Abstract: A series of rt-3DE images of the mitral valve are quantitatively analyzed so as to enable, for example, prediction of the degree of recurrent ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) and comprehensive assessments of leaflet tethering and “tenting” for the entire mitral valve. In accordance with the method, first, the rt-3DE images are registered with symmetric diffeomorphism to obtain information about how the mitral valve deforms over time. Second, the mitral valve is segmented with the level sets or other known segmentation method at each time point in the cardiac cycle with minimal user interaction. Third, the information about mitral valve structure is reduced into a 3D medial model, a compact representation of shape. In other words, a volumetric segmentation of the mitral valve is condensed to a form that is amenable to clinically relevant morphometry.

Abstract: A system for tagging an image comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to analyze an image associated with an image query using one or more computer vision analysis types to determine zero or more computer vision matches. Each computer vision match has one or more associated computer vision tags. In the event that it is determined that there are zero computer vision matches, the processor is further configured to analyze the image associated with the image query using a human vision analysis system to determine zero or more human vision matches. Each human vision match has one or more associated human vision tags. A memory coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.

Abstract: A system for determining piles comprises an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive an image. The processor is configured to determine one or more attributes of the image; to determine whether the image is a member of a top of a hierarchy based at least in part on the attributes. In the event it is determined that the image is a member of the top of the hierarchy,: determine a set of elements of the hierarchy the image is a member of, based at least in part on the attributes and determine which of the set of entities are piles.

Abstract: A system for tagging an object comprises and interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive an image. The processor is configured to determine a key frame. Determining a key frame comprises determining that the image is stable. The processor is configured to determine a tag for an item in the key frame.

Abstract: A series of rt-3DE images of the mitral valve are quantitatively analyzed so as to enable, for example, prediction of the degree of recurrent ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) and comprehensive assessments of leaflet tethering and “tenting” for the entire mitral valve. In accordance with the method, first, the rt-3DE images are registered with symmetric diffeomorphism to obtain information about how the mitral valve deforms over time. Second, the mitral valve is segmented with the level sets or other known segmentation method at each time point in the cardiac cycle with minimal user interaction. Third, the information about mitral valve structure is reduced into a 3D medial model, a compact representation of shape. In other words, a volumetric segmentation of the mitral valve is condensed to a form that is amenable to clinically relevant morphometry.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for generating a biomimetic proteoglycan. The invention includes methods of treating a disease, disorder, or condition of soft tissue using a biomimetic proteoglycan.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a spinal plating system for facilitating stabilization of the spine is provided. The spinal plating system comprises superior and inferior plate members for positioning against exterior surfaces of respective superior and inferior vertebrae and in contacting relation therewith. The superior and inferior plate members include cooperating contacting surfaces adapted to engage each other to maintain a minimum predetermined distraction distance between the superior and inferior vertebrae and to permit at least one of relative articulating movement, pivoting movement or lateral movement of the superior and inferior plate members. The spinal plating system further includes at least one fastener for mounting each of the superior and inferior plate members to the respective superior and inferior vertebrae.

Abstract: A generally rectangular intra-spinous spacer preferably made of bone material advantageously has a low potential for bone fusion. The spacer has depressions sized and positioned on opposite sides to receive spinal processes. The depressions reduce the amount of bone-to-spinal process contact. A fixation strap of the spacer secured either to both the superior and inferior spinous processes or to only one of the superior or inferior processes laterally maintains the implanted position of the spacer and limits either flexion and extension, just flexion, or just extension.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a diaminobisimide compound of the formula (I) substantially free of oligomers: ##STR1## wherein Ar.sup.1 is an optionally substituted aromatic residue which provides for good conjugation between the nitrogen containing groups; andAr is an optionally substituted aromatic residue characterized in that at least two molar proportions of an aromatic diamine of the formula (II)H.sub.2 N--Ar.sup.1 --NH.sub.2 (II)wherein Ar.sup.1 is as defined above,are heated with one molar proportion of an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid of the formula (III) or the corresponding dianhydride,(HOOC).sub.2 Ar(COOH).sub.2 (III)wherein Ar is as defined above,optionally in the presence of a polar solvent and optionally including 0.1 to 2 molar proportions of a tertiary amine.The compounds of formula (I) are useful curing agents in epoxy resin formulations.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of diaminobisimide compounds of the formula (I) which are substantially free of oligomers and are useful as curing agents in epoxy resin formulations: ##STR1## wherein Ar.sup.1 is an optionally substituted aromatic residue which provides for good conjugation between the nitrogen containing groups; and Ar is an optionally substituted aromatic residue, comprising heating an aromatic diamine of the formula H.sub.2 N--Ar.sup.1 --NH.sub.2, with an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid of the formula (HOOC).sub.2 (COOH).sub.2 or the corresponding dianhydride.

Abstract: A method of polymerizing a composition comprising a mixture of monomers said monomer mixture containing a major proportion of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and a minor proportion of a crosslinking agent which method comprises irradiating a said mixture of monomers in a nonpolar and nonhydroxylic solvent with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than 180 nanometers and preferably less than 800 nanometers preferably in the presence of a photosensitive initiator, hereinafter referred to as a sensitizer, at a temperature in the range from 10.degree. C to 90.degree. C, the concentration of unsaturated carboxylic acid being less than 20% w/v, and isolating the polymer so formed.

Abstract: A resin comprising a copolymer of an unsaturated benzoin or unsaturated benzoin alkyl ether and a neutral or basic derivative of an unsaturated carboxylic acid, said copolymer having grafted onto it an allylamine.