Abstract: A method for classifying objects which comprises a provision of measuring data from a sensor for a feature extraction unit as well as extraction of modality-independent features from the measuring data by means of the feature extraction unit, wherein the modality-independent features are independent of a sensor modality of the sensor, so that a conclusion to the sensor modality of the sensor is not possible from the modality-independent features.

Abstract: A method for classifying objects which comprises a provision of measuring data from a sensor for a feature extraction unit as well as extraction of modality-independent features from the measuring data by means of the feature extraction unit, wherein the modality-independent features are independent of a sensor modality of the sensor, so that a conclusion to the sensor modality of the sensor is not possible from the modality-independent features.

Abstract: A medical insertion device which may be used with or installed within an imaging system, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The medical insertion device can generally be used to retain, position and effect insertion of a medical instrument, for example a biopsy device or an ablation treatment device. The device can generally provide linear and/or angular degrees of freedom for positioning of the medical instrument prior to an insertion of the medical instrument. The medical insertion device includes a mounting arm, an interface connected to the mounting arm for interfacing with a medical instrument, a mechanism for movement of the medical instrument or a part of the medical instrument in an insertion direction, a carriage connected to a distal end of the mounting arm, and a pivot connection between the carriage and the distal end of the mounting arm to permit pitch or yaw of the mounting arm.

Abstract: Levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-C and PGE2 were measured in patient groups presenting with different types of pancreatic lesions. Pancreatic fluids that exhibited high levels of VEGF-A and relative low levels of VEGF-C correlated well with a diagnosis of serous cystadenoma. Pancreatic fluids collected from cysts in patients that did not have a clinical diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and that exhibited relatively low levels of VEGF-A correlated with a diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). Furthermore, the level of PGE2 increased with dysplastic stage. Contacting pancreatic fluid with reagents that selectively bind to VEGF-A, VEGF-C and PGE2 provide a useful diagnostic tool for identifying patients with these benign, pre-malignant or malignant lesions of the pancreas.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection cup for use with a centrifuge bucket to separate a biological fluid into its component parts is disclosed. It includes an hourglass shape with a large upper and lower portion and a narrow middle portion. A piston is to slide into and slideably be received in the lower portion and a side port is provided for withdrawal of a fluid from the narrow portion.

Abstract: A biological fluids concentration device, including a tube-in-tube assembly, is disclosed. The tube-in-tube assembly receives biologic fluids and may then be placed in the bucket of a centrifuge and spun to separate out the components of the biological fluid by their various densities. For example, whole blood may be centrifuged in the tube-in-tube assembly for separating into plasma, red blood cell component, and a buffy coat. A piston slideably and sealingly engages an inner tube of the tube-in-tube assembly, the inner tube fitting within an outer tube. A lid is designed to engage the top of the outer tube, which lid has an opening therein for receipt of a plunger. The plunger is adapted to move up and down with respect to the lid and the tubes, so as to sealingly, in a down position, and unsealingly, in an open position, engage the top of the inner tube of the tube-in-tube assembly.

Abstract: A medical insertion device which may be used with or installed within an imaging system, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The medical insertion device can generally be used to retain, position and effect insertion of a medical instrument, for example a biopsy device or an ablation treatment device. The device can generally provide linear and/or angular degrees of freedom for positioning of the medical instrument prior to an insertion of the medical instrument. The medical insertion device includes a mounting arm, an interface connected to the mounting arm for interfacing with a medical instrument, a mechanism for movement of the medical instrument or a part of the medical instrument in an insertion direction, a carriage connected to a distal end of the mounting arm, and a pivot connection between the carriage and the distal end of the mounting arm to permit pitch or yaw of the mounting arm.

Abstract: Levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-C and PGE2 were measured in patient groups presenting with different types of pancreatic lesions. Pancreatic fluids that exhibited high levels of VEGF-A and relative low levels of VEGF-C correlated well with a diagnosis of serous cystadenoma. Pancreatic fluids collected from cysts in patients that did not have a clinical diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and that exhibited relatively low levels of VEGF-A correlated with a diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous neo-plasms (IPMN). Furthermore, the level of PGE2 increased with dysplastic stage. Contacting pancreatic fluid with reagents that selectively bind to VEGF-A, VEGF-C and PGE2 provide a useful diagnostic tool for identifying patients with these benign, pre-malignant or malignant lesions of the pancreas.