Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for representing a subject's state of mind given a plurality of physiological inputs. In one embodiment, a vector of physiological features is received. The vector of physiological features is provided to a psychophysiological model which comprises a plurality of models which fit the physiological features to psychological quantities, each representing a different state of mind. In a manner more fully disclosed herein, the psychological quantities are then aggregated to obtain an aggregate output that is representative of the subject's overall state of mind. Once the subject's state of mind has been represented, remedial action can then be taken.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining whether a subject is afflicted with a depressive disorder comprising: (i) introducing into the subject a positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand capable of binding with a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor; (ii) performing one or more PET scans of the subject; (iii) determining, by analysis of the one or more PET images, a receptor binding potential of the PET radioligand for the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor in a region of interest in the subject; (iv) comparing the receptor binding potential value of the PET radioligand in the region of interest in the subject to a predetermined receptor binding potential threshold value; and (v) classifying the subject as having the depressive disorder or as not having the depressive disorder based on the comparison of step (iv), thereby determining whether the subject is afflicted with the depressive disorder.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a stress level of a user may include determining, based on biological measurements on one or more physiological markers received in a first sampling mode, the stress level of the user, and then dynamically switching to a second sampling mode when it is determined that one or more of the physiological markers are above a threshold level, the second sampling mode being different from the first sampling mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of correcting distortion of a psychological test using a user's biometric data. By using the method of correcting distortion of a psychological test, it is possible to correct a score of a user who makes response distortion and provide a better selection that meets the objective of the psychological test. Also, it is also possible to train an item with a response instinctually distorted by the user through an analysis of result data of the psychological test training program, thus decreasing the response distortion of the user.

Abstract: A device of drowsiness detection and alarm includes a headrest, at least one brainwave sensor, a computing unit, a controlling unit and an accessory unit. The brainwave sensor is disposed on the headrest and configured to contact with a user's head and detect a brainwave signal. The computing unit receives the brainwave signal from the brainwave sensor and calculates according to the brainwave signal to obtain a fatigue index. The controlling unit controls the accessory unit to activate according to the fatigue index. Therefore, when the user is drowsy and gradually loses consciousness, the accessory unit can immediately alarm the user and allow the user stay awake to avoid the occurrence of accidents. A method of drowsiness detection and alarm is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mouthguard detects when a wearer of the mouthguard receives a concussive impact. The mouthguard includes a U-shaped body and a concussion detection mechanism that undergoes a chemical or physical reaction when the wearer receives the concussive impact.

Abstract: An allergy testing system comprises a skin test device having a grip portion for holding the device. One or more legs extend from the grip, and each leg is oriented to interact with a well containing a potential allergen. Each leg has a test head, and each test head has a plurality of elongated spike members. The elongated spike members have a sharp end configured to receive the potential allergen from a well and to puncture a patient's skin. In addition, each test head has at least one touch activator. The touch activator is longer than the plurality of elongated spike members, such that during an allergy test, the touch activator comes into contact with the skin prior to the elongated spike members, causing the touch activators to activate nerve tissue that blocks transmission of pain, resulting in a reduction of pain and/or discomfort during testing.

Abstract: An adaptability skincare information prompting system and an adaptability skincare prompting method are disclosed. The adaptability skincare information prompting system includes a detecting device for detecting environmental parameters of an environment where a user is currently in and physiological parameters of a target skin of the user, and an electronic device for giving skincare advice information according to the environmental parameters and then verifying or correcting the skincare advice information according to the physiological parameters.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a computer implemented method for automatic detection of teeth clenching and/or teeth grinding in a dataset representing the level of biting force vs.

Abstract: The disclosed devices relate to disposable self-loading absorbent-tipped thermal tooth testing instruments. The instrument utilizes the expansion of dental refrigerant to saturate a cotton-tipped applicator which is permanently attached to one end of the tester into which the opposite end conveniently fits into a spray nozzle of any currently commercially available dental refrigerant can.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system or biological sensor configured to detect adverse conditions experienced by a user and to mitigate such adverse conditions by providing the user mitigation instructions determined according to a behavioral profile of the user. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A biofeedback system and method enables biofeedback training to be accomplished during normal interaction by an individual with the individual's environment, for example while reading, playing video games, watching TV, participating in sports activities, or at work. Physiologic data is processed and used to generate one or more control signals based on the physiologic data. The control signals may be proportional to a result of the data processing, or based on comparison of the processing results with at least one fixed or adaptive threshold. The control signal is supplied to a wearable device through which the individual receives sensory information from the individual's environment, and serves to interrupt or modify the sensory information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing sleep disordered breathing in a user are disclosed. The systems include a sensor assembly configured to detect physiological data of a user while the user is asleep. The systems also include an electronic computing device configured to receive the detected data from the sensor assembly, analyze the detected data for at least one sleep disordered event of the user, determine, from the analyzed data and the at least one event, whether the at least one sleep disordered event is indicative of a sleep disordered breathing symptom, and diagnose the user with a sleep disordered breathing condition when the at least one sleep disordered event is determined to be indicative of a sleep disordered breathing symptom. The systems also include an output device configured to communicate the diagnosed sleep disordered breathing condition to the user.

