Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphogenic features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive method for assessing liver fibrosis progression in an individual, said method comprising the steps of calculating the ratio of fibrosis level to cause duration and to a non-invasive method for assessing liver fibrosis progression in an individual, said method comprising the steps of measuring, at two different times t1 and t2, the fibrosis levels FL (t1) and FL (t2) and calculating the ratio FL (t2)?FL (t1) to (t2?t1) and to a non-invasive method for assessing if an individual is a slow, medium or fast fibroser.

Abstract: A method of extracting and analyzing a data set from a flow cytometer system of the preferred embodiment comprises the steps of (1) running a sample and saving all collected raw data, (2) viewing raw (or “unmodified”) data, (3) modifying the raw data (e.g., scaling and/or culling the raw data), (4) reviewing and saving the modified data, and (5) exporting the saved data. Once the sample has been run and all collected data have been saved, the user can repeat the steps of modifying the raw data, saving the modified data, and exporting the saved data as many times as necessary and/or desirable.

Abstract: A system for providing animal test information is disclosed that comprises: test devices; and a central device communicably connected to the test devices, wherein each of the terminal test devices comprises: an input receiving section for receiving input of attribution information of a sample; a measurement section for measuring the sample and acquiring a measurement result; an information transmitting section for transmitting a data set of the attribution information and the measurement result to the central device, wherein the central device comprises: an information receiving section for receiving the data set; a data storage for storing a plurality of the data set; a standard value calculation section for calculating a standard value to be used for determining a treatment of an animal, based on a plurality of the measurement result included in a plurality of the data set which have common attribution information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assessing the proliferation or differentiation behaviour of a population of target cells in a biological system, said method comprising the steps of; [a] measuring the value of at least one proliferation characteristic of said cells at least one time point t, wherein said proliferation characteristic is the clone size distribution; [b] comparing the clone size distribution measured in [a] to a reference clone size distribution at a corresponding time point t predicted or described by the predicted or described clone size distribution of [b] indicates an altered proliferation or differentiation behaviour of said cells. The invention further relates to methods involving assessing the scaling form of the above behaviours, values of the parameters, and inferring effects on cell proliferation and/or differentiation therefrom.

Abstract: A method for measuring structural entropy of cell nuclei in a histological micrograph of a biopsy tissue sample involves the steps of: obtaining a dye color map from a color image of the biopsy tissue sample; locating cell nuclei in the dye color map; and measuring structural features within small groups (cliques or paths) of cell nuclei to determine their degree of organization (or structural entropy). Also, an apparatus for measuring structural entropy of cell nuclei in a histological micrograph of a biopsy tissue sample includes a processor executing instructions for: obtaining a dye color map of the biopsy tissue sample; locating cell nuclei in the dye color map; and measuring structural features within small groups (cliques or paths) of cell nuclei to determine their degree of organization (or structural entropy).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for performing a prenatal diagnosis of a sequence imbalance are provided. A shift (e.g. to a smaller size distribution) can signify an imbalance in certain circumstances. For example, a size distribution of fragments of nucleic acids from an at-risk chromosome can be used to determine a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy. A size ranking of different chromosomes can be used to determine changes of a rank of an at-risk chromosome from an expected ranking. Also, a difference between a statistical size value for one chromosome can be compared to a statistical size value of another chromosome to identify a significant shift in size. A genotype and haplotype of the fetus may also be determined using a size distribution to determine whether a sequence imbalance occurs in a maternal sample relative to a genotypes or haplotype of the mother, thereby providing a genotype or haplotype of the fetus.

Abstract: A method for discriminating particle groups comprises generating, by a particle analyzer, a particle characteristic distribution histogram in which the abscissa indicates respective channels for representing the characteristics of the particles, and the ordinate indicates the particle count; setting a valid area selection height in the particle characteristics distribution histogram; and generating an equivalent negative histogram based on the set height and the particle characteristic distribution histogram.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of performing image processing for images of biological objects includes: storing definitions of a plurality of descriptors; receiving image data relating to an image of a reference population of biological objects; receiving image data relating to an image of a target population of biological objects; processing the reference population image data to obtain a reference set of measurements, containing data for each of the descriptors; processing the target population image data to obtain a target set of measurements, containing data for each of the descriptors; and selecting a combination of the descriptors on the basis of comparing the reference set with the target set to define a preferred combination of the descriptors for use in identifying characteristics of a further population of biological objects which are similar to those of the target population.

