Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer for use in detecting or quantifying an analyte Exposure of the polymer to the analyte is capable of causing a shift in the onset potential for conductivity or semiconductivity of the polymer. A sensor for an analyte comprising the polymer is also described.

Abstract: A device and method for correlation-based background calibration of pipelined converters with a reduced power penalty. A pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) utilizes a random or pseudorandom signal to reduce the quantization error of subconverting stages. Stages within the ADC comprise an injection circuit having a plurality of capacitive branches in parallel. Less than all of the branches can function during a given clock cycle of the ADC. This allows a subconverting stage within the ADC to be accurately trimmed before operation using a large amplitude signal. At the same time, the capability to inject smaller amplitude random or pseudorandom signals into the subconverting stage during operation is maintained, saving valuable dynamic range and power. The various capacitive branches are cycled through either randomly or in sequence such that the quantizer manifests the same average gain error over time for which the quantizer was initially trimmed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for imaging system calibration using a field replaceable unit. Certain embodiments provide a field replaceable unit for imaging system calibration. The unit includes an array of radio opaque fiducials arranged for use in image calibration for an imaging system. The unit also includes a plurality of receivers positioned around a periphery of a detector in the imaging system for use in navigation calibration for the imaging system. The unit further includes a connection for providing data regarding image calibration and navigation calibration to a processor. Additionally, the unit includes a frame for positioning the array of radio opaque fiducials and the plurality of receivers embedded in a concave target with respect to a detector in the imaging system.

Abstract: Reference network embodiments are provided for use in pipelined signal converter systems. The network embodiments are fast and power efficient and they generate low-impedance reference signals through the use of a complimentary common-drain output stage, at least one diode-coupled transistor inserted between transistors of the output stage, and a controller. The controller is configured to provide a backgate voltage to the diode-coupled transistor to thereby establish a substantially-constant output current. The controller is further configured to provide gate voltages to the output stage to establish top and bottom reference voltages about the diode-coupled transistor that are spaced from a common-mode voltage. This reference structure maintains a constant output current as the span between the top and bottom reference voltages is selectively altered. In different embodiments, the diode-coupled transistor is replaced with a bipolar junction transistor.

Abstract: Optoelectronic devices are provided that incorporate quantum dots as the electroluminescent layer in an inorganic wide-bandgap heterostructure. The quantum dots serve as the optically active component of the device and, in multilayer quantum dot embodiments, facilitate nanoscale epitaxial lateral overgrowth (NELOG) in heterostructures having non-lattice matched substrates. The quantum dots in such devices will be electrically pumped and exhibit electroluminescence, as opposed to being optically pumped and exhibiting photoluminescence. There is no inherent “Stokes loss” in electroluminescence thus the devices of the present invention have potentially higher efficiency than optically pumped quantum dot devices. Devices resulting from the present invention are capable of providing deep green visible light, as well as, any other color in the visible spectrum, including white light by blending different sizes and compositions of the dots and controlling manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A method and system for quantifying particles in a flow system are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reconciling mismatches in data in a hospital computer system by selectively preventing editing of data entered at a first location at a second location, and providing for remapping of data acquired in an incorrect data structure to a corrected data structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods involving luminescent films which may be useful in various applications. Luminescent films of the present invention may comprise a layer of metal oxide nanoparticles and, in some cases, may interact with an analyte to generate a detectable signal, whereby the presence and/or amount of analyte can be determined. In some embodiments, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) may occur between the luminescent film and the analyte. Such articles and methods may be useful in, for example, biological assays or in sensors.

Abstract: The invention concerns a metal fin for heat exchanger with tubes, comprising means for increasing heat transfers consisting of diverting conformations (10,11) each arranged upstream and downstream of an aperture (3) when considering the direction (F) of air flow, to force the air to pass either side of said aperture, the upstream (10) and downstream (11) diverting conformations of two superimposed apertures (3) belonging to one same column extending along a determined length so that they substantially rejoin at the plane of extension (P) of offset apertures. (Figure to be published: FIG. 2).

Abstract: Optoelectronic devices are provided that incorporate quantum dots as the electroluminescent layer in an inorganic wide-bandgap heterostructure. The quantum dots serve as the optically active component of the device and, in multilayer quantum dot embodiments, facilitate nanoscale epitaxial lateral overgrowth (NELOG) in heterostructures having non-lattice matched substrates. The quantum dots in such devices will be electrically pumped and exhibit electroluminescence, as opposed to being optically pumped and exhibiting photoluminescence. There is no inherent “Stokes loss” in electroluminescence thus the devices of the present invention have potentially higher efficiency than optically pumped quantum dot devices. Devices resulting from the present invention are capable of providing deep green visible light, as well as, any other color in the visible spectrum, including white light by blending different sizes and compositions of the dots and controlling manufacturing processes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a metal fin for heat exchanger with tubes, comprising means for increasing heat transfers consisting of diverting conformations (10,11) each arranged upstream and downstream of an aperture (3) when considering the direction (F) of air flow, to force the air to pass either side of said aperture, the upstream (10) and downstream (11) diverting conformations of two superimposed apertures (3) belonging to one same column extending along a determined length so that they substantially rejoin at the plane of extension (P) of offset apertures.

