Abstract: A computer system and method are disclosed for automatically generating a vascular model of a blood vessel to support, for example, identification of mechanical factors corresponding to the blood vessel. The method includes interpolating data points corresponding to a contour of the blood vessel; generating a structural model representing three-dimensional structural characteristics of the blood vessel based on interpolated contours; generating a fluid model representing three-dimensional characteristics of fluid flow within the vessel; and generating a vascular model based on the structural model and the fluid model. The method may also include performing a mechanical analysis of the vascular model to identify a mechanical factor associated with the vessel, for example, a factor associated with a potential plaque rupture within the vessel. Embodiments of the invention are applicable to the diagnosis, assessment, or treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of a two organism model system that can be used to identify virulence factors. The system is also useful in the process of drug delivery. More specifically, we have established valid fungal infection in caenorhabditis elegans with an invading pathogen, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Because both species are genetic model organisms, the assay can be used to identify host and virulence factors involved in such interactions.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 10, 2007
Date of Patent:
September 24, 2013
Assignee:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Inventors:
Reeta Prusty Rao, Samuel Michael Politz
Abstract: A digital instructional environment leverages an infrared eye-tracker to monitor a learner's reading and viewing of text and simulations for subject matter. The system detects out-of-order reading/viewing patterns that could lead to poor comprehension. The digital learning environment communicates with other tutorial components including simulation environments, pedagogical agents and may respond in real-time to such patterns with messages that guide learners (knowledge acquirers) to return to effective reading/viewing patterns so as to promote effective construction of mental model(s) developed during knowledge acquisition/learning.
Abstract: Methods and systems for automatic detection of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) are disclosed. The methods and systems use time-varying coherence functions (TVCF) to detect AF. The TVCF is estimated by the multiplication of two time-varying transfer functions (TVTFs).
Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for treatment of parasitic diseases and cancer. The compositions include Artemisia annua tissue and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The methods provide an efficient delivery system for artemisinin and related compounds.
Abstract: The invention pertains to the discovery that the presence of oocyte spindle associated factors in an enucleated oocyte improves oocyte quality and subsequently nuclear transfer. In particular, it was discovered that maintaining oocyte spindle factors in the oocyte after enucleation improves oocyte quality for use in nuclear transfer methodology.
Abstract: A method for locating a transmitter using a receiver which include, but are not limited to the steps of transmitting a plurality of distinctive and orthogonally polarized signals from a transmitter; receiving the transmitted signals at a pair of separated antennas; demodulating the distinctive orthogonal signals received at each of the pair of separated antennas; and determining a direction to the transmitter from the signals received at the pair of antennas.
Abstract: Methods and systems for observing/analyzing, interactive behavior are presented. In one instance, the method for observing/analyzing interactive behavior includes interacting, using a robot, with a subject and obtaining data from interaction between the subject and the robot, the data from the data acquisition components, the data being used for diagnosis and/or charting progress. In one instance, the robot includes data acquisition components, interaction inducing components (such as, but not limited to, movable eyelids, movable appendages, sound generating components), a control component operatively connected to the interaction inducing components and a processing component operatively connected to the control component and the data acquisition components, the processing component being configured to obtain data from the data acquisition components, the data being used for diagnosis and/or charting progress.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 29, 2012
Publication date:
March 28, 2013
Applicant:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Inventors:
Gregory S. Fischer, Hao Su, Laurie Dickstein-Fischer, Kevin Harrington, Elizabeth V. Alexander
Abstract: Methods and systems that use the time-wise stability of RF location systems and the short time accuracy and spatial stability of inertial tracking system to increase the accuracy of tracking method.
Abstract: Composite structures are described that have a porous anodic oxide layer such as, for example, a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. In one aspect, the present invention includes a composite gas separation module having a porous metal substrate; a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer, wherein the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer overlies the porous metal substrate; and a dense gas-selective membrane, wherein the dense gas-selective membrane overlies the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. A composite filter is described having a porous non-aluminum metal substrate; and a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer, wherein the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer defines pores extending through the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. Methods for fabricating composite gas separation modules and composite filters and methods for selectively separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas-containing gaseous stream are also described.
