Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for screening infants at high risk for central auditory processing deficits and then remediating less efficient processing behaviorally using an adaptive training algorithm that gradually increases sensitivity to rapidly occurring stimuli streams.

Abstract: A transdermal permeant delivery of at least one permeant composition into a tissue membrane of a subject including a disposable substate having at least a portion of a bottom surface of a first release liner connected to an upper surface of the substrate and a patch having a backing layer and a reservoir that is selectively removable from the top surface of the first release liner. In a connected position, a first portion of the backing layer of the patch is releaseably mounted to a top surface of the first release liner in spaced registration with a poration area of the substate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inserting at least a portion of a sensor into a patient is provided.

Abstract: A sensor insertion device for inserting a detection element of a sensor configured to measure biological information of a subject into the body of the subject includes a device body; a data process unit attached to the device body, a movement mechanism detachably attached to the device body, the movement mechanism being configured to move the detection element together with an insertion needle configured to be stuck into the body of the subject to insert the detection element and the insertion needle into the body of the subject; and a displacement preventing member.

Abstract: A photoplethysmography (PPG) method is provided. The PPG method includes performing at least one of PPG signal measurement and surrounding environment information sensing, and determining a characteristic of a light source for measuring a PPG signal based on at least one of the measured PPG signal or the sensed surrounding environment information.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for patient monitoring are provided. A monitor may include a sensor interface configured to obtain a signal from a sensor applied to a patient. The monitor may also include data processing circuitry configured to obtain a heart rate of the patient, select a filter based at least in part on the heart rate, and filter the signal using the selected filter to reduce noise at frequencies other than the heart rate. Additionally, the monitor may include a light source drive circuitry configured to reduce power to a light source of the sensor after the selected filter is applied to the signal.

Abstract: Provided is a biological sensor capable of reducing stray light that is received without passing through a biological body without increasing the size of the sensor, and capable of improving the reliability of the sensor. A biological sensor includes a circuit board, a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element mounted on a main surface of the circuit board with a predetermined interval therebetween, a light-transmissive light-emitting element sealing portion formed only on an upper portion of a mounting region of the light-emitting element, a light-transmissive light-receiving element sealing portion formed only on an upper portion of a mounting region of the light-receiving element, and a light-blocking portion formed on the main surface of the circuit board and provided in respective peripheries of the light-emitting element sealing portion and the light-receiving element sealing portion and between the light-emitting element sealing portion and the light-receiving element sealing portion.

Abstract: A low coherence light source is used to generate a time-varying and space-localized interference pattern to excite oxygen-sensitive dye embedded in a polymer matrix inside an elongated channel waveguide. The sensing mechanism may be based on triplet-state and phosphorescence quenching of the photosensitizer dye by oxygen molecules. Phosphorescence emission resulting from the time-varying, space-localized excitation light is collected. The intensity or frequency of an oscillating component of the phosphorescence signal is used to quantify the local value of pO2 at a plurality of active measurement points along the waveguide. An oxygen sensor including the waveguide may be formed along a long axis of a needle so that a depth-resolved profile of pO2 in tissue is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood glucose monitoring system, a strip accommodation device, a strip storage device, and an automated blood collection device, wherein the blood glucose monitoring system has the strip accommodation device formed integrally therewith, the strip accommodation device being configured to convert a rotary motion of a cover of an operating member into an upward linear motion and to eject one of a plurality of strips through an ejection hole, thereby easily storing the strips therein, preventing the contamination of the strips from the foreign matters like outside moisture, and accurately and easily measuring the concentration of the glucose in the blood.

Abstract: A puncture needle cartridge (1) comprises: a lancet body (5) mounted with a puncture needle (3) on the front end side and having a mount (4) on the rear end side; and a plate-like first case (6) and second case (7) covering the lancet body (5) from above and below and arranged slidably back and forth along each other. The puncture needle cartridge (1) is configured such that the first case (6) is slid forward of the second case (7) and in this slid state the first case (6) and the second case (7) are secured to each other when ejected from the puncture instrument (10). This can make the puncture needle cartridge (1) impossible to mount again on the puncture instrument (10).

