Abstract: An arena cleaning machine includes cleaning members, such as pads or brushes supported on a carriage that provides stability to the cleaning members and situates them in a position to contact the surface of ice rink dasher boards. The cleaning members are moveable into a desired cleaning position by adjusting their position along the carriage. A driver of the machine can make several passes around the rink, cleaning successive strips on the dasher boards.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor able to use low-pressure or high-pressure fluids such as water for a large number of applications. The motor uses a flow of water that is controlled and directed through a system of supply tubes to a chamber that fills with the fluid, moving a piston that produces an action such as rotating a shaft to turn a brush. Fluid fills the chamber through a system of opening and closing valves that direct and control the flow of the fluid so that the piston exerts pressure against a spring until it reaches a maximum position. A system of valves then reverses the flow of fluid until the piston is pushed in the opposite direction, producing an action such as turning a brush through the alternating application of water flows. A one-way gear box may be used to control the action of a shaft, which may be directed to turn in the same direction or in alternating directions to accomplish a wide variety of applications such as an hydraulic brush, gearbox speed increaser, generator or washing machine.

Abstract: A container may include a body portion having opposing open and closed ends, and a trapezoid-shaped longitudinal side extending laterally between the open and closed ends. The open end may include a latch portion extending laterally and being opposite to the trapezoid-shaped longitudinal side. The container may also include a handle coupled to the open end, and switchingly coupled to the latch portion.

Abstract: A self-adhesive cleaning wipe for use in cleaning dental mirrors and instruments. The self-adhesive cleaning wipe is placed on the surface of protective gloves worn by dental professionals, thereby providing a conveniently accessible absorbent cleaning surface for mirrors and instruments when they become soiled, wet, or fogged. The self-adhesive cleaning wipe is removable and disposable in order to facilitate infection control.

Abstract: A medical apparatus, including a lithotripsic device configured to break a stone into one or more fragments in a body lumen and an endoscope which is configured to obtain a captured image in the body lumen. The medical apparatus further includes an image processor which is configured to process the captured image and create a processed image for display on a monitor, and which is also configured to process and display a track of a movement of at least one of the stone or the one or more fragments.

Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus for endoscopic treatment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an endoscopic insertion tube comprising an outer surface including an outer rail formed longitudinally thereon and extending along a portion of the insertion tube. The outer rail has a predetermined shape. The insertion tube comprises an inner channel formed therethrough. An endoscope apparatus for endoscopic treatment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an endoscopic insertion tube without a working channel and an outer surface including at least one outer rail formed longitudinally thereon and extending along a portion of the insertion tube. The outer rail has a first predetermined shape. At least one medical device includes an outer wall having at least one mounting unit formed thereon along a portion of the length of the outer wall. The mounting unit has a second predetermined shape cooperable with the first predetermined shape.

Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.

Abstract: A system includes a first element configured to receive a plurality of color components that are spatially separated, wherein each of the plurality of color components comprises light of a respective wavelength, and to focus the plurality of spatially separated color components onto a first surface of a second element. The system also includes a second element having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second element is configured to receive the plurality of color components via the first surface, to transmit to the second surface uniform light comprising the plurality of color components in a blended state, and to emit the uniform light via the second surface. The system also includes a slit lamp configured to receive the uniform light.

Abstract: Method and system for treating of visual impairment associated with misalignment between eyes of a patient is described. The invention allows to obtain electronically of an image of an object at which one eye of the patient is staring, calculating angular deviation between staring direction of this eye and the second eye and displaying before the second eye the image after it has been electronically processed so as to correct the angular deviation and to obtain the image, which would be perceptible by the brain as a single three dimensional stereoscopic image.

Abstract: A system for fitting glasses frames to a user is disclosed. The system includes an interface for receiving images of a user's head at different angles. A processor compares user head measurements determined from the images with a database of glasses frame information that includes glasses frame measurements. One or more glasses frames are selected based on the comparison and the selected glasses frames are output.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring the elasticity of crystalline lens and an apparatus for measuring the elasticity of the crystalline lens for measuring stiffness of the crystalline lens 1, wherein the crystalline lens 1 is irradiated with pulse laser light to generate photoelastic waves from the crystalline lens 1, and the photoelastic waves from the crystalline lens 1 are measured.

