Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system can include a processor and a memory. The processor can receive an acquired magnetic resonance (MR) dataset having a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The processor can extract, from the acquired MR dataset, a first set of values corresponding to a first variable having a second SNR and a second set of values corresponding to a second variable. The processor can apply a constraint function that includes a function of the first variable and the second variable. The processor can minimize a cost function according to the constraint function to generate a cost function solution. The processor can input the first variable and the second variable into the cost function solution to generate a modified first variable having a third SNR, the third SNR being greater than the second SNR.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting anatomical structures include, for each training subject of a plurality of training subjects, a corresponding MR image, and generating an initial anatomical template based on a first training subject of the plurality of training subjects. A computing device can map MR images of the other training subjects onto a template space by applying a global transformation followed by a local transformation. The computing device can average the mapped MR images with the initial anatomical template to generate a final anatomical template and boundaries of an anatomical structure of interest can be drawn in the final anatomical template. The computing device can fine tune the boundaries using an edge detection algorithm. The final anatomical template can be used to identify boundaries of the anatomical structure(s) of interest automatically (e g., without human intervention) in non-training subjects.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system can include a processor and a memory. The processor can receive an acquired magnetic resonance (MR) dataset having a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The processor can extract, from the acquired MR dataset, a first set of values corresponding to a first variable having a second SNR and a second set of values corresponding to a second variable. The processor can apply a constraint function that includes a function of the first variable and the second variable. The processor can minimize a cost function according to the constraint function to generate a cost function solution. The processor can input the first variable and the second variable into the cost function solution to generate a modified first variable having a third SNR, the third SNR being greater than the second SNR.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high-resolution STAGE imaging can include acquisition of relatively low-resolution k-space datasets with two separate multi-echo GRE sequences. The multi-echo GRE sequences can correspond to separate and distinct flip angles. Various techniques for combining the low-resolution k-space datasets to generate a relatively high-resolution k-space are described. These techniques can involve combining low-resolution k-space datasets associated with various echo types. The STAGE imaging approaches described herein allow for rapid imaging, enhanced image resolution with relatively small or no increase in MR data acquisition time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high-resolution STAGE imaging can include acquisition of relatively low-resolution k-space datasets with two separate multi-echo GRE sequences. The multi-echo GRE sequences can correspond to separate and distinct flip angles. Various techniques for combining the low-resolution k-space datasets to generate a relatively high-resolution k-space are described. These techniques can involve combining low-resolution k-space datasets associated with various echo types. The STAGE imaging approaches described herein allow for rapid imaging, enhanced image resolution with relatively small or no increase in MR data acquisition time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high-resolution STAGE imaging can include acquisition of relatively low-resolution k-space datasets with two separate multi-echo GRE sequences. The multi-echo GRE sequences can correspond to separate and distinct flip angles. Various techniques for combining the low-resolution k-space datasets to generate a relatively high-resolution k-space are described. These techniques can involve combining low-resolution k-space datasets associated with various echo types. The STAGE imaging approaches described herein allow for rapid imaging, enhanced image resolution with relatively small or no increase in MR data acquisition time.

Abstract: Variable flip angle techniques with constraints for reconstructing MR images include a processor generating a T1app map representing a spatial distribution of T1app within an anatomical region using a first MR dataset corresponding to a first flip angle (FA) and a second MR dataset corresponding to a second FA. The processor can estimate a first and second transmit RF field maps by scaling the T1app map by a first constant value of T1 associated with a first tissue type and a second constant value of T1 associated with a second tissue type, respectively. The processor can generate a third transmit RF field map using the first and second transmit RF field maps, and use the third transmit RF field map to construct MR images of the anatomical region. Weighted subtraction images can be created with improved contrast-to-noise ratio compared to images of the first and second MR datasets.

Abstract: An improved injection device includes containing a pump and pump control circuitry, a handle with a needle for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient, a cartridge holding the agent and a tube for delivering the agent from the cartridge to the handle. Preferably the cartridge is disposed in a cartridge holder coupled to the tube. A quick disconnect coupling is provided between the cartridge holder and the housing so that it can be easily mounted thereon. The housing further has a receptacle for receiving and storing the tip of the handle.

Abstract: An improved injection device includes containing a pump and pump control circuitry, a handle with a needle for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient, a cartridge holding the agent and a tube for delivering the agent from the cartridge to the handle. Preferably the cartridge is disposed in a cartridge holder coupled to the tube. A quick disconnect coupling is provided between the cartridge holder and the housing so that it can be easily mounted thereon. The housing further has a receptacle for receiving and storing the tip of the handle.

Abstract: A disposable thermoplastic hypodermic syringe having a hollow metallic needle and thermoplastic body portions at least part of which are formed of temperature calibrated thermoplastic having a full flow liquefaction temperature corresponding to point on the time-death curve for microbial life at which the most resistant spore forms are killed within the time the thermoplastic can be liquefied and resolidified. Heat resistant indicia can be applied to the syringe in a manner to reappear on the solidified thermoplastic mass.

Abstract: A prophylactic dental apparatus is designed to minimize splatter from rotation of a rotating resilient element with a diverter which substantially surrounds at least a portion of the resilient element while affording full visibility to the operator of the instrument.

Abstract: A disposable thermoplastic hypodermic syringe having a hollow metallic needle and thermoplastic body portions at least part of which are formed of temperature calibrated thermoplastic having a full flow liquefaction temperature corresponding to point on the time-death curve for microbial life at which the most resistant spore forms are killed within the time the thermoplastic can be liquefied and resolidified. Heat resistant indicia can be applied to the syringe in a manner to reappear on the solidified thermoplastic mass.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing regulated medical waste using a processing oven having multiple temperature ranges and compacting means and an oven with means for sensing and generating heat near the base of the medical waste container. Temperature-calibrated thermoplastic engineered to liquefy at temperatures assuring sterilization of biological contaminants within the time frame of liquefaction and re-solidification is formed into a waste-receiving hopper capable of withstanding waste compaction pressures prior to liquefaction and compaction states are performed both before and after liquefaction. Self-lidding thermoplastic containers utilize the mass of thermoplastic covers, or other forces, to consolidate the mass. A laminate is applied to the container to control plastic flow during liquefaction.

Abstract: An aspirating hypodermic syringe and method for injecting dental anesthetic in which anesthetic flow through the needle is established independently of the fingers of the operator and in which different rates of flow are provided, including positive flow while the needle is entering the tissue. Effective aspiration in syringes which use expendable anesthetic vials is assured by means of a yieldable resistance member in the syringe which holds the vial with sufficient force to enable the syringe plunger to lock positively onto the piston of the vial.