Abstract: The potential to develop disturbing tinnitus may result from repeated unprotected exposure to loud sounds such as rock concerts, machinery, automobile traffic, and crowds at sporting events. Older adults, especially above the age of 50, may be more susceptible to tinnitus resulting from pathologic conditions in the inner ear apparatus. The present device is designed to electronically reduce stressed hearing during the auditory insult and to return to normal function when the insult is removed. No manual adjustment by the user is necessary between these phases. This device is miniaturized to allow wearing it in the outer ear canal during periods of sound excesses and removal at other times. Unlike prior auditory aids, this one acts to block loud noises without the need to remember to place or activate auxiliary devices such as ear plugs to protect against or compete with potentially destructive external factors each time an insult is encountered.

Abstract: Herein described are systems and methods of ultrasound imaging. More particularly, embodiments described herein provide an ultrasound simulator based on the physics of ultrasound, such that it is possible to realistically reproduce most of the common characteristics of ultrasound examinations. Further, methods are described herein which may affect the computational efficiency of ultrasound simulation.

Abstract: Herein described are systems and methods of ultrasound imaging. More particularly, embodiments described herein provide an ultrasound simulator based on the physics of ultrasound, such that it is possible to realistically reproduce most of the common characteristics of ultrasound examinations. Further, methods are described herein which may affect the computational efficiency of ultrasound simulation.

Abstract: To aid in the spontaneous opening of closed garbage bags deposited in landfills, a biodegradable bag tie made from plant sources is described. The preparation of the tie material includes hydrolysis with an acidic, enzymatic, or basic aqueous solution, combined with microwave exposure, to make the strip amenable to rapid digestion by microorganisms indigenous to landfill environments. The strips may then be tied by knotting around the open end of the polyethylene garbage bag or by joining the two ends of the strip with double-sided adhesive tape. In this way, the closed tie is digested soon after deposition of the bag in a landfill, thereby also exposing its contents to local aerobic bacteria and fungi.

Abstract: A fast semi-automatic prostate contouring method is provided using model-based initialization and an efficient Discrete Dynamic Contour (DDC) for boundary refinement. The user initiates the process of the preferred embodiment by identifying four (4) points on the prostate boundary, thereby scaling and shaping a prostate model, and then the final prostate contour is refined with a DDC. The method of the present invention has particular application during the pre-implant planning phase of a brachytherapy procedure. However, this method also has uses in any phase of dose planning in the brachytherapy procedure or any other therapy approach.

Abstract: A fast semi-automatic prostate contouring method is provided using model-based initialization and an efficient Discrete Dynamic Contour (DDC) for boundary refinement. The user initiates the process of the preferred embodiment by identifying four (4) points on the prostate boundary, thereby scaling and shaping a prostate model, and then the final prostate contour is refined with a DDC. The method of the present invention has particular application during the pre-implant planning phase of a brachytherapy procedure. However, this method also has uses in any phase of dose planning in the brachytherapy procedure or any other therapy approach.

Abstract: A fast semi-automatic prostate contouring method is provided using model-based initialization and an efficient Discrete Dynamic Contour (DDC) for boundary refinement. The user initiates the process of the preferred embodiment by identifying four (4) points on the prostate boundary, thereby scaling and shaping a prostate model, and then the final prostate contour is refined with a DDC. The method of the present invention has particular application during the pre-implant planning phase of a brachytherapy procedure. However, this method also has uses in any phase of dose planning in the brachytherapy procedure or any other therapy approach.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semi-automated method for three-dimensional ultrasound for constructing and displaying 3-D ultrasound images of luminal surfaces of blood vessels. The method comprises acquiring a 3-D ultrasound image of a target vessel and segmenting the luminal surfaces acquired from the 3-D ultrasound image of the target vessel to generate a 3-D ultrasound image of the lumen of the target vessel, wherein an inflating balloon model is used for segmenting the luminal surfaces of the target vessel. The method is useful for diagnostic assessment of bodily vessels as well as provides for therapy planning and as a prognostic indicator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining diameter and wall thickness of hollow microspheres or shells wherein terminal velocities of shells traveling in fluid-filled conduits of differing diameters are measured. A wall-effect factor is determined as a ratio of the terminal velocities, and shell outside diameter may then be ascertained as a predetermined empirical function of wall-effect factor. For shells of known outside diameter, wall thickness may then be ascertained as a predetermined empirical function of terminal velocity in either conduit.