Abstract: A feminine hygiene device. The absorbent core can have a first compressibility in an unaltered state, wherein at least a portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core has a second compressibility in an altered state. The second compressibility can be greater than the first compressibility. The portion of the absorbent core having the second compressibility can be a portion of the absorbent core from which absorbent material has not been completely removed. The feminine hygiene device has an elastic member generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis and spanning at least a portion of the absorbent core that has a preferentially weakened zone of compression. A portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis can comprise structural features selected from the group consisting of slits, corrugations, nodules, and tufts.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene device. The absorbent core can have a first compressibility in an unaltered state, wherein at least a portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core has a second compressibility in an altered state. The second compressibility can be greater than the first compressibility. The portion of the absorbent core having the second compressibility can be a portion of the absorbent core from which absorbent material has not been completely removed. The feminine hygiene device has an elastic member generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis and spanning at least a portion of the absorbent core that has a preferentially weakened zone of compression. A portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis can comprise structural features selected from the group consisting of slits, corrugations, nodules, and tufts.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene device. The absorbent core can have a first compressibility in an unaltered state, wherein at least a portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core has a second compressibility in an altered state. The second compressibility can be greater than the first compressibility. The portion of the absorbent core having the second compressibility can be a portion of the absorbent core from which absorbent material has not been completely removed. The feminine hygiene device has an elastic member generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis and spanning at least a portion of the absorbent core that has a preferentially weakened zone of compression. A portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis can comprise structural features selected from the group consisting of slits, corrugations, nodules, and tufts.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the tryptophan:LNAA ratio in blood of an individual are taught. Such methods are useful in managing conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, perimenopause, menopause, seasonal affective disorder, stress, or depression. The methods include orally administering specific doses of a carbohydrate blend combined with high tryptophan containing proteins.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the tryptophan:LNAA ratio in blood of an individual are taught. Such methods are useful in managing conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, perimenopause, menopause, seasonal affective disorder, stress, or depression. The methods include orally administering specific doses of a carbohydrate blend combined with high tryptophan containing proteins.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for determining a state of person, the tool comprising at least one identified emotional or physical symptom and a series of visual indicia corresponding to each identified emotional or physical symptom. The visual indicia are preferably photographs, where the photographs are arranged in order of increasing communicated intensity. The user chooses one of the visual indicia as being representative of the user's felt intensity of the identified emotional or physical symptom. A numerical value can be associated with individual indicia, the numerical values can be used to evaluate the emotional or physical state of a person.

Abstract: This invention discloses a substantially flat mechanically expandable pad, i.e., one positioned almost exclusively in the x-y plane, having a expandable member therein that once activated expands the mechanically expandable pad out of the x-y plane and into the z-direction. Such activation occurs when cinch members are used to contract the expandable member in the x or y-directions but cause its expansion in the z-direction. The pad is useful for cleaning, polishing, buffing, etc. and the expandable member has application in other types of absorbent articles.

Abstract: Absorbent structures comprising a topsheet, a backsheet with an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet are described. The absorbent structures further comprise a support strip that provides a contractive force that causes at least a portion of the support strip and at least a portion of the topsheet to become decoupled from the absorbent core. Alternative embodiments of the absorbent structure include laterally extending flaps and an abbreviated undergarment.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as pantiliners, panty liners, and incontinence pads are disclosed. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as pantiliners, that can have portions thereof removed or otherwise manipulated to change, and particularly reduce, the dimensions of the absorbent article so that they can fit a variety of panty sizes and styles. In a preferred embodiment, the pantiliner is adjusted in size by tearing the absorbent article along one or more perforation lines and removing the portions of the absorbent article that lie outboard of the perforation lines.