Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to perform controlled aliasing in parallel imaging (CAIPI) using time shifts between the radio frequency (RF) excitation pulses and the waveform of the slice-select gradient field to shift respective sampling points within the two-dimensions of k-space corresponding to phase encoding. Thus, a CAIPI sampling pattern is generated using time shifts, rather than by modulating the RF excitation pulses or gradient fields.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for ascertaining a deviation of at least one gradient field of a magnetic resonance system from a reference. The method includes providing at least one first image data set and one second image data set of a phantom with isotropic diffusion properties, recorded with a diffusion-weighted imaging sequence, wherein the first image data set and the second image data set are recorded with different diffusion-weightings along a gradient direction to be tested of the gradient field using the magnetic resonance system. The method further includes ascertaining a map of apparent diffusion coefficients from the image data sets for at least a portion of the image points of the image data sets. The method further includes comparing the apparent diffusion coefficients with the reference.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the detection of proteins in biological fluids such as urine using a label-free assay is described. Specific proteins are detected by their binding to highly specific capture reagents such as SOMAmers that are attached to the surface of a substrate. Changes to these capture reagents and their local environment upon protein binding modify the behavior of color centers (e.g., fluorescence, ionization state, spin state, etc.) embedded in the substrate beneath the bound capture reagents. These changes can be read out, for example, optically or electrically, for an individual color center or as an average response of many color centers.

Abstract: A method and a system for analysis of raw MRS data, in the form of signal strength versus chemical shift (ppm), from multiple scanners, includes “signal estimation” from each raw data set, followed by cross-scanner “data harmonization” of results. The final resulting MRS signals are consistent from one scanner to another, and are used for analysis by radiologists and other physicians.

Abstract: A method, electromagnet device, and system for reducing a higher order term of a concomitant field in an imaging magnetic field during magnetic resonance imaging is described. The electromagnet system has a first shim coil configured to be driven to generate a first compensation magnetic field during imaging according to a first second-order compensation term, the first compensation magnetic field having a similar amplitude but opposite direction as that of a first second-order concomitant magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance CEST imaging sequence and device based on a frequency stabilization module are provided. It includes following steps: first, in the frequency stabilization module, exciting a target slice with a small-flip-angle radio frequency pulse, and collecting three lines of non-phase-encoded k-space data; second, obtaining an estimated value of the frequency drift of the main magnetic field by calculating the phase difference between the three lines of non-phase encoded k-space data; third, adjusting a center frequency of the radio frequency pulse based on the calculation result of the frequency drift of the main magnetic field, to realize a real-time correction of the frequency drift of the main magnetic field; and fourth, performing conventional magnetic resonance CEST imaging.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a magnetic resonance tomography system for a Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) measurement: a dictionary group including at least two dictionaries is provided/created, each of the at least two dictionaries containing a multiplicity of different intensity profiles with a specific sampling scheme; a preliminary recording of magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) measurements is created; a sampling scheme is determined/defined based on the preliminary recording; a dictionary is selected from the at least two dictionaries of the dictionary group based on the preliminary recording; and an MRF measurement is performed using the defined sampling scheme and an MRF evaluation based on the selected dictionary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining ischemic status. The method comprises acquiring magnetic resonance diffusion tensor matrices and obtaining a relative decrease of diffusion magnitude due to the ischemic status from the magnetic resonance diffusion tensor matrices. The invention also relates to a method for assessing stroke onset time. The method comprises acquiring magnetic resonance diffusion tensor matrices and obtaining a relative decrease of pure anisotropy due to stroke from the magnetic resonance diffusion tensor matrices.

