Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for assessing a medical ultrasound imaging operator's competency. The system includes a console containing a plurality of virtual controls, such as knobs, for simulating a real-life examination of a patient. The images created by the system change dynamically as the different virtual knobs on the console are adjusted. The console provides a certification examination for a medical ultrasound imaging operator. The console also includes a process to assess the medical ultrasound imaging operator's competency. The process determines a plurality of scores in order to assess the competency of the medical ultrasound imaging operator.

Abstract: An elastic hysteretic palpatory training apparatus includes a plunger, a solenoid disposed around a longitudinal axis of the plunger, and a controller for controlling electrical power supplied to the solenoid as a function of a palpatory force applied to an end of the plunger and a position of the plunger in the solenoid in response to the applied palpatory force whereupon the plunger emulates at least one of the following: an elastic material responding to the application of the palpatory force thereto or a series of elastic materials being engaged one-at-a-time in response to the application of the palpatory force thereto.

Abstract: A self-contained medical needle insertion training system is provided. In various embodiments, the system includes a hollow body having at least one sidewall, a closed end, an opposing open end and an interior chamber. The system additionally includes a closure device structured and operable to mate with the open end to close the interior chamber and a simulated cardiovascular vein disposed along an outer surface of the at least one sidewall, wherein the interior chamber provides a storage space for medical devices to be used in association with the training system. The system also includes a simulated cardiovascular vein having a plurality of fluid reservoirs.

Abstract: An anastomosis training device and related methods of use that provides medical professionals with real-time feedback of pulling force. The anastomosis training device can include a housing portion, a spring member, a proximal catheter portion and a distal catheter portion. The housing portion can include an external tubing member that slidingly retains an internal tubing element and the spring member. A proximal wire assembly attaches the spring member to a manipulation assembly and a distal wire assembly attaches the spring member to a retention member that allows the anastomosis training tool to be anchored to a suitable surface. As a user applies a pulling force to the manipulation assembly, the internal tubing member is slidably withdrawn from the external tubing member to expose a visible force scale that indicates the level of pulling force being applied by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simulation device (2), for practicing manipulations of at least one elongated medical instrument (101, 102), comprising a housing (11) presenting at least one instrument input (10) and enclosing a first motion sensor (18) for tracking the motions of a first elongated medical instrument (101) inserted therein. The housing encloses a bifurcating device (14, 140) having one input (13, 142) connected to the instrument input as well as at least a first and a second outputs (23, 24), the bifurcating device further comprising a deflecting mechanism (15, 141) for guiding the first and a second elongated medical instruments (101, 102) from its input, respectively, through the first and second outputs, the first output being connected to the first motion sensor while the second output is connected to a second motion sensor for tracking the motions of the second elongated medical instrument.

Abstract: A virtual interactive ultrasound training system for training medical personnel in the practical skills of performing ultrasound scans, including recognizing specific anatomies and pathologies.

Abstract: A medical procedure training simulator may include a training space. The simulator may also include at least one camera in the training space. The at least one camera may be operable to capture video images of an object in the training space as one or more tasks are performed by at least one user. The simulator may also include a computer operable to receive the video images. The computer may also be operable to generate position data for the object by processing the video images. The computer may also be operable to generate a simulation of a scene from an operating room based on at least one of the video images and the position data. The computer may also be operable to display the simulation to the at least one user on an electronic display as the one or more tasks are performed by the at least one user.

Abstract: A combination of a haptic device and a computer-assisted medical system is used for interactive haptic positioning of a medical device coupled to the haptic device. A reconfigurable haptic object facilitates the positioning of the medical device and/or the haptic device. The haptic object may be modified in response to application of a force against the haptic object by a user of the haptic device pushing the haptic device against the haptic object. Preferably, the haptic object moves in the direction of the force applied by the haptic device. The medical device may be guided to a desired pose relative to a target area from its current position. The user may approach the target area from its current position and still be provided with haptic cues to enable the user to guide the medical device to the target area.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic injection device for providing a subcutaneous injection of a substance into a user, comprising: a housing having an open first end and a second end; a syringe movably disposed in the housing, the syringe including a barrel portion for holding the substance, a hollow needle in fluid communication with the barrel portion for ejecting the substance from the syringe, and a bung for sealing the barrel portion and selectively applying pressure to the substance to force the substance through the hollow needle; a plunger for first moving the syringe towards the first end such that the needle projects from the first end and subsequently applying pressure to the bung, the plunger including a rod connected at a first end to the bung, a compressible expanded central portion and a flange between a second end of the rod and the compressible expanded central portion; and a biasing mechanism for biasing the plunger towards the first open end of the housing, the biasing mechanism disposed a