Abstract: The utilization of biomarkers, which include objectively measurable and assessable indicators of a biological process or biological state, in treatments is disclosed. Particularly, biomarkers enabling optimisation of treatment regimes and the use of the biomarkers in tests for the prediction of optimised treatments and treatment outcomes in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are disclosed. Measurable and assessable cognitive and/or genomic parameters can be biomarkers indicating changes in system severity of MDD.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for managing a plurality of events related to a patient and for recording and storing input data related to said events is disclosed. The portable apparatus comprises a man machine user interface; a timer unit; a control unit, arranged to provide an invitation to the patient as an instruction via the interface to perform a motion exercise, upon a trigger from the timer unit or upon a patient self initiation. In an embodiment the apparatus comprises a sensor to record measurements related to said motion exercise. Further, a storage unit is arranged to retrievably store patient input data and said measurements. This enables diagnosing a degree of a neurological disease or an effect of a medication on said neurological disease.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a seizure monitor provides intelligent epilepsy seizure detection, monitoring, and alerting for epilepsy patients or people with seizures. In an embodiment, the seizure monitor may be a wearable, non-intrusive, passive monitoring device that does not require any insertion or ingestion into the human body. In an embodiment, the seizure monitor may include several output options for outputting the accelerometer/gyro or other motion sensor data and video data, so that the data may be immediately validated and/or remotely viewed. The device alerts are communicated to the outside care givers via wireless or wired medium. The device may also support recording of accelerometer or other motion sensor data and video data, which can be reviewed later for further analysis and/or diagnosis. The device and invention is also used and applicable for other body motion disorders or detection and diagnostics.

Abstract: A method and system for automated sleep staging are disclosed. The method comprises determining at least one physiological signal during a predetermined time period, extracting at least one feature from the at least one physiological signal, and classifying the at least one feature using a machine learning classifier to output at least one sleep stage. The system includes a sensor to determine at least one physiological signal during a predetermined time period, a processor coupled to the sensor, and a memory device coupled to the processor, wherein the memory device includes an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to extract at least one feature from the at least one physiological signal and to classify the at least one feature using a machine learning classifier unit to output at least one sleep stage.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring a clinical condition of a subject is described. A motion sensor monitors the subject, and generates a signal in response thereto. A control unit analyzes the signal, and, in response to the analyzing, (a) identifies a sleep stage of the subject, and (b) identifies a clinical parameter of the subject in the identified sleep stage. The control unit monitors the clinical condition, by comparing the clinical parameter to a baseline clinical parameter for the identified sleep stage, and generates an output in response thereto. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An apnea analysis system may include a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sub-system, a breath detection sub-system, and an apnea analysis module. An apnea analysis system includes a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sub-system, a breath detection sub-system, and an apnea analysis module. The PPG sub-system is configured to be operatively connected to an individual and output a PPG signal from the individual. The breath detection sub-system is configured to be operatively connected to the individual and output a breath signal from the individual. The apnea analysis module is in communication with the PPG sub-system and the breath detection sub-system. The apnea analysis module analyzes the breath signal and a respiratory component of the PPG signal and, based on the analysis, identifies a presence of apnea, differentiates between obstructive apnea and central apnea, and provides an indication of the identified apnea.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically implementing a therapy for treating sleep disordered breathing.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for assessing local microvasculature and local microcirculatory vasoreactivity of a patient or research subject by selective noninvasive and nondisturbing monitoring of local microvasculature and local microcirculatory vasoreactivity at an accessible site to noninvasive and nondisturbing trans-surface delivery of a study agent with a known microvascular effect in normal subjects. The method includes noninvasively delivering a vasoactive study agent to skin of the subject for trans-surface delivery to the microvasculature. The microvasculature consists of arteriolar-capillary-venule components of an arterial to venous network and the delivery is performed in a non-iontophoretic manner to exclusively affect local microvascular vasoreactivity without systemic effects or changes, wherein the step of delivering includes application of a micro-patch containing the study agent to the skin of the subject.

