Abstract: Architecture introduces a new pattern operator referred to as called an augmented transition network (ATN), which is a streaming adaptation of non-reentrant, fixed-state ATNs for dynamic patterns. Additional user-defined information is associated with automaton states and is accessible to transitions during execution. ATNs are created that directly model complex pattern continuous queries with arbitrary cycles in a transition graph. The architecture can express the desire to ignore some events during pattern detection, and can also detect the absence of data as part of a pattern. The architecture facilitates efficient support for negation, ignorable events, and state cleanup based on predicate punctuations.

Abstract: A tissue closure device designed to reduce tissue adhesion during a thermal tissue closure procedure is described. The device comprises a heating tip, a support shaft, and a mechanical vibrator associated with the heating tip. The device uses mechanical vibration of the heating tip to reduce tissue adhesion to the heating tip during the thermal tissue closure procedure.

Abstract: A loading tool that aids in single-handed backloading or sideloading of a medical device having a lumen onto a guidewire is described. The loading tool comprises two continuous sections—a proximal attachment section and a distal loading section. The attachment section has a tubular configuration with a longitudinal slot removed. The attachment section is configured to fit over a distal portion of the medical device. The loading section has a conical shape with a longitudinal slot removed. The loading section is configured to guide the proximal end of a guidewire into the lumen of the medical device onto which the attachment section of the loading tool is mounted.

Abstract: A tissue closure device and a treatment method for closing an opening in a tissue wall are described. The tissue closure device comprises a heating element and a removable anchor having an anchor shaft and an occluding element at or near a distal end of the anchor shaft. The occluding element of the anchor is configured to be expanded and collapsed. The treatment method comprises introducing the occluding element of the anchor into a body canal through an opening in a tissue wall of the body canal, and deploying the anchor such that the occluding element expands to temporarily occlude the opening in the tissue wall. The tissue region surrounding the opening is then heated to cause shrinkage of collagen-containing tissue, thereby contracting the opening in the tissue wall. When a predefined trigger associated with the treatment method is met, the anchor is automatically undeployed and retracted from the body canal.

Abstract: A device and a method for shrinkage of tissue containing collagen is described. The device comprises a heating tip, a support shaft, and a control system. The heating tip comprises a heating element and a temperature sensor therein. The control system is configured to receive a temperature feedback from the temperature sensor and to regulate energy delivered to the heating element based on the temperature feedback. Heating of the tissue region causes shrinkage of collagen-containing tissue, thereby closing any perforation or opening in the tissue region.

Abstract: A radially expandable anchor device formed of a cut metal tube is described. The tubular wall of the cut metal tube has a plurality of slits thereon, which together form a plurality of bands. The plurality of slits is configured to allow the plurality of bands to splay outward in the form of overlapping petals when an axial compressive force is applied to the cut metal tube. The cut metal tube may have a combination of radial and non-radial cuts. The non-radial cuts allow the adjacent sections of the tubular wall on opposing sides of the cut to overlap each other when they are pressed together by an axial compressive force, thus facilitating the radial expansion of the cut metal tube.

Abstract: A slotted metal tube includes a wall with multiple slots cut through it wherein the slots and the bands between the slots are configured such that when an axial compression force is applied to the ends of the tube the bands expand outwards and form an overlapping flower petal pattern as the ends of the tube come closer together.

Abstract: Architecture introduces a new pattern operator referred to as called an augmented transition network (ATN), which is a streaming adaptation of non-reentrant, fixed-state ATNs for dynamic patterns. Additional user-defined information is associated with automaton states and is accessible to transitions during execution. ATNs are created that directly model complex pattern continuous queries with arbitrary cycles in a transition graph. The architecture can express the desire to ignore some events during pattern detection, and can also detect the absence of data as part of a pattern. The architecture facilitates efficient support for negation, ignorable events, and state cleanup based on predicate punctuations.

Abstract: Architecture introduces a new pattern operator referred to as called an augmented transition network (ATN), which is a streaming adaptation of non-reentrant, fixed-state ATNs for dynamic patterns. Additional user-defined information is associated with automaton states and is accessible to transitions during execution. ATNs are created that directly model complex pattern continuous queries with arbitrary cycles in a transition graph. The architecture can express the desire to ignore some events during pattern detection, and can also detect the absence of data as part of a pattern. The architecture facilitates efficient support for negation, ignorable events, and state cleanup based on predicate punctuations.

Abstract: A method for providing proximate dataset recommendations can begin with the creation of metadata records corresponding to datasets that represent scientific data by a scientific dataset search tool. The metadata records can conform to a standardized structural definition, and may be hierarchical. Values for the data elements of the metadata records can be contained within the datasets. Metadata records with a value that is proximate to a user-entered search parameter can be identified. A proximity score can be calculated for each identified metadata record. The proximity score can express a relevance of the corresponding dataset to the user-entered search parameters. The identified metadata records can be arranged in descending order by the calculated proximity rating, creating a list of proximate dataset results. The proximate dataset results can be presented within a user interface.