Abstract: A biosensor system determines the presence and/or concentration of an analyte in a sample using one or more calibrated correlation equations. The analysis may be electrochemical, optical, or a combination thereof. The biosensor system may be implemented using a measurement device and a sensor strip. The measurement device applies test signals to a multi-layered encoding area of the sensor strip. Calibration information is determined from the patterns generated by the interaction of the test signals with the multi-layered encoding area.

Abstract: A method of extracting and analyzing a data set from a flow cytometer system of the preferred embodiment comprises the steps of (1) running a sample and saving all collected raw data, (2) viewing raw (or “unmodified”) data, (3) modifying the raw data (e.g., scaling and/or culling the raw data), (4) reviewing and saving the modified data, and (5) exporting the saved data. Once the sample has been run and all collected data have been saved, the user can repeat the steps of modifying the raw data, saving the modified data, and exporting the saved data as many times as necessary and/or desirable.

Abstract: A body fat measurement result providing method includes maintaining a body fat information database having stored therein at least one particular person's body fat information, which includes local body fat information for at least one body part of the at least one particular person, providing a user with a particular person list including the at least one particular person, and receiving a selection from the user of a first particular person selected from the particular person list, and generating a measurement result information by comparing the user's local body fat measured for at least one body part of the user, with corresponding local body fat information for the at least one body part of the first particular person.

Abstract: A blood cell counter comprising: a detector for detecting blood cells in blood of a subject; and a controller for obtaining, based on a detection result by the detector, first analytical information about hemoglobin amount of red blood cells in the blood and second analytical information about granulocytes in the blood, and for outputting diagnosis support information for supporting determination of whether an inflammatory response of the subject is an infectious inflammatory response or a noninfectious inflammatory response, based on the first analytical information and the second analytical information that have been obtained. A method and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process of statistic validation of corneal endothelial cells analysed samples”, refers to a process complementary to the conventional process known as cornea specular microscopy, by incorporating information obtained by currently available apparatuses, inferring their statistical, and eventually medical, validity, in order to obtain more accurate diagnosis, and better clinical and/or surgical conducts, in so increasing the quality of this procedure to a new level of medical reliability, with the advantages of avoiding that inadequate exams could be considered as valid ones, contribute to diagnosis accuracy, check validity or infirmity of exams already accomplished, guide the eyes bank in the selection and classification of reliability of donated cornea, make use of equipment currently available in the world to improve their own results, identify exams made with not significant sampling, and demonstrate, in a graphic and in numeric form (statistical-analytical rulers).

Abstract: A blood analyzer configured to prevent an abnormal number of white blood cells caused by lipid particles or red blood cells of poor hemolysis from being output. The blood analyzer includes a system for obtaining a first white blood cell number and a system for obtaining a second white blood cell number. The analyzer also includes an output device for outputting the second white blood cell number, and a system for determining whether the second white blood cell number is abnormal. The output device is configured to output the first white blood cell number when the second white blood cell number has been determined to be abnormal.

Abstract: The present techniques provide for the evaluation of cellular motion and/or cellular properties based on an analysis of motion. In an exemplary technique, images of one or more cells are acquired and motion data for the one or more cells is derived from the images. The motion data is decomposed to generate one or more motion components. The one or more motion components can be used to evaluate cellular properties and/or cellular motion properties.

Abstract: Method for biomass determination in a medium, in particular a medium containing biological cells suspended in a conductive fluid, the biomass concentration (X) being obtained from a difference between a first capacitance signal (C?1) of the medium, measured at a first frequency, and a second capacitance signal (C?2) of the medium, measured at a second frequency. The method includes a separate correction of each of the measured signals, based at least on one correction level, the first correction level including a correction of the signals measured in accordance with a model dependent on the conductance of the medium at the first and second frequencies. The invention is useful in biomass measurement systems.