Abstract: A method of detecting a level of fluid accumulation in an internal organ of a subject is proposed, as well as a system for carrying out the method. The method comprises: providing at least one classifier trained to distinguish between two or more levels of fluid accumulation; acquiring an audio signal (110) generated by said internal organ; and processing, using at least one processor (134), said audio signal (110) by: performing feature extraction to generate at least one feature vector from the audio signal; and assigning a fluid level from the two or more levels to the audio signal by passing the at least one feature vector to the at least one classifier.

Abstract: An electrode catheter is provided with a catheter shaft (10), an operating handle (20) provided with a connector (70), a tip electrode (31), ring-shaped electrodes (32 to 34), lead wires (41 to 44) connected to the tip electrode (31) and the ring-shaped electrodes (32 to 34), respectively, and a pull wire (50) fixed to the tip electrode (31). The catheter shaft (10) is constituted of a shaft proximal end portion (11) formed of a metal tube having a spiral slit (115) formed in a tip portion, a shaft distal end portion (12) formed of a resin tube of multi-lumen structure, and a resin covering layer (13) covering outer peripheries of the shaft proximal end portion (11) and a rear end portion of the shaft distal end portion (12). The lead wires (41 to 44) and the pull wire (50) extend through different lumens of the resin tube constituting the shaft distal end portion (12). This electrode catheter can is exhibit good kink resistance, torque transmissibility and pushability in the entire shaft.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a switching unit, a light source, a light detector and control unit. The user utilizes the switching unit to select the detection mode. The light is emitted from the light source to the object to generate a reflected light. The light detector detects the reflected light to generate a light detecting signal for the control unit to calculate a corresponding result based on the selected mode. Therefore, single portable electronic device can achieve multiple functions and is more convenient for utilization.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device is provided. The mobile electronic device includes at least one processor, a display module electrically connected with the at least one processor, a communication module electrically connected with the at least one processor, a portable electronic device housing configured to house at least a part of the display module, the at least one processor, and the communication module, and a Heart Rate (HR) sensor (e.g., a Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) sensor) which is placed on one surface of the housing and has at least its part exposed to an outside, and which is electrically connected with the at least one processor.

Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus and a device to detect the position of a moving part of the body of a patient. The detection device includes a management module including electronic and electric components including a differential pressure sensor linked to a measuring device that generates a differential pressure representative of the respiration flow rate of the patient, the management module being organized so as to perform at least: one acquisition and processing of the data produced by the differential pressure sensor for the generation of data representative of the respiratory volume and for the generation of an outgoing digital synchronization signal; the reception of an incoming digital synchronization signal; the generation of an outgoing digital signal of data representative of the respiratory volume in line with one of the two synchronization signals.

Abstract: A system (10) and method to identify motion artifacts. Measurements of a physiological parameter of an associated patient are received from a probe (12) positioned on or proximate to the associated patient. Further, measurements of acceleration are received from an accelerometer (26) positioned on, proximate to, or integrated with the probe (12). Measurements of the physiological parameter are labeled based on the measured acceleration, such as being with or without motion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for receiving a first signal from a first working electrode of a glucose sensor positioned at a first predetermined position under the skin layer, receiving a second signal from a second working electrode of the glucose sensor positioned at a second predetermined position under the skin layer, the second signal received substantially contemporaneous to receiving the first signal, detecting a dropout in the signal level associated with one of the first or second signals, comparing the first signal and the second signal to determine a variation between the first and second signals, and confirming one of the first or second signals as a valid glucose sensor signal output when the determined variation between the first and the second signals is less than a predetermined threshold level are provided.

Abstract: An Adaptive Advisory Control (AA Control) interactive process involving algorithm-based assessment and communication of physiologic and behavioral parameters and patterns assists patients with diabetes with the optimization of their glycemic control. The method and system may uses all available sources of information about the patient; (i) EO Data (e.g. self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and CMG), (ii) Insulin Data (e.g. insulin pump log files or patient treatment records), and (iii) Patient Self Reporting Data (e.g. self treatment behaviors, meals, and exercise) to: retroactively assess the risk of hypoglycemia, retroactively assess risk-based reduction of insulin delivery, and then report to the patient how a risk-based insulin reduction system would have acted consistently to prevent hypoglycemia.