Abstract: A method of imaging nervous tissue, comprising acquiring functional imaging modality data from a functional imaging modality which images an intrabody volume of a patient having a body part, the patient having been injected with an imaging agent having a nervous tissue uptake by an autonomic nervous system (ANS); and locating the nervous tissue in the intrabody volume based on the functional imaging modality data.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic spinal conditions, degenerative disc disease, back pain and/or other tissue pathologies. Patients with ischemic spine disease can be categorized into subsets that are deemed to have potential to respond to therapy. In particular, therapies are disclosed which involve stimulation of neovascularization so as to increase perfusion of spinal and other anatomies.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance (MR) data are acquired from a volume segment of an examination object and an MR image composed of multiple image pixels is reconstructed therefrom. For a magnetic field assumed to have been generated by the scanner, a summed field deviation is calculated, from which a respective displacement vector is calculated for each image pixel. A signal portion is assigned to each image pixel that has been displaced with the respective displacement vector from the respective image pixel. The summed field deviation is the sum of deviations caused by at least two of: non-linearities in gradient coils, Maxwell fields, field inhomogeneities independent of the gradients, and dynamic field disturbances.

Abstract: A protection system capable of safely quenching a high temperature superconductor (HTS) magnet coil. The protection circuit provides for a frequency loss induced quench design that advances the protection technology for HTS magnet coils and provides a protection system that is capable of quickly distributing the heat energy uniformly in all the coil sections when a localized hot-spot is created.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system having a resistive, solenoidal electromagnet for whole-body MRI may include ferromagnetic material within an envelope of the electromagnet. The system can be configured to have a field strength of at least 0.05 Tesla and its main electromagnetic field can be generated by layers of conductors instead of bundles. Certain electromagnet designs may be fabricated using non-metallic formers, such as fiberglass, and can be constructed to form a rigid object with the layers of conductors by fixing all together with an epoxy. The electromagnet may be configured to have two separated halves, which may be held apart by a fixation structure such as carbon fiber. The power supply for certain electromagnets herein may have current fluctuations, at frequencies of 180 Hz or above, of at least one part per ten thousand without requiring an additional current filter.

Abstract: Account functionality may be modified in response to an event. A processor may determine that a status of at least one of a user, a device associated with the user, and data associated with the user is potentially insecure due to the event. The processor may identify an account of the user. The account may provide access to electronic financial transaction functionality. In response to the determining that the status of at least one of the user, the device associated with the user, and the data associated with the user is potentially insecure, the processor may modify a condition affecting the access to the electronic financial transaction functionality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of a subject of interest (120) using arterial spin labeling, comprising the steps of performing a labeling module (200) by applying magnetic and/or radio frequency (RF) fields to the subject of interest (120) for labeling arterial blood in at least a labeling region (144) thereof, performing a first readout module (202) to obtain first MR information of the subject of interest (120) in a region of interest (142) using first parameters, performing a second readout module (204) to obtain second MR information of the subject of interest (120) in a region of interest (142) using second parameters, and performing MR image generation of a region of interest (142) based on the first and second MR information, wherein the first and second parameters of the first and second readout module (202, 204) are chosen to be different parameters.

Abstract: A RF coil compression system for use with an MRI system configured to image a patient's breast is disclosed. In one embodiment, the compression system comprises a first compression plate comprising a first plurality of RF coil elements, which is positioned in a plane oriented orthogonal to a direction of the main magnetic field and the first RF coil elements having a reception sensitivity to a B1 field and is orthogonal to a main magnetic field of the MRI system. The compresses system may further comprise a second compression plate, configured to be positioned opposing the first compression plate and orthogonal to the superior-inferior direction, the second compression plate comprising a second plurality of RF coil elements, the second RF coil elements having a reception sensitivity to a B1 field oriented in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and to the main magnetic field of the MRI system.

Abstract: A sampling oscilloscope includes a trigger generation circuit that includes a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) that outputs a trigger clock input in an operable frequency range at an arbitrary output frequency, a band pass filter (BPF) that limits a pass band of the trigger clock output from the direct digital synthesizer and a variable frequency divider that divides a frequency of the trigger clock of which the pass band is limited by the band pass filter, and generates a strobe signal of a frequency at which a sampler can be operated. The sampling oscilloscope includes a controller that calculates a phase shift amount with reference to a pattern cycle of data generated by a one-time strobe signal and adjusts a phase by changing a count value of a phase accumulator of the direct digital synthesizer so that the calculated phase shift amount is eliminated.

