Abstract: Discussed herein is an image processing device and a corresponding method for assessing inflammatory bowel diseases. A plurality of dynamic MRI sequence of images of a bowel that include peristalsis information of the bowel and static MRI image(s) of the bowel that identify at areas of inflammation, stenosis, and increased mural thickness of the bowel are processed. A displacement of the bowel caused by respiration of the patient is conducted on the dynamic MRI sequences by performing a non-rigid registration. A peristaltic activity is determined by performing motion flow analysis on the dynamic sequences of images. A peristaltic activity of the static MRI image(s) based on a weighted sum of two closest dynamic MRI sequences of images is computed and the static image is combined with the closest dynamic MRI sequence of images by performing a multi-modal registration.

Abstract: A patient mountable robot includes a four link mechanism, three actuators, and a first robot base. The mechanism includes four links that form a closed loop structure. The four links include a base link that includes a spherical joint. The mechanism provides two rotational degrees of freedom about the spherical joint for a needle that is configured to pass through the spherical joint. A first actuator is attached to the mechanism and moves the mechanism to provide the first of the two rotational degrees of freedom. A second actuator is attached to the mechanism and moves the mechanism to provide the second of the two rotational degrees of freedom. The base link of the mechanism passes through the first robot base. A third actuator is attached to the first robot base and linearly translates the base link so that a translational degree of freedom is provided for the needle.

Abstract: Discussed herein is an image processing device and a corresponding method for assessing inflammatory bowel diseases. A plurality of dynamic MRI sequence of images of a bowel that include peristalsis information of the bowel and static MRI image(s) of the bowel that identify at areas of inflammation, stenosis, and increased mural thickness of the bowel are processed. A displacement of the bowel caused by respiration of the patient is conducted on the dynamic MRI sequences by performing a non-rigid registration. A peristaltic activity is determined by performing motion flow analysis on the dynamic sequences of images. A peristaltic activity of the static MRI image(s) based on a weighted sum of two closest dynamic MRI sequences of images is computed and the static image is combined with the closest dynamic MRI sequence of images by performing a multi-modal registration.

Abstract: A patient mountable robot includes a four link mechanism, three actuators, and a first robot base. The mechanism includes four links that form a closed loop structure. The four links include a base link that includes a spherical joint. The mechanism provides two rotational degrees of freedom about the spherical joint for a needle that is configured to pass through the spherical joint. A first actuator is attached to the mechanism and moves the mechanism to provide the first of the two rotational degrees of freedom. A second actuator is attached to the mechanism and moves the mechanism to provide the second of the two rotational degrees of freedom. The base link of the mechanism passes through the first robot base. A third actuator is attached to the first robot base and linearly translates the base link so that a translational degree of freedom is provided for the needle.

Abstract: Chlorotoxin-labeled nanoparticles that target primary brain tumors, compositions that include the nanoparticles, methods of imaging tissues using the nanoparticles, and methods for treating tissues using the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is provided with a chain guide that basically includes inner and outer guide plates, a guide pulley and a tension pulley. The tension pulley is rotatable about a rotation axis between free ends of the guide plates. The tension pulley has an annular recess disposed about the rotation axis to form a projection. The inner guide plate has a guide section with a radially outermost edge. Preferably, the outermost edge of the guide section is located in the annular recess, and the projection projects axially further from a center plane of the tension pulley than the outermost edge. Preferably, the chain guide includes a dust cap coupled between the inner guide plate and the tension pulley. Preferably, the outermost edge of the guide section is located radially inwardly of the projection and radially outwardly of the annular portion of the dust cap.

Abstract: Bread is produced in a bread maker by first mixing/kneading the bread ingredients into a dough, allowing the dough to rest and then kneading the dough for a second cycle. During both kneading cycles, a motor driving a kneading blade is repeatedly bi-directionally rotated with intermittent pulses to give a randomness to the flight of the dough. After kneading, the dough is fermented during a first rise cycle. Next, the dough is preheated and degassed before it is fermented for a second rise cycle. After rising, the dough is baked at a high temperature for proper browning of the crust and then the temperature is lowered to complete the baking of the bread. Lastly, the bread is cooled at a gradual rate by intermittently actuating a heater and a fan.