Abstract: Systems, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for imaging an object. The system includes a scanner. The scanner positions a spot of light from a light source on the object along a scanning path. The scanning path includes a plurality of scan lines. The spot moves along the scanning path at a scanning velocity. The scanning velocity is not constant. The intensity of the spot of light is modulated as a function of the scanning velocity. The system includes a detector that is arranged to output data associated with positions along the scanning path. The system includes one or more processors that perform calculations. Pixels are calculated based on the output data. The image is constructed of the object based on the pixels.

Abstract: A fundus photographing apparatus includes: an illumination optical system for illuminating a fundus of a examinee's eye; and a photographing optical system for photographing the fundus illuminated by the illumination optical system. The photographing optical system includes: a first aperture diaphragm for forming an image of the aperture diaphragm in a position between a pupil and a posterior surface of a crystalline lens of the eye; and a second aperture diaphragm for forming an image of the aperture diaphragm not acting as a field diaphragm, in a position between the fundus of the eye and the image of the first aperture diaphragm.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring change of intraocular pressure and a contact lens for sensing change of intraocular pressure are provided. The contact lens includes a first material layer and a first pattern. The center of the first material layer has an optical region, and the optical region corresponds to a cornea region of an eyeball. The first pattern is formed on the optical region. Furthermore, the contact lens may further include a second material layer and a second pattern. The second material layer is located on the first material layer. The second pattern is formed on the second material layer and overlaps with the first pattern to form a moire pattern.

Abstract: A wireless diagnostic sensor link for providing wireless communication between a signal source and a monitoring device. The wireless diagnostic sensor link includes a signal input device operable for receiving a signal from the signal source in a first communication protocol in the form of an analog signal, converting the analog signal to a digital signal, and transmitting the digital signal in the form of a wireless communication protocol. The wireless diagnostic sensor link also includes a signal output device, which receives the digital signal. The signal output device is in electrical communication with the monitoring device, and is also operable for communicating with the signal input device. The signal output device converts the digital signal back to an analog signal, and sends the signal to the monitoring device in the form of a second communications protocol.

Abstract: A device includes a clamp and a sensor. The sensor can be permanently attached to the clamp and tissue by the force exerted by the clamp. The clamp includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member has a jaw face and the second jaw member has a complementary face. The second jaw member is held in alignment with the first jaw member by a joint. The joint has an elastic member configured to exert a compressive force between the jaw face and the complementary face. The joint is configured to allow movement of the jaw face relative to the complementary face in directions corresponding to pitch, roll, yaw, and heave. The compressive force is distributed over a surface of the jaw face. The sensor is coupled to the jaw face or held in place by the compressive force of the jaw face. The sensor is configured to generate a sensor signal corresponding to a physiological parameter of tissue proximate the jaw face.

Abstract: A headset device includes a headset body, a connection unit to move relative to the headset body, and a sensor unit having a light emitting element and a light receiving element to sense a biosignal, the sensor unit mounted to the connection unit to make contact with a human body. The sensor unit may measure a biosignal of a user, and the headset body and the sensor unit are indirectly connected by the connection unit. Accordingly, the sensor unit may be isolated from movement or vibration received through the headset body.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method according to the present disclosure are provided. For example, an apparatus for providing electromagnetic radiation to a structure can be provided. The exemplary apparatus can include a first arrangement having at least two wave-guides which can be configured to provide there through at least two respective electromagnetic radiations with at least partially different wavelengths from one another. The exemplary apparatus can also include a dispersive second arrangement structured to receive the electro-magnetic radiations and forward at least two dispersed radiations associated with the respective electro-magnetic radiations to at least one section of the structure. The wave-guide(s) can be structured and/or spatially arranged with respect to the dispersive arrangement to facilitate at least partially overlap of the dispersed radiations on the structure.

