Transverse Relaxation Time Research Articles

Dielectric microwave resonator with large optical apertures for spin-based quantum devices

We demonstrate a low-loss dielectric microwave resonator with an internal quality factor of 2.30×104 while accommodating optical apertures with a diameter of 8 mm. The two seemingly conflicting requirements, high quality factor and large optical apertures, are satisfied, thanks to the large dielectric constant of rutile (TiO2). The quality factor is limited by radiation loss, and we confirmed by numerical simulation that this radiation loss can be suppressed by extending the enclosure height of the resonator; the resonator can potentially achieve a dielectric loss-limited quality factor, exceeding 106. Using this resonator, we performed both continuous-wave (cw) and pulse electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) crystalline powder and P1 centers in a diamond crystal in a dilution refrigerator. The cw ESR spectroscopy demonstrated high-cooperativity and strong spin-resonator coupling with the DPPH and P1 centers, respectively, while the pulse ESR spectroscopy successfully measured longitudinal and transverse relaxation times. This optically accessible low-loss microwave resonator enables the implementation of a spin-based quantum device, such as a microwave-optical photon transducer.

Multiparametric-magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) of the prostate and Urolift: Identifying artefact size, location and clinical implications.

We sought to define the degree of artefact caused by prostatic urethral lift (PUL) on multiparametric-magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) to determine the location, size of artefact and if the device could potentially obscure a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Ten patients were prospectively enrolled to undergo PUL for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and follow-up imaging. A standard mp-MRI protocol using a 3.0 Tesla scanner was performed prior to and following Urolift insertion. Pre- and post-PUL images were compared to measure maximum artefact diameter around each implant in each MRI parameter. A transverse relaxation time weighted (T2) artefact reduction protocol was also evaluated. The location of each artefact was then compared to a separate database of 225 consecutive patients who underwent magnetic resonance guided prostate biopsies. Artefact occurred around the stainless steel urethral implant component only. Mean T2 artefact maximum diameter was 7.7mm (sd = 1.71 mm), with an artefact reduction protocol reducing this to 5.4mm (sd = 1.43). Mean dynamic-contrast-enhancement artefact was 10mm (sd = 2.5mm), and mean diffusion-weighted-imaging artefact was 28.2mm (sd = 7.8mm). All artefacts were confined to the posterior transition zone only. In the 225 consecutive patients who had undergone magnetic resonance guided prostate biopsies, there were 55 positive biopsies with prostate cancer, with 13 cases found in the transition zones and no cancer identified solely in the posterior transitional zone. The stainless steel urethral component of the PUL does cause artefact, which is confined to the posterior transition zone only. PUL artefact occurs in an area of the prostate that has a very low incidence of a single focus of prostate cancer. If there is concern for prostate cancer in the posterior TZ (e.g. if every other area is clear with a high PSA), this area can undergo targeted biopsy.

A fast and effective way to measure the inner pore size distributions of wetted cotton fibers and their pretreatment performance using time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance

This study reports the findings from using time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) to analyze the pore structures of cotton fibers. Cotton fibers, which swell and soften in water, present challenges for conventional pore measurement techniques. TD-NMR overcomes these by measuring the transverse relaxation time (T2) of water protons within the fibers, indicative of internal pore sizes. We established a T2-to-pore size conversion equation using mixed cellulose ester membranes. This enabled differentiation between strongly bound, loosely bound, and free water within the fibers, and detailed the water distribution. A method for measuring the pore size distribution of wet cotton fiber was developed using TD-NMR. We then examined how various pretreatments affect the fibers' internal pores by comparing their pore size distribution and porosity. Specifically, caustic mercerization primarily enlarges the porosity and size of larger pores, while liquid ammonia treatment increases porosity but reduces the size of smaller pores. This research confirms TD-NMR's utility in assessing cotton fabrics' wet processing performance.

Ready-to-print alginate inks: The effect of different divalent cations on physico-chemical properties of 3D printable alginate hydrogels

Studies about the use of different divalent cations to produce 3D printed scaffolds are almost limited to their application as secondary crosslinking agents after the printing of alginate. For this reason, this research aims to demonstrate the possibility to develop alginate hydrogel-inks for 3D-printing application, exploiting the ionotropic gelation in a preprint step, by paying attention to the role of divalent cations on hydrogel-inks properties. The investigation of transversal relaxation time highlighted differences among inks (barium-ink 90.04 ms, calcium-ink 84.33 ms, and zinc-ink 75.05 ms) suggesting a potential influence of different cations. If all the inks showed a shear thinning behaviour with similar flowability index (0.153±0.018), they were characterised by different consistency index (from 2420 to 574 Pa•s), extrudability and homogeneity, parameters that influence the printing setup. In fact, to reach the same flowability and thus low deviation in the layer width for all inks, a variation in printing pressure and speed was necessary. Overall, it can be deduced that alginate inks preparation following a preprint crosslinking approach could be a valid method to overcome the alginate printability issues underlining the possibility to select the crosslinking cation according to the technological properties wanted for the final matrix.

