Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for assessing or obtaining an indication of vascular pressure associated with organs or visceral tissues of the body by using MRI imaging methods. The invention particularly relates to methods for assessing or obtaining an indication of portal hypertension using Magnetic Resonance T1, or T1 and T2* relaxometry, and T1, T2, and/or T2* mapping of the liver or spleen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for assessing or obtaining an indication of vascular pressure associated with organs or visceral tissues of the body by using MRI imaging methods. The invention particularly relates to methods for assessing or obtaining an indication of portal hypertension using Magnetic Resonance T1, or T1 and T2* relaxometry, and T1, T2 and/or T2* mapping of the liver or spleen.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for performing multi-parametric diagnosis for liver disease. Systems and methods as described herein can include positioning a subject-in association with a medical imaging device and using the medical imaging device to measure the subject's liver for extracellular fluid and iron content. Systems and methods as described herein can further include determining whether iron overload may be indicated or present from the measurement for iron content, and if indicated, correcting the measurement for extra cellular fluid. Systems and methods as described herein can further include measuring the liver for hepatic lipid content (HLC). Systems and methods as described herein can determine the presence or absence of liver disease from measurements obtained from a subject. In certain embodiments, the medical imaging device is a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. In certain embodiments, the liver is measured for iron overload.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for universal mapping of T1 in abdominal organs using cardiac gating. A region of interest is selected for mapping or imaging. A determination is made whether any one or more of heart associated motion, high heart rate and irregular heart beat are detected in the region of interest. A multi-pathway gating of T1 maps is then employed providing a universal method of T1 mapping of moving as well as non-moving visceral organs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods which may assist in evaluating liver fibrosis/inflammation in the presence of elevated iron using magnetic resonance relaxometry. In a non-limiting embodiment, the systems and methods include: obtaining a measurement of relaxometry data of a subject's liver for extracellular fluid, preferably using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device; determining an iron content for the liver; simulating a measurement of the subject's liver for extracellular fluid for the determined iron content; comparing the measurement of the subject's liver for extracellular fluid to the simulated measurement of the subject's liver for extracellular fluid; and determining from said comparison a value of extracellular fluid in the subject's liver based on a normal iron content for the liver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for assessing or obtaining an indication of vascular pressure associated with organs or visceral tissues of the body by using MRI imaging methods. The invention particularly relates to methods for assessing or obtaining an indication of portal hypertension using Magnetic Resonance T1, or T1 and T2* relaxometry, and T1, T2 and/or T2* mapping of the liver or spleen.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods which may assist in evaluating liver fibrosis/inflammation in the presence of elevated iron using magnetic resonance relaxometry. In a non-limiting embodiment, the systems and methods include: obtaining a measurement of relaxometry data of a subject's liver for extracellular fluid, preferably using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device; determining an iron content for the liver; simulating a measurement of the subject's liver for extracellular fluid for the determined iron content; comparing the measurement of the subject's liver for extracellular fluid to the simulated measurement of the subject's liver for extracellular fluid; and determining from said comparison a value of extracellular fluid in the subject's liver based on a normal iron content for the liver.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for universal mapping of T1 in abdominal organs using cardiac gating. A region of interest is selected for mapping or imaging. A determination is made whether any one or more of heart associated motion, high heart rate and irregular heart beat are detected in the region of interest. A multi-pathway gating of T1 maps is then employed providing a universal method of T1 mapping of moving as well as non-moving visceral organs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for performing multi-parametric diagnosis for liver disease. The present disclosure provides systems and methods that include: positioning a subject, for example a patient, in association with a medical imaging device, preferably a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner; using the medical imaging device to measure the subject's liver for extracellular fluid; measuring the liver for iron content, in particular for iron overload; determining whether iron overload may be indicated or present from the measurement for iron content, and if indicated correcting the measurement for extra cellular fluid; measuring the liver for hepatic lipid content (HLC); and determining from said measurements the presence or absence of liver disease.

Abstract: A method and composition for producing a monolithic hybrid composite consisting of a composite matrix, a reinforcement phase, and a solid/self-lubrication phase. The composition may comprise a graphite (“C”) phase and a titanium carbide (“TiC”) phase in a nickel (“Ni”) matrix. The process may include the step of blending pure Ni and pure titanium (“Ti”) powders with Ni-coated graphite powder using Laser Engineered Net Shaping (“LENS”).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are presented for solar tracking and concentration of incident solar radiation for power generation. The apparatus includes a solar tracking system, an optical concentrator system and a radiation collection device. The solar tracking system includes a right ascension track and a declination track for dual axis solar tracking along equatorial coordinates of the sun, wherein the right ascension track and the declination track are driven at their respective rims. The optical concentrator system is moved by the solar tracking system to concentrate the incident solar radiation into a stationary focal point. The radiation collection device couples concentrated incident solar radiation to a power generation means. The radiation collection device is disposed proximate the stationary focal point to collect the incident solar radiation.