Abstract: Tissue contrast imaging systems are described which detect differences in tissue contrasts to obtain images of the tissue region. The systems may be used to obtain images of the cardiac tissues particularly in a blood-filled environment.

Abstract: Various techniques for measuring cardiac cycle length and pressure metrics based on pulmonary artery pressures are described. One example method described includes identifying a point within a derivative signal of a cardiovascular pressure signal without reference to electrical activity of a heart, initiating a time window from the identified point in the derivative signal, identifying a point within the cardiovascular signal within the time window, and determining at least one of a systolic pressure or diastolic pressure based on the identified point.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses (e.g., systems, devices) and methods for processing, distributing, and analyzing medical data. In particular, apparatuses and methods for processing and distributing tasks or jobs for completion by a qualified worker or specialist are described. Crowdsourcing data to specialists for interpretation can be accomplished using an auction system to match the specialists with discrete portions of the data. The data can be bundled based on one or more categories or characteristics, and then placed on an auction where the specialists can bid for each bundle by submitting a payment price. The data can be medical data, such as ECG data, imaging data and test data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using feedback to minimize and treat cardiac fibrillation in a patient, includes generating a map of one or more measurements indicative of a number and distribution of electrical circuit cores for a duration across a cardiac tissue substrate in the patient's heart in response to electrical activity, defining an optimal placement of at least one ablation lesion in the cardiac tissue substrate; applying ablation lesion therapy based on the optimal placement; determining whether the ablation lesion therapy minimized or treated cardiac fibrillation; if therapy is determined to have minimized or treated cardiac fibrillation, assessing fibrillogenicity of the cardiac tissue substrate to determine whether fibrillogenicity is below a predetermined threshold; and if therapy is determined to have not minimized or treated cardiac fibrillation, repeating the steps of generating, defining, applying, and determining until ablation lesion therapy minimizes or treats cardiac fibrillation.

Abstract: An implantable device for analyzing a high frequency (HF) electrogram signal including an implantable electrode, a signal pickup configured to pick up an electrogram signal including a HF component, a signal filter connected to the signal pickup and configured to measure a HF component from the signal only during a specific portion of a cardiac cycle, and an analyzer for analyzing the HF component, wherein the signal pickup, the signal filter and the analyzer are included within an implantable container, and the analyzer is configured to analyze at least one time-varying parameter of the HF component, and the signal filter is configured to measure the signal by using a signal picked up from at least one electrode selected from a group consisting of (a) intracardiac, (b) subcutaneous, (c) a can of the implanted device, (d) a combination of two of the above. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for extracting, de-noising, and analyzing electrocardiogram signals. Any of the apparatuses described herein may be implemented as a (or as part of a) computerized system. For example, described herein are apparatuses and methods of using them or performing the methods, for extracting and/or de-noising ECG signals from a starting signal. Also described herein are apparatuses and methods for analyzing an ECG signal, for example, to generate one or more indicators or markers of cardiac fitness, including in particular indicators of atrial fibrillation. Described herein are apparatuses and method for determining if a patient is experiencing a cardiac event, such as an arrhythmia.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system is used for evaluating an intensive EEG or an EEG during anaesthesia. Time domain and/or frequency range parameters are determined from the EEG graphs. The determined parameters are used in multivariate classification functions and the intensive EEG or EEG during anaesthesia are automatically divided into stages. The EEG graphs are also analysed for interfering signal components from the quantity of biosignals of graphs characteristic of intensive EEGs or EEGs which are not performed during anaesthesia. If interfering signal components are identified, the existence of biosignals of graphs characteristic of intensive EEGs or EEGs which are not performed during anaesthesia is verified by artifact analysis in the absence of artifacts, and is not verified if artifacts are identified.

Abstract: Preferred systems can include an electrical impedance tomography apparatus electrically connectable to an object; an ultra low field magnetic resonance imaging apparatus including a plurality of field directions and disposable about the object; a controller connected to the ultra low field magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and configured to implement a sequencing of one or more ultra low magnetic fields substantially along one or more of the plurality of field directions; and a display connected to the controller, and wherein the controller is further configured to reconstruct a displayable image of an electrical current density in the object. Preferred methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating MRI images of the lungs and/or airways of a subject using a medical grade gas mixture comprises between about 20-79% inert perfluorinated gas and oxygen gas. The images are generated using acquired 19F magnetic resonance image (MRI) signal data associated with the perfluorinated gas and oxygen mixture.