Abstract: A practitioner device for facilitating at least one of testing and treatment of at least one auditory disorder is disclosed. The practitioner device includes a user interface configured for receiving an input from a practitioner. Further, the practitioner device includes a communication interface configured for communicating information between the practitioner device and at least one of a mobile device and another practitioner device over at least one of a wired communication channel and a wireless communication channel, wherein the information is based on the input, wherein the information corresponds to at least one of at least one auditory test and at least one auditory treatment procedure, wherein the mobile device facilitates at least one of testing of at least one auditory disorder and treatment of at least one auditory disorder.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus for producing a fluid stream having plurality of nanoparticles in the fluid stream. The apparatus includes a source configured to provide a fluid stream having a first randomly sized distribution of a plurality of nanoparticles; a flow control zone configured to receive the fluid stream from the source and to control the fluid stream to produce a controlled fluid stream having a selected flow rate; a separation zone configured to receive and to separate the selectively controlled fluid stream into at least one separated fluid stream having a non-randomly sized distribution of nanoparticles; and a collection zone capable of receiving the separated fluid stream according to at least one non-random sized distribution of nanoparticles to produce at least one collected stream. The apparatus is configured for a continuous flow of the fluid stream.

Abstract: A dynamic sensor interface is provided. Such a dynamic sensor interface may include a reaction layer that includes a biological-based or chemical-based ink that reacts in response to a molecule of interest, a porous membrane that allows for the molecule of interest to pass through to a side that is in contact with the reaction layer, and an adhesive substrate. The reaction of the ink may include a change in a visual appearance of the ink, such as a change in color, transparency, movement within the reaction layer, three-dimensional expansion, three-dimensional contraction, or a tactile change. The reaction layer may include one or more microfluidic channels arranged in a predetermined arrangement such that movement through the microfluidic channels visually indicates detection of the molecule of interest. The reaction of the ink may further include a change in an olfactory property or a thermal property.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a health characteristic of a user based on one or more biological measurements may include selecting a context from a plurality of contexts, each context corresponding to a baseline health value, and each context being defined by a plurality of recorded events each comprising one or more of repeated biological states, repeated user activity, or space-time coordinates of the user, and then monitoring the health characteristic of the user based on one or more bio-sensing measurements in comparison to the baseline health value corresponding to the selected context.

Abstract: A personal impact monitoring system is described herein comprising a monitoring station that receives impact events sent from personal impact monitors, using a monitoring station receiver. The impact events, which specify impact parameters associated with the impact events, are stored in a data storage location associated with the monitoring station. Software operating on the station is configured to retrieve the impact events from the data storage location and to perform calculations based on the impact events to identify notable impact events.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for, among others, tracking sensor insertion locations in a continuous analyte monitoring system. Data gathered from sensor sessions can be used in different ways, such as providing a user with a suggested rotation of insertion locations, correlating data from a given sensor session with sensor accuracy and/or sensor session length, and providing a user with a suggested next insertion location based upon past sensor accuracy and/or sensor session length at that location.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio shadow mask and a method of making and using the high aspect ratio shadow mask can provide multiple conductive trace pathways along high aspect ratio electrodes. The high aspect ratio shadow mask can include a substantially planar base layer and a plurality of hollow high aspect ratio projections extending from the substantially planar base layer. The high aspect ratio shadow mask can further include a plurality of openings along the hollow projections which define trace deposition patterns.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wearable display device. According to an exemplary embodiment, the wearable display device includes: a display unit configured to display an image; a wearing means configured to fix the display unit on a body part; a plurality of sensors positioned on one surface of the wearing means and configured to contact a measuring target to measure a bio-signal from the measuring target; and a wearing means adjustment section included in the display unit and configured to adjust a length of the wearing means contacting the measuring target of the wearing means by using the bio-signal.

