Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and varying indoor bicycle trainer pedaling resistance in varying manner to replicate the effects of increased system inertia. The method uses a high-resolution position detection method to correlate crank acceleration and deceleration to resistance level. The effects of inertia are replicated by limiting acceleration of the crank by application of increased resistance unit resistance and deceleration via reduction of the resistance applied to pedaling. Thus, the decreased magnitude of acceleration events imitates the effects an increased system mass (inertia) perceived by the rider, enhancing “road feel”, which is synonymous with the feeling of accelerating one's own inertia while cycling outdoors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and varying indoor bicycle trainer pedaling resistance in varying manner to replicate the effects of increased system inertia. The method uses a high-resolution position detection method to correlate crank acceleration and deceleration to resistance level. The effects of inertia are replicated by limiting acceleration of the crank by application of increased resistance unit resistance and deceleration via reduction of the resistance applied to pedaling. Thus, the decreased magnitude of acceleration events imitates the effects an increased system mass (inertia) perceived by the rider, enhancing “road feel”, which is synonymous with the feeling of accelerating one's own inertia while cycling outdoors.

Abstract: A frame used for mounting a bicycle eliminates bending loads typically observed in U-shaped frames, where an axial load is forced on the rear axle of a bicycle wheel. The frame uses the rear axle of the bicycle as a structural member to change the loading such that bending is eliminated. This reduces the requirements for the material strength of the frame. An axle interconnect system facilitates quick adjustment and mounting of the rear axle to the frame, and may use an existing skewer of the bicycle wheel. A resistance unit may be attached to the frame, or affixed to a joint in the frame, to facilitate use with a stationary trainer. Flexible frame members may be used to permit a rocking motion of the wheel when used for stationary training, or to allow for use on unlevel ground when training outdoors or for warmup before a race.

Abstract: A cycling resistance apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism configured to be attached to a frame, such as a stationary frame or the frame of a bicycle, and a magnet assembly attached to the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to position magnets of the magnet assembly at an active position so that a face of each magnet is positioned within a diameter of a bicycle tire and within a width of the bicycle tire, so as to be adjacent an electrically conductive rim of the bicycle wheel. When in the active position, the one or more magnets of the magnet assembly induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive rim of the wheel to provide resistance against rotation of the wheel in the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing neuroprotection to a mammal comprising administering to said mammal suffering from or at risk of suffering a noxious action on its nerve cells an effective amount of a ryanodine antagonist, e.g. dantrolene, to inhibit or prevent nerve cell injury or death.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing neuroprotection to a mammal comprising administering to said mammal suffering from or at risk of suffering a noxious action on its nerve cells an effective amount of a ryanodine antagonist, e.g. dantrolene, to inhibit or prevent nerve cell injury or death.

Abstract: The present application is directed to various compositions to treat the itching and conditions that result from contracting poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, as well as other plant and substances that contain substances that lead to a skin reaction but that upon removal alleviate the symptoms of the condition. In particular, the compositions described herein are useful for removing urushiol after it has contacted the skin. The compositions include granules or other scrubbing means to reach the urushiol in the skin, a mixture of surfactants to form a complex with the urushiol, counter-irritants to provide a soothing sensation to the irritated skin, and other functional ingredients to provide additional benefits to the individual who has contacted urushiol.

Abstract: A vascular closure system includes a swellable/bioabsorbable tubular sealing element and a tubular advancement/deployment tool. The sealing element and advancement tool is configured to be attached to the outside of a tubular medical device (such as a vascular introducer, catheter, cannula, trocar, electrode wire, etc.) with the sealing element being advanced distally to a desired area within the body (near or at least partially within an arteriotomy, for example) by the advancement/deployment tool. Once in contact with blood (or other fluid) the sealing element swells, sealing the passageway. The system may include one of several different means to prevent insertion (or over insertion) into the vessel. Additional versions of the system described herein can be used for cardiovascular applications where hemostasis (temporary or permanent) is desired.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is used for temporary use in a medical procedure in a mammalian body. The surgical instrument is configured to be changed between two shapes upon application of one or both of heating and cooling. The instrument includes a first member, a second member having a surface configured to contact tissue, and a means to apply heating or cooling to one or both of the first member and the second member to change the shape between a first shape and a second shape. A surgical instrument also may be configured to be changed between two shapes upon removal of a constraining force. The surgical instrument includes a first member, a second member having a surface configured to contact tissue, and a constraining means to apply a constraining force to one or both of the first member and the second member to cause one or both of the first member and the second member to be in a first constrained shape. The surgical instruments may be used in minimally invasive valve surgery.

