Accurate Determination of Concentrations by Localized Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Abstract

Data processing is proposed for accurate quantification of localized proton spectra. Localized proton NMR spectra from phantoms and 30 healthy volunteers were acquired. Scalar coupled spin systems were simulated, allowing for the J‐modulation and second order effects. Curve fitting was carried out by a linear combination of the simulated multiplets. The error in curve fitting is approximately 5 times lower than that attained using the standard protocol proposed by the manufacturer. The curve‐fitting protocol eliminates the operator‐dependent tasks, facilitating and accelerating the quantification of the major metabolite concentrations.     

An experimental evaluation of the capabilities of a fluidised-bed fixturing system

A phase-change fixture is a single adaptive device which can hold parts of various shapes and sizes while they are subjected to a wide variety of manufacturing operations. In this paper, a fundamental experimental investigation of adaptable fluidised-bed phase-change fixturing systems is presented. The results of this experimental investigation, which focuses on evaluating the ability of these fixtures to resist complex combinations of axial, bending and torsional loads, have provided estimates of the fixturing capability of this class of fixtures. This work has precipitated the development of a semi-automated hydraulically-operated prototype fixturing system, which is currently being employed to fixture parts of various shapes and sizes for several diverse manufacturing tasks, including metal-cutting operations, on a horizontal-axis LeBlond-Makino MC65-A60 machining centre.