Abstract: One aspect is an implantable medical device including a metal housing configured for implantation in a human and including a biocompatible metal and defining an opening. A feedthrough device is configured within the opening of the metal housing and includes an insulating section and a conducting section, the insulating section electrically isolating the conducting section from the metal housing. An ultrasonic joint is configured between the feedthrough device and metal housing that hermetically and mechanically bonds the feedthrough device and metal housing. The biocompatible metal of the housing is a microstructure primarily having ?-phase grains.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a catheter having an ellipsoidal basket-shaped electrode assembly at the distal end of the catheter body formed from a plurality of spines with electrodes. The ellipsoidal basket-shaped electrode assembly has a first deployed expanded configuration having a first area of electrode coverage and a first electrode density, a second deployed expanded configuration having a second area of electrode coverage less than the first area and a second electrode density higher than the first density, and a collapsed configuration wherein the spines are arranged generally along a longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a catheter having a basket-shaped electrode assembly formed from a plurality of spines, each with a plurality of electrodes. The spines are connected at their distal ends and extend through the catheter body to its proximal end. Each spine may be independently controlled, such as by adjusting its longitudinal position relative to the catheter body to causes it to bow outwards to a greater or lesser degree.

Abstract: A physiological signal such as a heart rate acquired from a monitoring device is processed to reduce interference, ambiguity, or artifacts arising during various activities. For example, the system can process a physiological signal to account for motion artifacts in the physiological signal and, thus, reduce the impact of movement on the physiological signal. Additionally, or alternatively, the system can process a physiological signal based on one or more measurement contexts associated with a wearable device. In general, the physiological signal processed as described herein can be useful as a reliable, continuous indication of a physiological parameter and, thus, can serve as the basis for other physiological assessments (e.g., heart rate variability) derived from the physiological parameter.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a method for determining a heart-rate variability (HRV) measurement of a user may include receiving, from a sensor of an electronic device of the user, heart sensor data, determining a noise level of the heart sensor data, and then adjusting the HRV measurement by an amount calculated based on the determined noise level. The sensor data may include data on a photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal over a noise-calculation time period.

Abstract: A data processing device is disclosed for extracting a desired vital signal containing a physiological information component from sensor data that includes time-dependent first sensor data comprising the physiological information component and at least one motion artifact component, and that includes time-dependent second sensor data that is indicative of a position, a velocity or an acceleration of the sensed region as a function of time. A decomposition unit decomposes the second sensor data into at least two components of decomposed sensor data and, based on the decomposed second sensor data, provides at least two different sets of motion reference data in at least two different motion reference data channels. An artifact removal unit determines the vital signal formed from a linear combination of the first sensor data and the motion reference data of at least one two of the motion reference data channels.

Abstract: An exercise feedback system determines sensor data quality of an athletic garment based on bioimpedance data. The athletic garment includes sensors that can generate physiological data and bioimpedance data. An athlete wears the athletic garment while exercising. If the sensors have a stable contact with the skin of the athlete, the sensors generate high quality physiological data. However, if the sensors have unstable or no contact with the skin of the athlete, the sensors generate low quality physiological data. The exercise feedback system uses the magnitude and/or variance of the bioimpedance data to determine whether the physiological data is high or low quality. If the physiological data is high quality, the exercise feedback system may generate and provide feedback based on the physiological data for display to the athlete. The exercise feedback system may also use the bioimpedance data to identify defects in the garment during quality assurance tests.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that employ the variability of physiological waveforms to estimate the time to death after WLST, or time to inadequate organ perfusion. From the variability data one can derive an index subsequently used to determine the probability of death (or inadequate organ perfusion) within a given time frame in an automated fashion from bedside monitors in the intensive or post-anesthesia care unit. The resulting variability index can also be combined with the clinical variables used in other death prediction tools to enhance the performance and outcome when compared to existing models. In at least one implementation, variability monitoring at the bedside could be used to provide estimates of the probability that a patient will die within a certain time frame after WLST. These estimates could be used to reduce the distress of the patients' families, as well as optimize the use of resources surrounding donation.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a PPG circuit that emits light directed at living tissue at a plurality of wavelengths. A first and second spectral response of light reflected from the tissue is obtained around a first wavelength and a second wavelength. Using absorption coefficients for substances at the plurality of wavelengths, concentration levels of a plurality of substances may then be determined from the spectral responses. This embodiment of the biosensor may thus be used to determine concentrations of a plurality of substances in arterial blood flow using the spectral response.