Abstract: A method of determining kinetic parameters for a reversible molecular interaction between a ligand immobilized to a solid support surface and a binding partner to the ligand in solution, comprises sequentially, without intermediate regeneration or renewal of the immobilized ligand, flowing a plurality of fluid volumes containing different known concentrations of the binding partner over the solid support surface, monitoring the momentary amount of binding partner bound to the solid support surface related to time and solution concentration of binding partner and collecting the binding data, and determining the kinetic parameters by globally fitting a predetermined kinetic model for the interaction between the binding partner and the immobilized ligand to the collected binding data, which model allows for mass transport limitation at the solid support surface.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus which has a first and second measuring units for measuring a clinical sample; and an information processing unit which is connected to the first and second measuring units so as to perform information communication with the first and second measuring units, wherein the first measuring unit is provided with a first marker, the second measuring unit is provided with a second marker, and the information processing unit has an information display section; and a display controller for displaying the first marker in association with the information relating to the first measuring unit on the information display section, and for displaying the second marker in association with the information relating to the second measuring unit on the information display section. Also, an information processing unit and an information displaying method.

Abstract: By accurately estimating the survival cell count in a probiotic product, the time for developing the product can be shortened. In a device (1) for estimating survival cell count, a calculation unit (14) calculates an estimated result of the survival cell count nt (CFU/g) of a specific strain contained in a composition after storage, in accordance with the following equation (I). (I) Log10 nt=Log10 n0?t×EXP{(AT×T+BT)w+(CT×T+DT)}, provided that t stands for the storage period (days)× 1/30, nt stands for the survival cell count (CFU/g) of the strain contained in the composition after the storage period t (days), n0 stands for the viable cell count (CFU/g) of the strain contained in the composition at the initiation of storage, T stands for the storage temperature (° C.), w stands for the water activity value of the composition, AT and CT stand for experimentally determined coefficients specific to the strain, and BT and DT stand for experimentally determined constants specific to the strain.

Abstract: A sample processing system is disclosed which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory that stores programs executable collectively by the at least one processor. According to the stored programs, the at least one processor transports sample containers through a conveying path along which there are arranged at least one first module for testing of samples and at least one second module for processing of samples which have been tested by the at least one first module. The at least one second module is switchable between an active state and an inactive state. The at least one processor further obtains a determination result as to whether a sample which has been tested by the at least one first module is necessary to be processed by the at least one second module. If the sample is determined necessary to be processed by the at least one second module, the at least one processor transports a sample container containing the sample to the at least one second module for processing.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided for clustering and visualization of an n-dimensional space in a Euclidean space. The method includes: collecting a plurality of multi-dimensional data sets; estimating a probability density function from each data set; approximating a dissimilarity between every pair of said probability density functions and recording every dissimilarity in a dissimilarity matrix; embedding the dissimilarity matrix into a Euclidean space having a dimensionality of three or less using a multi-dimensional scaling method; and graphically displaying relationships between data sets using data in the Euclidean space on a display of a computing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and screens to measure receptor internalization in a single step with appropriate automation and throughput. This approach involves luminescent labeling of the receptor of interest and the automated measurement of receptor internalization to a perinuclear location.

Abstract: In a pre-processing step prior to training a learning machine, pre-processing includes reducing the quantity of features to be processed using feature selection methods selected from the group consisting of recursive feature elimination (RFE), minimizing the number of non-zero parameters of the system (l0-norm minimization), evaluation of cost function to identify a subset of features that are compatible with constraints imposed by the learning set, unbalanced correlation score, transductive feature selection and single feature using margin-based ranking. The features remaining after feature selection are then used to train a learning machine for purposes of pattern classification, regression, clustering and/or novelty detection.