Abstract: A method of hysteretic palpatory training includes providing a wire or a computer controlled actuator having a plunger that hysteretically resists the application of a palpatory force. An increasing palpatory force is applied in a first direction to the wire or the plunger, whereupon the wire or plunger hysteretically resist displacement from a first position to a second position. The palpatory force is then withdrawn whereupon the elasticity of wire or the elasticity emulated by the plunger causes it to return to a position intermediate the first and second positions. The applied palpatory force versus displacement in response to applying and withdrawing the palpatory force to the wire or the plunger is then detected.

Abstract: An ultrasound simulator to train radiologists and technologists to locate and recognize patent and fused cranial sutures. The model is formed, for example, using specially fabricated heads or from life-sized plastic doll heads. Simulated suture lines are cut in the heads in anatomically correct positions. The typical end-to-end morphology of the sagittal and metopic sutures and the typical beveled appearance of the paired coronal and lambdoid sutures are created by angling the cutting blade. The hypoechoic appearance of patent sutures in ultrasound images is simulated by filling the gaps that were formed by cutting with a hypoechoic material. Fused echoic sutures are simulated by leaving that portion of the doll's head uncut, or by filling the openings with an echoic material. When imaged using ultrasound, the portions cut and filled with a hypoechoic material are readily distinguishable from uncut portions, and from portions cut and filled with an echoic material.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment is a simulation system for practicing vascular-access procedures without using human subjects. The simulator comprises a data-processing system and a haptics device. The haptics device provides the physical interface at which an end effector, which is representative of a medical instrument (e.g., a needle, catheter, etc.), is manipulated with respect to a haptics-device base to simulate instrument insertion. The data-processing system, by exchanging signals with the haptics device, provides a three-dimensional simulation that includes the resistive forces that a medical practitioner would experience if the simulated procedure were an actual procedure that was being performed on a real anatomy (e.g., human arm, etc.). The simulator displays the ongoing simulation and assesses the performance of its user.

Abstract: A computer implemented system facilities the submission of clinical events data to a reviewing agency by prompting for data needed to authorize the appropriateness of the event. The system directs an appropriate submission to authorize the event. The system further stores the patient clinical event data and presents the data for review. The system confirms that the clinical event is appropriate by referring to the input data and predetermined validation rules.

Abstract: A method for positioning at least one catheter on a body in which a fluid is present includes performing a body-specific detection of anatomical structure and/or tissue structure. A position of the fluid in the body and/or the amount of fluid in the body are detected and at least one catheter is positioned such that at least a part of the fluid can be drained from the body. A method for simulating drainage of a fluid from an interstice of a body includes performing a body-specific detection of anatomical structure and/or tissue structure. A position of the fluid in the body and/or the amount of fluid in the body are detected and a location of at least one catheter on the body is set.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for analyzing the release of active agent(s) from pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like products. The apparatus and method provide for more accurate simulation of the conditions in the GI tract and oral cavity including forces that are applied to the dosage form.