Abstract: A method for actuating a gradient coil can include the provision of a target value for a manipulated variable, the output of the manipulated variable according to the target value to the gradient coil, the capture of an actual value of the output manipulated variable, the scaling of the captured actual value taking into consideration a scaling characteristic depending on the target value, and the transformation of the actual value captured in a scaled manner into a digital actual value.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an MRI apparatus includes a scanner and processing circuitry. The scanner includes at least two gradient coils. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the scanner to acquire k-space data for correction in a band-shaped two-dimensional k-space along a readout direction, or in a columnar three-dimensional k-space along a readout direction, while changing rotation angles, wherein each of the rotation angles corresponds to the readout direction, generate correction data for correcting an error due to a gradient magnetic field generated by the gradient coils, by using the acquired k-space data for correction, cause the scanner to acquire k-space data for reconstruction, based on a radial acquisition method, while correcting the gradient magnetic field by using the correction data, and generate an image by reconstructing the acquired k-space data for reconstruction.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus in which, when a quantitative value, which does not depend on imaging parameter values, is computed from a plurality of image data having different pixel values that are acquired by performing imaging the plurality of times with different imaging parameter values in the same pulse sequence, pixel values which are acquired from the imaging parameter values are predicted for each of a plurality of predetermined quantitative-value candidate group, and an initial value of the quantitative value is selected from the quantitative-value candidate groups with reference to the predicted pixel values. The optimal quantitative value is computed through a localized optimization technique using the selected initial value.

Abstract: The present invention relate to a system and associate method of MRI and MR spectroscopy which provide stable measurements of the relaxation times, T1 and T2, by using tailored multi-band RF pulses that direct control of the saturation conditions in the background pool of macro-molecular protons, and hence provide a flexible means to induce constant Magnetisation Transfer (MT) effects. In doing this, equal saturation of the background pool is obtained for all measurements independent of the parameters that may be changed, for example, the rotation rate used to obtain a desired flip angle, that is, the degree of change in the magnetisation of the free pool of protons.

Abstract: A method for generating a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of nuclear spin moments of a sample includes a static magnetic field permeating the sample, and a detection spin moment with a detection region surrounding the latter. The detection region extends at least partly into the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing metabolite concentration in a subject using a medical imaging system are provided. The method includes, using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR] system, acquiring data from a subject during multiple acquisitions using different echo times for the multiple acquisitions to create a chemical shift domain. The method also includes, using the chemical shift domain, identifying metabolites by at least two chemical shifts and generating a report indicating the metabolites.

Abstract: A diamond magnetic sensor including diamond containing at least one NV? center, a microwave generator which emits microwaves to the diamond, an excitation light generator which emits excitation light to the NV? center of the diamond, and a fluorescence sensor which receives fluorescence produced from the NV? center of the diamond includes a pattern measurement apparatus which measures a temporal change pattern of magnetic field intensity based on variation in fluorescence intensity sensed by the fluorescence sensor.

Abstract: In a method for analyzing acquired magnetic resonance images, an image series is provided that includes acquired magnetic resonance images of a slice of an object, picture elements of the acquired magnetic resonance images of the image series are fitted to generate a parameter map and an error map, the acquired magnetic resonance images are automatically segmented to generate image segments, histograms of the parameter map and the error map are generated based on the image segments, and the histograms are analyzed to generate an output of analysis results and/or generate a visualization including the parameter map, the error map, and the image segments. The acquired magnetic resonance images can have a variation of a contrast-determining acquisition parameter.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for correcting transmit attenuation of an amplifier of a transmit radio frequency (RF) coil for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. In one example, a method includes setting a reference value of transmit attenuation for an amplifier of a transmit radio frequency (RF) coil, acquiring a two-dimensional B1 field map with the transmit attenuation set at the reference value, determining a mean flip angle from the B1 field map, determining a transmit attenuation correction value based on a prescribed flip angle and the mean flip angle, correcting the reference value of transmit attenuation with the transmit attenuation correction value to obtain a final value of transmit attenuation, and performing an MRI scan with the transmit attenuation set at the value.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visualization method includes identifying a location of a thermally induced lesion in an MRI image by deriving a spatial pattern of MRI pixel values, which represents the lesion as it is expected to appear in the MRI image, as a function of thermal energy applied in creating the lesion. The MRI image is matched with the spatial pattern of pixel values. A local maximum value is found in the matched MRI image, and a location of the local maximum value is presented in the matched MRI image as the location of the lesion.

Abstract: Systems and methods include conversion of a first frame of k-space data acquired using a first initial readout polarity to first hybrid (kx, y)-space data, conversion of a second frame of k-space data acquired using a second initial readout polarity to second hybrid (kx, y)-space data, determination of a relationship between phase difference and y-position based on phase differences between a plurality of pixels located at kx=a of first hybrid (kx, y)-space data and a plurality of pixels at kx=b of second hybrid (kx, y)-space data, where a and b are constants, modification of the second hybrid (kx, y)-space data based on the relationship, conversion of the modified second hybrid (kx, y)-space data to a modified second frame of k-space data, generation of two single-polarity readout k-space frames based on the first frame of k-space data and the modified second frame of k-space data, and correction of a third frame of EPI image data based on the two single-readout polarity k-space frames.

Abstract: Systems and methods for acquiring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of a subject are provided. The method includes performing a pulse sequence to elicit spin echoes, wherein the pulse sequence includes a radio frequency (RF) excitation pulse and a series of RF refocusing pulses that refocus echoes with flip angles in the series of RF refocusing pulses that are varied. The method also includes scaling MRI data associated with each echo by a correction factor that is determined for each echo to create scaled MRI data and that is not the same for all echoes. The method then includes reconstructing an image of the subject using the scaled MRI data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, products, devices, and/or apparatus generally related to distortion correction of multiple MRI images based on a full body reference image. An example method for distortion correction of multiple MRI images based on a full body reference image may include acquiring at least one reference image of a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging system, storing a correction field map based on the at least one reference image, the correction field map including information regarding a correction field for each of a plurality of portions of the subject, acquiring a plurality of images by the magnetic resonance imaging system, each of the plurality of images corresponding to a respective portion of the subject, and while acquiring each of the plurality of images, applying a correction field specified by the correction field map for the respective portion of the subject.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting a position of a periodically moving organ in a MRI examination. MR images of an examining person including a periodically moving organ are provided over a plurality of periodic cycles of the periodically moving organ. Based on the provided MR images, a pixel frequency is associated with each pixel of the MR images. Using the associated pixel frequencies and the positions of the pixels within the MR images, the position and the frequency of the periodically moving organ are determined.

Abstract: For improving image quality in MRI, a method for magnetic of an object is provided that includes obtaining MRI data during at least a first and a second acquisition step. Each acquisition step includes at least two data acquisition periods. A movement of the object is monitored by a camera system during the acquisition steps. Data obtained during the acquisition periods is adjusted based on the monitoring. Data obtained during a first reference period of the first acquisition step is compared to data obtained during a second reference period of the second acquisition step. The obtained or adjusted data is corrected based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: Imperfect RF pulses in a multi-spin-echo (MSE) sequence disturb prediction of relaxation times. Provided are a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and method of operating the same, whereby a characteristic parameter value may be acquired from MR signal data via training using an artificial neural network (ANN) and a parametric map may be generated based on the acquired characteristic parameter value. The ANN may be trained to compensate for imperfect RF pulses while providing reduced computation times to produce an output image.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an MRI apparatus capable of optimally setting imaging conditions for map measurement depending on a target value and its required accuracy, and a method for controlling the MRI apparatus. An imaging unit of the MRI apparatus includes, as a pulse sequence, a pulse sequence for the T1 map measurement that includes a first signal acquisition sequence and a plurality of signal acquisition sequences executed after application of an inverted pulse and at different signal acquisition times from the inverted pulse. An imaging controller of the MRI apparatus controls the imaging conditions of each of the plurality of signal acquisition sequences, for example, the signal acquisition time from the inverted pulse and the number of signal acquisition sequences depending on the T1 value of an imaging target and the required accuracy.

Abstract: A nuclear magnet resonance (NMR) system probes samples using a stochastically pulsed radio-frequency magnetic field. The NMR system uses active shims to compensate for spatial inhomogeneity in the bias magnetic field applied by a small permanent magnet. The active shim, made of a flexible conductor, creates a magnetic field when current is passed through it. The magnetic field created by the active shim can compensate for a first, second or third order spherical harmonic spatial inhomogeneity. The NMR system may have an array of active shims, with each active shim compensating for a spherical harmonic spatial inhomogeneity. The array of active shims may be arranged within the NMR system so as to increase power efficiency. The NMR system can accommodate a standard NMR sample tube and can be used to measure nuclear spin density or acquire an NMR spectrum.

Abstract: A gradient coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging system (1) includes at least one gradient coil (2) and a cooling arangement for cooling the gradient coil (2). The gradient coil (2) includes a solid electrical conductor material forming one or more conductor lines (21, 31, 41) which are in direct contact with each other. The cooling arrangement includes a cooling channel (22, 32, 42) for guiding a cooling fluid (10). The cooling channel (22, 32, 42) is arranged outside along the one or more conductor lines (21, 31, 41) in such a way that in a cross-sectional view one single continuous interface line between the cooling channel (22, 32, 42) and the one or more conductor lines (21, 31, 41) is formed. In this way efficient cooling of the gradient coil (2) may be achieved.

Abstract: A method is proposed for recording diagnostic measurement data of a head of an examination object in head imaging via a magnetic resonance device. The method comprises performing an overview scan of the head of the examination object, wherein overview measurement data is acquired in the overview scan and performing various diagnostic scans of the head of the examination object based on the acquired overview measurement data, wherein diagnostic measurement data is acquired in the various diagnostic scans.

Abstract: A deep learning (DL) network is proposed to mitigate artifacts in simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. For example, unaliased images generated from SMS aliased images can exhibit leakage artifacts due to inaccuracies in the receive-coil sensitives used during sensitivity encoding (SENSE) processing. To mitigate leakage artifacts, the DL network learns to correct the receive-coil sensitives before SENSE processing, and/or learns to detect and subtract the artifacts from the unaliased images after SENSE processing. The DL network can also be trained to denoise the unaliased images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a local coil matrix and to a magnetic resonance scanner for operation by means of a low magnetic field. The local coil matrix according to the invention has a first coil winding and a second coil winding and a first low-noise pre-amplifier and second pre-amplifier, each electrically connected to a coil winding. The first coil winding has a broadband matching in a first frequency range at a Larmor frequency to the first pre-amplifier connected thereto.

Abstract: A gradient system characterization function (e.g., a gradient system transfer function) may be developed by measuring a behavior of the MR device at a target temperature and developing at least one gradient system characterization function for a gradient coil of a magnetic resonance (MR) device at the target temperature based on the measured behavior. A patient may be subsequently imaged by the MR device, wherein the imaging process comprises measuring a temperature of a gradient coil, determining a gradient system characterization function at the measured temperature, calculating a pre-emphasized gradient of the gradient coil, and imaging the patient using the pre-emphasized magnetic field component.

Abstract: A method for a NMR device to determine NMR measurement results of a sample from a set of RF signals emitted by the sample and received by the NMR device is disclosed. The method can include: receiving a plurality of RF signals emitted by the sample; determining a phase shift of each signal of the plurality of RF signals; correcting a phase of each signal of the plurality of RF signals; determining a frequency shift of each signal of the plurality of RF signals; shifting each signal of the plurality of RF signals to the predetermined; correcting an additional phase shift of each signal of the shifted plurality of RF signals to generate corresponding plurality of corrected RF signals; and averaging the corrected RF signals to determine the NMR measurement result. In some embodiments, the receiving, determining, correcting, shifting and/or averaging is done by the NMR device.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance unit includes a shim coil apparatus and a gradient coil apparatus. The shim coil apparatus is configured to compensate for basic magnetic field inhomogeneities of the first order in an examination region of the magnetic resonance unit. The shim coil apparatus includes at least one shim coil element. The gradient coil apparatus is arranged in a gradient coil layer. In addition to the gradient coil apparatus, at least one part of the at least one shim coil element is arranged in the gradient coil layer.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems and methods determine slice leakage and/or residual aliasing in the image domain in accelerated MRI imaging. Implementations process one slice of MRI image domain data by input to a sensitivity encoding (SENSE) un-aliasing matrix built from predetermined RF signal reception sensitivity maps, thereby producing as matrix output SENSE-decoded MRI image domain data for one pass through image slice and at least one extra slice, and determine inter-slice leakage and/or in-plane residual aliasing based on content of the at least one extra output slice from the SENSE-decoded MRI image domain data.

Abstract: Circuits are provided for detecting an electrosurgical unit signal. An example circuit includes: a filter configured to process a floating ground signal associated with measuring a bio potential signal of a patient, and a detector configured to output a sensing signal based at least in part on the floating grounding and the Earth ground for detecting an electrosurgical unit signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automatic method for selecting imaging parameters for imaging methods, to a corresponding imaging method, and to a corresponding imaging apparatus comprising a detection algorithm and a selection algorithm. A ranking of at least one qualifying value for potential clinical indications is created. The ranking is based on image data. The ranking is created by means of the detection algorithm. In addition, at least one imaging parameter is selected. The at least one imaging parameter is suitable for producing image data that facilitates a maximum change in the qualifying values in the ranking. The at least one imaging parameter is selected by means of the selection algorithm.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first patient model of the patient, the first patient model including a first image dataset of the patient, the first image dataset being coordinated relative to a first coordinate system; receiving a second image dataset of the patient, the second image dataset being based on a medical imaging apparatus and being coordinated relative to a second coordinate system; determining a transformation function to transfer the second coordinate system into the first coordinate system; determining a transformed second image dataset based on the second image dataset and the transformation function; and providing a second patient model of the patient, the second patient model including the modified first image dataset.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generating a magnetic resonance data record, at least two excitation cycles are executed, wherein, in each excitation cycle, at least one magnetic resonance signal is recorded, using different phases with a first radio-frequency pulse in two consecutive excitation cycles, with at least one dephasing gradient being applied in an excitation cycle.

Abstract: A PET-MR apparatus is provided. The PET-MR apparatus may include a first supporting component, a PET detector, a second supporting component, and a radio frequency (RF) coil. The first supporting component may have an inner surface and an outer surface. The PET detector may be supported on the outer surface of the first supporting component. The second supporting component may be at least partially surrounded by the first supporting component. The RF coil configured to generate or receive an RF signal may be supported on the second supporting component.

Abstract: The MRI apparatus includes a processor configured to apply a gradient echo pulse sequence that makes a sum of gradients applied during one repetition time (TR) in a slice selection direction, a phase encoding direction, and a frequency encoding direction equal zero and maintains spins in an object in a steady state; alternately apply, while the gradient echo pulse sequence is continuously applied, a first radio frequency (RF) pulse having a first flip angle and a second RF pulse having a second flip angle that is different from the first flip angle at each TR interval; and generate an MR image based on an echo signal acquired when the spins are in the steady state.

Abstract: A method for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes steps of acquiring by an MRI scanner undersampled magnetic-field-gradient-encoded k-space data; performing a self-calibration of a magnetic-field-gradient-encoding point-spread function using a first neural network to estimate systematic waveform errors from the k-space data, and computing the magnetic-field-gradient-encoding point-spread function from the systematic waveform errors; reconstructing an image using a second neural network from the magnetic-field-gradient-encoding point-spread function and the k-space data.