Abstract: A catheter is insertable into a vessel within a mammalian body. The catheter includes a tubular body, at least one channel extending along the tubular body; and a central lumen. The tubular body includes an exterior surface, a first end and a second end, and defines a length between the first end and the second end. The channel passes between a first opening and a second opening and includes a slot in the tubular body between the channel and the exterior surface of the tubular body such that a tubular member can be passed between the channel and the exterior surface. The slot extends from the first opening to the second opening and includes a pair of edges. The central lumen extends along the tubular body at least for a portion of the length of the tubular body.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a universal, generic content collection method and system for collecting, storing, and sharing content on the Internet using computers, mobile and/or electronic devices. In one aspect, the invention relates to methods and systems for collecting multiple types of content using a user interface. The method includes activating the user interface associated with the content, wherein the user interface is configurable to be associated with at least two types of content; optionally, providing a list of one or more content collections services, wherein a first content collection service is configured to collect a first type of content and a second content collection service is configured to collect a second type of content; and directing the content to one or more content collection services. The user interface may be a virtual button on a webpage, browser or other screen device, or a physical button on a piece of hardware such as a PDA, mobile phone, watch, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for treating or preventing avian flu, influenza and similar conditions using basic compounds, such as sodium bicarbonate, inhaled through inhalation devices such as nebulizers and the like. The invention also relates to processes for making the solution that is filled into the inhalation device. For example, the nebulizer can include a basic solution and at least a portion of the basic solution may be contained within one or both of a liposome and/or a micelle.

Abstract: A coupler is configured to connect a first tubular vessel to an aperture in a second tubular vessel. The coupler includes one or more radially extending members and a substantially nonmetallic tubular member. The substantially nonmetallic tubular member include an outer wall, an inner wall defining a lumen having an open distal end and an open proximal end, and a circumferential ridge encircling the outer wall, the radially extending members extending from the distal end of the tubular member. A method of fabricating a coupler the method including fabricating radially extending members; placing the radially extending members within a mold; injecting a material into the mold; allowing the material to cure to form the c coupler; and removing the coupler from the mold. The coupler includes a tubular member having an outer wall, an inner wall defining a lumen having an open distal end and an open proximal end, and a circumferential ridge encircling the outer wall.

Abstract: Methods for identifying modulators of ryanodine receptors are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the activity of the ryanodine receptor is stimulated to a baseline level and the ability of a test compound to increase or decrease the baseline level indicates that the test compound is a modulator of ryanodine receptor activity.

Abstract: The inventions relate to security systems for securely accessing accounts and avoiding identity-theft scams. They include object-based passwords and passphrases. For example, the invention relates to method of verifying a user's identity to allow that user to gain access to an account. The method includes creating a first matrix of characters of size X; and upon logon, displaying a second matrix of characters of size Z, wherein Y characters represent a preselected password of the user and X>Z>Y. In this equation, X is greater than the number of letters, numbers and characters on a keyboard.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing or ameliorating pain in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal suffering from or at risk of suffering a noxious action causing said pain, an effective amount of a ryanodine antagonist, such as dantrolene, to inhibit or prevent pain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing neural protection in in human patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis comprising administering to said patients suffering from said amyotrophic lateral sclerosis an effective amount of a compound that is a ryanodine receptor antagonist in pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle to inhibit or prevent neuronal njury or death.

Abstract: Digits dialed using a pulse dialing device, such as a rotary phone or pulse-based alarm system, are detected by an MTA device that has been configured using an MIB object in the MTA configuration file. Upon detection the MTA generates a DTMF signal, or RFC2833 digit event, and forwards the DTMF signal or RFC2833 digit event corresponding to the dialed digit toward a communication network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing neuroprotection to a mammal comprising administering to said mammal suffering from or at risk of suffering a noxious action on its nerve cells an effective amount of a ryanodine antagonist, e.g. dantrolene, to inhibit or prevent nerve cell injury or death.

Abstract: Glutamate causes migration and proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium and/or glial cells, and glutamate antagonists can prevent, treat or reduce retinal pigment epithelium and/or glial migration and the subsequent development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Avoidance or management of proliferative vitreoretinopathy can be achieved by administering to the patient a compound capable of reducing glutamate-induced retinal cell migration in a concentration effective to reduce such migration.