Abstract: Objects that interact with a user at a visceral level when the object comes within the user's personal environment. The objects detect a user's visceral behavior, for example breathing pattern or perspiration. In response to the visceral behavior the object simulates a behavior of a living entity such as breathing, or produces an output to which the user responds viscerally, such as an electric field. The form of the output or simulated behavior is determined by the visceral behavior. The output or simulated behavior may be modified to guide the user's visceral behavior, for example by first synchronizing simulated breathing to the user's breathing and then slowing down while the user's breathing is entrained to the simulated breathing. One such object has a skin that is warm to the touch, and simulates breathing with a breathing sound. Another such object produces electric fields like electric fields of the heart.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system centrally control web-based training courses for a plurality of staff members in a medical institution. A set of different training courses is accessible via an internet interface and a set of different job descriptions for the staff members. Each job description is assigned to a subset of training courses. The subset of training courses refers to training courses, which have to be completed by the staff member and which are indicative of a qualification of the staff member. For each staff member it is recorded which training courses he already has completed successfully and which training courses he still has to take, taking into account the assigned subset of training courses for his job description, which are provided as a suggestion for training courses to be taken by the staff member.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting arrhythmia episode information to a user are described. An episode database has episode data regarding a plurality of different arrhythmia episodes generated from a plurality of data-generating devices. A user interface is configured to display the episode data for one of the arrhythmia episodes and receive characterization data from the user characterizing the displayed episode data. An adjudication database has adjudication conclusions associated with the arrhythmia episodes in the episode database. The system further includes an adjudication processor, configured to process characterization data relative to the adjudication database.

Abstract: Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment. The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles. A docking station having receptacles to accommodate dispenser is provided.

Abstract: A method of determining the size and/or placement of screws or other instruments in pedicles during surgery in a selected spinal area, comprising generating a dimensionally true three-dimensional image of the bony spine in the selected spinal area; hollowing out the vertebra in the three-dimensional image with cortical wall thicknesses selected by a surgeon performing the surgery; determining the narrowest cross section (isthmus) within each pedicle; generating a straight line starting at the center of the isthmus and extending inwardly to a point centered within the anterior cortex so that it is positioned concentrically within the pedicle without touching the walls thereof, the line terminating inside the vertebral body a predetermined distance from the anterior inner cortical wall and extending outwardly in the opposite direction to penetrate the posterior pedicle cortex; expanding the line concentrically and radially to a cross sectional size that is less than that of the isthmus, the line being expanded

Abstract: A computerized educational method and system that provides educational content using a simulation situation. In one embodiment, one or more medical conditions and a question may be presented about a hypothetical patient using a video display system. The learner may select from a plurality of potential responses to the question. Typically, the plurality of potential responses are categorized into a correct category, a reasonable category, and a wrong category. Upon receiving a selection from the plurality of potential responses, the learner is provided with the category to which the selected response corresponds.

Abstract: Interactive patient education system for use in operatory or office settings, provides interactive 3-D animations, graphics and other media, enabling real-time markup and customization to better illustrate and communicate not only generic information, but the individual patient's physiology, treatment options, and anticipated outcomes. Preferred embodiments are portable, computer-implemented, interactive multimedia educational tools. Import of patient-specific graphics, video and audio contributes to full-custom educational content to optimize patient understanding and to facilitate obtaining and recording a patient's informed consent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simulator for training in arthroscopic surgery on a joint of a simulated patient, comprising: a data processing unit (1); viewing means (2) for viewing the simulation exercise; a working platform (12); a human anatomy model (9) with arthroscopic portals (3) through which the user inserts the simulated arthroscopic instrument (10); two haptic devices (5a, 5b) arranged around the model (9) with a mobile member (6a, 6b), the end of which is provided with a guide (8a, 8b) for guiding the instrument that is inserted into the arthroscopic portals (3) during a simulated surgical procedure, each haptic device (5a, 5b) including means for synchronization with the control unit (1) and means for determining the position and orientation of the mobile members (6a, 6b); and a simulated arthroscopic camera (7). The data processing unit (1) is configured to send simulated images, as would be seen in a real operation, from the arthroscopic camera (7) to the viewing means (2) in real time.

Abstract: A system and method for prescribing education is disclosed herein. The system includes an electronic medical record database, a user input device, a content source, and an education engine. The education engine receives a patient physiological condition from the electronic medical records database, patient information from the user input device, and selects medical education content from the content source in order to create a prescribed education plan. A method of treating a patient with prescribed education is also disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of obtaining a patient understanding level, obtaining a patient literacy level, and obtaining a patient physiological condition. The patient physiological condition and understanding level are used select medical education content for the patient education. The patient literacy level is used to select a media for the patient education.

