Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment, a system comprising an HTTP gateway which is adapted to establish a communication link with an HTTP server. The system further comprises an instant messaging communication subsystem which is adapted to enable communication between a plurality of instant messaging user interfaces coupled to the instant messaging communication subsystem. The HTTP gateway also establishes a communication link with the instant messaging communication subsystem and receives commands from the instant messaging user interfaces. The received commands are converted to HTTP requests, which are then sent to the HTTP server. The HTTP gateway receives HTTP responses to the HTTP requests from the HTTP server and sends the HTTP responses to the instant messaging user interfaces via the instant messaging communication subsystem.

Abstract: In a diagnostic cardiac imaging session of a patient's heart using a computed tomography imaging scanner (10) and a cardiac cycle monitor (42), a diagnostic objective (100) is received. Survey imaging (104) of the heart is performed to determine optimized imaging parameter values for the received diagnostic objective (100). Monitor imaging (108) of a limited portion of the heart is performed during influx of a contrast agent (22) using a low patient x-ray exposure condition to detect a trigger condition. Volume imaging (110) of the heart responsive to detection of the trigger condition is performed using the optimized imaging parameter values to obtain volumetric imaging data. Cardiac cycle data is recorded during at least a portion of the survey imaging (104), the monitor imaging (108), and the volume imaging (110). High resolution reconstructing (130) of at least some volumetric imaging data is performed to produce high resolution image representations (132).

Abstract: An integrated respiratory monitor and imaging device apparatus (10) is provided. The apparatus is useful for establishing pre-operative and intra-operative breath hold congruency in patients and for other interventional work. The apparatus (10) includes a respiratory monitor system (12) and an imaging device (14). The respiratory monitor system is adapted to engage a patient and generate a respiratory signal representative of a breath hold level of the patient during a breath hold. The imaging device (14) is adapted to scan the patient during the breath hold and generate a volumetric image data set of the patient. The respiratory sensor and imaging device are operatively connected to associate the respiratory signal representative of the breath hold level of the patient together with the volumetric image data set of the patient. A data storage device (64) is provided for storing a set of respiratory signals in association with a corresponding set of volumetric image data sets in the subject apparatus (10).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method and an information system for allowing a non-random selection of a genotype of a plant cultivar that yields a selected plant product with desired processing features. The method involves determining structural and functional variables of the selected plant product, genetic variables responsible for said structural and functional variables and processing variables of the selected plant, and correlating the structural and functional variables to the genetic variables and to the processing variables so as to make a non-random selection of the genotype of the plant cultivar that yields the plant product with desired processing features.

Abstract: We disclose quantitative geometrical analysis enabling the measurement of several features of images of tissues including perimeter, area, and other metrics. Automation of feature extraction creates a high throughput capability that enables analysis of serial sections for more accurate measurement of tissue dimensions. Measurement results are input into a relational database where they can be statistically analyzed and compared across studies. As part of the integrated process, results are also imprinted on the images themselves to facilitate auditing of the results. The analysis is fast, repeatable and accurate while allowing the pathologist to control the measurement process.

Abstract: A sample of normal tissue specimens obtained from a subset of a population of subjects with shared characteristics is profiled in order to generate a plurality of structural indices that correspond to statistically significant representations of characteristics of tissue associated with the population. The structural indices include cell density, matrix density, blood vessel density and layer thickness. Alternatively, the sample of normal tissue specimens obtained from the subset of the population of subjects with shared characteristics can also be profiled in order to generate a plurality of cell function and/or mechanical indices that correspond to statistically significant representations of characteristics of tissue associated with the population. Structural, mechanical and/or cell function indices for a plurality of tissue populations are determined, and then stored in a database. The database information is then used to classify tissue specimens (e.g.

Abstract: We disclose a method for the correlation of structural feature information derived from digital images of a diagnostic set of histopathological tissue specimens from a group of subjects with shared characteristics and molecular activity (which may be either gene or protein expression) information derived from related specimens of the same set to provide for the objective characterization and analysis of the variability of tissue structural features in relation to such molecular activity (the product of such correlation referred to herein as the “correlated tissue information”). Such correlated tissue information allows for comparison and combination with correlated tissue information obtained through studies taking place at different times, with different protocols for the collection, preservation, histological staining and molecular activity assays of the tissue.

