Abstract: In a method and apparatus for analyzing multivariable data sets, a general computerized platform is provided for evaluating the relationship between large number of measurements of sets of variables characterizing components of complex states of a system under induced stimulation or controlled conditions. The linked responses of variables and their temporal relations tell about the network of interactions and their hierarchy. Processing of data sets by a simple neural network gives a matrix of weight parameters, that allow to identify fingerprints of complex states characterized by patterns of measured variable and estimate the interactions between the components characterized by the measured variables. The results are provided numerically and by color-coded presentation indicating dominating relations between variables and strongly responding variables.

Abstract: A medical gas alarm system for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system and having a network of computer devices is provided. The alarm system includes at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The alarm system also includes at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system. The master alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the master alarm controller through the network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing the presence or severity of liver fibrosis in an individual by detecting ?2-macroglobulin (?2-MG) in a sample from the individual; detecting hyaluronic acid (HA) in a sample from the individual; detecting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in a sample from the individual; and diagnosing the presence or severity of liver fibrosis in the individual based on the presence or level of ?2-MG, HA and TIMP-1.

Abstract: A medical gas alarm system for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system and having a network of computer devices is provided. The alarm system includes at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The alarm system also includes at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system. The master alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the master alarm controller through the network.

Abstract: The expression data of specimen genes are processed using the SWEEP operator method and the parameter increasing method, and genes are selected. A FNN model is constructed by making the expression data of the selected genes as input variables.

Abstract: A method of judging a biological state comprising using: (1) correlation and/or symmetry between Lyapunov exponent and entropy; and/or (2) Higuchi fractal dimension, wherein the Lyapunov exponent, entropy and Higuchi fractal dimension are indices that can express chaotic nature and derived from time series data of biological signals from a subject.

Abstract: A method and system for assisting diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint disease. The steps of the method include recording physical symptoms; conducting a plurality of medical examinations related to temporomandibular joint disease; creating a diagnostic criteria based on conditions known to be a factor in diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disease; and determining which of a plurality of patients match the diagnostic criteria.

Abstract: An automated, real-time, reprogrammable monitoring and control system for portable, remote sensors and subjects includes one or more portable monitoring units, each of the portable monitoring units having a sensor, a location-determining device, and a sensor interface unit. Each sensor interface unit is separately configured to monitor its sensor and to transmit that sensor's data, via a digital wireless communications network, to a central monitoring device. The portable unit is carried or worn by a person or animal, or affixed to an inanimate subject.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a medical instruments for a Renal Replacement Therapy includes a pictogram representation of cthe fluid path of an extracorporeal blood circuit that represents fluid lines, pumps and sensors. To assist the user in responding to alarms and rectifying faults in the system the source of a potential trouble is animated. The location of a trouble spot is easily identified by flashing of the corresponding element of the pictogram, change of color or thickness of a corresponding line.

Abstract: A new method to analyze and predict the binding energy for enzyme-transition state inhibitor interactions is presented. Computational neural networks are employed to discovery quantum mechanical features of transition states and putative inhibitors necessary for binding. The method is able to generate its own relationship between the quantum mechanical structure of the inhibitor and the strength of binding. Feed-forward neural networks with back propagation of error can be trained to recognize the quantum mechanical electrostatic potential at the entire van der Waals surface, rather than a collapsed representation, of a group of training inhibitors and to predict the strength of interactions between the enzyme and a group of novel inhibitors. The experimental results show that the neural networks can predict with quantitative accuracy the binding strength of new inhibitors.

Abstract: The food safety system and method of the present invention provides a comprehensive consumer risk distribution model, which can be applied to any food item. Additionally, the present invention automatically evaluates consumer risk based on how much contaminated food is at each stage of the food distribution process according to the consumer risk distribution model, allowing for quick and accurate determinations as to the efficacy of a trace recall effort. A further element of the present invention provides expert analysis of data to detect and identify food events from sporadic information. Finally, the real time detection system provides early warning data in order to intercept isolated food contamination events before the contaminated food products reach the consuming public.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for maintaining the integrity of blood products throughout preparation, processing and application to a patient or desired site. Coding methods are incorporated onto or into processing and delivery containers which coding methods contain information identifying the donor and/or recipient. Additionally or alternatively the coding methods may contain information pertaining to a specific preparation or application process to be carried out. Blood product processors and blood product applicators include decoding methods to ensure the blood product is administered to the appropriate recipient and further that it has been prepared and applied according to desired processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system of medication monitoring which includes analyzing data on the clinical consequences of variable patient compliance with prescribed drug regimens, communicating to caregivers and/or patients the compliance-dependent probabilities of two clinically important transitions in health status: substantive improvement in the patient's health status and substantive deterioration in the patient's health status, defining acceptable levels of the respective probabilities of deterioration and of improvement, and intervening when appropriate to improve the patient's compliance, in order to achieve mutually-agreed upon maintenance, improvement, or avoidance of deterioration in health status.