Abstract: A Personal Hygiene Tutor Device and Method is disclosed. The device provides automated prompting to tutor children and others in the proper techniques for a showering, hand washing, tooth brushing and other personal hygiene activities. The tutoring method will selectively commence once the user depresses an activation button, and will continue presenting a series of human-perceptible prompts at predetermined time intervals until the selected method is completed. The device has a water-resistant housing such that it can be placed within the shower/bath/lavatory environment. The device further includes internal speakers and/or visual indicators, and an internal power supply. The device is available in a variety of shapes and sizes to capitalize on several different market-driven application scenarios.

Abstract: A resettable training device and method for training a user on the operation of an auto-injector for dispensing a medicament are provided. The user can operate the training device to simulate an auto-injector operation and then reset the training device to repeat the injector operation. The training device includes a housing, a cover member slidably received within the housing between a retracted operative position and an extended inoperative position, a spring member for biasing the cover member into the extended position, an actuation assembly that controls the movement of the cover member from the retracted position to the extended position in response to activation of the trainer by the user, a safety pin, and in some embodiments at least one releasable locking assembly to prevent movement of the cover member from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A device and method of treatment to manage or alleviate pain in an individual operates such that, from any specific complaint point on the body, a series of specific, related points can be found such that treatment of those points, either singly or in some combination, will alleviate or reduce the degree of soreness of the original complaint point. Correlation is provided between the feet, torso, head, arms and legs.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for training medical personnel. Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a medical training device, comprising: at least one modular component, the component comprising a means for mounting the modular component to a portion of a healthy live subject; a means for simulating one or more physiological attributes; and a means for controlling the simulation.

Abstract: A training aid for practicing inserting a needle in a vein, the aid including: a base which is resistant to penetration by a needle; a tube located on one side of the base; a covering which extends over the base and the tube, the arrangement being such that the other side of the base can be placed on the skin of a person so that a needle can then be inserted through the covering to penetrate the tube so as to simulate insertion through the skin and penetration of the vein of the person.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide methods of simulating an X-ray machine or an ultrasound machine on a computer to train users. The methods comprise providing a server, in communication with the computer, including a database and a processor and also providing at least one simulator viewing window including a virtual body and a virtual X-ray tube or a virtual ultrasound probe and at least one simulated image viewing window including a simulated radiographic image or a simulated ultrasound image. The method further comprises the processor using the position of the virtual body and the virtual X-ray tube or the virtual ultrasound probe, controlled by the user, to generate the simulated radiographic image or the simulated ultrasound image.

Abstract: A linear body drive device capable of safely and reliably operating a linear body is provided. A linear body insertion device includes a drive portion, an operation portion, a sensor portion and a processing portion serving as a measurement portion, and an output portion serving as a notification portion. The drive portion drives a linear body having flexibility. The operation portion includes an input member (an operation lever) operated by an operator for controlling performance of the drive portion. The sensor portion included in the measurement portion detects compressive force in a direction of longitudinal axis applied to the linear body, based on a degree of bending of the linear body driven by the drive portion. The output portion provides notification of data of compressive force detected by the measurement portion.

Abstract: When installing a remote healthcare network system (10) in a users residence, a user input device, such as a remote control (26) for a home-end device (HED) (12) includes a helpdesk button (56) that the user (16) may depress to request a helpdesk session with a service provider helpdesk employee (20). The session is carried out using a network connection upon which a VoIP connection is built between the parties to permit verbal communication. Additionally, graphical information is exchanged using a broadband connection or the like. The HED (12) stores screenshots that represent actions the user (16) has performed during setup, and provides the screenshots to the helpdesk employee (20) during the session to assist the employee (20) in diagnosing the users problem. The employee (20) additionally sends graphical instructions or screen shots that are presented to the user (16) to instruct the user regarding a next action to resolve the issue.

Abstract: A process for controlling body weight of a consumer obtains food energy data of candidate food servings to be ingested based on a human beings metabolic efficiency in utilizing first and second nutrients of the candidate food servings and ingesting the food servings such that a sum of the food energy data thereof bears a predetermined relationship to predetermined food energy benchmark data of the consumer for a given period. Related processes for selecting and purchasing food, for producing food energy data and for producing a food product are provided. Related processes and systems for supplying food energy data to a requester and supplying meal plan data to a consumer are also provided.

