Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for limiting the power output of a transcutaneous electrical stimulator in response to changes in electrode impedance. The apparatus comprises pulse generating means having output terminals for delivering a pulsed electrical current through a circuit that contains at least two electrodes intended to be attached to the skin; measuring means coupled to the pulse generator and configured to measure the voltage across the output terminals in response to applied current; comparing means coupled to the measuring means and configured to compare the voltage measured during the pulse against a voltage threshold; and control means coupled to the comparing means and configured to limit the phase charge of the pulse when the measured voltage exceeds the voltage threshold.

Abstract: A system for tracking a billing cycle in a billing system includes a data tracking engine and a rule-based engine. The rule-based engine retrieves information from the billing system during the billing cycle based on a set of rules, and provides the data to the data tracking engine. The data tracking engine generates status information and reports based on the data. The status information and reports can be accessed via a web client to monitor the billing cycle. Additionally, the rule-based engine identifies events in the billing cycle and generates a notification to alert a person if the event is not successfully completed according to a billing schedule. The notification can be accessed via a web client or a wireless communications device. The rule-based engine can subsequently issue an escalated notification to alert another user if the event has not successfully completed at a later time.

Abstract: A system for tracking a billing cycle in a billing system includes a data tracking engine and a rule-based engine. The rule-based engine retrieves information from the billing system during the billing cycle based on a set of rules, and provides the data to the data tracking engine. The data tracking engine generates status information and reports based on the data. The status information and reports can be accessed via a web client to monitor the billing cycle. Additionally, the rule-based engine identifies events in the billing cycle and generates a notification to alert a person if the event is not successfully completed according to a billing schedule. The notification can be accessed via a web client or a wireless communications device. The rule-based engine can subsequently issue an escalated notification to alert another user if the event has not successfully completed at a later time.

Abstract: A system for tracking a billing cycle in a billing system includes a data tracking engine and a rule-based engine. The rule-base engine retrieves information from the billing system during the billing cycle based on a set of rules, and provides the data to the data tracking engine. The data tracking engine generates status information and reports based on the data. The status information and reports can be accessed via a web client to monitor the billing cycle. Additionally, the rule-based engine identifies events in the billing cycle and generates a notification to alert a person if the event is not successfully completed according to a billing schedule. The notification can be accessed via a web client or a wireless communications device. The rule-based engine can subsequently issue an escalated notification to alert another user if the event has not successfully completed at a later time.

Abstract: Image analysis methods and apparatus are used for determination of the ploidy of cells. The methods may involve segmenting an image to identify one or more discrete regions occupied by cells or nuclei, determining the presence of a particular ploidy indicator feature within the region(s), and providing a value of the indicator feature to a model that classifies cells' ploidy on the basis of the indicator feature. In some embodiments, the indicator feature is a level of DNA in a cell. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises treating one or more cells with a marker that highlights the ploidy indicator feature. In certain embodiments, the cells are treated prior to producing one or more images of the one or more cells. In certain embodiments, the ploidy indicator feature comprises DNA and the marker co-locates with DNA and provides a signal that is captured in the image. In certain embodiments, the signal comprises a fluorescent emission.

Abstract: A method for calculating distances between stimulus response curves (e.g., dose response curves) allows classification of stimuli. The response curves show how the phenotype of one or more cells changes in response to varying levels of the stimulus. Each “point” on the curve represents quantitative phenotype or signature for cell(s) at a particular level of stimulus (e.g., dose of a therapeutic). The signatures are multivariate phenotypic representations of the cell(s). They include various features of the cell(s) obtained by image analysis. To facilitate the comparison of stimuli, distances between points on the response curves are calculated. First, the response curves may be aligned on a coordinate representing a separate distance, r, from a common point of negative control (e.g., the point where no stimulus is applied). Integration on r may be used to compute the distance between two response curves. The distance between response curves is used to classify stimuli.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer programs for investigating and characterising side effects of a treatment having an intended or on-target effect on cells are described. The method can include identifying a group of on-target cellular features of the plurality of cells which are affected by the treatment and are related to the on-target effect. A group of off-target cellular features can also be identified which are different to the on-target cellular features and which are also affected by the treatment and which are related to the side effect. A measure of the side effect based on the off-target cellular features can be obtained. The treatment can then be characterised based on the measure of the side effect. A further method involves capturing an image of the population of treated cells and deriving cellular features from the image.

Abstract: Methods, data processing apparatus and computer program products for characterising cells and the affect of treatments administered to cells are disclosed. In particular methods of identifying bi-nuclear cells are described which include capturing an image of a plurality of marked cells and processing image to obtain features of the plurality of cells. The features are analyzed to determine whether the feature is indicative of bi-nuclear cells. Those cells for which the first feature is indicative of bi-nuclear cells are identified as being bi-nuclear. Three algorithms in particular are described. A first algorithm can be used to determine the number of nuclei in an image of a nuclear component by determining the number of concave regions within the outline of the image. A second algorithm uses a measure of the amount of cytoplasmic material between a pair of nuclei to identify bi-nuclear cells.

Abstract: A method of making a holographic optical element is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining the separation between interference pattern planes tangent to surfaces separated by a desired distance which achieves desired optical properties at a given first wavelength and angular orientation of light in a hologram disposed on a curved surface of first shape corresponding to the shape of a curved holographic element. The angular characteristics of exposure to achieve of this separation of planes in a planar analog of the desired curved holographic element is determined. The angles of exposure of interfering light rays to achieve this separation of planes in the planar analog by exposure of a sensitive substantially planar surface at a second wavelength in order to achieve the desired separation of planes and angular characteristics are determined.

Abstract: A laser shield (FIG. 3) for providing ocular protection against laser hazards, while still providing high photopic or scotopic transmittance and good color discrimination is disclosed. This laser shield comprises a holographic optical notch filter mirror (102) having an optical surface such that the angle (104) made by an incoming laser beam (114), which is aimed by the pupil of the user, with respect to the normal of the optical surface is less than the corresponding angle (108) made by the same incoming laser beam (114) with respect to the physical surface of the substrate. This decrease in the effective angle of incidence reduces the spectral shift of the notch (which defines the frequency that is reflected), thereby providing increased protection for the same range of angles of incidence. The holographic mirror optical surface formed can be the analog of a conventional spherical, hyperbolic, parabolic, elliptical or other aspheric mirror.