Abstract: An adaptive blade for a laryngoscope includes a proximal end, which is mechanically connectable or connected to a handle in order to form an adaptive laryngoscope, a first flexible bar, which extends from the proximal end of the adaptive blade to the distal end thereof, and a second flexible bar, which extends from the proximal end of the adaptive blade to the distal end thereof. At the distal end of the adaptive blade, the flexible bars are connected to each other mechanically rigidly or in an articulated manner. In the proximal direction from the distal end of the adaptive blade, the flexible bars are mechanically connected to each other in such a way that they are movable relative to each other substantially in their longitudinal directions.

Abstract: An illuminated cannula may include an illumination tube, a hub, a cannula base, a valve, an illumination source connector, an optic fiber, and an optic fiber guide. The valve may be disposed in the cannula base. The cannula base may be fixed to the hub. The hub may include a hub aperture. The illumination tube may be disposed in the cannula base. The optic fiber guide may be disposed in the hub. The optic fiber may be disposed in the illumination source connector, the hub, the optic fiber guide, and the cannula base. The optic fiber may be optically coupled to the illumination tube. Illumination light from an illumination source may be configured to transmit through the optic fiber and into the illumination tube.

Abstract: Provided is an ophthalmic imaging apparatus, including: a combining unit combining return light obtained by irradiating an eye to be inspected with the measuring light, and the reference light to obtain interference light; an adjusting unit adjusting a polarization state of at least one of the return light or the reference light; and an acquiring unit acquiring information indicating depolarization of the eye using information about a difference between intensity of first interference light obtained under a first polarization state and intensity of second interference light obtained under a second polarization state, the first polarization state being in which the adjustment is performed so that polarization states of the return light and of the reference light match with each other, the second polarization state being in which the adjustment is performed so that the polarization states of the return light and of the reference light differ from each other.

Abstract: A method of identifying individuals impaired by a psychoactive substance such as cannabis. The method includes presenting monocularly to a subject being tested; to each eye separately, a sinusoidal grating pattern of fixed spatial frequency with achromatic contrast or color contrast between grating stripes being temporally alternately modulated at a temporal frequency that ranges between 10 Hz and 60 Hz with a pattern of the contrast being such that the subject being tested can see a frequency doubling in the grating pattern.

Abstract: A laser eye surgery system focuses light along a beam path to a focal point having a location within a lens of the eye. The refractive index of the lens is determined in response to the location. The lens comprises a surface adjacent a second material having a second refractive index. The beam path extends a distance from the surface to the focal point. The index is determined in response to the distances from the surface to the targeted focal point and from the surface to the actual focal point, which corresponds to a location of a peak intensity of an optical interference signal of the focused light within the lens. The determined refractive index is mapped to a region in the lens, and may be used to generate a gradient index profile of the lens to more accurately place laser beam pulses for incisions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of detecting activity by a wheelchair user. In one aspect, a method comprises collecting motion data of a user device located on an appendage of the user; detecting, by a processor circuit, that one or more activities by the wheelchair user occurred based on the motion data; calculating, by a processor circuit, an energy expenditure by the user based the one or more activities by the wheelchair user occurred; and outputting, by a processor circuit, the energy expenditure estimation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a type of a material in a region within a vascular system of a patient and/or a distance to the material are provided. At least one source fiber is provided that supplies light from a light source to a region within a vascular system of a patient. At least one return fiber is provided to receive light reflected from the region within the vascular system. At least one controller is provided to determine at least one property of the region within the vascular system from the reflected light, and to determine a type of a material in the region within the vascular system and/or an indication of a distance to the material. Techniques such as laser ablation may then be performed based on the determined material type and/or distance to remove unwanted buildup, deposits, etc., while avoiding harmful results such as tearing of tissue.