Abstract: This invention is a device and system for monitoring a person's food consumption comprising: a wearable sensor that automatically collects data to detect probable eating events; an imaging member that is used by the person to take pictures of food wherein the person is prompted to take pictures of food when an eating event is detected by the wearable sensor; and a data analysis component that analyzes these food pictures to estimate the types and amounts of foods, ingredients, nutrients, and/or calories that are consumed by the person. In an example, the wearable sensor can be part of a smart watch or smart bracelet. In an example, the imaging member can be part of a smart phone. The integrated operation of the wearable sensor and the imaging member disclosed in this invention offers accurate measurement of food consumption with low intrusion into the person's privacy.

Abstract: An implantable activity detector can detect metabolic stress levels, which can be normalized, such as to identify times of activities such as walking and running or to identify trends such as a decrease in metabolic activity. The data can be derived from different sources such as an accelerometer and pedometer. This data can be compared to independently specifiable thresholds, such as to trigger an alert or responsive therapy, or to display one or more trends. The information can also be combined with other congestive heart failure (CHF) indications. The alert can notify the patient or a caregiver, such as via remote monitoring. Metabolic activity data from one or more of the activity detectors can be used to establish a model of metabolic stress, to which further activity data can be compared for identifying periods of increased or decreased metabolic stress.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of a subject comprising performing a dual-energy X-ray scan of the subject; generating at least one image of the subject from the dual-energy X-ray scan; identifying a region of interest; dividing the region of interest into a plurality of sections; generating a soft tissue composition profile for each of the plurality of sections, wherein the soft tissue composition profile identifies an edge of the subject, an outer edge of an abdominal wall of the subject, a subcutaneous region and a subcutaneous thickness for each of the plurality of sections; determining a subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) composition for each of the plurality of sections, wherein a subcutaneous fat fraction is used to calculate the subcutaneous fat and lean masses and/or volumes; and determining a VAT based on the determined SAT composition for each of the plurality of sections.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and software arrangement for imaging a surface of a structure that is in contact with an opaque fluid is provided. The apparatus includes an article of manufacture (e.g., a housing), a fluid delivery arrangement and an imaging arrangement. The housing includes an aperture formed in the article of manufacture. The fluid delivery arrangement is configured to deliver a volume of substantially transparent fluid to the aperture formed in the housing. The imaging arrangement is configured to image the surface of the structure using an imaging modality after the volume of the transparent fluid is delivered to the aperture, wherein the imaging arrangement and/or the article of manufacture is translated along the surface of the structure while imaging the surface of the structure.

Abstract: An imaging system has a microscope having an objective lens and a projection device configured to project spatially modulated light in one of several preselected predetermined pattern through the objective lens and onto tissue. The system camera configured to record an image of the tissue through the microscope and objective lens as illuminated by the spatially modulated light, and an image processor having a memory with a routine for performing spatial Fourier analysis on the image of the tissue to recover spatial frequencies. The image processor also constructs a three dimensional model of the tissue, and performs fitting of at least absorbance and scattering parameters of voxels of the model to match the recovered spatial frequencies. The processor then displays tomographic slices of the three dimensional model.