Abstract: The present invention is a low-cost, easily deployed, degradable taggant that can be dispersed over a wide area to serve as a witness to activity in the area and for queuing of other sensors. The taggant enables nearly real-time change detection within the treated area using one or more simple optical sensing techniques.
Abstract: A compound sensitive to and selective for ammonium ions over other ions. A sensor fabricated from a self assembled monolayer of said compound on gold, exhibiting sensitivity and selectivity for ammonium ions over other ions in aqueous solutions, including blood. A method of preparation of said compound and said sensor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 10, 2007
Date of Patent:
January 22, 2013
Assignee:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Inventors:
W. Grant McGimpsey, Nantanit Wanichacheva, Christopher R. Lambert
Abstract: Systems and methods for locating an object are disclosed herein. The locator system includes a plurality of reference units and a processor in communication with the reference units. The reference units are positioned about a region in which a mobile unit is located, and each reference unit includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving a transaction-based location signal to and from the mobile unit. The processor is configured for estimating time offsets between the mobile unit and reference units and aligning the transaction-based location signals from the reference units by removing the time offsets. The processor is further configured for collectively processing data representative of the aligned location signals based on a plurality of potential locations to identify at least one of the potential locations as a likely mobile unit location.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 19, 2011
Publication date:
November 22, 2012
Applicant:
WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
Inventors:
Vincent Thomas Amendolare, R. James Duckworth, David Cyganski
Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that provide, in real-time, an accurate detection and warning of dangerous blood or fluid loss to warn of impending hypovolemia, by non-invasive monitoring and processing of photoplethysmography data.
Abstract: In one embodiment, the system of these teachings includes a master robot/haptic device providing haptic feedback to and receiving position commands from an operator, a robot controller receiving position information and providing force information to the master robot/haptic device, a navigation component receiving images from an MRI scanner, the navigation component providing trajectory planning information to the robot controller, a slave robot driving a needle, the slave robot receiving control information from the robot MRI controller, and a fiberoptic sensor operatively connected to the slave robot; the fiberoptic sensor providing data to the robot controller; the data being utilized by the robot controller to provide force information to the master robot/haptic device. In one instance, the present teachings include a fiberoptic force sensor and an apparatus for integrating the fiberoptic sensor into a teleoperated MRI-compatible surgical system. Methods for use are disclosed.
Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for conducting directed communication using voice-grade radios. The methods and apparatus can be used to form a packet-switched wireless network using legacy analog transceivers, providing, e.g., both data and voice-over-Internet Protocol communication.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 27, 2006
Date of Patent:
October 9, 2012
Assignee:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Inventors:
William R. Michalson, James W. Matthews, Abhijit Navalekar
Abstract: A semiconductor patch antenna for microwave radiation having a wide pin-junction or pn-junction with the depletion region or embodiments having a separating buried oxide (SiO2) layer between p- and n-doped regions as the natural resonator volume. Embodiments that do not include a metal ground plane and/or a metal patch are disclosed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 9, 2010
Date of Patent:
September 25, 2012
Assignee:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Inventors:
Sergey N. Makarov, Reinhold Ludwig, Francesca Scire-Scappuzzo, John McNeill
Abstract: Weakened and restricted limb movement is aided by powered orthosis having one or more independent dimensions of controlled movement and a control system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 4, 2007
Date of Patent:
August 21, 2012
Assignee:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Inventors:
Allen H. Hoffman, Michael J. Scarsella, Steven P. Toddes, Daniel N. Abramovich
Abstract: An untethered ultrasound imaging system having selectable command control and wireless component connection and image transmission. Ultrasound data collected by the ultrasound system can be augmented with additional sensor data.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 4, 2007
Date of Patent:
July 17, 2012
Assignee:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Inventors:
Peder C. Pedersen, Philip Cordeiro, Reginald James Duckworth
Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed at a device that provides a reliable, accurate and quantifiable measure of a patient's edema. The device improves on the current method of digital manipulation by evaluating the pitting phenomena in a user-independent manner. The output of the device allows a physician to categorize edema into at least ten different levels of severity. The systems of the present invention provides the ability to distinguish between tissues of varying viscosity.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 15, 2005
Date of Patent:
April 3, 2012
Assignees:
University of Massachusetts, Worcester Polytechnic Institute