Abstract: Decades of investigations were focused on finding “gold standard” for evaluation of plasma dilution and osmolality, blood loss evaluation and prediction of bleeding or transfusion induced changes in hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration. Addressing deficiencies of existing methods, the current invention created new combined mathematical-physiological model applicable to manually operated nomograms and software in medical monitors. The mathematical model HBS Trends is used in blood transfusion and infusion therapy nomogram—HBS Nomogram—which is based on blood hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit. It is also an easy and practical tool for recording and dynamical interpretation of plasma osmolality, blood hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. The HBS Nomogram is a practical system for organizing blood test results in a patient's medical records.

Abstract: A biological information measurement device stores, in a storage unit, biological data representing data of calculated biological information and measurement date data in association with each other. The biological information measurement device displays, as measurement frequency specifying information, information for specifying frequency of day(s) when the measurement was conducted, in a prescribed period from a current date based on a plurality of pieces of measurement date data stored in the storage unit and an output from a time keeping unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments that may facilitate management of operation of an integrated circuit (IC) including adjustment of the IC. The adjustment may be based at least in part on a proximity of a temperature of the IC relative to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The detection system of the first preferred embodiment includes a detector, having a wide dynamic range, that receives photonic inputs from the interrogation zone and produces an analog signal; and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), having a high bit resolution, that is coupled to the detector and converts an analog signal to a digital signal. The digital signal includes an initial data set of the full dynamic range of the input signals from the flow cytometer sample. The method of extracting and analyzing data from a flow cytometer system of the first preferred embodiment preferably includes the steps of: collecting a full dynamic range of input signals from a flow cytometer sample; recognizing and annotating aggregate particle events; and storing an initial data set and an annotated data set of the full dynamic range of the input signals from the flow cytometer sample.

Abstract: Methods of identifying potential ligands for macromolecular targets are disclosed herein. The methods comprise providing models of three dimensional structural information for ligands or a ligand:macromolecule complex, mapping spatial relationships between the models, and identifying one or more pairs of matching bonds. Databases and apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: For automatic identification of microorganisms collected on a carrier, a color image of the carrier surface with collected microorganisms is recorded and digitalized. The digitalized image is converted into a grayscale image and optionally converted subsequently into a silhouette image. When microorganisms are present, an image is produced with full-surface labeled objects of a first grayscale and a background of a second grayscale. Objects are identified in the grayscale and/or silhouette image by a model-based comparative method. Contours of the objects are marked in the color or grayscale image. Features of the objects in the color image and/or grayscale image are determined. The objects are classified based on the features. The classified objects are indicated and/or saved as species, name and/or code. Non-classified objects are indicated and/or saved as color, grayscale and/or silhouette image. Non-classified objects are subsequently discarded or added as a new case to the classification system.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of enumerating the number of cells of a cell type in a cell sample by (a) counting the white blood cells in the cell sample to obtain the white blood cell population of the sample; (b) determining the proportion or percentage of the cells of the cell type in the white blood cell population in the sample; and (c) calculating the number of cells of the cell type in the sample. The cell type may be a lymphocyte sub-set selected from the group comprising CD4+ lymphocytes, CD 45 cells, CD19 cells, CD16 and CD56 positive cells, CD8 cells, CD3 cells or any combination thereof. The method is particularly useful in monitoring the immune status of a patient infected with HIV or other immune deficiency state or disease or condition where CD4+ lymphocytes or CD4+ T cells are monitored or counted.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided for processing data from a particle analyzer. The method includes transforming data using at least one transform that provides: transformation according to a weighted combination of a first mathematical function and a logarithmic function for positive data values, such that the transformation corresponds to the first mathematical function for positive particle data values approaching zero, and to the logarithmic function for positive particle data values approaching infinity; and transformation corresponding to a second mathematical function for negative data values. The transformed data may be then output for display or storage. In another embodiment, the transforming involves substituting the particle data for an independent variable in the transform to directly obtain values to be plotted based on the input particle data values.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of analyzing multidimensional data using a computer as well as methods of displaying multidimensional data to a user for further analysis. The present invention provides for a method and system for state model Fitting. The system components include a detector and a computer operably connected to the detector. The computer accesses one or more logic instructions for receiving and analyzing raw data from the detector and generating a state model of the raw data based on probability weights.