Abstract: A method for providing proximate dataset recommendations can begin with the creation of metadata records corresponding to datasets that represent scientific data by a scientific dataset search tool. The metadata records can conform to a standardized structural definition, and may be hierarchical. Values for the data elements of the metadata records can be contained within the datasets. Metadata records with a value that is proximate to a user-entered search parameter can be identified. A proximity score can be calculated for each identified metadata record. The proximity score can express a relevance of the corresponding dataset to the user-entered search parameters. The identified metadata records can be arranged in descending order by the calculated proximity rating, creating a list of proximate dataset results. The proximate dataset results can be presented within a user interface.

Abstract: An implantable medical marker, the marker comprising a marker body adapted for insertion via a needle and adapted to define a volume with a smallest dimension larger than an inner diameter of the needle; and a radiation source—characterized by gamma emissions sufficient to exit the human body.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed provide for guiding a tool using a source of radioactivity. The method includes implanting a source of radioactivity at a position having a geometric relationship to a target tissue, determining at least an indication of a location of the source using at least one radioactivity detecting position sensor, and positioning a tool at a desired relative location with respect to the target tissue based on the determined location.

Abstract: An angle-responsive sensor, comprising: a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation; at least one collimator arranged to block radiation from reaching the detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, the detector and the collimator, the detector and the collimator defining an aim for the sensor; and circuitry coupled to the detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of the relative orientation, wherein the detector and the collimator are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that the slope of the signal as a function of angle varies by less than a factor of 2 over the working volume.

Abstract: A detector system adapted for monitoring a radiation treatment system comprising a pulsed beam radiation source for treating a body with a given beam intensity and beam configuration, with pulse times and intervals between pulses less than 100 milliseconds, using at least one monitoring radiation source located inside or outside the body, the detector system comprising; a) a detector designed to detect radiation from the monitoring source, and subject to interference radiation from the beam source; and b) control circuitry that creates a data record of radiation received by the detector, to provide information about the body; wherein, when the detector detects radiation in real time during operation of the beam, the data record selectively excludes data for radiation received by the detector during the pulses, as opposed to data for radiation received by the detector between pulses.

Abstract: Architecture introduces a new pattern operator referred to as called an augmented transition network (ATN), which is a streaming adaptation of non-reentrant, fixed-state ATNs for dynamic patterns. Additional user-defined information is associated with automaton states and is accessible to transitions during execution. ATNs are created that directly model complex pattern continuous queries with arbitrary cycles in a transition graph. The architecture can express the desire to ignore some events during pattern detection, and can also detect the absence of data as part of a pattern. The architecture facilitates efficient support for negation, ignorable events, and state cleanup based on predicate punctuations.

Abstract: An angle-responsive sensor, comprising: a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation; at least one collimator arranged to block radiation from reaching the detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, the detector and the collimator, the detector and the collimator defining an aim for the sensor; and circuitry coupled to the detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of the relative orientation, wherein the detector and the collimator are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that the slope of the signal as a function of angle varies by less than a factor of 2 over the working volume.

Abstract: An angle-responsive sensor, comprising: a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation; at least one radiation absorbing element arranged to block radiation from reaching said detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, said detector and said element, said detector and said element defining an aim for said sensor; and circuitry coupled to said detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of said relative orientation, wherein said detector and said element are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that said signal defines an accuracy of better than 3 mm within one standard deviation, over said working volume.

Abstract: A combination MRI and radiotherapy system comprising: a) an MRI system for imaging a patient receiving radiotherapy, comprising a magnetic field source suitable for generating a magnetic field of strength and uniformity useable for imaging, capable of being ramped up to said magnetic field in less than 10 minutes, and ramped down from said magnetic field in less than 10 minutes; b) a radiation source configured for applying radiotherapy; and c) a controller which ramps the magnetic field source down to less than 20% of said magnetic field strength when the radiation source is to be used for radiotherapy, and ramps the magnetic field source up to said magnetic field strength when the MRI system is to be used for imaging.

Abstract: System and methods disclosed provide a device for inserting an implant with a medical function into body tissue. The device can include a channel passing through the implant, a cannulus with a channel sized to hold the implant, and a pusher with a channel and sized to be situated inside the channel of the cannulus behind the implant, and adapted to push the implant through a distal end of the cannulus into the tissue. The device can also include a restraining element that extends through the channel of the pusher and at least partly through the channel of the implant when they are so situated in the channel of the cannulus, which restrains the implant, but allows the implant to exit the distal end of the cannulus when the implant is pushed with a force small enough so as not to damage the function of the implant in the tissue.