Abstract: a System for calculating and emitting analytical data, particularly medically relevant analytical data, has a computer with an evaluation unit for analyzing information entered by the system user and for generating the analytical data, and an output medium provided at the user side. The evaluation unit is configured for interrogating and accepting information that can be entered at the user side such that the information can be entered autonomously by the user based on a number of inquiries which are predefined at the system side, and which can be selected with reference to each response, and which can be made available as an output to user via the output medium. The evaluation unit is configured for controlling an interactive information capture such that, depending on the running information compilation, specific inquiries can be formulated and shown to the user.

Abstract: A method and computer program for interfacing an expert system to a clinical information system. Embodiments of the invention provide tight integration of the systems permitting a clinician to use the functionality provided by the expert system without specifically maintaining separate patient data. They provide a method for communication between the expert system and one or more clinical information systems. This communication permits flow of information and actions between the expert system and the clinical systems and allows maintenance of audit logs in both systems.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for calculating, presenting, and combining probabilistic functional maps (PFMs) of the human brain representing the probability of structures existing. The method comprises three major steps: reading of data containing the coordinates of contacts, calculating the PFMs, and presenting the PFMs. The data can be read from a file in text or binary format or from a database as local or remote client. The PFM calculation comprises the following steps: forming 3D models of contacts, normalizing the contact models, voxelizing the contact models, calculating an atlas function, and calculating the PFM. The PFM can be presented alone or along with anatomical atlases. Both 3D and 2D interfaces can be used for presentation. The proposed method also includes different ways of combining the contact data and/or existing PFMs from multiple sources. This mechanism is the basis of an internet portal for stereotactic and functional neurosurgery.

Abstract: A system and method for processing patient polysomnograph data are provided. An abstractor obtains raw patient polysomnograph data and generates a subset of the data to include selected factors, including data clusters. The subset of the patient polysomnograph data is transferred to two or more neural networks that process the data and generate sleep classification data. An integrator obtains the sleep classification data from the two or more neural networks by integrating the sleep classification data from each neural network. A cumulative sleep stage score is generated including confidence values and accuracy estimations for review.

Abstract: Given a record of instrument values over time, a user can mark the record to select the values of particular instruments during particular time ranges. They can further indicate the events (states) associated with those values and time ranges. These markings define the topology of the PNN. The selected instruments define the input nodes of the PNN and the event(s) detected, define the class nodes wherein each event has a corresponding positive class node and a corresponding negative class node. Upon constructing the PNN, training cases may be added to further refine the knowledge of the neural network in a time efficient manner. Because the optimal value of sigma varies little over training set sizes, training cases may be incrementally added to the PNN, further adding to its recognition capabilities, without having to train the PNN on the new cases or re-train the PNN on the old cases. As such, patient specific neural networks may be created in a time and cost efficient manner.

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: 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: A system and method is disclosed for facilitating the communication of data on a distributed medical scanner workstation platform. In one embodiment, a distributed medical scanner/workstation platform includes a first repository, a second repository, and a host on which is running an application. The host is coupled to the first and second repositories and the application is capable of communication with each of the first and second repositories. The application is in communication with each of the first and second repositories by way of an API framework, where the API framework allows the application to communicate with each of the first and second repositories as if both repositories were identical. The API framework includes a plurality of commands concerning generic communication operations between the application and any of the repositories.

Abstract: A method and system for the analysis of biological, medical and/or biochemical data having values for each of a plurality of attributes, having a receiving portion for receiving the data and entering it into a storage arrangement like a relational database in accordance with the values and attributes of the data; a calculating portion for determining discrete bins for at least one of the attributes for the data in accordance with the values of the data entered in the storage arrangement; a re-organizing portion for re-organizing the data in the storage arrangement in accordance with the discrete bins; a data mining portion for mining the organized data in the storage arrangement to determine sets of applicable logical rules; and a processing and presenting portion for logical rules or groups of logical rules. The processing portion further involves the application of at least one operator to create a subset of rules in an iterative manner.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for obtaining status information from a portable medical device and communicating said status information to a remote system or user. In one embodiment, the system comprises a sensing device that comprises an optical receiver for receiving status information from at least one status indicator of the portable medical device. The optical receiver is positioned in sufficient proximity to the status indicator to allow optical communication between the optical receiver and the status indicator. A circuit couplable to the optical receiver communicates the status information represented by the status indicator to the remote system or user. In another embodiment, the sensing device comprises a microphone to receive audible status signals from the portable medical device. In yet another embodiment, the sensing device is mounted to a housing, which allows sensing device to sense the status information of an enclosed portable medical device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking a patient's associated codings in the health service, the codings being associated with a medical profile of the patient.