Abstract: A biological information processing system includes a biological information measurement device configured to measure biological information of a subject; and a control device configured to manage the biological information. The control device includes, among other things, an analysis section configured to analyze flag information contained in measurement data received from the biological information measurement device, and a data correction section configured to, when an analysis conducted by an analysis section shows that a measurement date and time are a provisional date and time, correct the measurement date and time information on the basis of a time discrepancy between measurement-side clock information and control-side clock information.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for medical monitoring physiological characteristics values such as blood glucose levels for the treatment of diabetes, are presented. The apparatuses and methods provide dynamic glucose monitoring functions that perform predictive analysis to anticipate harmful conditions, such as glucose crash and hyperglycemic incidents for a patient. The dynamic functions can also be used to maximize athletic performance and warn of inadequate nocturnal basal rate. Other aspects include advanced alarm and reminder functions, as well as advanced data presentation tools to further facilitate convenient and efficient management of various physiological conditions.

Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in a field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic X-ray collimator restricts the X-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with the compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring a radiographic image of a patient includes using an X-ray source and at least a X-ray detector supported in opposed positions, the area under investigation being positioned between the X-ray source and detector in the propagation bundle of the radiation emitted by the X-ray source, the X-ray source and detector being movable along a pre-set trajectory due to at least two movements. The X-ray dose administered to a patient can be adjusted automatically, dispensing the minimum dose necessary to achieve a radiographic image of good quality. The method and apparatus provide for performing a scout acquisition, preceding the acquisition of a real panoramic image, in a particularly efficient way. During the scout acquisition, data are collected for adjusting the X-ray dose for the following radiographic image acquisition.

Abstract: A sensor holding apparatus for facilitating dental imaging, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a handle, an elongated shaft, and a sensor holder. The holder includes a coupling component configured to removably attach to a portal end of the shaft. The shaft comprises a cross-section adapted to receive a user's bite, the cross-section having a substantially polygonal perimeter to aid manipulation of the sensor inside the patient's mouth. The sensor holder further comprises a substantially flat body having a substantially flat surface adapted for removably attaching a sensor to the sensor holder. Furthermore, the substantially flat surface of the body of the sensor holder may comprise at least one edge that is adapted for removably attaching the sensor to the sensor holder by a pressure, or the sensor holder may be configured to receive an adhesive for removably attaching the sensor to the sensor holder.

Abstract: A method controls for a planned radiographic exposure the spatial position of a portable digital direct x-ray detector in a medical imaging system including multiple radiographic exposure stands. The method includes creating a three-dimensional spatial model of the medical imaging system, determining within the model the spatial position of the detector based on input received from three gravity sensors installed thereon, determining a three-dimensional volume space for each radiographic exposure stand, and checking whether the spatial position of the detector fits within the three-dimensional volume space of the radiographic exposure stand.

Abstract: An image display system, radiation imaging system, image display control program and image display control method that make the position of an object of interest easier to perceive. A tomographic image generation section generates a tomographic image DG. A nipple height specification section specifies the height of a nipple P as measured from an imaging plane on the basis of the generated tomographic image DG. An image display control section controls displays at a display, via an interface section, such that an information image IG is displayed together with the generated tomographic image DG. The information image IG indicates the height of the nipple P and the slice height of the tomographic image DG that is being displayed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improve the precision of a CT image of a local region (small FOV image) that is obtained by applying the extensive reconstruction technique to the iterative approximate reconstruction method. A first CT image relating to a first reconstruction range is reconstructed from the projection data of a subject, the projection data being detected by the X-ray detector of the X-ray CT apparatus, and the first CT image is corrected iteratively so that the first calculated projection data obtained from the first CT image according to projection calculation, becomes equal to the projection data of the subject. The first CT image thus iteratively corrected is used to extract local measured projection data in association with the second reconstruction range.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an diagnostic image of an object including a first image capturing unit to acquire a first diagnostic image, a second diagnostic image capturing unit that captures images by utilizing a different format of image capturing than the first image capturing unit in order to acquire a second diagnostic image that is different from the first diagnostic image. An image processor is configured to extract distinct points from at least one of the first diagnostic image and the second diagnostic image and perform image registration the first and second diagnostic images based on the extracted distinct points.

