Abstract: The present disclosure relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods comprising (i) obtaining a baseline chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI image of a patient, (ii) administering an effective amount of a non-nutritive sweetener to the patient, and (iii) obtaining one or more test CEST MRI image of the patient subsequent to the administering step (ii); wherein the step (i) and (iii) acquisition parameters are substantially the same. The non-nutritive sweetener may include a natural or artificial sugar alcohol, polyol, or combinations or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, methods and systems are provided for controlling steering of an autonomous vehicle. The method includes: operating, by a processor, the autonomous vehicle in a semi-automated mode; receiving, by the processor, driver input including a measured driver torque; receiving, by the processor, threat data; determining, by the processor, a steering command bias based on an impedance relation, impedance parameters, the measured driver torque, and the threat data; determining, by the processor, a reference angle based on the steering command bias and a desired angle; and generating, by the processor, control data to control the steering of the autonomous vehicle based on the reference angle.

Abstract: CEST imaging technique and MR scanning are used as an MRI method for detecting levels of lactate in vivo by exploiting the exchange of —OH protons on lactate with bulk water. In accordance with this method, one first obtains a lactate CEST MRI map of a slice of the body of a patient. A contrast agent such as pyruvate, glucose or glutamine is administered and a post-administration CEST MRI map is obtained. The difference in the spatial maps indicates the level of expression of lactate in the tissue of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods comprising (i) obtaining a baseline chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI image of a patient, (ii) administering an effective amount of a non-nutritive sweetener to the patient, and (iii) obtaining one or more test CEST MRI image of the patient subsequent to the administering step (ii); wherein the step (i) and (iii) acquisition parameters are substantially the same. The non-nutritive sweetener may include a natural or artificial sugar alcohol, polyol, or combinations or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: CEST imaging technique and MR scanning are used as an MRI method for detecting levels of lactate in vivo by exploiting the exchange of —OH protons on lactate with bulk water. In accordance with this method, one first obtains a lactate CEST MRI map of a slice of the body of a patient. A contrast agent such as pyruvate, glucose or glutamine is administered and a post-administration CEST MRI map is obtained. The difference in the spatial maps indicates the level of expression of lactate in the tissue of interest.