Abstract: An interactive computer assisted method reviews, and analyzes, a patient one or more medications using a computer and a user associated therewith. The method includes the steps of pre-selecting patients to obtain a preliminary set of patients eligible for the interactive computer assisted method responsive to first predetermined criteria, and filtering the preliminary set of patients to identify and form a secondary set of patients from the preliminary set of patients having a greater likelihood of benefiting from the interactive computer assisted method responsive to second predetermined criteria. The method also includes the steps of enrolling a patient from the secondary set of patients, and communicating with the patient to obtain information to assist the user in determining whether therapy and/or medication issues are relevant.

Abstract: We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins and disclose methods and materials for using that procedure to regulatably initiate cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) in genetically engineered cells

Abstract: A computer aided detection (CAD) system for assigning CAD applications to digital images. The system comprises a case input system (CIS), image data repositories and an algorithm server. There is also provided a method for assigning CAD applications to digital images the method comprising the steps of selecting an acquisition model (AM) and selecting a CAD application using the selected AM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of medical knowledge domain modeling and automated medical decision-making, such as for online, questionnaire-based medical triage. In the present invention, information such as conditions and characteristics related to a diagnosis or disposition level is modeled in a Bayesian Network. The Bayesian Network may comprise instantiable nodes, fault nodes, intermediary nodes, a utility node and a decision node. Using Bayesian inference, the conditional probability of any pair in the network may be determined in real-time. These conditional probabilities are modified upon the input of evidence, which is typically in the form of answers to a dynamic set of questions designed to identify a diagnosis or disposition level for the patient under evaluation.

Abstract: Patient diagnosis and treatment information is sent to a transcribing service which transcribes the information and transmits it to a research engine. The research engine receives the transcription and provides information relevant to the patient's diagnosis or treatment. This information can be sent directly to the physician or sent to the transcribing service to be provided to the physician with the transcription. The relevant information assists physicians treat the current patient and patients in the future.

Abstract: A probabilistic approximation of a data distribution is provided, wherein uncertain measurements in data are fused together to provide an indication of whether a new data item belongs to a given disease model. The probabilistic approximation is provided in accordance with a Bayesian analysis technique that examines the relationship of probability distributions for observable events x and multiple hypotheses H regarding those events.

Abstract: The present invention is a signaling system for the improvement of cognitive performance and intelligence, including: a) a method for improving the human cognitive performance and intelligence through a signaling program, a sequence of signals, that is presented to a person, stored in his/her long term memory, and recalled as control signals to effect periodical changes in the chunk size and number of chunks and the percentage of active units in the model of neural representation, thus reducing internal noise, error rate (ER) and response time (RT); b) a Computerized Auditory Program (CAP), which is a recording of a combination of sequences of computer generated sound signals and verbal instructions and signals, and is used as the signaling program mentioned in a) above; and c) a reinforcement system which uses a sequence of vibratory, visual, auditory, or other types of stimulus pulses that are initially associated with the signaling program, for example CAP in one embodiment, through time-correlated present

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for generating individualized medical profiles based on information provided by a patient, and on data extracted from medical literature. In a first stage, medical literature is selected for inclusion in a database by using specified inclusion criteria. Information on input parameters to studies contained in the literature, output parameters of the studies, and algorithms contained in the studies is extracted from the literature, and stored in a database. In a second stage, patients provide information, which is matched against the input parameters of the studies in the database, and algorithms from the matched studies are applied to the information provided by the patient to produce values for the output parameters. Combination analysis is used to combine the values of output parameters into “super-category” values, that are used to generate an individualized medical profile.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing patients suspected of having a neurological disorder is disclosed and includes monitoring movement of a patient in order to obtain movement data that is representative of the movement of the patient. Another step of the method includes processing the movement data in order to obtain an input pattern that is representative of the movement data. The method also includes the step of processing the input pattern with a computational intelligence system that has been trained to classify movement based upon a predetermined group of neurological disorder classifications. Furthermore, the method includes generating with the computational intelligence system an output that is indicative of an appropriate neurological disorder classification for the patient. An analysis system for diagnosing patients suspected of having a neurological disorder is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a configuration of interconnected arithmetic elements and to a method for the computer-aided determination of a second state of a system in a first state space from a first state of the system in the first state space. According to the invention, the first state is transformed into a third state of the system in a second state space. A fourth state of the system in the second state space is determined and a variation between the third state and the forth state is ascertained. The second state is determined by using said variation and the first state.