Abstract: A 3D image generation method includes controlling a G-arm frame to rotate to a target angle, and keeping the currents and voltages of two X-ray tubes unchanged during rotation, obtaining groups of 2D projection data of an object when a G-arm is in different angles, each group of 2D projection data including two paths of projection data, conducting calculation according to an FDK algorithm or an FDK correction algorithm using the groups of 2D projection data to obtain a 3D image of the object, and outputting the 3D image, thereby greatly reducing the data obtaining time by obtaining two paths of projection data, effectively reducing the irradiation time of the object, directly outputting the 3D image of the object, reflecting the full view information about the object, and solving the problem in the prior art that the irradiation time of the object under examination of X-rays is long.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system (1) for monitoring acoustic heart signals, comprising a sensor housing (2) comprising a heart sound sensing element (3) adapted to be arranged in connection to a patient's heart to sense heart sounds and to generate a heart sound signal related to the heart sounds; a monitoring unit housing (4) comprising a processing unit (5) adapted to receive said heart sound signal, wherein said monitoring unit housing (4) is separated from said sensor housing (2) and is adapted to be arranged in relation to the patient's upper sternum, wherein the monitoring system (1) further comprises a flexible elongated connector (6) connecting said sensor housing(2) to said monitoring unit housing(4), said connector (6) having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis(7), wherein said connector (6) is connected to said monitoring unit housing(4) in an angular relationship, and wherein the angle ? between said longitudinal axis (7) and a main axis (8) of said monitoring unit housi

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope has a body with a diaphragm at one end of the body. A microphone is housed within the body, wherein the microphone is to generate a first analog audio signal based on sounds waves amplified by the diaphragm. A processing device is also housed within the body and connected to the microphone. The processing device is to receive a second audio signal from a computing device connected to the electronic stethoscope via a connection, and enable the microphone responsive to receipt of the second audio signal.

Abstract: A non-invasive blood (or compartment) pressure measurement device comprises a hand-held housing configured to fit over, or couple to, an existing ultrasound probe. At least one force sensor in or on the housing generates a signal representing the amount of force applied by the probe as a user manipulates the housing. Electronic circuitry converts the force signal into an estimate of pressure when the display shows that a particular vessel or compartment has been occluded by the force of the probe. Apparatus may be provided to grip the handle portion of the probe, with at least one force sensor is supported on or in a component disposed between the apparatus and the housing. The component may be a thin-walled tube, and a plurality of strain gages, each forming a Wheatstone bridge load cell, may be disposed circumferentially around the component. The electrically circuitry is further operative to sum the signals from the plurality of strain gages to reject non-axial moments.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus and method for fetal intelligent navigation echocardiography (FINE). Use of this apparatus and method allows for visualization of standard fetal echocardiography views from dataset volumes obtained with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) and application of intelligent navigation technology. An imaging system includes a processor that executes an instruction set that causes the computing system to perform operations comprising: obtaining dataset volumes of a heart, placing markers within the dataset, and generating selected images of the heart based on the markers in the dataset. The imaging system also includes a memory for storing the images, and a display for displaying the images. The imaging system further includes a port communicatively coupled to a network.