Abstract: A system includes a local patient monitor and a plurality of remote patient monitors. The local patient monitor may display a plurality of physiological parameters for a local patient. The local patient monitor may further display a remote monitoring interface with the local patient's physiological parameters. The remote monitoring interface may include a plurality of status icons respectively representing the plurality of remote patient monitors. In one embodiment, the local patient monitor receives alarm information from a first remote patient monitor indicating that one or more physiological parameters for a remote patient are outside of a determined range. The alarm information may include, for example, location information for the remote patient and an alarm condition indicated by the one or more physiological parameters. The local patient monitor may display the alarm information within the remote monitoring interface.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which can accept operations from a plurality of operation panels can ensure convenience for operators while avoiding the risk of excessively exposing an object to X-rays. This invention is a control method in an X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which irradiates an object with X-rays and processes a captured image obtained by imaging the object. This method includes the steps of receiving information associated with an imaging condition at the time of X-ray irradiation which is input via an operation panel, discriminating, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, an operation panel from which the information associated with the imaging condition has been input, and restricting, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, the reception of a specific instruction input via an operation panel other than the discriminated operation panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating a complete medical image data set from an incomplete image data set, comprising the method steps of: providing a first image data set which represents an image of a first region of a body, including at least a part of the surface of the body, at a first point in time; providing a second, incomplete image data set which represents an image of a second region of the body at a second point in time, wherein the first region and the second region overlap; providing a third data set which represents the contour of the body in the form of points on the surface of the body, substantially at the second point in time; adapting the first image data set to the second image data set by taking into account the third data set; and accepting the adapted first image data set as a complete image data set.

Abstract: In order to provide a technique of obtaining an image having high diagnosability without degrading the operability in an X-ray CT apparatus that suppresses the amount of exposure of an object by controlling the amount of radiation by setting a target image SD and determining the imaging conditions (tube current) satisfying the target image SD, there is provided an X-ray CT apparatus that controls the amount of radiation according to the size of an object in consideration of the contrast by simply inputting one image quality level as a reference of the image quality level that the operator desires. The input image quality level is set as a target image SD when scanning an object having a standard size with a standard tube voltage.

Abstract: A tomography system may be used to scan a subject and provide reconstructed images of the subject. A gantry of the tomography system has a rotary member that is rotatable around an axis. While the rotary member rotates, a skid layer provides safety features between the rotary member and a subject-facing scan window.

Abstract: A method for selecting a radiation shaping filter is disclosed, which modifies the spatial distribution of the intensity and/or the spectrum of x-rays of an x-ray source of an imaging system. In an embodiment, anatomical measurement data of an object under examination is recorded, from which with the aid of the imaging system image data is created. The radiation shaping filter is selected automatically on the basis of the recorded anatomical measurement data of the object under examination. An imaging system, in which a radiation shaping filter is selected, is further disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for obtaining image data from inside an examination object from images of a computed tomograph. In an embodiment, the method includes accepting first measurement data of the examination object, acquired based on x-ray radiation of a first energy, and second measurement data of the examination object, acquired based on x-ray radiation of a second energy differing from the first energy; setting an optimized output of target image points on the basis of the first and second measurement data at the respective target image points, each as a function of local optimization parameter values of the target image points determined locally from the first and second measurement data in the area of the target image points, while deriving image point reproduction parameter values representing the optimized output; and determining the output data based on optimized output of the target image points.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to scheduling positron emission tomography (PET) scans for a combined PET-MRI scanner based on an acquisition of MR scout images of a subject. An anatomy and orientation of the subject can be determined based on the MR scout images and the schedule for acquiring PET scans of the subject can be determined from the anatomy of the subject. The schedule generated using exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can specify a sequence of bed positions, scan durations at each bed position, and whether respiratory gating will be used at one or more of the bed positions.

Abstract: A method of dynamic imaging and resolving respiratory motion includes acquiring volume data for a volume over a plurality of respiratory cycles, acquiring respiratory data representative of respiration over the plurality of respiratory cycles, dividing each respiratory cycle of the plurality of respiratory cycles into a set of respiratory intervals based on the respiratory data, and displaying a respective composite three-dimensional image of the volume for each respiratory interval based on the volume data acquired during the respiratory interval from each respiratory cycle of the plurality of respiratory cycles.