Abstract: A plaque detection system is presented including a dental implement and a multi-mode optical waveguide for receiving fluorescence light from a plurality of angles, the fluorescence light traveling along a core of the multimode optical waveguide at different path lengths resulting in modal dispersion. The plaque detection system also includes a detector configured to receive the fluorescence light for detecting plaque, calculus, and/or caries, and communicating plaque identification information of teeth based on frequency domain lifetime measurements. The modal dispersion is used to detect at least one plaque, calculus, and or caries fluorescence area on the teeth. The plaque fluorescence area detected with modal dispersion includes different levels of plaque with respect to a center point of the plaque fluorescence area. Thus, a plaque detection signal depends on a radial distance from the center point of the plaque fluorescence area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking or viewing a user's physiological parameters before, during, and/or after physical activity. In some versions, a sensor device can be worn on a user's body and is configured to detect multiple physiological parameters and to wirelessly communicate with a mobile computing device. Optionally, the detected physiological parameters can be used to determine a selected set of work-out parameters, which can be concurrently displayed on the mobile computing device during the user's exercise/activity or after the exercise period. In some implementations, each of a plurality of users can wear a respective body-worn sensor device, and all of the sensors devices can wireless communicate with a designated mobile computing device for purposes of collectively (and concurrently) monitoring sets of physiological parameters for all of the users during the same workout, practice, or other activity.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the measuring and monitoring of blood pressure. More specifically, embodiments may apply the theory of applanation tonometry for the measurement of blood pressure. Some embodiments provide a method for measuring mean arterial pressure. Some embodiments provide a device that may be worn by a user that may non-invasively measure and monitor blood pressure of a user. In some embodiments, the invention generally relates to sensor arrays for use with a wrist-worn device to measure blood pressure. Embodiments of the sensor array designs described may be configured to improve resolution by decoupling nodes of the sensor array.

Abstract: A distal shaft for measuring pressure distally of a stenosis includes a housing, a pressure sensor, a cover, a tip, and an aperture. The pressure sensor is mounted in the housing. The cover is coupled to the housing and covers the pressure sensor. The tip is coupled to a distal end of the housing. The aperture is disposed through the tip and/or cover. The aperture is configured to allow blood flow to the pressure sensor. The cover further includes a coupling mechanism or coupling that couples the cover to the housing. The coupling mechanism may be a snap-fit mechanism, a friction-fit mechanism, and/or an adhesive.

Abstract: A blood circuit having a pressure measurement portion connected to a pressure measurement device includes: a first measurement portion provided downstream of a pumping segment; and a second measurement portion provided upstream of the pumping segment. The first measurement portion includes: a first housing having a tubular shape; and a first flexible membrane having a tubular shape and provided in the first housing. The second measurement portion includes: a second housing having a tubular shape; and a second flexible membrane having a tubular shape and provided in the second housing. A space between the first flexible membrane and the first housing is larger than a space between the second flexible membrane and the second housing in an initial state before permitting the blood to flow.

Abstract: A pulse wave signal expressing a pulse is obtained by detecting a pulse of a measurement subject using a pulse wave sensor. The pulse wave signal is stored in a storage unit. A frequency spectrum of the pulse wave signal is found by converting the time-domain pulse wave signal stored in the storage unit into the frequency domain. It is determined whether or not the measurement subject is at rest by finding a frequency range, within a predetermined total frequency range the pulse rate of a person can take on, in which an intensity of a frequency component of the frequency spectrum exceeds a first threshold, and finding whether or not a ratio of the frequency range with respect to the total frequency range is less than a second threshold. A pulse rate from the point in time when the measurement subject has been determined to be at rest is found as the measurement subject's at-rest pulse rate.

Abstract: A biological information measurement apparatus includes a biological sensor and an insertion portion, and the biological sensor is disposed at a position opposite the concha when the insertion portion is inserted in the external ear canal.

Abstract: A wrist apparatus as a portable electronic apparatus includes a case, a solar battery that is provided in the case, and has an outer circumference along an outer edge of the case and an inner circumference of which a circumferential length is shorter than a circumferential length of the outer circumference, and an acceleration sensor that is provided in the case, in which the solar battery is disposed outside an outer edge of the acceleration sensor in a plan view of a light reception surface of the solar battery.

Abstract: A blood flow analysis device includes a blood vessel region extraction unit that extracts a blood vessel region from a three-dimensional medical image of a subject including a blood vessel, and a blood flow simulation unit that obtains a line resistance by multiplying a resistance value corresponding to a branch blood vessel branching out of the blood vessel region by a surface area of each of preset sections into which the blood vessel region is divided in an extension direction, generates a vascular network model by applying the line resistance to each node of a surface of the blood vessel region, and performs simulation of a blood flow by using the vascular network model.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating assessment of blood flow in a tissue volume of a subject are disclosed. In some variations, the method may include: after a predetermined amount of a fluorescence agent has been administered to the subject, exciting the fluorescence agent in the tissue volume such that the excited fluorescence agent emits fluorescent light, acquiring fluorescence data based on the fluorescent light emitted during blood flow through the tissue volume, estimating a molar concentration of the fluorescence agent in the blood flowing through the tissue volume, and generating an assessment of blood flow in the tissue volume based at least in part on the fluorescence data and the estimated molar concentration of the fluorescence agent. The estimated molar concentration may be based on the predetermined amount of the fluorescence agent and an estimated circulating blood volume of the subject.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus are provided, which may be used for determining the prognosis and/or diagnosis of a subject demonstrating burst suppression, whereby the subject has or is at risk of developing brain damage. In particular, the methods and apparatus determine the prognosis and/or diagnosis through the detection of bursts from a reading of electrical and/or electromagnetic activity of the subject's brain, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG), and subsequent analysis of one or more burst metrics derived therefrom.

