Abstract: A method and system for reducing the noise content of molecular diagnostic signals. One or more hybridized microarrays derived from one or more biological samples. Gene expression data is obtained from the microarray and is filtered utilizing a signal transduction model. By incorporating the use of numerical representation of the signal transduction model, errors from measurement and process noise can be reduced.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a sensor element, a shield element capacitively coupled to the sensor element and to ground, a coupling circuit to receive an input signal, and to electrically couple the received input signal to the sensor element and to the shield element, an output circuit to generate an output signal, the output signal based on a capacitance between the sensor element and an object, and a classifier to determine a material based on the output signal, and to transmit a material signal to the output circuit based on the determined material, wherein the output circuit is adjustable based on the material signal.

Abstract: A beamblock tray for use with multiple defining heads within a medical linear accelerator is disclosed. The beamblock tray comprises a tray portion, and a plurality of coded connectors coupled to the tray portion that make the tray “intelligent” enough to identify its orientation to a user. The tray portion can be inserted into the defining head in a plurality of directions based upon the plurality of coded connectors. A system and method in accordance with the present invention utilizes a plurality of coded connectors that can be used to identify a patient. In addition, the connectors and a mounting flange are such that they permit the tray to be inserted in a plurality of directions. Finally, a coding system is provided that prevents radiation from being delivered if the tray is oriented incorrectly.

Abstract: A beamblock tray for use with multiple defining heads within a medical linear accelerator is disclosed. The beamblock tray comprises a tray portion, and a plurality of coded connectors coupled to the tray portion that make the tray “intelligent” enough to identify its orientation to a user. The tray portion can be inserted into the defining head in a plurality of directions based upon the plurality of coded connectors. A system and method in accordance with the present invention utilizes a plurality of coded connectors that can be used to identify a patient. In addition, the connectors and a mounting flange are such that permits the tray to be inserted in a plurality of directions. Finally, a coding system is provided that prevents radiation from being delivered if the tray is oriented correctly.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatus for automatically adjusting pacing parameters in implantable programmable stimulation devices, such as rate-responsive pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators. The methods and apparatus provide a circadian varying pacing parameter (e.g., pacing rate, AV Delay, etc.) that very closely mimics the natural diurnal fluctuations of a patient's heart. Using physiological parameters that vary diurnally (e.g., minute ventilation and/or activity variance, etc.), a circadian-base value is derived. In the preferred embodiments, the physiological measurements are used to derive a histogram from which certain characteristic values are determined. These physiological characteristic values, along with the predetermined characteristic rates, automatically and periodically determine a transfer function from which the patient's appropriate circadian base rate is derived.