Abstract: Provided is a method of image-guided navigation comprising determining a final navigated point in a three-dimensional reconstructed coordinate system based at least partially on two or more navigated points in a coordinate system associated with a two-dimensional array of image pixels and without specifying a coordinate of each of the two or more navigated points in a direction orthogonal to the two-dimensional array of image pixels, wherein each of the two or more navigated points is for a different position of a C-arm gantry. Also provided is an image-guided navigation system.

Abstract: A method of extracting from a picked-up image an object that is situated in the foreground of a projected backdrop. The method includes an extraction step comprising the steps of establishing a correspondence relationship between pixels of the projected backdrop and of the background of the picked-up image, and defining said object as the set of picked-up pixels that present a departure from said correspondence relationship. The method is applicable to video conferences, to remote teaching, and to television shows.

Abstract: A new approach for handling stream imperfections based on speculative execution involves the retraction of incorrect events facilitated using operators to remove speculatively produced incorrect output. Additionally, parameters are disclosed that define a spectrum of consistency levels. A first parameter, maximum blocking time, exposes a tradeoff between a degree of speculation and latency. A second parameter, the maximum time data is remembered before being purged from the system, exposes a tradeoff between state size and correctness. Varying these two parameters produces a spectrum of consistency levels (e.g., strong, middle, weak) which address the specific tradeoffs built into other systems. Retraction is accomplished using operators that include Select, AlterLifetime, Join, Sum, Align, and Finalize.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temporal stream model that provides support both for query language semantics and consistency guarantees, simultaneously. A data stream is modeled as a time varying relation. The data stream model incorporates a temporal data perspective, and defines a clear separation in different notions of time in streaming applications. The temporal stream model further refines the conventional application time into two temporal dimensions of valid time and occurrence time, and utilizes system time (the clock of the stream processor) for modeling out-of-order event delivery but thereby providing three temporal dimensions. The methods for assigning timestamps and quantifying latency form the basis for defining a spectrum of consistency levels. Based on the selected consistency level, an output can be produced. The utilization of system time facilitates the retraction of incorrect output and the insertion of the correct revised output.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments an image acquisition station transmits images that have been identified as having inadequate diagnostic quality to a computer system of an image quality consultant. The image quality consultant may develop recommendations on how to improve the quality, and the recommendations are communicated to appropriate personnel.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a system and method for assessing the accuracy of a surgical navigation system. The method may include acquiring an X-ray image that captures a surgical instrument. The method may also include segmenting the surgical instrument in the X-ray image. In an embodiment, the segmenting may be performed using edge detection or pattern recognition. The distance between the predicted location of the surgical instrument tip and the actual location of the surgical instrument tip may be computed. The distance between the predicted location of the surgical instrument tip and the actual location of the surgical instrument tip may be compared with a threshold value. If the distance between the predicted location of the surgical instrument tip and the actual location of the surgical instrument tip is greater than the threshold value, the user may be alerted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a laminate comprising paperboard and plastic film, and a non-aqueous adhesive layer between the paperboard and the plastic film, the process comprising the steps of: (a) surface oxidation treatment of at least one side of the plastic film; and (b) extrusion laminating the plastic film to the paperboard; wherein the non-aqueous adhesive layer is applied by extrusion between the plastic film and the paperboard to form the laminate, and wherein the process further comprises the step of printing inks onto the surface oxidation treated surface of the plastic film either before or after the extrusion lamination step; and to a process for making a carton, whereby the carton is erected from a blank which is formed from the laminate.

Abstract: A system for removing particulates and/or contaminants, including impure compounds and elements from fluid to be treated is provided. The systems can include a receptacle having chamber in which a volume of fluid may be accommodated, a cover for placement across an opening into the chamber, so as to prevent fluid from within the chamber from spilling, and a porous matrix, positioned within the chamber and having a nanostructured adsorption material for trapping and retaining, within its pores, particles and contaminants in the fluid. A method for removing particulates and contaminants is also provided.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for imaging system calibration using a field replaceable unit. Certain embodiments provide a field replaceable unit for imaging system calibration. The unit includes an array of radio opaque fiducials arranged for use in image calibration for an imaging system. The unit also includes a plurality of receivers positioned around a periphery of a detector in the imaging system for use in navigation calibration for the imaging system. The unit further includes a connection for providing data regarding image calibration and navigation calibration to a processor. Additionally, the unit includes a frame for positioning the array of radio opaque fiducials and the plurality of receivers embedded in a concave target with respect to a detector in the imaging system.