Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: To provide an efficient piston pump having a small number of parts and simple assembly steps, and consuming less current in achieving a relatively low ultimate pressure. The piston pump comprises: a suction port (28) through which gas sucked by varying the volume of a pump chamber (22) defined by a cylinder (12) and a piston (14) fitted in the cylinder (12) passes as the piston (14) is reciprocated, an exhaust port (20) through which the gas discharged by varying the volume of the pump chamber (22) passes, a suction valve (26) installed in the suction port (28) disposed on a piston top, and an exhaust valve (18) installed in the exhaust port (20) disposed on a top of the cylinder (12).

Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: A closed blood pressure cuff including a ring-shaped inflatable bladder having an inner portion for making direct contact with a user's arm and an outer portion having a fixed circumference outside the inner portion. The bladder is formed of non-distensible material, preferably by joining a tubular starting element. The inner portion of the bladder is not constrained during inflation and thus can readily conform to a subject's limb, the outer portion accommodating an upper limit of arm circumference within the cuff. The cuff may include a stiffener attached to the outer portion of the bladder to automatically adjust the shape of the bladder during inflation. The stiffener may be in the form of a continuous layer or may comprise a plurality of axial ribs, allowing the cuff to be folded when not in use. The cuff may be generally cylindrical or may be tapered.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the generation and characterization of anti-huntingtin antibodies binding an epitope on the Huntington's disease protein. The invention further relates to the use of such anti-huntingtin antibodies in the diagnosis and treatment of Huntington's disease.

Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods enhance the ability of a rowing machine to provide a full body workout by increasing the range of movement possible during a rowing stroke, thereby producing increased strength, muscle mass and/or range of movement. These benefits are achieved by use of, in conjunction with a rowing machine, a handle assembly uniquely configured such that, when a user of the rowing machine grasps the handle assembly and performs an exercise routine which includes a pull phase of a stroke, the handle assembly defines a space in which the body of the user may be received during the pull phase. As a result, the user may extend the pull phase of the stroke.

Abstract: A hand-held exercise device exercise device incorporating a variable stability strength overload distribution system resulting from the even or uneven distribution of weight relative to a center of gravity thereof. The even or uneven distribution of weight providing the variable stability strength overload distribution system results from the attached of a selected number of weights along first, second and/or third planes, each generally parallel to a handle assembly thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pressurized gas cylinder transportation system, which may be rapidly loaded, unloaded and refueled. A transportation system may include transportation equipment, a lift system, a cylinder holding cage, a single cylinder hand truck and a gas refueling station to deliver the cylinders.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff including an inflatable bladder disposed between an elastic, resilient inner layer of material and at least one outer layer of material. The bladder is secured to these layers along the elongate ends but not along the elongate edges. The bladder is not laterally constrained during inflation. The cuff is formed into a cylindrical shape having a fixed outer diameter and includes a backing layer and apparatus for securing the bladder to a layer of the cuff to hold the bladder in place during donning of the cuff. Because the bladder is not constrained along its contact-width edges, the shape of the bladder automatically adjusts to provide a longer contact surface for larger arms and a shorter contact surface for smaller arms. The cuff is especially suited for use as a closed cuff in an automated blood pressure measurement machine or in stand-alone measurement use.

Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: To provide the communication cable that enables to replace the communication media with an optical signal and increase the communication speed, while assuring the compatibility with the already-widespread telecommunication method. A communication cable used for connecting a plurality of electronic appliances, as well as for conducting communication of information with standardized telecommunication method, wherein the electric signal that is output from one of the electronic appliance is converted to the optical signal with one of the optical module, and is transmitted to the other optical module via the optical transmission medium, and then the optical signal is converted back to the electric signal with the other optical module and is output to the other electric appliance.