Abstract: An ECG system measures and annotates the P-point of an ECG waveform from harmonic waveforms. Electrical impulses are received from a beating heart. The electrical impulses are converted to an ECG waveform. The ECG waveform is converted to a frequency domain waveform, which, in turn, is separated into two or more different frequency domain waveforms, which, in turn, are converted into a plurality of time domain cardiac electrophysiological subwaveforms and discontinuity points between these subwaveforms. The plurality of subwaveforms and discontinuity points are compared to a database of subwaveforms and discontinuity points for normal and abnormal patients. A discontinuity point is identified as the P-point of the ECG waveform from the comparison. Similar measurements are made for the P?-point, I-point, J-point, and T?-point. Distances from these points to the equipotential line are calculated and used to detect blockages leading to myocardial infarction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cardiac signal sensing circuit configured to generate a sensed cardiac signal representative of electrical cardiac activity of a subject, a buffer memory and a pause detection circuit. The pause detection circuit is configured to: identify ventricular depolarization in the cardiac signal or the sampled cardiac signal; detect a candidate pause episode using the cardiac signal in which delay in ventricular depolarization exceeds a specified delay threshold; identify noise events in a stored cardiac signal; and discard the cardiac signal of the candidate pause episode when a number of noise events satisfies a specified noise event number threshold, otherwise store the cardiac signal of the candidate pause episode as a bradycardia pause episode.

Abstract: An electrode includes a core of beryllium copper alloy and a safe metal coating. In some embodiments, the beryllium copper alloy comprises more than three percent beryllium, less than three percent other metals and a remaining percent copper. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a headband, and a first and second safe metal coated copper-beryllium alloy electrode. The headband is configured to fit snugly to a head of a subject in an orientation from behind a first ear, across a crown of the subject, to a position behind a second ear. The first electrode and second electrode are disposed in the headband to contact a head of the subject at a first position and a different second position, respectively, without gels. In various embodiments, the headband includes a chip to determine an analog signal and transmit data; and, a system includes the headband and a signal analyzing unit.

Abstract: This application relates to the field of wearable devices and provides a dominant eye determining method and device. A method comprises: obtaining first sensory information of a first eye of a user; and determining whether the first eye is a dominant eye according to the first sensory information and reference information. The method and device help other devices worn by a user to perform automatic set-up according to a determining result, thereby improving user experience.

Abstract: It is proposed a method for post-processing images of an region of interest in a subject, the images being acquired with a magnetic resonance imaging technique, the method for post-processing comprising at least the step of: —unwrapping the phase of each image, —extracting a complex signal over echo time for at least one pixel of the unwrapped images, and —calculating fat characterization parameters by using a fitting technique applied on a model, the model being a function which associates to a plurality of parameters each extracted complex signal, the plurality of parameters comprising at least two fat characterization parameters, the magnitude error and the phase error generated by the use of the bipolar readout gradients, the fitting technique being a non-linear least-square fitting technique using pseudo-random initial conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing a set of multiple serially acquired magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) free induction decay (FID) frames from a multi-frame MRS acquisition series from a region of interest (ROI) in a subject, and for providing a post-processed MRS spectrum. Processing parameters are dynamically varied while measuring results to determine the optimal post-processed results. Spectral regions opposite water from chemical regions of interest are evaluated and used in at least one processing operation. Frequency shift error is estimated via spectral correlation between free induction decay (FID) frames and a reference spectrum. Multiple groups of FID frames within the acquired set are identified to different phases corresponding with a phase step cycle of the acquisition. Baseline correction is also performed via rank order filter (ROF) estimate and a polynomial fit.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the amount of knee extension loss, hyperextension, or extensor length associated with arthritis, trauma, surgery or other medical conditions. This device and method includes measuring the difference in heel heights of a patient while patient is lying prone on a table with their legs, at the level of their knee caps, off the table. This device and method also measures extensor length in a patient's knee joint, by assessing heel height difference while a patient is lying prone on a table with a prone knee bend. This device and its methods provide accurate distance measurements that correlate to knee straightness and flexibility; these distinguishing metrics are unattainable by a standard “disc” goniometer. In addition, this device permits convenient measuring of a knee's mobility for two unique perspectives, namely in prone with legs straight or with a knee bent.

