Abstract: A method of using elongate multicellular organisms in conjunction with a specialized flow cytometer for drug discovery and compound screening. A stable, optically detectable linear marker pattern on each organism is used to construct a longitudinal map of each organism as it passes through the analysis region of the flow cytometer. This pattern is used to limit complex data analysis to particular regions of each organism thereby simplifying and speeding analysis. The longitudinal marker pattern can be used to alter signal detection modes at known regions of the organism to enhance sensitivity and overall detection effectiveness. A repeating pattern can also be used to add a synchronous element to data analysis. The marker patterns are established using known methods of molecular biology to express various indicator molecules. Inherent features of the organism can be rendered detectable to serve as marker patterns.

Abstract: A method of using elongate multicellular organisms in conjunction with a specialized flow cytometer for drug discovery and compound screening. A stable, optically detectable linear marker pattern on each organism is used to construct a longitudinal map of each organism as it passes through the analysis region of the flow cytometer. This pattern is used to limit complex data analysis to particular regions of each organism thereby simplifying and speeding analysis. The longitudinal marker pattern can be used to alter signal detection modes at known regions of the organism to enhance sensitivity and overall detection effectiveness. A repeating pattern can also be used to add a synchronous element to data analysis. The marker patterns are established using known methods of molecular biology to express various indicator molecules. Inherent features of the organism can be rendered detectable to serve as marker patterns.

Abstract: Radiological apparatus, such as bone densitometry measurement systems that utilize a penetrating radiation source, such as an x-ray source is provided. The apparatus includes a patient table with a length extending along a Y-axis and a width extending along an X-axis and a C-arm supporting, for example, an x-ray source at one side of the table and an x-ray detector at an opposite side of the table such that the source and detector are aligned along a source-detector axis. The source is energized to emit a fan beam of x-rays which conform to a beam plane which is transverse to the Y-axis and contains the source-detector axis. Either, or both, the C-arm or the table are selectively movable relative to the other along the X-axis, along the Y-axis, and along a Z-axis which is transverse to both the X-axis and the Y-axis, so that selected regions of a patient on the table can be selectively scanned with the fan beam of X-rays.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an ultrasound bone analysis apparatus having a pair of transducer assemblies. Each transducer assembly has a transducer and a coupling pad, and is movable relative to the other so that a face of each pad can be moved to a position in which they mutually contact and to a position where the faces contact body parts. The method according to the present application includes transmitting an ultrasound signal from one transducer and receiving a signal corresponding to the transmitted ultrasound signal through the other transducer when the transducer assemblies are in the first position and the second position. A time for the ultrasound signal to pass through the body part is determined, and a width of the body part based on positions of the transducers is determined. Then, using the time and width values a speed of sound of the ultrasound signal passing through the body part with squish compensation is calculated.

Abstract: A method for increasing the accuracy and the types of data measurements of laser scanned dye stained cells, in a single sample, by means of multiple assays, utilizing cell positions as a factor in merging data measurements. Change in lasers, use of different cell dye stains and different treating reagents provide additional data regarding cells of the sample and fixing of cell positions in the first assay permits merging of the data obtained in subsequent assays.

Abstract: A whole body x-ray bone densitometry system includes a table extending parallel to a Y-axis of an XYZ coordinate system for supporting a patient at a patient position; an x-ray source for emitting a narrow angle fan beam of x-rays to irradiate at any one time a scan line which is transverse to the Y-axis and is substantially shorter than the width of a body cross-section of a typical adult patient occupying the patient position. An x-ray detector is aligned with the source along a source-detector axis which is transverse to the Y-axis, for receiving x-rays from the source within the angle of the fan beam after passage thereof through the patient position. The detector has a number of detecting elements arranged along a direction transverse to the Y-axis and to the source-detector axis.

Abstract: An x-ray bone densitometry system having an apparatus for positioning body parts is provided. The system includes a patient table having a length extending along a Y-axis and a width extending along an X-axis, a C-arm supporting an x-ray source at one side and an x-ray detector at an opposite side of the table, wherein the source and detector are aligned along a source-detector axis which is transverse to the Y-axis. The source is selectively energized and emits a fan beam of x-rays which conforms to a beam plane which is transverse to the Y-axis and contains the source-detector axis. A forearm positioner is removably supported on the table and includes an arm rest portion positioned at a selected distance along the X-axis from an edge of the table. A hand supporting member is configured to fit within the arm rest portion to maintain the position of a patient's hand in a predetermined shape when the source is energized.

Abstract: A dual energy bone densitometer scans the whole body of a patient in successive passes with a narrow fan beam of x-rays and, between passes, moves the patient table along multiple axes and rotates the C-arm about a rotation axis spaced from the focal spot. The coordinated multi-axes motion of the table and C-arm helps in piecing together the x-ray data from different passes and helps reduce the footprint of the instrument.

Abstract: An equalization radiography system automatically identifies the lung field in a pre-scan and then carries out an imaging scan in which it equalizes the X-ray exposure but only outside the lung field.

Abstract: An equalization radiography system using specially shaped and arranged modulator pins which reduce artifacts by effectively smoothing variations in attenuation as between adjacent pins.

Abstract: Samples are prepared and applied to a cuvette, and the cuvette is translated in a given direction. Laser light is coupled to the sample through a Bragg cell, which causes the beam to scan the sample transversely to the given direction. Select optical parameters are monitored, and when they occur, the scan is stopped or slowed for a more complete analysis of the illuminated cell.

Abstract: Red cell samples are passed through a zone of focused illumination, and a scatter vs. time pulse is obtained for each. Each pulse is analyzed for pulse width, pulse area, and pulse shape. These parameters are respectively collected, and three coefficients of variation are obtained for each such collection. In addition to these three abnormality factors, the mean of the pulse shape collection constitutes a fourth. The four are respectively subject to statistical criteria, and are combined in predetermined fashion for a single red cell morphology index.

Abstract: Methods useful for differentiating and enumerating subpopulations of particles in a sample and more particularly relates to the enumeration of leukocyte subclasses. Enumeration is accomplished by utilizing two light scatter parameters and converting these parameters to a single parameter by employing a mathematical, nonlinear transformation.

Abstract: A sample of whole blood is stained with an acridine orange reagent, and is analyzed rapidly, a cell at a time, in a flow cytometry system having a sample stream dimension in the range of expected red cell dimensions. Red florescence and forward scatter data is utilized first to discriminate a cell from noise, and then to distinguish platelets from reticulocytes and red cells. The red cell and reticulocyte data is subjected to a correction such as rotational coordinate shift, and the shifted data are, by means of statistical procedures, utilized to determine threshold criteria separating red cells from reticulocytes, and to enumerate the cells on that basis.

Abstract: Signals including noise, platelet pulses, and red cell pulses are amplified and compared to a noise threshold. If larger than the threshold, the signals are integrated and the integrated signals are compared to respective red cell and platelet references.