Abstract: In a diagnostic cardiac imaging session of a patient's heart using a computed tomography imaging scanner (10) and a cardiac cycle monitor (42), a diagnostic objective (100) is received. Survey imaging (104) of the heart is performed to determine optimized imaging parameter values for the received diagnostic objective (100). Monitor imaging (108) of a limited portion of the heart is performed during influx of a contrast agent (22) using a low patient x-ray exposure condition to detect a trigger condition. Volume imaging (110) of the heart responsive to detection of the trigger condition is performed using the optimized imaging parameter values to obtain volumetric imaging data. Cardiac cycle data is recorded during at least a portion of the survey imaging (104), the monitor imaging (108), and the volume imaging (110). High resolution reconstructing (130) of at least some volumetric imaging data is performed to produce high resolution image representations (132).

Abstract: A sample of normal tissue specimens obtained from a subset of a population of subjects with shared characteristics is profiled in order to generate a plurality of structural indices that correspond to statistically significant representations of characteristics of tissue associated with the population. The structural indices include cell density, matrix density, blood vessel density and layer thickness. Alternatively, the sample of normal tissue specimens obtained from the subset of the population of subjects with shared characteristics can also be profiled in order to generate a plurality of cell function and/or mechanical indices that correspond to statistically significant representations of characteristics of tissue associated with the population. Structural, mechanical and/or cell function indices for a plurality of tissue populations are determined and then stored in a database, and subscribers/users are granted access to all or part of the database based on a subscription fee.

Abstract: An integrated respiratory monitor and imaging device apparatus (10) is provided. The apparatus is useful for establishing pre-operative and intra-operative breath hold congruency in patients and for other interventional work. The apparatus (10) includes a respiratory monitor system (12) and an imaging device (14). The respiratory monitor system is adapted to engage a patient and generate a respiratory signal representative of a breath hold level of the patient during a breath hold. The imaging device (14) is adapted to scan the patient during the breath hold and generate a volumetric image data set of the patient. The respiratory sensor and imaging device are operatively connected to associate the respiratory signal representative of the breath hold level of the patient together with the volumetric image data set of the patient. A data storage device (64) is provided for storing a set of respiratory signals in association with a corresponding set of volumetric image data sets in the subject apparatus (10).

Abstract: A sample of normal tissue specimens obtained from a subset of a population of subjects with shared characteristics is profiled in order to generate a plurality of structural indices that correspond to statistically significant representations of characteristics of tissue associated with the population. The structural indices include cell density, matrix density, blood vessel density and layer thickness. Alternatively, the sample of normal tissue specimens obtained from the subset of the population of subjects with shared characteristics can also be profiled in order to generate a plurality of cell function and/or mechanical indices that correspond to statistically significant representations of characteristics of tissue associated with the population. Structural, mechanical and/or cell function indices for a plurality of tissue populations are determined, and then stored in a database. The database information is then used to classify tissue specimens (e.g.

Abstract: A sample of normal tissue specimens obtained from a subset of a population of subjects with shared characteristics is profiled in order to generate a plurality of structural indices that correspond to statistically significant representations of characteristics of tissue associated with the population. The structural indices include cell density, matrix density, blood vessel density and layer thickness. Alternatively, the sample of normal tissue specimens obtained from the subset of the population of subjects with shared characteristics can also be profiled in order to generate a plurality of cell function and/or mechanical indices that correspond to statistically significant representations of characteristics of tissue associated with the population. Structural, mechanical and/or cell function indices for a plurality of tissue populations are determined and then stored in a database, and subscribers/users are granted access to all or part of the database based on a subscription fee.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing engineered tissue wherein a sample of normal tissue specimens obtained from a subset of a population of subjects with shared characteristics is profiled in order to generate a plurality of structural indices that correspond to statistically significant representations of characteristics of tissue associated with the population. The structural indices include cell density, matrix density, blood vessel density and layer thickness. An engineered tissue design is then formed in accordance with the structural indices, and engineered tissue is manufactured in accordance with the engineered tissue design.