Abstract: A system for determining the alignment measurement of the foot and ankle is disclosed. The system uses data representative of a three dimensional scanned image of a patient's foot and ankle while the patient was applying weight on the foot. Next the system detects the three dimensional coordinates associated with at least three predetermined landmarks on the patent's foot in the scanned image. A ground plane is determined using the predetermined landmarks. A center of a talar dome is determined in the scanned data. An ankle offset lever arm id determined from the set of landmarks and center of the talar dome.

Abstract: A method for assessing ergonomics of a human user in an environment is disclosed. The method includes generating a visual skeletal signal by using a visual sensor. The method further includes determining a first posture sample based on the skeletal signal, by using an electronic controller. The posture sample includes skeletal information including one or both of joint information and positioning information. The method further includes comparing the posture sample with an ergonomically ideal posture sample and determining an ergonomic report based on the comparing of the posture sample and the ergonomically ideal posture sample. The method further includes providing the ergonomic report via an output device.

Abstract: Disclosed methods, systems, and storage media may track body movements and movement trajectories using internal measurement units (IMUs), where a first IMU may be attached to a first wrist of a user, a second IMU may be attached to a second wrist of the user, and a third IMU may be attached to a torso of the user. Upper body movements may be derived from sensor data produced by the three IMUs. IMUs are typically not used to detect fine levels of body movements and/or movement trajectory because most IMUs accumulate errors due to large amounts of measurement noise. Embodiments provide arm and torso movement models to which the sensor data is applied in order to derive the body movements and/or movement trajectory. Additionally, estimation errors may be mitigated using a hidden Markov Model (HMM) filter. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A risk-of-falling determination apparatus includes a walk information obtainer that obtains walk information of a user, a myoelectric sensor that measures a first myoelectric potential difference on an anterior surface of a thigh of the user and a second myoelectric potential difference on a posterior surface of the thigh, a control circuit that identifies an interval of a stance phase by using the walk information, calculates a degree of co-contraction at a corresponding leg of the user on the basis of the first and second myoelectric potential differences for the stance phase, and determines whether the degree of co-contraction is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and an outputter that outputs a signal indicating that the user has a high risk of falling if the degree of co-contraction is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

Abstract: Electronic devices are provided that can determine a head movement. A method comprises: acquiring, in response to a head movement performed by a user, myoelectricity information of an eye of the user; and determining information related to the head movement according to the myoelectricity information and at least one piece of reference information. A head movement can be identified according to the myoelectricity information, which helps improve accuracy of head movement identification.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides sweat sensing devices with smart sweat stimulation and sensing embodiments: which improve the dependability and predictability of sweat sampling rates; achieve a desired number of sweat sampling events per day while minimizing skin irritation and prolonging device lifespan; and use physical, optical or thermal sweat stimulation to augment or replace chemical sweat stimulation.

Abstract: Non-invasive optical detection devices and techniques that use optically discriminative detection of returned probe light from a target by spatially separating the returned probe light from the deep tissue structure and the returned probe light from the skin surface and the shallow tissue structure based on different wave vector components to improve the optical detection sensitivity in detecting the returned probe light from the deep tissue structure with reduced optical interference by the returned probe light form the skin surface and the shallow tissue structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide wireless, disposable, continuous pulse oximeter sensor technology, useful and beneficial for a number of applications including relatively extended periods of data collection, and/or packaged in compact and easy-to-use assemblies. Economic fabrication and use provides flexible methodologies that can reduce the overall costs of monitoring and collecting patient's physiological data, and provide relatively greater ease and comfort to the patient. A disposable wireless continuous pulse oximeter sensor has a reduced emitter-detector separation, a low-power frontend, and a low-cost processor that sends waveforms to a host device so that the host can calculate and display the parameters of interest. Complications created by the reduced distance between emitter and detector are minimized by using an emitter-detector assembly with an optically dark background, and a bandage for improved optical compliance.

Abstract: A reflective SpO2 measurement system includes a light source that emits light of at least a first and second wavelengths, and one or more detection devices forming a close detector positioned at a first distance from the light source and a far detector positioned at a second distance from the light source, wherein the second distance is greater than the first. The SpO2 measurement system is configured to operate in a high power mode to determine a calibration factor based on the comparison of light reflections detected by the close detector and the far detector. The system is further configured to operate in a low power mode to generate a low intensity light pulse, and detect a close reflection of the low intensity light pulse with the close detector. An SpO2 is then determined based on the close reflection of the low intensity light pulse and the calibration factor.