Abstract: A method for determining a stress level of a user based on a sympathovagal balance (SVB) value calculated based on a set of measurement data may include determining a heart-rate variability (HRV) characteristic as a ratio involving a number of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity markers within a first portion of the set of measurement data and the number of ANS activity markers within a second portion of the set of measurement data, and then determining the stress level of the user based on the HRV characteristic. The first and second portions of the set of measurement data may be selected based on a user-specific baseline SVB value that divides a histogram representation of the set of measurement data into the first and second portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an impedance spectroscopy system for bio-impedance measurement. The impedance spectroscopy system includes a signal generator configured to generate a signal with a broadband frequency spectrum and to generate an analog injection current from the signal with the broadband frequency spectrum. The analog injection current has a high pass frequency characteristic. The impedance spectroscopy system also includes an amplifier configured to measure a voltage signal in response to the analog injection current and to simultaneously measure a biopotential signal. Further, the impedance spectroscopy system includes a processor configured to analyze the voltage signal to derive a bio-impedance spectrum as well to derive further information from the biopotential signal.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a method of acquiring a magnetic resonance image are provided. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a data acquirer configured to acquire image data of a subject based on a protocol, the protocol including a learning protocol for learning a respiration of the subject and determining an initial protocol based on the learned respiration. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus further includes a respiratory information acquirer configured to detect the respiration of the subject, and a protocol controller configured to determine whether a respiratory cycle of the subject changes based on the detected respiration, and in response to the protocol controller determining that the respiratory cycle of the subject changes, reset the protocol based on the changed respiratory cycle.

Abstract: An image obtaining unit obtains a plurality of projection images taken by imaging a subject with different radiation source positions. A frequency decomposition unit performs frequency decomposition on each of the projection images to obtain a plurality of band projection images representing frequency components for individual frequency bands for each of the projection images. A reconstruction unit reconstructs the band projection images to generate band tomographic images of the subject for the individual frequency bands. A frequency synthesis unit performs frequency synthesis on the band tomographic images to generate a tomographic image of the subject.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing vibration of a cantilevered patient support surface are provided herein. A system includes a spring and roller coupled with the spring. The spring creates an upwards spring bias on the patient support surface. The roller is coupled with the spring via a roller lever arm. A frictional resistance at the roller arm and an upward directed spring bias enables the roller to maintain constant contact with the patient support surface.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for aligning a field of view (FOV) of a movable part of a medical device with a desired region on a subject's body. In the system, a position detecting unit detects an identifiable optical front projected on the subject's body and at least partially overlapping with the desired region and generates information corresponding to a spatial position of the identifiable optical front. From the information, a processing module determines the spatial position of the identifiable optical front with respect to a known position of the FOV and generates an instruction set that corresponds to one or more mechanical adjustments of the movable part to change a position of the FOV from the known position to the spatial position of the identifiable optical front. An executing module directs a moving mechanism of the movable part to carry out mechanical motions according to the instruction set.

Abstract: A medical imaging system having an X-ray image acquisition device, a plurality of proximity sensors located at components of the X-ray image acquisition device and a processing unit is able to prevent unintended X-ray radiation to an object in a field of irradiation. For this purpose, the processing unit is configured for determining temporal differences of distance information delivered by the proximity sensors, for generating reference distance information based on acquired distance information with an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and the patient support in fixed positions, for filtering out reference distance information from the acquired distance information and for generating a signal in case temporal differences are determined exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A filter is disclosed for the spectral filtration of X-rays emanating from an X-ray source which cross an object under examination and are detected by an X-ray detector in at least two different spectral regions. After crossing the object under examination, the X-rays have an energy spectrum which displays a characteristic distribution for the anode material of the X-ray source. In an embodiment, the filter is configured to suppress part of the energy spectrum comprising the focal point of the energy spectrum. A corresponding X-ray system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging system and methods including a gantry defining a bore and an imaging axis extending through the bore, and at least one support member that supports the gantry such that the imaging axis has a generally vertical orientation, where the gantry is displaceable with respect to the at least one support member in a generally vertical direction. The imaging system may be configured to obtain a vertical imaging scan (e.g., a helical x-ray CT scan), of a patient in a weight-bearing position. The gantry may be rotatable between a first position, in which the gantry is supported such that the imaging axis has a generally vertical orientation, and a second position, such that the imaging axis has a generally horizontal orientation. The gantry may be displaceable in a horizontal direction and the system may perform a horizontal scan of a patient or object positioned within the bore.

Abstract: X-ray image data of an examination subject is acquired for an acquisition period by an X-ray detector of an X-ray system simultaneously with a decay process of a radioactive material taking place in or on the examination subject. The X-ray image data includes information relating to an X-ray attenuation distribution of the examination subject and information relating to the decay process. Correction image data representing the information relating to the decay process in the X-ray image data for the acquisition period is determined. Corrected X-ray image data for the acquisition period is generated using the X-ray image data and the correction image data.

