Abstract: Disclosed are methods for quantification of a perivascular space in a subject's central nervous system. The methods include administering contrast agent into cerebrospinal fluid of the subject; performing quantitative ultra-short time-to-echo contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (QUTE-CE MRI) on a region of interest of the subject's brain; and determining presence of the contrast agent in the perivascular space within the region of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining blood brain barrier disruption in a subject in need thereof. The methods include administering intravascularly a contrast agent to the subject; performing quantitative ultra-short time-to-echo contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (QUTE-CE MRI) on a region of interest of the subject's brain; and determining presence of the contrast agent in brain parenchyma and/or cerebral spinal fluid within the region of interest.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a likelihood of onset or progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in a subject is provided. The method requires determining vascularization changes in different regions of the brain on the basis of a quantitative cerebral blood volume (qCBV) map of the subject's brain. The qCBV is obtained from one or more quantitative ultrashort time-to-echo contrast-enhanced (QUTE-CE) MRI images of the brain. A method of treating a subject for ADRD is provided. Diagnostic markers for onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease are also provided.

Abstract: An animal holder for use with an imaging device includes a body tube for receiving a first body portion of the animal. The animal holder also includes a head immobilization mechanism disposed adjacent one end of the body tube for receiving a head of the animal. The head immobilization mechanism includes opposing first and second flexible fingers that have free ends configured to contact and immobilize the head of the animal when the fingers are moved to a compressed position.

Abstract: An animal holder for use with an imaging device includes a body tube for receiving a first body portion of the animal. The animal holder also includes a head immobilization mechanism disposed adjacent one end of the body tube for receiving a head of the animal. The head immobilization mechanism includes opposing first and second flexible fingers that have free ends configured to contact and immobilize the head of the animal when the fingers are moved to a compressed position.

Abstract: A method for identifying typical and atypical antipsychotics based on their ability to reduce neuronal/glial activity in specific brain regions upon dopaminergic neurotransmission is disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus and imaging method of the present invention incorporates and permits the use of a single technology to combine MR, SPECT and PET in awake animal imaging studies.

Abstract: A dual-tuned volume coil for performing MR imaging according to one embodiment includes an inner cylinder having a first coil structure disposed on an inner surface thereof and a second coil structure disposed on an outer surface thereof. The first coil structure operates at a first resonance frequency and the second coil structure operates at a second resonance frequency. The volume coil includes an outer shield disposed about the inner cylinder, with the first and second coil structure being connected to the outer shield by means of a plurality of capacitors.

Abstract: A dual-tuned volume coil for performing MR imaging according to one embodiment includes an inner cylinder having a first coil structure disposed on an inner surface thereof and a second coil structure disposed on an outer surface thereof. The first coil structure operates at a first resonance frequency and the second coil structure operates at a second resonance frequency. The volume coil includes an outer shield disposed about the inner cylinder, with the first and second coil structure being connected to the outer shield by means of a plurality of capacitors.