Abstract: The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator to generate and emit X-rays, an X-ray detector to detect the emitted X-rays and acquire X-ray data, and a controller to convert the X-ray data into X-ray characteristic coordinates and estimate a response characteristic function of the X-ray detector from a relationship between measurement data and reference data, the measurement data and the reference data being converted into the X-ray characteristic coordinates.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for adaptive exposure in imaging systems. An x-ray source for producing x-ray radiation and an x-ray detector for measuring amount of x-ray radiation passing through the human patient and striking the detector can be used. A tomographic image of the human patient or a tomosynthetic image of the human patient can be generated. Region of interest filtering and equalization filtering can be utilized. Filtering can be accomplished with a mechanical shield or shutter or with electronic control of the x-ray source.

Abstract: In the case where a tracking process of a moving tissue performing a contraction movement and an expansion movement and represented by a cardiac wall is performed for one heartbeat from the ED1 to the ED2, a contour position (tracking point) initially set at the ES (End-Systole) is tracked until ED1 in accordance with movement information, the tracking point is rearranged and a position of a middle layer is set at the ED (End-Diastole), the rearranged tracking point including the position of the middle layer is tracked in accordance with the movement information already obtained, and then the tracking point is further tracked in the normal direction until the ED2.

Abstract: A method of creating an ultrasound image includes receiving a return signal from a time delayed signal emitted from a plurality of transducer elements at a target the return signal comprising a measurement at each of the plurality of transducer elements formed from a plurality of reflections off of a plurality of volume elements forming a two dimensional slice of a target, computing a Van-Cittert Zernike (VCZ) curve for each of the plurality of volume elements based upon the measured return signals and creating an short-lag spatial coherence (SLSC) image comprising a plurality of pixels each associated with one of the plurality of volume elements wherein each of the plurality of pixels comprises a value computed from a metric of the VCZ curve computed for each of the associated plurality of volume elements.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic endoscopic probe capable of obtaining an ultrasonic observation image having high spatial resolution. A part of a substantially tubular catheter is sealed with seal plates to provide a cavity housing: a motor including a motor casing, a rotor magnet, a bearing, and a rotating shaft; an ultrasonic transducer mounted to the rotating shaft; and a signal transmission means. The bearing includes an inner peripheral surface provided with a plurality of dynamic pressure generating grooves. An acoustic coupling fluid is sealed in the cavity and is allowed to penetrate a gap between the bearing and the rotating shaft at all times. When the ultrasonic transducer and the motor are rotated in the acoustic coupling fluid, the acoustic coupling fluid is suctioned in a preferable manner into the bearing gap having the dynamic pressure generating grooves for lubrication. Thus, a lack of an oil film on the bearing can be prevented, allowing for high accuracy rotation.

Abstract: A floating transducer drive configured to isolate relatively low voltage system electronics from a relatively high voltage transmit circuit in an ultrasound imaging system. A receive circuit is electrically connected to an isolated local ground. An isolation circuit is electrically connected between the receive circuit and a relatively low-voltage processing circuit. The isolation circuit is configured such that during a transmit event during which the relatively high voltage transmit circuit sends a relatively high voltage signal to a transducer, the isolated local ground is electrically connected to the transmit circuit, but when the transmit event is not occurring, the isolated local ground is electrically connected to a system ground.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe which may adjust curvature of an acoustic lens using a shape memory alloy. The ultrasound probe includes an acoustic lens, a focus adjusting unit installed on the acoustic lens and deforming the shape of the acoustic lens to adjust the focus of ultrasonic waves radiated through the acoustic lens, and a current applying unit applying current to the focus adjusting unit to contract or expand the focus adjusting unit.

Abstract: A mass-spectral method is disclosed for determining whether breast cancer patient is likely to benefit from a combination treatment in the form of administration of a targeted anti-cancer drug in addition to an endocrine therapy drug. The method obtains a mass spectrum from a blood-based sample from the patient. The spectrum is subject to one or more predefined pre-processing steps. Values of selected features in the spectrum at one or more predefined m/z ranges are obtained. The values are used in a classification algorithm using a training set comprising class-labeled spectra and a class label for the sample is obtained. If the class label is “Poor”, the patient is identified as being likely to benefit from the combination treatment. In a variation, the “Poor” class label predicts whether the patient is unlikely to benefit from endocrine therapy drugs alone, regardless of the patient's HER2 status.