Abstract: In flow cytometry, particles (2) can be distinguished between populations (8) by combining n-dimensional parameter data, which may be derived from signal data from a particle, to mathematically achieve numerical results representative of an alteration (48). An alteration may include a rotational alteration, a scaled alteration, or perhaps even a translational alteration. Alterations may enhance separation of data points which may provide real-time classification (49) of signal data corresponding to individual particles into one of at least two populations.

Abstract: New diagnostic parameters or indexes for detection of absolute iron deficiency, latent iron deficiency, functional iron deficiency, or latent functional iron deficiency have been disclosed. The parameters include a RBC size factor, RSf1 defined by the formula of (MCV×MRV)1/2, or RSf2 defined by the formula of (MCV×MRV)/100, a volume-hemoglobin factor (VHf) defined by the formula of (MCV×Hgb)/100, and a volume-hemoglobin/distribution factor (VHDWf) defined by the formula of (MCV×Hgb)/(RDW×10). Further disclosed are the methods of using these parameters for detection of absolute iron deficiency, latent iron deficiency, functional iron deficiency, or latent functional iron deficiency. Also disclosed is a method of using RSf for detection of hemochromatosis.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for examining data from a chemical analyzer for artifactual results is provided. A set of rules are established to identify artifactual results based upon experience with the analyzer. Each rule can be associated with a sample collection or testing problem which potentially caused the artifactual result. Using these rules, output data from the analyzer can be tested to see if any of the rules are satisfied. If a rule is satisfied, then an artifactual result can be indicated, as well as the potential cause of the artifactual result. An output file can be created which indicates the artifactual data samples and the potential artifactual causes. The rules file and output file may be provided in a user-friendly format, such as in a spreadsheet or database application format.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a pathological deviation of at least one white blood cell population from a normal level in an un-lysed blood sample, comprising the steps of counting, with a flow cytometer, a number, n1, of white blood cells expressing a first marker; a number, n2, of white blood cells expressing a second marker, and a number, n3, of white blood cells expressing a third marker but not the first marker; and comparing the sum (n1+n2+n3) with a reference value. The sum (n1+n2+n3) may represent the number of lymphocytes. The first, second and third markers may be chosen from the group consisting of CD56, CD3 and CD19.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and a method for blood or urine sampling and sample-analysis, through a sampler that is a self blood-testing device or a urine-testing device. The system comprises a sampler, a transmission unit and an analysis unit. A patient may place a sampled blood drops on a sample strip and insert the strip into the sampler. The sampler may automatically prepare the sample and photograph it using a sample-preparation unit and a photography unit respectively. After the sample has been photographed, the resulting sample image may be transmitted to the analysis unit that may analyze the image through an image-processing algorithm. The analysis results may be automatically transmitted to the patient and to a medical authority, such as the patient's physician, a nurse, a clinic and the like, for further analysis, decision-making and treatment.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus, comprising: a sample processing unit for processing a sample, wherein the sample processing unit comprises an operating device for processing a sample, a drive circuit for driving the operating device, and a first communication part which is configured so as to be capable of external communication; and a data processing unit for processing data output from the sample processing unit, wherein the data processing unit comprises a processor for generating control data for controlling the operating device, and a second communication part which is configured so as to be capable of communicating with the first communication part for transmitting the control data generated by the processor to the first communication part, wherein the drive circuit is configured so as to drive the operating device based on the control data received by the first communication part, is disclosed. A data processing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample analyzer including a detection unit for irradiating a biological sample with light and obtaining optical information; a cell classification processor for classifying cells contained in the biological sample into cell groups based on the optical information; a scattered light information obtaining processor for obtaining scattered light information relating to a cell included in a predetermined cell group; a calculation processor for calculating a component value corresponding to an amount of component contained in cell included in the predetermined cell group based on the scattered light information; and an output device for outputting the component value calculated by the calculation means is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a cell-based method of identifying a set of signal transduction proteins having an intracellular localization pattern responsive to toxic compounds. The method requires identifying and screening an initial set of signal transduction proteins against a set of toxic compounds, and determining changes in intracellular localization pattern of each of the proteins. Proteins whose changes in intracellular localization pattern are redundant are discarded from the initial set, and new proteins are added to provide a new set of proteins. I repeat the method steps with new sets of proteins until the set of proteins provides me at least 5 principal components with respect to the range of compounds marketed as small organic molecules.