Abstract: In an automated interface program designed to interact and communicate with users, said program executing actions when a category among a predefined set of categories is activated, a method is disclosed for automatically verifying the performance of said program, the steps of said method comprising: specifying inputs under which the program should be tested; associating said inputs with conditions within categories in the program, each said condition comprising at least one response which could be given if said condition is satisfied; executing said program under at least one said input; determining whether the associated condition is satisfied upon said input; and determining whether the response associated with said condition is given upon said input. In another aspect of the present invention, the test inputs are embedded within the script itself, and specifically, within categories that can be automatically listed upon compilation of the script.

Abstract: A portable system carried by a user for assessing movement of the user includes at least one motion sensor adjacent a portion of the user's body under observation. An analog-to-digital converter is connected to the motion sensor for converting an analog signal therefrom into a digital signal. A logic circuit is connected to the analog-to-digital converter for calculating parameters based upon the digital signal. A first fuzzy logic processing circuit is connected to the logic circuit for processing the calculated parameters and for generating corresponding fuzzy classification labels based upon movement of the portion of the user's body under observation during an interval of time. A memory is connected to the first fuzzy logic processing circuit for storing at least one of the calculated parameters and the fuzzy classification labels.

Abstract: Computer systems and methods for diagnosing endometriosis and for assessing the risk of delivery within selected time period after performing a test to assess the rist of preterm delivery or before thirty-five weeks of gestation are provided.

Abstract: A method of preventing extravasation of contrast agent during a computed tomography injection. An automatic injector device facilitates ease of accomplishing the method. The method includes establishing the absence of extravasation using an absorbable injectate, such as saline, prior to injecting the contrast agent. The device includes a computerized injector head capable of switching between two injectates without physical human intervention. The device is controlled by a remote operating panel located in a control room that is protected from X-ray radiation. The device includes various software driven safety features that prevent the occurrence of unsafe conditions.

Abstract: A method of collecting participant replies into a database residing on computing devices. The participant replies provide information of particular interest about the participant. The replies are provided in response to questions selected by an overseer. The questions are grouped into question sets; each question set addressing a particular aspect of information being sought. The question sets are further grouped into lists of the question sets determined by an overseer in accordance with the participant replies, wherein each participant is assigned a list. The invention establishes data paths over communication networks for communicating the questions and replies. For each participant a next question in the list is determined based on the participant's previous replies. The determined next question is communicated to the participant via the data path and the replies are communicated back from the participant via the data path.

Abstract: In a segmentation method and system, a plurality of digitized images having different optical bands are acquired for the same micrographic scene of a biological sample. Each digitized image has a plurality of pixels having values from each digitized image. The pixel values are processed to identify nuclear or cytoplasmic material utilizing previously developed classification information developed from at least one cell having known regions of nuclear or cytoplasmic material. In a preferred embodiment, the neural network comprises a hardware-encoded algorithm in the form of a look-up table.

Abstract: The ultrafiltration rate of a blood purification apparatus is controlled by a fuzzy control device in dependence on the patient's (16) blood pressure measured by a blood pressure monitor (24). For this purpose the blood pressure (P), a short-term blood pressure trend value (TRK) and a long-term blood pressure trend value (TRL) are fed as input variables for the fuzzy controller to the control device (23). The ultrafiltration rate (UFR) is determined by the volumetric ultrafiltration pump (36). According to the patient's (16) blood pressure situation a prestored profile of the ultrafiltration rate is modified. This avoids the necessity of an additional infusion to prevent too strong a blood pressure decrease.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to automatically monitor and control a perfusion hyperthermia treatment using a system including one or more programmed computers, and mechanical and sensor subsystems. The system includes a fluid path between a patient and an external fluid-treatment subsystem, wherein control of the external fluid-treatment subsystem includes feedback from sensors coupled to the patient. The resulting integrated system provides automated monitoring and control of the patient, the external fluid-treatment subsystem, and the treatment. In one embodiment, the fluid passing between the patient and the external fluid-treatment subsystem is blood. In one embodiment, an apparatus and method are provided for using a computerized system for a perfusion hyper/hypothermia treatment of a patient which obtains a body fluid having a temperature. A plurality of temperature signals representative of temperatures at each of a plurality of patient locations on or within the patient are coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: Efficiency of evolution in optimization method is improved using evolutionary computing to obtain individuals of higher suitability by repeating the steps of: forming one generation with a group of individuals, and performing calculation using individuals of at least said generation to create a group of individuals of the next generation. The method is characterized in that a search area for next generation individuals is provided in a selection space and a group of next generation individuals is created within the search area.