Abstract: We disclose quantitative geometrical analysis enabling the measurement of several features of images of tissues including perimeter, area, and other metrics. Automation of feature extraction creates a high throughput capability that enables analysis of serial sections for more accurate measurement of tissue dimensions. Measurement results are input into a relational database where they can be statistically analyzed and compared across studies. As part of the integrated process, results are also imprinted on the images themselves to facilitate auditing of the results. The analysis is fast, repeatable and accurate while allowing the pathologist to control the measurement process.

Abstract: A composite food and condiment container is provided. The container includes an upper compartment that retains a food product and a lower compartment positioned directly below the upper compartment. The lower compartment holds a condiment. The container further includes a barrier that may be positioned in a retracted state or a non-retracted state. In the non-retracted state, the barrier separates the food product in the upper compartment from the condiment in the lower compartment. In the retracted state, the barrier exposes the food in the upper compartment to the condiment in the lower compartment.

Abstract: A method of forming a scale model for simulation of a seismic survey is disclosed. The model includes layers which are formed by way of stereolithography or similar methods, from a CAD data base; the precision of the formation of the layers allows for construction of the model without adhesives between all layers for structural integrity of the model, although adhesive or a wetting agent may be used, depending upon the desired simulation experiment. The model also includes molded layers which are poured, injected, or otherwise introduced in liquid form. The liquid may then be solidified, or may remain in liquid form, depending upon the survey. These molded layers may be made into the prefabricated layers where appropriate, or during the process of constructing the model. Simulation of the survey may be made by imparting acoustic energy thereinto and detecting the same.

Abstract: A method and system for using sonography to image the internal structure of geophysical and geologic models are disclosed. The sonography system includes a wand having a plurality of piezoelectric elements at an active surface thereof, each coupled to driver/receiver circuitry. Certain of the piezoelectric elements are selected as ultrasonic sources and receivers; the source/receiver designation may vary over time, as each of the elements may either generate or receive acoustic energy. A computer system, connected to the wand, receives signals from the receivers corresponding to reflected and refracted ultrasonic energy, and generates a zero offset trace image therefrom. In the geophysical case, the scale model is formed of materials such as plastics and rubbers having the desired properties for simulating the response of a portion or layer in the earth to ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and quantitating facial movements useful in detecting, characterizing and treating facial paralysis or abnormal facial movements. A preferred embodiment of the system comprises a plurality of markers applied to a plurality of facial zones, apparatus for recording images of the marked face at repose and for recording images of the marked face at selected maximal facial movements, apparatus for assigning location coordinates to the markers of each recorded facial image, apparatus for converting location coordinates of each marker of each facial image to actual positions on the face, apparatus for determining the change in actual marker position on the face at each selected maximal facial movement and apparatus for displaying the actual marker position changes for each selected facial movement.

Abstract: A method of forming a scale model for simulation of a seismic survey is disclosed. The model includes layers which are formed by way of stereolithography or similar methods, from a CAD data base; the precision of the formation of the layers allows for construction of the model without adhesives between all layers for structural integrity of the model, although adhesive or a wetting agent may be used, depending upon the desired simulation experiment. The model also includes molded layers which are poured, injected, or otherwise introduced in liquid form. The liquid may then be solidified, or may remain in liquid form, depending upon the survey. These molded layers may be made into the prefabricated layers where appropriate, or during the process of constructing the model. Simulation of the survey may be made by imparting acoustic energy thereinto and detecting the same.

Abstract: A method and system for using sonography to image the internal structure of geophysical and geologic models are disclosed. The sonography system includes a wand having a plurality of piezoelectric elements at an active surface thereof, each coupled to driver/receiver circuitry. Certain of the piezoelectric elements are selected as ultrasonic sources and receivers; the source/receiver designation may vary over time, as each of the elements may either generate or receive acoustic energy. A computer system, connected to the wand, receives signals from the receivers corresponding to reflected and refracted ultrasonic energy, and generates a zero offset trace image therefrom. In the geophysical case, the scale model is formed of materials such as plastics and rubbers having the desired properties for simulating the response of a portion or layer in the earth to ultrasonic vibrations.