Abstract: A model for demonstrating a physiological condition of a part of a being includes a chamber with a transparent wall, and first and second components located in the chamber and configured to represent the part of the being and a substance capable of affecting the normal condition of the being's part, respectively. The components interact with one another to demonstrate the physiological condition of the organ caused by the substance during displacement of the model.

Abstract: A system and method for quality assured analytical testing is disclosed. A user is prompted by the system questions which relate to an analytical test to be conducted or an analytical instrument to be employed. Input received by the system from the user is evaluated to determine to which degree the inputs are correct. The user is certified if the determined degree is above a preset threshold. Next, the user is prompted by the system for a user identification and if the user is a certified user, access is provided to a testing routine of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: A medical training simulator includes contact-less sensors and corresponding detection objects, configured to enable sensor data collected during a training exercise to be used to evaluate the performance of the training exercise. The simulator includes a simulated anatomical structure, at least one contact-less sensor, and at least one detection object. During a training exercise, a spatial relationship between the contact-less sensor and the detection object produces data for evaluating performance of the training exercise. Either the contact-less sensor or the detection object is embedded in the simulated physiological structure, while the other is included in either a support for the simulated physiological structure, or as part of a tool used during the training exercise. Many types of contact-less sensors can be employed, including capacitance sensors, impedance sensors, inductive sensors, and magnetic sensors.

Abstract: A system, method and device for simulating a medical procedure include a haptic mechanism controllable to provide feedback to a user manipulating a medical device. In an embodiment, a pair of three degree of freedom haptic devices are coupled to provide six degree of freedom measurement and force/moment feedback to the user. The six degree of freedom haptic device may be configured to provide different resolutions for different degrees of freedom, depending on simulation requirements. In an embodiment, a load cell is used to provide higher resolution in a dimension determined to be of greater criticality to realistic simulation.

Abstract: A surgical-training device for measuring roughness (non-delicate manipulation) during a simulated-surgical technique is described. The device has a housing, a platform, and a sensor module. The platform is movably coupled to the housing, and is configured for three-dimensional motion relative to the housing. The platform is further configured to move from a start position to a displaced position when a force is applied to the platform as a result of a user performing a simulated-surgical technique on the platform. A sensor module, coupled to the housing, is configured to determine when the platform moves a distance (from the start position to the displaced position) that exceeds a preset-threshold distance. If the preset-threshold distance is exceeded, sensor module indicates (by visual and/or auditory alarms within the device, and/or computerized counting and scoring reports) that the user applied excessive force, and was therefore too rough when performing the simulated-surgical technique.

Abstract: Interactive patient education system for use in operatory or office settings, provides interactive 3-D animations, graphics and other media, enabling real-time markup and customization to better illustrate and communicate not only generic information, but the individual patient's physiology, treatment options, and anticipated outcomes. Preferred embodiments are portable, computer-implemented, interactive multimedia educational tools. Import of patient-specific graphics, video and audio contributes to full-custom educational content to optimize patient understanding.

Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing spatial distortions in location data determined by an imaging system, for example as employed in imaged guided therapy. A three dimensional phantom is custom formed for a desired imaging space of a given imaging system. The phantom includes a large plurality of control points fixed rigidly in space to a high degree of known accuracy. The phantom is fixed to a stereotactic frame defining a known calibrated reference or zero and imaged. An algorithm customized for the phantom determines the spatial locations of the control points. A comparison is made between the known and the determined spatial locations for at least a subset of the control points. The comparison results in indicia for any determined spatial distortions observed. The raw image data can be manipulated to compensate for any spatial distortion. The control points can have fixed locations known to an accuracy of 100? or better.

Abstract: A system and method for virtually detecting a medical condition, such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), in a patient using holistic diagnostic procedures implemented in medical devices. Physiological parameters in a patient are monitored in an implantable medical device (IMD) to detect deviations from desired characteristics. When severe physiological parameter deviations exist indicating with a desired certainty that the patient is experiencing a medical condition (e.g., AMI), an alert is generated. If only minor deviations from the desired characteristics exist, additional holistic diagnostic procedures are performed virtually for diagnosing whether the patient is likely to be experiencing the medical condition, such as querying the patient through an external device regarding symptoms the patient is experiencing and analyzing the patient's responses to the questions to determine whether the patient is experiencing the medical condition.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for simulating the release of radio opaque dye within a vasculature system. The method, apparatus and system include simulating a vessel tree of the vasculature system for display on a display device, activating a particle-based contrast software effect, and injecting a plurality of physics-based particles into a confined vessel space of said vessel tree. The method and apparatus may also include fading down over a period of time an opacity of each of the physics-based particles and opacifying a portion of a vessel wall.