Influence of linearly polarized light on the transverse relaxation of ground-state 133Cs atoms

In order to obtain an understanding of the relationship between the optical absorption and the transverse relaxation, the influences of linearly polarized light respectively at 133Cs D1 and D2 lines on the transverse relaxation of ground-state 133Cs atoms are studied. Under different vapor temperatures, light intensities and light frequencies, transverse spin relaxation times are separately measured for 133Cs atoms in different hyperfine levels. For theoretically analyzing the measuring results, especially for an unusual trend that the transverse spin relaxation time rises with the increase of light intensity, photon absorption cross-sections of linearly polarized light by 133Cs atoms are simulated. The experimental results show that through influencing the optical absorption and spin-exchange collisions, the linearly polarized light plays a remarkable role in the transverse spin relaxation. The results obtained by this paper can provide a guide to find the optimal intensity and frequency of linearly polarized light in practical applications for decreasing the influences of linearly polarized light on the transverse relaxation.

Assessment of water relaxometry of meat under different ageing processes using time domain nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry

This study assessed water relaxometry of beef exposed to different ageing techniques by examining the inner and surface regions using time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) relaxometry. Beef strip loins were aged under vacuum (Wet), under vacuum using moisture absorbers (Abs), under vacuum using moisture absorbers and with mechanical tenderisation (AbsTend), or without any packaging (Dry). The ageing technique significantly influenced various meat parameters, including dehydration, total loss, and the moisture content of the meat surface. The transverse (T2) relaxation times provided a more sensitive indicator of the changes in meat water relaxometry than the longitudinal (T1) relaxation times. The Dry samples exhibited distinct differences in the T2 signals between the surface and inner regions of the meat. In particular, for the inner region, there were significant differences in signal areas between the Wet and Dry samples, and the Abs and AbsTend samples were positioned closely together between the Dry and Wet samples. The principal component analysis supported these findings: it indicated some differentiation among the ageing techniques in the score plot, but the differentiation was more pronounced when analysing the surface region. Additionally, there was a strong correlation between dehydration and the T2 values, leading to a clustering of the samples based on the ageing technique. The overlap between the Abs and AbsTend samples, situated between the Dry and Wet samples, suggests the potential of these treatments to produce meat with properties that are intermediate to Wet and Dry meat. Furthermore, tenderisation did not lead to greater dehydration.

Dynamic monitoring soft tissue healing via visualized Gd-crosslinked double network MRI microspheres

By integrating magnetic resonance-visible components with scaffold materials, hydrogel microspheres (HMs) become visible under magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), allowing for non-invasive, continuous, and dynamic monitoring of the distribution, degradation, and relationship of the HMs with local tissues. However, when these visualization components are physically blended into the HMs, it reduces their relaxation rate and specificity under MRI, weakening the efficacy of real-time dynamic monitoring. To achieve MRI-guided in vivo monitoring of HMs with tissue repair functionality, we utilized airflow control and photo-crosslinking methods to prepare alginate-gelatin-based dual-network hydrogel microspheres (G-AlgMA HMs) using gadolinium ions (Gd (III)), a paramagnetic MRI contrast agent, as the crosslinker. When the network of G-AlgMA HMs degrades, the cleavage of covalent bonds causes the release of Gd (III), continuously altering the arrangement and movement characteristics of surrounding water molecules. This change in local transverse and longitudinal relaxation times results in variations in MRI signal values, thus enabling MRI-guided in vivo monitoring of the HMs. Additionally, in vivo data show that the degradation and release of polypeptide (K2 (SL)6 K2 (KK)) from G-AlgMA HMs promote local vascular regeneration and soft tissue repair. Overall, G-AlgMA HMs enable non-invasive, dynamic in vivo monitoring of biomaterial degradation and tissue regeneration through MRI, which is significant for understanding material degradation mechanisms, evaluating biocompatibility, and optimizing material design.

Interactions of cumulative load with biomarkers of cartilage turnover predict knee cartilage change over 2 years: data from the osteoarthritis initiative.