Abstract: A non-invasive, optical-based physiological monitoring system is disclosed. One embodiment includes an emitter configured to emit light. A diffuser is configured to receive and spread the emitted light, and to emit the spread light at a tissue measurement site. The system further includes a concentrator configured to receive the spread light after it has been attenuated by or reflected from the tissue measurement site. The concentrator is also configured to collect and concentrate the received light and to emit the concentrated light to a detector. The detector is configured to detect the concentrated light and to transmit a signal representative of the detected light. A processor is configured to receive the transmitted signal and to determine a physiological parameter, such as, for example, arterial oxygen saturation, in the tissue measurement site.

Abstract: A sensor insertion assembly includes: a sensor insertion device comprising a needle member configured to be inserted in a living body together with a biological information sensor and to be pulled out of the living body after leaving a distal end side of the sensor in the living body; and a base plate detachably attached to a first end side of the sensor insertion device, the base plate comprising a clamp portion configured to move so as to clamp a proximal end side of the sensor extending to an outside of the living body after pulling out the needle member and along with an operation of detaching the sensor insertion device from the base plate.

Abstract: A medical device useful for collecting samples of a bodily fluid, typically a vascular fluid such as blood. The subject device can also be used for infusing liquids into a patient. The fluid flow path desirably includes a forwardly projecting, rearwardly biased needle, a needle holder and a length of plastic tubing, the forwardly extending end of which is configured to function as a fluid seal to reduce the likelihood of fluid leakage during or after use. Following use, the needle is retractable from the patient by sliding a needle retraction cavity transversely into longitudinal alignment with the needle, thereby disrupting the fluid flow path and propelling the needle rearwardly so that it no longer projects from the device.

Abstract: A specimen collection assembly (100) including a flow control member (106) for adjustably altering a flow path is disclosed. In one configuration, the flow control member (106) defines a regulation channel (166) in fluid communication with a lumen of a cannula (112), wherein the flow control member (106) is configured to adjustably alter an effective flow distance between the lumen of the cannula (112) and an interior of an evacuated collection container. In another configuration, the flow control member (106) is positioned to vary an effective cross-sectional area of at least one of an inlet port (346) and an outlet port (350) adapted to be in fluid communication with the lumen and the evacuated collection container.

Abstract: A lancing device having a domed structure that can be depressed by application of a force by a user's finger so as to expose the tip of a needle. The domed structure is configured to move from a non-depressed state to a depressed state in a manner that allows for the piercing the users finger. The domed structure may then recoil to its original, non-depressed position upon the user ceasing to apply the force.

Abstract: We here describe an exercise system and control method thereof to obtain exercise protocols relating to the individual user's optimal exercise intensity. The system and method comprise the monitoring of the transition between the aerobic and anaerobic training zones and an estimate of the maximal lactate steady state, which is an important physiological indicator of the user's cardio respiratory fitness. Together with individual models of how the user's heart rate responds to exercise intensity, it is possible to predict the needed exercise intensity that should be performed to obtain the wanted exercise goal. The analysis can (preferably) be performed in real-time during exercise.

Abstract: Athletic activity may be monitored using heart rate in addition to or instead of other types of metrics. Accordingly, multiple different activity types may be compared based on heart rate information. Additionally, the heart rate information may be visualized by displaying the heart rate data over time or relative to pace or distance. Additionally, the system may allow a user to analyze his or her heart rate performance by identifying one or more portions of the athletic activity in which a user exhibited a specified range of heart rates. Athletic activity sessions may further be tagged with various indicators including weather, terrain, difficulty and intensity. According to one or more aspects, data for different types of activity metrics may be polled and/or transmitted to a system at different rates or based on different schedules. Moreover, users may specify whether sensed data may be uploaded, recorded and/or visualized prior to or during an activity session.

Abstract: A force measurement system is disclosed herein. The force measurement system includes a force measurement assembly configured to receive a subject thereon, and one or more data processing devices operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly. In one or more embodiments, the one or more data processing devices are configured to receive one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the top surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject, and to convert the one or more signals into output forces and/or moments, and the one or more data processing devices are further configured to determine a type of balance strategy that the subject is using to maintain his or her balance on the force measurement assembly.