Abstract: A delivery simulator may include a fetal system comprising at least a fetal head. The fetal system may be configured to simulate the behavior of at least one part of a fetus, a maternal system configured to simulate the behavior of at least one part of a mother's body interacting with the fetus, and a device for establishing the position of at least one point of the fetal head. The device may include at least one marker element positioned on the fetal head, and at least one fixed element linked to said marker element and placed at a distance from the fetal head.

Abstract: A computer implemented simulation and evaluation method simulates interventions to a patient by a user, and evaluates the interventions responsive to predetermined criteria and the interventions. The method includes defining a test area to evaluate the user to at least one of predetermined criteria and a user profile, selecting genetic information of the patient responsive to the test area, and generating a patient history responsive to the test area and the genetic information. The method also includes receiving at least one intervention input by the user, and evaluating the user responsive to the intervention and predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Anatomical models representing one or more anatomical structures of a human or non-human animal and related methods for demonstrating, training, promotion and sale of medical, cosmetic and surgical products or procedures. A working device is inserted into the anatomical model and used to perform a simulated procedure, thereby causing an indicator apparatus (e.g., a removable business card) to become perceptibly altered. The indicator apparatus may then be removed and provided a potential user, consumer or purchaser of the medical, surgical or cosmetic product.

Abstract: A tool for objectively evaluating the technique of a medical treatment such as an operation or a palpation performed by a doctor or a medical student. A medical technique evaluation system comprises a soft material member having an incision made in itself for simulative suture by a trainee such as a doctor or a medical student and elastic deformation by a force acting on the surroundings of the incision, reflective type photointerruptor for measuring the state values in three orthogonal axes according to the elastic deformation of the soft material member and a technique evaluation device for determining the evaluation score of the technique of the suture and ligation on the basis of the measured values from the reflective type photointerruptor. The technique evaluation device substitutes values based on the measured state values in the orthogonal three axes into a predetermined evaluation function to determine the evaluation score.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for auscultation training is provided including a transmitter associated with an audio device for transmitting an audio signal to an auscultation device. The auscultation device may include a receiver for receiving the audio signal from the transmitter and a speaker for relaying the sound to the end user. The arrangement may allow for the broadcast of simulated medical sounds to a generally, normal appearing auscultation device for the purposes of teaching or testing using simulated patient scenarios, while allowing for normal person-to-person interaction between the simulated patient and physician.

Abstract: One embodiment discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention, comprising inputting patient data, creating a computerized interactive model of a heart based on the patient data, wherein the model comprises features, simulating at least one proposed cardiac intervention treatment by adding or deleting features to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. Simulations may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. Additionally, a template may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for paired training include timing controls so that training and neural stimulation can be provided simultaneously. Paired trainings may include therapies, rehabilitation and performance enhancement training. Stimulations of nerves such as the vagus nerve that affect subcortical regions such as the nucleus basalis, locus coeruleus or amygdala induce plasticity in the brain, enhancing the effects of a variety of therapies, such as those used to treat tinnitus, stroke, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Abstract: A method for assisting a caregiver in determining when to select a next generation product for facilitating toilet training. The method includes the steps of providing information to a caregiver about a second absorbent product, such as a next generation product, while the caregiver is using a first absorbent product in conjunction with a child. The child, for instance, may not have started toilet training or may be in the process of toilet training. Based upon a behavioral or wetness characteristic of the child, recommendations are made to the caregiver when it is time to switch to the next generation product to facilitate toilet training. For instance, in one embodiment, the method may include comparing a wetness characteristic of the child with a readiness target. Once the readiness target is met, a recommendation may be made to the caregiver to switch to a product that includes a toilet training feature not present in the product currently being worn by the child.