Abstract: The present invention is a guide wire imaging device for vascular or non-vascular imaging utilizing optic acoustical methods, which device has a profile of less than 1 mm in diameter. The ultrasound imaging device of the invention comprises a single mode optical fiber with at least one Bragg grating, and a piezoelectric or piezo-ceramic jacket, which device may achieve omnidirectional (360°) imaging. The imaging guide wire of the invention can function as a guide wire for vascular interventions, can enable real time imaging during balloon inflation, and stent deployment, thus will provide clinical information that is not available when catheter-based imaging systems are used. The device of the invention may enable shortened total procedure times, including the fluoroscopy time, will also reduce radiation exposure to the patient and to the operator.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound imaging apparatus is provided, being operable when used in hand-held mode, and capable of performing operations such as starting and ending actions easily, even during an examination. The portable ultrasound imaging apparatus has a display panel 30 and an operation panel 20 on the front surface of a main body 10 that incorporates an electronic circuit constituting an ultrasound imager, and a handle on the back surface, and the apparatus is provided with operating portions 81 and 82 on the back surface, separated from the operation panel 20. The operating portion 81 may be provided on the handle 60, for instance, and while performing examination with holding the apparatus main body via the handle 60, the operating portion on the back surface is manipulated to implement functions such as starting and ending the imaging.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging device selectively obtains an accurate image of a target part inside an object or an image of a wide part inside the object through an ultrasonic probe by operating a focus adjustment unit. The ultrasonic imaging device includes an ultrasonic probe the front of which is equipped with a probe lens, and a focus adjustment unit mounted to the ultrasonic probe so as to selectively defocus the probe lens. The focus adjustment unit includes a focus adjustment portion arranged in the front of the probe lens, and a pressing portion connected to the focus adjustment portion so as to vary a curvature of the focus adjustment portion by external force.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe includes a matching layer having flexibility, a piezoelectric layer disposed on the bottom surface of the matching layer and having flexibility, a first backing layer disposed on the bottom surface of the piezoelectric layer and having flexibility, a second backing layer disposed on the bottom surface of the first backing layer and including a plurality of backing material layers stacked perpendicularly to the first backing layer, and second backing layer adjusting units respectively disposed between every two of the plurality of the stacked backing material layers of the second backing layer and changing the shape of the backing material layers.

Abstract: The ultrasound measurement instrument of the present invention comprises a main body component having a polyhedral shape; a nozzle that is provided in one plane of the main body component, the nozzle and communicating with the main body component via a hollow portion; and a contact component blocking off a face of the nozzle on the opposite side from the main body component in a flat shape such that ultrasonic waves are transmitted. The contact component is inclined with respect to a first axis that is parallel to the plane of the polyhedral body in which the nozzle is provided, and to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and is parallel to the plane. A cartilage surface is inclined with respect to a biological surface, and the contact component is inclined by the same degree in the inclination direction thereof.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes: a substrate on which ultrasonic elements configured to transmit and receive ultrasound and a cable electrically connected to the ultrasonic elements are installed; an acoustic lens having a plurality of projecting portions connected to one of the substrate and the cable; and an acoustic matching unit located between the substrate and the acoustic lens, wherein the projecting portions extend along an outer perimeter of the substrate, and the projecting portions are provided at a lower ratio per unit length in a direction in which the projecting portions extend in a place where the cable is installed than in a place where the cable is not installed.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a method of operating the same. The method includes transmitting an ultrasound signal to an object to receive an echo signal corresponding to the ultrasound signal from the object, generating an ultrasound image, based on the received echo signal, detecting cross-sectional information indicating which cross-sectional surface of the object the generated ultrasound image shows, and displaying the ultrasound image and a cross-sectional information image corresponding to the detected cross-sectional information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for processing ultrasonic data. The method comprises: obtaining (210) a B-mode ultrasonic image; setting (220) a first ROI on the ultrasonic image according to a first input received from a user; measuring (230) elasticity-related data for the first ROI by using a shear wave ultrasonic imaging technique; generating (240) a second ROI on the ultrasonic image on the basis of the first ROI; and extracting image features for the second ROI from the ultrasonic image.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method of providing ultrasound energy having a stable power output. The method can comprise providing ultrasound energy from a ultrasound transducer; determining a power level threshold of the ultrasound energy; monitoring a power level of the ultrasound energy over time of the ultrasound energy; communicating a power level to a controller; adjusting the frequency of the ultrasound energy upon a change in the power level; and maintaining the power level threshold of the ultrasound energy.

Abstract: A sample collection container adapted to be connected to, and disconnected from, a sample collection adapter and a sample collection container cap. The sample collection adapter has a downward sloping interior surface that provides a free-flowing path for samples provided by a subject to the sample collection container. The sample collection adapter may have a three-dimensional rim that is curved in two different non-parallel planes.