Abstract: Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an imaging technique for estimating the stiffness of tissues non-invasively. Shear waves are generated via external mechanical actuation and the tissue imaged with a specially designed MR pulse sequence. The resulting images are used to calculate the underlying properties. The application provides methods for acquiring MRE data using a single shot, echo planar imaging readout. The purpose of the developed sequence is to acquire MRE data using a single-shot, echo-planar imaging readout, avoiding to need for off-line image processing.

Abstract: A method and system provides an acquisition scheme for generating MRE displacement data with whole-sample coverage, high spatial resolution, and adequate SNR in a short scan time. The method and system can acquire in-plane k-space shots over a volume of a sample divided into a plurality of slabs that each include a plurality of slices to obtain three dimensional multislab, multishot data, can apply refocusing pulses to the sample, can acquire navigators after the refocusing pulses, and can correct for phase errors based on an averaging of the navigators.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure include a system that applies magnetic resonance elastography to a sample to obtain uncorrected k-space data where the magnetic resonance elastography utilizes a multi-shot spin-echo sequence with variable density spiral readout gradients, and adjusts the uncorrected k-space data to corrected k-space data by adjusting a k-space trajectory by shifting a center point for each shot to a new center point according to signal intensity and by adjusting a phase for each shot based on a phase offset that is determined according to the signal intensity.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an imaging technique for estimating the stiffness of tissues non-invasively. Shear waves are generated via external mechanical actuation and the tissue imaged with a specially designed MR pulse sequence. The resulting images are used to calculate the underlying properties. The application provides methods for acquiring MRE data using a single shot, echo planar imaging readout. The purpose of the developed sequence is to acquire MRE data using a single-shot, echo-planar imaging readout, avoiding to need for off-line image processing.

Abstract: A method and system provides an acquisition scheme for generating MRE displacement data with whole-sample coverage, high spatial resolution, and adequate SNR in a short scan time.

Abstract: A method for correcting motion-induced phase errors in diffusion-weighted k-space data acquired with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The MRI system is directed to acquire the following data from an imaging volume: three-dimensional diffusion-weighted k-space data, three-dimensional diffusion-weighted navigator data, three-dimensional non-diffusion-weighted k-space data, and three-dimensional non-diffusion-weighted navigator data. Initial estimates of k-space shift values and a constant phase offset value are calculated using the three-dimensional diffusion-weighted navigator data and the three-dimensional non-diffusion-weighted navigator data. These initial k-space shift values and constant phase offset value are then updated by iteratively minimizing a cost function that relates the phase of the diffusion-weighted k-space data to the phase of the non-diffusion-weighted k-space data, as shifted by the initial k-space shift values and constant phase offset value.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that applies magnetic resonance elastography to a sample to obtain uncorrected k-space data where the magnetic resonance elastography utilizes a multi-shot spin-echo sequence with variable density spiral readout gradients, and adjusts the uncorrected k-space data to corrected k-space data by adjusting a k-space trajectory by shifting a center point for each shot to a new center point according to signal intensity and by adjusting a phase for each shot based on a phase offset that is determined according to the signal intensity. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for correcting motion-induced phase errors in diffusion-weighted k-space data acquired with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The MRI system is directed to acquire the following data from an imaging volume: three-dimensional diffusion-weighted k-space data, three-dimensional diffusion-weighted navigator data, three-dimensional non-diffusion-weighted k-space data, and three-dimensional non-diffusion-weighted navigator data. Initial estimates of k-space shift values and a constant phase offset value are calculated using the three-dimensional diffusion-weighted navigator data and the three-dimensional non-diffusion-weighted navigator data. These initial k-space shift values and constant phase offset value are then updated by iteratively minimizing a cost function that relates the phase of the diffusion-weighted k-space data to the phase of the non-diffusion-weighted k-space data, as shifted by the initial k-space shift values and constant phase offset value.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective facial garment which overcomes the problems inherent in garments that cover the face and nose. Namely, the invention addresses the problems of causing eyewear to fog from exhaled breath and having to choose between leaving the mouth and nose exposed versus covering the mouth and nose, which often results in exhaled moisture being held against the skin, causing discomfort. To address these challenges, the device is tailored to provide a vented air pocket in front of the wearer's mouth and nose and to block the natural cavity between the bridge of the wearer's nose and cheekbone. The device thus provides an alternative route for exhaled air, preventing fogging of eyewear. The air pocket provides the further benefit of warming and moistening fresh air, making breathing easier when used in cold air conditions.