Abstract: A method and system for converting low-dose tomosynthesis projection images or reconstructed slices images with noise into higher quality, less noise, higher-dose-like tomosynthesis reconstructed slices, using of a trainable nonlinear regression (TNR) model with a patch-input-pixel-output scheme called a pixel-based TNR (PTNR). An image patch is extracted from an input raw projection views (images) of a breast acquired at a reduced x-ray radiation dose (lower-dose), and pixel values in the patch are entered into the PTNR as input. The output of the PTNR is a single pixel that corresponds to a center pixel of the input image patch. The PTNR is trained with matched pairs of raw projection views (images together with corresponding desired x-ray radiation dose raw projection views (images) (higher-dose). Through the training, the PTNR learns to convert low-dose raw projection images to high-dose-like raw projection images.

Abstract: A method for use in medical imaging of a patient including, with the patient immobilized with respect to an imaging reference frame, acquiring first digital imaging information including a first region of interest using a first imaging modality; processing the first digital imaging information to identify a feature for analysis; and using a second imaging modality to acquire targeted second imaging information for a second region of interest, the second region of interest corresponding to a subset of the first region of interest, wherein the second region of interest includes the feature for analysis.

Abstract: A heart rate detection method for calculating heart rate using heart sound from auscultation positions identified by a statistical approach utilizes a down-sampling and filtering process to acquire samples of heart sound from multiple auscultation positions of multiple testees and calculate heart rate with the samples, records time for calculating heart rate from each auscultation position of each testee and record the same from electrocardiogram, calculates a mean error and a standard deviation of the time to identify the auscultation positions allowing faster speed in heart rate detection, and applies a Bland-Altman difference plot and both a coefficient of determination and a Pearson's correlation coefficient to determine the degree of consistency and correlation of the heart rate measured from the multiple auscultation positions to identify the auscultation positions allowing generation of precise heart rate.

Abstract: A system having a chest piece for fitting to human skin, a receiver unit and a distant server; said chest piece encapsulates a sound transducer for acquiring raw sound data for being communicated as data signal; said receiver, in operation, is in communication with said chest piece; said receiver is a portable device having a display unit and data processing ability, and is further connectable to a local data network or global internet; said distant server comprises computer coded instructions which, in operation, processes said data signals, stores medical information and communicates said data signals and/or medical information with at least two recipients, the recipients are able to communicate information.

Abstract: An electronic catheter stethoscope measures and analyzes acoustic fields and dynamic pressure variations in the gaseous or liquid fluid inside a conventional medical catheter that is positioned in a patient's urologic, digestive, reproductive, cardiovascular, neurological or pulmonary system. Measurement transducers are installed in a housing connectable to multiple preselected medical catheters. The transducers detect bodily functions that are transmitted to the preselected catheter from within the body. The transducers, housing, electrical interface and signal processing electronics are positioned outside the body.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes Doppler processing circuitry and processing circuitry. The Doppler processing circuitry filters a data sequence of reflected-wave data at the same positions across a plurality of frames in a frame direction to collect blood flow information in a predetermined region of interest. The processing circuitry receives a first instruction to change the range of flow rate values to be displayed, in display of the blood flow information. The processing circuitry receives a second instruction to change a setting related to the region of interest. The processing circuitry changes the range of flow rate values in response to the first instruction when receiving the first instruction, and performs an adjustment for maintaining the range of flow rate values when receiving the second instruction.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging catheter is disclosed which includes a drive shaft, of which a distal portion is provided with a signal transmitting and receiving unit, and which can be rotated; a sheath including a lumen into which the drive shaft is inserted such that the drive shaft can be moved forward and backward; a communicating hole which is provided in a distal portion of the sheath, and through which the inside and the outside of the sheath communicate with each other; and a valve body capable of opening and closing the communicating hole. The valve body is configured to be capable of switching between a closed state in which the communicating hole is covered and blocked with the valve body and an open state which the valve body enters by being moved to the outside of the sheath from the closed state, and in which the communicating hole is open.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes determination circuitry and generation circuitry. The determination circuitry determines whether or not a reflected wave signal received by each channel of an ultrasonic probe is saturated. The generation circuitry generates reflected wave data through a phasing addition process using an output signal for which a predetermined process corresponding to a result of the determination acquired by the determination circuitry is performed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device is provided to improve the work flow of an operator. The ultrasonic diagnostic device includes a plurality of ultrasonic probes, and a selection unit 82 that performs a selecting function according to a program so as to select the most frequently used ultrasonic probe based on information on the frequency of use of the ultrasonic probes, the information being specified by information on a use situation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device. The information on the frequency of use is created by the information creation unit 81. The information on the frequency of use may be created for each subject, each operator, or each test type.