Abstract: A system to assess risk of changes to brain white matter includes a sensor system adapted to measure an energy of each impact to an individual belonging to a sub-population that causes a repetitive head impact (RHI). A head impact dose equivalent number (HIDEN) process calculates a HIDEN for a most recent RHI event based on the energy of the most recent RHI event, a time of the most recent RHI, and all previously recorded RHI events available in a non-volatile memory. A sub-population function process calculates a risk assessment number based on the sub-population and the HIDEN. A risk assessment notification means provides a notification of the risk assessment number. A method to assess risk of changes to brain white matter based on a head impact dose equivalent number and a method to define a sub-population function to convert a HIDEN to a risk assessment value is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of generating an adaptive partial report for an observer with an apparatus comprising a display, a user interface, and a processor. The apparatus can be a computer system or an electronic device, for example. The method includes the processor characterizing an iconic memory decay function for the observer. The characterization includes determining a prior for a plurality of parameters. The method further includes the processor determining a first stimulus for a first trial based on the prior for the plurality of parameters, the display generating the stimulus for viewing by the observer, the user interface receiving input for the first trial and in response to the stimulus, the processor revising respective parameter values for the parameters based on the received input, and the processor determining a new stimulus for a next trial based on the revised parameter values.

Abstract: Adaptive image processing, image analysis, pattern recognition, and time-to-event prediction in various imaging modalities associated with assisted reproductive technology. The reference image may be processed according to one or more adaptive processing frameworks for de-speckling or noise processing of ultrasound images. The subject image is processed according to various computer vision techniques for object detection, recognition, annotation, segmentation, and classification of reproductive anatomy, such as follicles, ovaries and the uterus. An image processing framework may also analyze secondary data along with subject image data to analyze time-to-event progression of the subject image.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for measuring body joint range of motion using inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors capable of measuring their orientations relative to Earth. The method mounts a primary IMU sensor on a proximal body segment, and a secondary IMU sensor on a distal body segment connected to the proximal body segment via a joint. The sensor orientation relationship is measured between the primary IMU sensor and the secondary IMU sensor. In one aspect, the sensor orientation relationship is expressed as a quaternion. The sensor orientation relationship is converted into at least one physiologically modeled constituent joint rotation relationship between the proximal body segment and the distal body segment. More explicitly, the sensor orientation relationship is converted to a constituent axial axis, composite radial, or primary and secondary radial rotations of the distal body segment measured with respect to the proximal body segment.

Abstract: A method includes: (a) obtaining information about a period of a fluctuation cycle in an autonomic nerve of a user at rest; (b) inducing the user to breaths in synchronization with the period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve according to the obtained information; and (c) synchronizing a fluctuation in a diameter of a pupil of the user with the period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve at the same time of (b) according to the obtained information. The period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve is a period of a fluctuation cycle in the diameter of the pupil, a period of a fluctuation cycle in a heart beats of the user, or a period calculated from the period of the fluctuation cycle in the diameter of the pupil and the period of the fluctuation cycle in the heart beats.

Abstract: Dual-energy absorptiometry is used to estimate visceral fat metrics and display results, preferably as related to normative data. The process involves deriving x-ray measurements for respective pixel positions related to a two-dimensional projection image of a body slice containing visceral fat and subcutaneous fat, at least some of the measurements being dual-energy x-ray measurements, processing the measurements to derive estimates of metrics related to the visceral fat in the slice, and using the resulting estimates. Processing the measurements includes an algorithm which places boundaries of regions, e.g., a large “abdominal” region and a smaller “abdominal cavity” region. Two boundaries of the “abdominal cavity” region are placed at positions associated with the left and right innermost extent of the abdominal muscle wall by identifying inflection of % Fat values.

Abstract: A method for locating a vessel, the method comprising illuminating at least a portion of the vessel with a background light having a substantially high susceptibility to absorption by particles in said portion of the vessel; detecting backscattered light from said illuminated portion of the vessel; reproducing an image from said backscattered light; and identifying dark regions within said reproduced image.

Abstract: In aspects of a wearable article for determining a task, a system includes a delivery device usable to administer a liquid responsive to an applied force, and includes a wearable article with multiple sensors to detect movements of the wearable article and handling of the delivery device. A task determination module is implemented to receive sensor data identifying the movements of the wearable article and the applied force, and can determine a task from a set of tasks associated with the delivery device that corresponds to the movements of the wearable article. The task determination module can then determine whether the task was performed correctly based on a comparison of the sensor data to a correct pattern of use for the task.