Abstract: A method for discriminating particle groups comprises generating, by a particle analyzer, a particle characteristic distribution histogram in which the abscissa indicates respective channels for representing the characteristics of the particles, and the ordinate indicates the particle count; setting a valid area selection height in the particle characteristics distribution histogram; and generating an equivalent negative histogram based on the set height and the particle characteristic distribution histogram.

Abstract: Electronic publication systems are disclosed that enable the analysis and publication of layout files, which contain an analysis strategy and embedded raw data. The published layout files can be accessed by reader applications that are able to read the layout files and modify the analysis strategy within the layout file using the embedded raw data. In many embodiments, the reader applications are unable to access the embedded raw data. In several embodiments, the reader applications prevent the saving or printing of layout files. One embodiment of the invention includes a publication computer connected to a network, a user computer connected to the network and the publication computer is configured to generate a file including an analysis strategy based on the raw data and in which the raw data is embedded.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is capable of displaying a particle distribution map of a measured sample and a reference particle distribution map so as to be visually compared without reducing a display area for displaying information other than the particle distribution map. The blood analyzer 1 comprises: a display 302; a measurement unit 2 for measuring a blood sample; and a controller 301 being configured to 1) generate a particle distribution map representing a distribution of the particles contained in the blood sample, based on measurement data obtained by the measurement unit 2; and 2) control the display 302 so as to display the particle distribution map of the blood sample at a predetermined display position and to display a reference particle distribution map at the predetermined display position so as to be visually compared with the particle distribution map of the blood sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic processing system for a flow cytometer that uses a processing chip that processes data in a parallel architecture on a sample by sample basis and provides for high throughput of data. In addition, multi-gain linear amplifiers are used which are matched using feedback circuits to provide accurate data and high resolution data having high dynamic range.

Abstract: A process for on-line and in situ counting of cells in a biological culture medium, comprising the following steps: a plurality of measurements of the capacitance of the medium or a plurality of measurements of the conductance of the medium, at distinct frequencies varying within a predetermined range of measurement frequencies, an extraction of information on the variation of permittivity due to the ?-dispersion in the medium, from the capacitance measurements, and processing of the variation of this information on the variation of permittivity as a function of the frequency, in order to provide information regarding the counting of cells in the medium.

Abstract: The present techniques provide for the evaluation of cellular motion and/or cellular properties based on an analysis of motion. In an exemplary technique, images of one or more cells are acquired and motion data for the one or more cells is derived from the images. The motion data is decomposed to generate one or more motion components. The one or more motion components can be used to evaluate cellular properties and/or cellular motion properties.

Abstract: A method serves to determine the 3D coordinates of an object. The 3D coordinates of a partial surface (6) of the object are determined by a 3D measuring device (3), which includes one or more detectors (4) and whose position is determined by a tracking system. The 3D coordinates of an adjacent partial surface (7) of the object are determined by the 3D measuring device (3). The 3D coordinates of an overlap region of he adjacent partial surfaces (6,7) are put together by a matching method. In doing so, an error function is determined and minimized iteratively. Furthermore, the error function of a detector (4) of the 3D measuring device (3) is determined.

Abstract: A blood component collection system with data manipulation and optimization capabilities. The system comprises a central database, a data manipulation device, and a communication subsystem connected to the central database and the data manipulation device, and one or more extracorporeal blood processing machines. The central database maintains records of total donation volumes contributed by a donor during selected time periods as communicated by the blood processing machine and as determined by the data manipulation device. The records comprise a total red blood cell donation volume and a total plasma donation volume.

Abstract: The invention pertains, at least in part, to a method for determining the structure of an amphiphilic molecule using Self-Similar Microstructure Arrays.