially obstruct blood flow in the aorta during systole and diastole. A physiologic parameter can be measured. The device can then be adjusted to modify the degree of obstruction based on the measured physiologic parameter.

Abstract: In a vehicular control object determination system, locus correlation degree calculator calculates a degree of correlation between a future travel locus of a vehicle estimated by first travel locus estimator based on a vehicle speed and a yaw rate and a future travel locus of the vehicle estimated by second travel locus estimator based on a past travel locus of the vehicle calculated by travel locus calculator. When control object determiner determines a control object based on the travel locus estimated by the first travel locus estimator and predetermined control object determination conditions, the control object determination conditions are modified according to the degree of correlation, that is, the degree of reliability of the travel locus estimated by the first travel locus estimator, thereby achieving both accuracy with which the control object is determined and determination of the control object at a distance.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for displaying a padlock. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a padlock, a card and a back plate, wherein the card includes a front side, a back side and an aperture sized to receive at least a body of the padlock, and the back plate is configured to be attached to the back side of the card (e.g., via coupling portions). Once the padlock is placed in the aperture and the back plate is attached to the card, the padlock is secured (e.g., between at least one retaining tab and the back plate) and ready to be displayed (e.g., on a hook, on a shelf, on a display rack, etc.).

Abstract: A variety of games and methods for enhancing game play are provided. In one aspect, a secondary or ancillary game is played in parallel with a first game, such as a lottery ball draw. Yet another game involves the selection of items which a player or participant believes had been selected by an audience as not being the most popular. In yet another aspect, an interstitial progressive sequencing of programming is provided, such as where a series of short segments are presented at differing times throughout an evening of prime time programming. Audience participation may be enhanced by permitting Internet access to the game system, and to permit remote users to play along as if they were in studio participants or part of the studio audience.

Abstract: A vehicular control object determination system includes: a radar device for detecting an object that is present in the direction of travel of a vehicle; a travel locus estimator for estimating a future travel locus of the vehicle; a control object determiner for determining a control object based on a detection result obtained by the radar device, a future travel locus of the vehicle estimated by the travel locus estimator based on a vehicle speed and a yaw rate and predetermined control object determination conditions; and a swing rate detector for detecting a swing rate of side-to-side swing of the estimated travel locus. When the detected swing rate is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the control object determiner excludes from determination of a control object an object that is further than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation provide a conformable device which assumes a first shape associated with insertion and a second shape or expanded shape to occlude the defect which typically follows partial discectomy. The device may take different forms according to the invention, including patches size to cover the defect or plugs adapted to fill the defect. In a preferred embodiment, however, the device is a gel or other liquid or semi-liquid which solidifies to occlude the defect from within the body of the disc itself. In another preferred embodiment, a mesh screen is collapsed into an elongated form for the purposes of insertion, thereby minimizing the size of the requisite incision while avoiding delicate surrounding nerves.