Abstract: Elevated ETRB activity, BCL-2A1 activity and/or PARP-3 activity was detected in cancer cells, and determined to be associated with growth and proliferation of the cancer cells. Accordingly, methods are provided for treating cancer by reducing or inhibiting the ETRB activity, BCL-2A1 activity and/or PARP-3 activity. Also provided are methods of determining the responsiveness of cancer cells to treatment with inhibitors of ETRB activity, BCL-2A1 activity and/or PARP-3 activity. Further, decreased cell viability was observed to correlate with reduction in ETRB expression, and reduction in ETRB protein levels by siRNA led to an increase in cell death.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for protecting cells from the toxicity of mutant huntingtin (Htt) protein and for treatment of Huntington's disease (HD). The methods generally involve administering to cells or a patient an effective amount of an IKK inhibitor. In addition, methods are provided for identifying therapeutics for the treatment of HD.

Abstract: A hand-held exercise device exercise device incorporating a variable stability strength overload distribution system resulting from the even or uneven distribution of weight relative to a center of gravity thereof. The even or uneven distribution of weight providing the variable stability strength overload distribution system results from the attached of a selected number of weights along first, second and/or third planes, each generally parallel to a handle assembly thereof.

Abstract: Novel multi-planar rowing machine apparatus as well as exercise methods and protocols to enhance the ability of a rowing machine to provide a full body workout. The rowing machine apparatus of the present invention allows for the rowing motion to occur in multiple planes or stroke axes. The exercise protocols of the present invention provide efficient methods for using the rowing apparatus in decline and incline positions to maximize fitness gains. The apparatus and protocols of the present invention combine gravity and isokinetic resistance to provide full exercise spectrum including strength, muscle mass, and energy system stimulus to major body flexors and extensors. The two-phase resistance provided creates maximum calorie burn per unit of exercise time, and further results in a strength balance in virtually every major leg, arm, and body core extensor and flexor.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff including an elongate, inflatable bladder disposed between an elastic, resilient inner layer of material and at least one outer layer of material. The bladder is secured to these layers along the elongate ends but not along the elongate edges. The bladder is not laterally constrained during inflation and can readily conform to a subject's limb. Preferably the cuff is formed into a cylindrical shape having a fixed outer diameter selected to accommodate an upper limit of arm circumference within the cuff. The cuff may include a stiff backing layer and means for securing the bladder to a layer of the cuff to hold the bladder in place during donning of the cuff by a subject.

Abstract: To provide an efficient piston pump having a small number of parts and simple assembly steps, and consuming less current in achieving a relatively-low ultimate pressure. The piston pump comprises: a suction port (28) through which gas sucked by varying the volume of a pump chamber (22) defined by a cylinder (12) and a piston (14) fitted in the cylinder (12) passes as the piston (14) is reciprocated, an exhaust port (20) through which the gas discharged by varying the volume of the pump chamber (22) passes, a suction valve (26) installed in the suction port (28) disposed on a piston top, and an exhaust valve (18) installed in the exhaust port (20) disposed on a top of the cylinder (12).

Abstract: A closed blood pressure cuff including a ring-shaped inflatable bladder having an inner portion for making direct contact with a user's arm and an outer portion having a fixed circumference outside the inner portion. The bladder is formed of non-distensible material, preferably by joining a tubular starting element. The inner portion of the bladder is not constrained during inflation and thus can readily conform to a subject's limb, the outer portion accommodating an upper limit of arm circumference within the cuff. The cuff may include a stiffener attached to the outer portion of the bladder to automatically adjust the shape of the bladder during inflation. The stiffener may be in the form of a continuous layer or may comprise a plurality of axial ribs, allowing the cuff to be folded when not in use. The cuff may be generally cylindrical or may be tapered.

Abstract: An integrated back pain and back health program incorporating proper posture to achieve joint realignment and muscle relaxation, proper breathing to achieve stress management and muscle relaxation, and an exercise program focused on the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders, abdomen and hips to achieve muscle and joint flexibility and strengthening. By providing instruction on maintaining proper posture, the protocol offers back pain sufferers relief from the stress caused by muscles involuntarily attempting to realign and/or stabilize misaligned joints. The breathing techniques used in the protocol aid in muscle relaxation and, together with proper posture, maximize the benefits of the exercises performed in the procedure. The exercises in the protocol stretch and strengthen the muscles that are commonly implicated in the occurrence of back pain, release spasm in those muscles, and reset those muscles to normal tonus.