Abstract: Apparatus for improving image guidance in radiation therapy applications are described. In one aspect, a patient support with integrated radiopaque markers is described. In another aspect, a bite block with integrated sensors, radiopaque markers, or both, is described. The integrated sensors may include a radiation detector, a pH sensor, or both. Radiation detectors that may be used include a dosimeter. As an example, the dosimeter may include a film dosimeter, an ion chamber dosimeter, a diode dosimeter, or other suitable dosimeters and combinations thereof.

Abstract: In a scenario where a laboratory is required to perform a plurality of tests on biological samples from a plurality of tubes in a manner that satisfies certain constraints, it is possible that the laboratory could handle the samples and assign them to machines in a manner which ensures that the relevant constraints are met. This could include using matrices and optimization functions to represent tubes, tests, machines and prescriptions, and could also include dynamically determining whether and how to aliquot the samples so as to meet the constraints given the conditions under which the samples would be processed.

Abstract: A method for solving the facility layout problem using a heuristic approach allows for multiple, highly efficient solutions to be automatically generated even when dealing with medium and large scale environments. Inputs to the method include a number of facilities each having a discipline and a dimension that must be placed in a laboratory area having a dimension and an entrance. The method sorts and begins to place facilities to generate a number of partial solutions, and each partial solution can be expanded until a final solution is reached or a termination criteria is satisfied. Expanded solutions that reach a final solution are reduced to a diverse set of solutions using a diversity measure. The reduced set of diverse solutions may then be improved upon using an optimization algorithm with less concern about efficiency.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying an agent to a target site with a malleable tip that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors and a malleable tip with a formable tube that that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors. The malleable tip is configured for passage of fluid therethrough and includes a malleable member. The malleable member is made of a soft metal that is strong enough to retain the shape of the tip after is has been bend into configuration, but soft and weak enough to be easily cut with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or the like.

Abstract: In a scenario where a laboratory is required to perform a plurality of tests on biological samples from a plurality of tubes in a manner that satisfies certain constraints, it is possible that the laboratory could handle the samples and assign them to machines in a manner which ensures that the relevant constraints are met. This could include using matrices and optimization functions to represent tubes, tests, machines and prescriptions, and could also include dynamically determining whether and how to aliquot the samples so as to meet the constraints given the conditions under which the samples would be processed.

Abstract: Laboratory instrument selection and the allocation of reagents to laboratory instruments may be optimized by using computer programs which minimize cost functions relative to various types of constraints. These constraints may include demand for tests, laboratory instrument operational capacity, laboratory instrument reagent capacity, and so on. In some embodiments, this optimization may combine reagent allocation with machine selection to aid in the selection of appropriate laboratory instruments.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving image guidance in radiation therapy applications are described. In one aspect, a patient support with integrated radiopaque markers is described. In another aspect, a bite block with integrated sensors, radiopaque markers, or both, is described. The integrated sensors may include a radiation detector, a pH sensor, or both. Radiation detectors that may be used include a dosimeter. As an example, the dosimeter may include a film dosimeter, an ion chamber dosimeter, a diode dosimeter, or other suitable dosimeters and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying an agent to a target site with a malleable tip that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors and a malleable tip with a formable tube that that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors. The malleable tip is configured for passage of fluid therethrough and includes a malleable member. The malleable member is made of a soft metal that is strong enough to retain the shape of the tip after is has been bend into configuration, but soft and weak enough to be easily cut with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or the like.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying an agent to a target site with a malleable tip that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors and a malleable tip with a formable tube that that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors. The malleable tip is configured for passage of fluid therethrough and includes a malleable member. The malleable member is made of a soft metal that is strong enough to retain the shape of the tip after is has been bend into configuration, but soft and weak enough to be easily cut with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or the like. A method for preparing an applicator device that is suitable for applying an agent to a target site during or before an operation, comprising providing an applicator device with a formable tip, forming said tip to a desired configuration and cutting said formable tip to a desired length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying an agent to a target site with a malleable tip that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors and a malleable tip with a formable tube that that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors. The malleable tip is configured for passage of fluid theretrough and includes a malleable member. The malleable member is made of a soft metal that is strong enough to retain the shape of the tip after is has been bend into configuration, but soft and weak enough to be easily cut with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or the like. A method for preparing an applicator device that is suitable for applying an agent to a target site during or before an operation, comprising providing an applicator device with a formable tip, forming said tip to a desired configuration and cutting said formable tip to a desired length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying an agent to a target site with a malleable tip that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors and a malleable tip with a formable tube that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors. The malleable tip is configured for passage of fluid therethrough and includes a malleable member. The malleable member is made of a soft metal that is strong enough to retain the shape of the tip after it has been bent into configuration, but soft and weak enough to be easily cut with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or the like. A method for preparing an applicator device that is suitable for applying an agent to a target site during or before an operation, comprising providing an applicator device with a formable tip, forming said tip to a desired configuration and cutting said formable tip to a desired length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors.