Abstract: The exemplary system and method facilitate excitation of RF magnetic fields in ultra-high field (UHF) magnetic resonance (MRI) systems (e.g., MRI/NMR system) using a slotted waveguide array (SWGA) as an exciter coil. The exemplary exciter coil, in some embodiments, is configurable to provide RF magnetic field B1+ with high field-uniformity, with high efficiency, with excellent circular polarization, with negligible axial z-component, with arbitrary large field of view, and with exceptional possibilities for field-optimizations via RF shimming.

Abstract: A medical cabin system comprises a safety protection structure, an identification structure, an environment simulation structure, a radiotherapy isolation structure, and one or more other independent walls. The safety protection structure is disposed on an entrance of the medical cabin system. The identification structure is disposed on a medical equipment of the medical cabin system or in an enclosed space defined by a stereo location region of the medical cabin system. The environment simulation structure is disposed on a top portion and at least one side wall of the medical cabin system. The radiotherapy isolation structure isolates the stereo location region from a radiotherapy region of the medical cabin system. The independent walls define at least one enclosed space with the radiotherapy isolation structure.

Abstract: A method of shimming a magnetic field, includes applying radio frequency (RF) signals to an object, using a transceiver coil, and calibrating phase offsets of magnetic resonance signals acquired from the object through a receiver coil. The method further includes generating RF signals to be applied through the transceiver coil based on magnetic resonance signals acquired from the object through the transceiver coil and the calibrated magnetic resonance signals.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides on ore more imaging techniques during passive auditory stimulation to objectively provide a diagnostic indicator of ASD. These techniques include functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that uniquely provides an objective (imaging) physiological technique to diagnose early autism and to monitor progress following therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for calculating a fat fraction corrected for noise bias of one or more voxels of interest using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. A plurality of image data sets are obtained each corresponding to NMR k-space data acquired using a pulse sequence with an individual associated echo time tn. A system of linear equations is formed relating image signal values to a desired decomposed calculated data vector having a component such as a water and fat combination having zero mean noise, or having a real fat component and a real water component. A fat fraction is calculated from at least one component of the decomposed calculated data vector. In another embodiment, the system of linear equations is normalized and can directly estimate a fat fraction or a water fraction having reduced noise bias.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing blurring artifacts in multi-spectral MR imaging near metal include an MRI system having a plurality of gradient coils positioned about a bore of a magnet and an RF transceiver system and an RF switch controlled by a pulse module to transmit RF signals to an RF coil assembly to acquire MR images. A computer is also included and programmed to acquire a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) MR data sets, each 3D MR data set acquired using a central transmit frequency and a central receive frequency set to an offset frequency value that is distinct for each 3D MR data set. The computer is also programmed to reconstruct a subimage for each of the plurality of 3D data sets, apply a de-blurring correction to each of the subimages, and generate a composite image based on the plurality of 3D MR data sets.

Abstract: Techniques for correcting measurement artifacts in MR thermometry predict or anticipate movements of objects in or near an MR imaging region that may potentially affect a phase background and then acquire a library of reference phase images corresponding to different phase backgrounds that result from the predicted movements. For each phase image subsequently acquired, one reference phase image is selected from the library of reference phase images to serve as the baseline image for temperature measurement purposes. To avoid measurement artifacts that arise from phase wrapping, the phase shift associated with each phase image is calculated incrementally, that is, by accumulating phase increments from each pair of consecutively scanned phase images.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) receiver using digital downconversion and subsampling tracks transmit and/or receive signal phases according to time(s) elapsed since reference times (e.g. reset times) corresponding to known phases. Carrier-frequency (fc) NMR signals are digitized directly, using a sampling frequency (fs) lower than fc. Digital downconversion and carrier phase correction are performed to yield NMR modulations of interest. A phase determination circuit may include an N-bit counter incremented at fs and an associated count register storing an indicator of a time elapsed since a carrier generator reset for each transient sampling period start, A real-time controller synchronously resets the counters and corresponding signal generators. A sin/cos lookup table maps counts to phase correction function values.

Abstract: A method for easily and stably producing a superoxide by selectively generating the superoxide or a radical containing the superoxide at a high purity; a method for easily evaluating the superoxide scavenging ability of a subject sample; a device for easily and stably producing a superoxide by selectively generating the superoxide or a radical containing the superoxide at a high purity; and a device for easily evaluating the superoxide scavenging ability of a subject sample are provided. The method for producing a superoxide includes: a step (a) for preparing a solution for determination; a step (b) for forming a spin adduct/radical for determination; a step (c) for acquiring a spectrum for determination; a step (d) for determining similarity; a step (e) for acquiring flavin concentration; a step (f) for preparing a starting material solution; and a step (g) for generation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multilevel inverter for generating an AC output voltage, having at least seven potential levels, from a DC voltage source such that the generated AC voltage produces a current in a gradient coil of a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for calibrating an emission tomography subsystem in a combined MR (magnetic resonance) and emission tomography imaging system. In at least one embodiment, the method includes providing a phantom that is configured such that the phantom is visible on a MR image, providing an attenuation map of the phantom, wherein the attenuation map includes an attenuation of the phantom, obtaining the MR image of the phantom, obtaining a position of the phantom from the MR image, mapping the attenuation map with the position of the phantom, and calibrating the emission tomography subsystem using the attenuation map mapped with the position of the phantom.

Abstract: A retractable containment wall separates an imaging suite into two sections: a “hot” or contaminated section and a “cold” or non-contaminated section. The wall includes a center portion and retractable peripheral portions. Each retractable portion is made up of several panels. Between panels, between a panel and a room wall, and between a panel and the center portion are tongue and groove seals that mate to form seals at seams in the wall when the wall is deployed. Guide pins propagate along a guide track to facilitate transition of the portions between deployed and retracted orientations. The center portion includes a tube that extends into the imaging region of a diagnostic imaging device located in the non-contaminated portion of the imaging suite. The subject is inserted into the tube in preparation for an imaging procedure.

Abstract: A phantom for use in quality control measurement of a fully integrated magnetic resonance/PET scanner is disclosed. The phantom features radiation activity distributed throughout an electrically conductive binder. Suitably, the binder is elastomeric and includes carbon fibers distributed throughout it to set the conductivity of the phantom to a desired level. The phantom is applicable to various multimodality integrated medical imaging systems such as MR/SPECT and MR/CT in addition to MR/PET.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for calibrating functional magnetic resonance imaging of living tissue. For example, a calibration method includes providing a contrast signal simulation device configured for generating one or more pre-determined contrast simulation signals selected from a group consisting of BOLD and BOSS contrast simulation signals that simulate at least one contrast signal generated by living tissue of a subject and positioning the contrast signal simulation device adjacent to the subject. The method includes using an imaging instrument to take first and second data sets from the subject's tissue while the contrast signal simulation device is disposed adjacent to the subject and while generating and not generating the one or more pre-determined contrast simulation signals, respectively.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging using labeled contrast agents and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner are provided. The method comprises performing a prescan at a frequency selected to be substantially similar to a frequency of the labeled contrast agent and performing an examination scan at the frequency of the labeled contrast agent substantially immediately after administering the labeled contrast agent to a subject.

Abstract: An instrument and method using electron spin resonance spectrometry for measuring the concentration of airborne soot particles, and the like, that includes continuously passing a sample of exhaust gas through a resonating RF microwave cavity resonator during the application therethrough of a uniform slowly varying uniform magnetic field that is rapidly modulated and measuring the resulting phase modulation or amplitude modulation thereof to derive an electron spin resonance signal that directly senses the concentration of carbon free radicals produced as a result of inefficient combustion of hydrocarbons during operation of the vehicle or boiler. A further invention is the use of this signal for feedback control of the engine or boiler operating parameters to minimize or substantially eliminate particulate matter emissions.

Abstract: A phantom for use with diffusion tensor imaging includes a container and a plurality of structures within the container. The structures have anisotropic properties, wherein when the phantom is subjected to diffusion tensor imaging, the structures provide data that is recognized as fiber bundles. The structures can be formed, for example, from cloth tape, silk, wood, glass fibers cord (synthetic and viscose) and/or microfibers.

Abstract: In a method for determining an absolute number of electron spins in an extended sample (3) with the assistance of an apparatus for measuring magnetic resonance, the extended sample (3) is disposed within a measurement volume (2) of a radiofrequency RF resonator (1) of the apparatus during an electron spin resonance measurement (ESR).

Abstract: A device for compensating field disruptions in magnetic fields of electromagnets with high field homogeneity, in particular, for stabilizing the H0 field of an MR measuring system, comprising at least one field detector (31) for detecting interfering signals (Uin), at least one control loop for processing the detected interfering signals (Uin), and at least one compensation coil (34) to which the detected and processed interfering output signals (Uout) are transferred and which generates a correction field for compensating the interfering signals (Uin), is characterized in that at least one of the control loops comprises a multi-selective filter system (35) which comprises one or more parallel connected selective filter elements whose center frequencies can be tuned either once or in an adaptive fashion to the frequency values of the interfering signals (Uin) to be compensated for, wherein the outputs of these filter elements are connected to at least one of the compensation coils (34).

Abstract: Test apparatus for examining the operation and functioning of ultra-small resonant structures, and specifically using an SEM as the testing device and its electron beam as an exciting source of charged particles to cause the ultra-small resonant structures to resonate and produce EMR.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for analysing the intracellular chemical state of living cells by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Said method comprises a step which consists in preparing the cell sample and a step which consists in an NMR analysis of the sample, both steps being carried out at very low temperature so as to freeze the biochemical state of the living cells to obtain specific and accurate reproducible measurements of the cellular functioning in given conditions. The invention also concerns the device coupled to the NMR spectrometer for implementing the method of analysis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring whole body composition. The method includes confining movement of the body to a selected volume, inducing a static magnetic field in the volume, inducing a pulsed radio frequency magnetic field in the volume, and receiving nuclear magnetic resonance signals from the body. The resonance signals from any part of the body are substantially independent of a position of the body part within the volume. Whole body composition is assessed from the resonance signals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nonvolatile memory with spacer trapping structure, the nonvolatile memory comprising a semiconductor substrate. A gate oxide is formed on the semiconductor substrate. A gate structure is formed on the gate oxide. An isolation layer is formed over the sidewall of the gate structure. First spacers are formed on the sidewall of the isolation layer and becoming the spacer trapping structure for storing carrier. And the p-n junctions of source and drain regions are formed adjacent to the gate structure. Silicide is formed on the gate structure and the source and drain regions.

Abstract: This invention concerns a new embodiment of the instrument to measure nuclear polarization described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,356,080. The coil, that couples the nuclear polarized substance to the electronics, has been designed not to pick up ambient electromagnetic noise. The output from the low level oscillator is passed through a Schmidt trigger to reduce noise. A local oscillator beats with the output of the low level oscillator to provide an audible output. The instrument is automated, using a microprocessor with a customized downloaded program, to control the operation of the instrument and to output the results of measurement to a liquid crystal display and, if desired, to an external computer. This computer is not necessary and the instrument can act as a stand alone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for identifying biological agents using high temperature superconductor enhanced nuclear quadrupole resonance. The targeted biological agents are attached to functionalized nanoparticles and the quadrupole nuclei in these nanoparticles are detected by the nuclear quadrupole resonance detection system.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus employing a FISP pulse sequence, the pulse sequence is repeated with a repetition time TR with different phase-coding gradient directions and with an alternating operational sign of the flip angle ?. The gradient pulse trains are thereby completely balanced. A phase increment ??=? is generated in addition to the alternating operational sign of the flip angle ? between successive excitation pulses, so that the steady state signals for a first and a second spin ensemble optionally have either identical or reversed signal polarities. A first dataset on the basis of identical signal polarities and a second dataset on the basis of reversed signal polarities are obtained by means of the free selection of the mutual signal polarities. A pure image of the first and the second spin ensembles is thus obtained by the addition and/or subtraction of the first and second datasets.

Abstract: A device for simulating a sample of gas having a specific level of polarization when measured by a NMR pickup coil includes an active circuit loosely coupled to the NMR pickup coil. The active circuit responds as a hyperpolarized gas having the specific level of polarization when measured by the NMR pickup coil.

Abstract: A meter is disclosed for measuring the dielectric constant of a particulate material, particularly grain, as a function of its moisture content. The meter includes a test cell for containing a sample of the particulate material to be tested. An oscillator includes a variable frequency tuned circuit for varying the frequency of the oscillator output The tuned circuit includes a test cell capacitor using a sample of material to be tested as a dielectric, a calibrated variable standard capacitor and a variable trimming capacitor. An indicator is coupled to the calibrated variable standard capacitor to display a value representing the capacitance setting of the calibrated variable standard capacitor. A frequency monitor compares the output frequency of the oscillator with a selected frequency and a null display displays the difference between the output frequency of the oscillator and the selected frequency.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus disposed in an installation space has a first component group, which contain at least a basic field magnet system and a gradient coil system, a second component group, which contains an examination volume for receiving an object under investigation and which has at least one supporting device for bringing the object under investigation supported thereon into the examination volume, and sound insulation arranged between the first and second component groups so that the installation space is divided into two spaces which are sound-insulated from each other, a first of the spaces containing the first component group and a second of the spaces containing the second component group.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods for forming a multidimensional image of inanimate or animate objects which utilize a magnetization source (112) to magnetize a volume of an object to be imaged, a radiation source (118) for applying a radiation field to the object to be imaged, an output signal detector (120) for producing output signals in response to the secondary radiation at a plurality of spatial locations outside of the object as a function of time, processors (126, 126a and 126b) for determining a plurality of Fourier components, for associating the Fourier components due to each voxel (14) by phase, and for converting each set of components into a voxel location, and an image processor (128) for producing an image.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for investigating the imperishability of n liquid foodstuffs using electron spin resonance (ESR) exposes samples of the foodstuffs to an elevated temperature for an extended time-period. At predetermined intervals during the period, the intensity of an ESR signal of each sample is measured and plotted vs. time in a diagram for that sample. The time of a superproportional increase in intensity is detected for each foodstuff. The number n of different foodstuffs is determined by dividing the predetermined interval by the measurement time. The n samples are investigated simultaneously by sequentially cycling the n samples through a common sample vessel. Each time, the intensity of the ESR signal of the sample is measured and then plotted in a diagram unique to that foodstuff. The sequence of foodstuffs are cycled through the sample vessel until a predetermined number m of measuring points per foodstuff has been attained.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for correction of DC offset in magnetic resonance imaging signals, a phase-alternated RF pulse sequence causes the resulting DC offset artifact to be positioned at the boundaries of the object image, rather than at its center. The resulting artifact may be corrected by pre-calculating the region of the image data affected by the DC offsets, and by using the estimated errors in the image data to correct the collected data prior to image reconstruction.

Abstract: A dielectric probe, of the type in which an electromagnetic wave is reflected from a dielectric/magnetic structure and spectrum analyzed, further includes a coil for applying a magnetic field to the structure as the wave is being reflected. Information about the intrinsic electromagnetic properties, integrity and structure of the material is obtained by comparing the reflected spectra for both the magnetic field on and off conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a measuring apparatus and a measuring method which can measure a physical property value such as an oxygen content or thermal conductivity of a sample material such as an aluminum nitride sintered body with high accuracy, over the entire material in a short time. A microwave oscillation source generates microwaves. A sample material to be evaluated, such as an aluminum nitride sintered body, is placed in a cavity resonator, irradiated with microwaves (M), and subjected to a magnetic field (H) applied by electromagnets. An amount of microwaves absorbed by the object is measured by a microwave absorption measuring unit. This amount of microwave absorption is obtained from an electron spin resonance spectrum. The concentration of unpaired electrons in the object is obtained from the measured amount of microwave absorption on the basis of a known relation between an amount of microwave absorption and concentration of unpaired electrons.

Abstract: In a method for compensation of time variant field disturbances in magnetic fields of electromagnets with high field-homogeneity, in particular in sample volumes of superconducting electromagnets for measurements of magnetic resonance, the dispersion signal u.sub.x of the nuclear signal of a reference substance is acquired and taken into consideration for compensation by generation of a current dependent on the dispersion signal in a field correction coil of the electromagnet. The method is characterized in that the absorption signal u.sub.y of the reference substance is additionally acquired and that the compensation is carried out in dependence on the quantity u.sub.x /u.sub.y and/or (1/u.sub.y)(du.sub.x /dt). These are substantially independent of many influencing quantities.

Abstract: Tissue damage may be quantified, tissue type identified, neural activity monitored or blood hematocrit determined by measuring the difference between the total tissue sodium and potassium concentrations in the area in question. Comparison of these measurements with standard values permit evaluation of the amount of tissue damage in cells of the same type or the tissue type in non-necrotic cells. Evaluation over time of normal brain cells permit monitoring of neural activity. By directly and simultaneously measuring sodium and potassium ion concentrations, for example, a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer can image areas of different tissue type in differing colors. In this manner tumors and lesions can be clearly delineated. Measurement of total potassium concentration of a blood sample and the potassium concentration of the cell-free plasma will permit determination of cellular volume fraction (hematocrit).

Abstract: Vanadium in marine diesel lubricating oils resulting from raw fuel dilution is detected and quantified by way of an analytical technique employing electron spin resonance (ESR). Dilution of the lubricating oil with residual fuel oils results in the presence of vanadium in the lubricating oil in a form which is capable of being observed by ESR; by contrast, vanadium resulting from the presence of fuel oil combustion products (pentavalent vanadium) in the lubricating oil is not observed by ESR. The method therefore enables fuel vanadium, typically present as vanadyl porphyrins, to be differentiated from vanadium resulting from blow-by in the engine so that the operating condition of the engine may be monitored.

Abstract: A method for determining the specific surface of a porous or a powdery substance includes measuring the spin-lattice relaxation rate of impregnating agent protons, in which the impregnating agent is removed from a specimen of the impregnated, examined substance at a pressure below the saturated vapor pressure of the impregnating agent. The effective spin-lattice relaxation time T.sub.1,ef of impregnating agent protons is measured at several impregnating agent levels of the specimen and the specific surface of the examined substance is determined according to a given equation.

Abstract: An ESR spectrometer is employed to measure the oxygen concentration in a sample material. Electron paramagnetic resonance is produced in a free radical mixed with a standard material of known oxygen concentration. The phase of the signal produced by this resonance is compared with the phase of the signal produced by the electron paramagnetic resonance of the free radical mixed with the sample material. The oxygen concentration in the sample material has a single valued functional relationship with respect to this phase difference and is calculated in a microprocessor-based control system. At low oxygen concentrations, the relationship is a linear one.

Abstract: In a method of measuring substances each exhibiting a derivative peak of the phase sensitive detector (PSD) output at a pair of specific magnetic field intensities by sweeping the field, the magnetic field is switched between the specific magnetic field intensities to obtain only the absorptions at the specific field intensities to thereby substantially reduce the sweeping time as well as to reduce the background drift.