Abstract: MRI techniques are widely and successfully applied in medicine and biophysics because MRI provides good contrast between different soft tissues without ionizing radiation. MRI protocols are optimized in four aspects: imaging parameters, k-space strategies, RF system calibration and contrast inhomogeneity correction. The signal intensities of normal and disease tissues are simulated, for example, using Bloch equations for an imaging sequence with tissue MR parameters. The relationships between imaging parameters and tissue contrasts are calculated using the numerically simulated signal intensities. The optimal imaging parameters and/or k-space strategies are determined to maximize image contrast and minimize artifacts with acceptable spatial-temporal resolution based on characterization of the imaging hardware. The RF system is optionally calibrated to improve the accuracy of the imaging parameters and reduce inter-scanner variability.

Abstract: MRI techniques are widely and successfully applied in medicine and biophysics because MRI provides good contrast between different soft tissues without ionizing radiation. MRI protocols are optimized in four aspects: imaging parameters, k-space strategies, RF system calibration and contrast inhomogeneity correction. The signal intensities of normal and disease tissues are simulated, for example, using Bloch equations for an imaging sequence with tissue MR parameters. The relationships between imaging parameters and tissue contrasts are calculated using the numerically simulated signal intensities. The optimal imaging parameters and/or k-space strategies are determined to maximize image contrast and minimize artifacts with acceptable spatial-temporal resolution based on characterization of the imaging hardware. The RF system is optionally calibrated to improve the accuracy of the imaging parameters and reduce inter-scanner variability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automatic identification of an application network topology for power distribution network control which belongs to the field of electric power automation. The method comprises the following steps: 1. statically configuring attributes of a switch; 2. determining, by a power distribution network intelligent terminal STU, whether a query trigger condition is satisfied; 3. sending, by an inquirer, a query command to initiate the query into an application network topology; 4. replying to the query command; 5. receiving the query command; 6. checking the integrity of the switch attribute information; and 7. forming an application network topology.

Abstract: A method for estimating receiver sensitivity in a magnetic resonance (MR) system. The method includes steps of acquiring an image SI(x); determining a transmission function T(x) including using Bloch's equation with an estimated transmit field B1transmit; generating an estimate of the bias field B(x); and combining the estimated bias field B(x) and the transmission function T(x) to determine a receiver sensitivity S(x).

Abstract: Methods for correcting inhomogeneities of magnetic resonance (MR) images and for evaluating the performance of the inhomogeneity correction. The contribution of both transmit field and receiver sensitivity to signal inhomogeneity have been separately considered and quantified. As a result, their negative contributions can be fully corrected. The correction method can greatly enhance the accuracy and precision of MRI techniques and improve the detection sensitivity of pathophysiological changes. The performance of signal inhomogeneity correction methods has been evaluated and confirmed using phantom and in vivo human brain experiments. The present methodologies are readily applicable to correct signal intensity inhomogeneity artifacts produced in different imaging modalities, such as computer tomography, X-ray, ultrasound, and transmission electron microscopy.

Abstract: A method for estimating receiver coil sensitivity in a magnetic resonance (MR) system having a plurality of coils in a coil array including a reference coil, including steps of estimating receiver coil sensitivity in each of the plurality of coils in the coil array of the MR system using one of an electromagnetic field method, a bias field method, and a uniform transmit field method. Each of the plurality of coils in the coil array includes one or more of a surface coil, a volume coil, a set of coil arrays, or an antenna element of a coil array. The method further includes steps of obtaining a reference image using the reference coil; generating a measured sensitivity map using the reference coil; and for each of the plurality of coils of the coil array, calculating a receiver coil sensitivity map.

Abstract: An embedded system controller comprises a main chip and a flash memory. The main chip comprises: a bus; a random access memory; and a storage control module which is configured to copy program data to be used to the random access memory from the flash memory, and also configured to read required program data from the random access memory when receiving a read access request from the bus and write program data to be written into the random access memory and the flash memory when receiving a write access request from the bus. The present application can allow the main chip of an embedded system controller to be manufactured using an advanced standard circuit manufacturing process and achieve excellent performance and power consumption.

Abstract: MRI techniques are widely and successfully applied in medicine and biophysics because MRI provides good contrast between different soft tissues without ionizing radiation. MRI protocols are optimized in four aspects: imaging parameters, k-space strategies, RF system calibration and contrast inhomogeneity correction. The signal intensities of normal and disease tissues are simulated, for example, using Bloch equations for an imaging sequence with tissue MR parameters. The relationships between imaging parameters and tissue contrasts are calculated using the numerically simulated signal intensities. The optimal imaging parameters and/or k-space strategies are determined to maximize image contrast and minimize artifacts with acceptable spatial-temporal resolution based on characterization of the imaging hardware. The RF system is optionally calibrated to improve the accuracy of the imaging parameters and reduce inter-scanner variability.

Abstract: A method for estimating receiver coil sensitivity in a magnetic resonance (MR) system having a plurality of coils in a coil array including a reference coil, including steps of estimating receiver coil sensitivity in each of the plurality of coils in the coil array of the MR system using one of an electromagnetic field method, a bias field method, and a uniform transmit field method. Each of the plurality of coils in the coil array includes one or more of a surface coil, a volume coil, a set of coil arrays, or an antenna element of a coil array. The method further includes steps of obtaining a reference image using the reference coil; generating a measured sensitivity map using the reference coil; and for each of the plurality of coils of the coil array, calculating a receiver coil sensitivity map.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel method of treating an individual suffering from a bacterial infection, such as bacterial infections of various tissues or organs of an individual. In general, the method of treatment involves administering to an individual a pharmaceutical formulation that comprises a liposome-encapsulated antimicrobial agent, wherein polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules are covalently attached to the surface of the liposomes.

Abstract: Fatty acid derivatives of disulfide-containing compounds (for example, disulfide-containing peptides or proteins) comprising fatty acid-conjugated products with a disulfide linkage are employed for delivery of the compounds to mammalian cells. This modification markedly increases the absorption of the compounds by mammalian cells relative to the rate of absorption of the unconjugated compounds, as well as prolonging blood and tissue retention of the compounds. Moreover, the disulfide linkage in the conjugate is quite labile in vivo and thus facilitates intracellular or extracellular release of the intact compounds from the fatty acid moieties.