Abstract: An automated, real-time, reprogrammable monitoring and control system for portable, remote sensors and subjects includes one or more portable monitoring units, each of the portable monitoring units having a sensor, a location-determining device, and a sensor interface unit. Each sensor interface unit is separately configured to monitor its sensor and to transmit that sensor's data, via a digital wireless communications network, to a central monitoring device. The portable unit is carried or worn by a person or animal, or affixed to an inanimate subject.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for guiding selection of a therapeutic treatment regimen for a known disease such as HIV infection are disclosed. The method comprises (a) providing patient information to a computing device (the computer device comprising: a first knowledge base comprising a plurality of different therapeutic treatment regimens for the disease; a second knowledge base comprising a plurality of expert rules for selecting a therapeutic treatment regimen for the disease; and a third knowledge base comprising advisory information useful for the treatment of a patient with different constituents of the different therapeutic treatment regimens; and (b) generating in the computing device a listing (preferably a ranked listing) of therapeutic treatment regimens for the patient; and (c) generating in the computing device advisory information for one or more treatment regimens in the listing based on the patient information and the expert rules.

Abstract: A method for predicting respiratory disturbances, and a method for developing such an artificial neural network. The inputs to the method and to the artificial neural network of the present invention are the answers given by a person to a series of questions. The output of the artificial neural network is a predicted respiratory disturbance index.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for guiding selection of a therapeutic treatment regimen for a known disease such as HIV infection are disclosed. The method comprises (a) providing patient information to a computing device (the computer device comprising: a first knowledge base comprising a plurality of different therapeutic treatment regimens for the disease; a second knowledge base comprising a plurality of expert rules for selecting a therapeutic treatment regimen for the disease; and a third knowledge base comprising advisory information useful for the treatment of a patient with different constituents of the different therapeutic treatment regimens; and (b) generating in the computing device a listing (preferably a ranked listing) of therapeutic treatment regimens for the patient; and (c) generating in the computing device advisory information for one or more treatment regimens in the listing based on the patient information and the expert rules.

Abstract: A method and system for generating advisory messages to pharmacy patients includes appending patient-specific information to a data record containing normally transmitted information. The data record is transmitted between a third party computer and a pharmacy computer during a pharmacy transaction. The data record transmitted to the pharmacy computer is captured by an advisory computer as the data record is received by the pharmacy computer or after the data record is transmitted to the pharmacy computer, and the patient-specific information is extracted from the captured data record. The advisory computer generates an advisory message based on the extracted patient-specific information, and it transmits the generated advisory message to a pharmacy printer. The advisory computer includes a memory containing a data structure for storing the patient-specific information, the normally transmitted information, and the generated advisory message.

Abstract: Systems and methods using a neural network based portable absorption spectrometer system for real-time automatic evaluation of tissue injury are described. An apparatus includes an electromagnetic signal generator; an optical fiber connected to the electromagnetic signal generator; a fiber optic probe connected to the optical fiber; a broad band spectrometer connected to the fiber optic probe; and a hybrid neural network connected to the broad band spectrometer. The hybrid neural network includes a principle component analyzer of broad band spectral data obtained from said broad band spectrometer.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system. A patient has access to a telephone. The telephone is operated by a patient. A central monitoring system is coupled to the telephone. The central monitoring system generates questions concerning a health condition of the patient for the patient to answer using the keys of the telephone or by speaking the correct response. The central monitoring system stores answers to the questions for later retrieval. The central monitoring system can include a DTMF modem decoder for receiving and decoding DTMF tones generated by the patient using the touch-tone telephone and transmitted to the central monitoring system. The DTMF tones represent the health condition of the patient. A computer processor is coupled to the DTMF modem decoder. A voice generator is also coupled to the computer processor and generates voice output under the control of the computer processor. The voice output is transmitted to the touch-tone telephone.