The purpose was to investigate relationships of cumulative load and cartilage turnover biomarkers with 2-year changes in cartilage in knee osteoarthritis. From participants with Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grades of 1 to 3, cartilage thickness and transverse relaxation time (T2) were computed from 24-month (baseline) and 48-month magnetic resonance images. Cumulative load was the interaction term of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and body mass index (BMI). Serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and the nitrated form of type II collagen (Coll2-1 NO2) were collected at baseline. Multiple regressions (adjusted for baseline age, KL grade, cartilage measures, pain, comorbidity) evaluated the relationships of cumulative load and biomarkers with 2-year changes. In 406 participants (63.7 (8.7) years), interactions of biomarkers with cumulative load weakly predicted 2-year cartilage changes: (i) COMP × cumulative load explained medial tibia thickness change (R2 increased 0.062 to 0.087, p < 0.001); (ii) Coll2-1 NO2 × cumulative load explained central medial femoral T2 change (R2 increased 0.177 to 0.210, p < 0.001); and (iii) Coll2-1 NO2 × cumulative load explained lateral tibia T2 change (R2 increased 0.166 to 0.188, p < 0.001). Moderate COMP or Coll2-1 NO2 at baseline appeared protective. High COMP or Coll2-1 NO2, particularly with high BMI and low PASE, associated with worsening cartilage. Moderate serum concentrations of cartilage turnover biomarkers, at high and low physical activity, associated with maintained cartilage outcomes over 2 years. In conclusion, high concentrations of cartilage turnover biomarkers, particularly with high BMI and low physical activity, associated with knee cartilage thinning and increasing T2 over 2 years. Key Points • Higher quality cartilage may be better able to tolerate a larger cumulative load than poor quality cartilage. • Among participants enrolled in the Osteoarthritis Initiative Biomarkers Consortium Project, a representation of cumulative load exposure and its interaction with cartilage turnover biomarkers were weakly related with 2-year change in knee cartilage. • These findings suggest that cartilage turnover is a factor that modifies the relationship between loading exposure and cartilage loss in knee OA.

Longitudinal myelin content measures of slowly expanding lesions using 7T MRI in multiple sclerosis.

Slowly expanding lesions (SELs) are thought to represent a subset of chronic active lesions and have been associated with clinical disability, severity, and disease progression. The purpose of this study was to characterize SELs using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures related to myelin and neurite density on 7Tesla (T) MRI. The study design was retrospective, longitudinal, observational cohort with multiple sclerosis (n=15). Magnetom 7T scanner was used to acquire magnetization-prepared 2 rapid acquisition gradient echo and advanced MRI including visualization of short transverse relaxation time component (ViSTa) for myelin, quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) for myelin, and neurite orientation dispersion density imaging (NODDI). SELs were defined as lesions showing ≥12% of growth over 12months on serial MRI. Comparisons of quantitative measures in SELs and non-SELs were performed at baseline and over time. Statistical analyses included two-sample t-test, analysis of variance, and mixed-effects linear model for MRI metrics between lesion types. A total of 1075 lesions were evaluated. Two hundred twenty-four lesions (21%) were SELs, and 216 (96%) of the SELs were black holes. At baseline, compared to non-SELs, SELs showed significantly lower ViSTa (1.38vs. 1.53, p<.001) and qMT (2.47vs. 2.97, p<.001) but not in NODDI measures (p>.27). Longitudinally, only ViSTa showed a greater loss when comparing SEL and non-SEL (p=.03). SELs have a lower myelin content relative to non-SELs without a difference in neurite measures. SELs showed a longitudinal decrease in apparent myelin water fraction reflecting greater tissue injury.

A Novel Positive-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Line Marker for High-Dose-Rate (HDR) MRI-Assisted Radiosurgery (MARS).

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can facilitate accurate organ delineation and optimal dose distributions in high-dose-rate (HDR) MRI-Assisted Radiosurgery (MARS). Its use for this purpose has been limited by the lack of positive-contrast MRI markers that can clearly delineate the lumen of the HDR applicator and precisely show the path of the HDR source on T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences. We investigated a novel MRI positive-contrast HDR brachytherapy or interventional radiotherapy line marker, C4:S, consisting of C4 (visible on T1-weighted images) complexed with saline. Longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and transverse relaxation time (T2) for C4:S were measured on a 1.5 T MRI scanner. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) tubing filled with C4:S as an HDR brachytherapy line marker was tested for visibility on T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences in a tissue-equivalent female ultrasound training pelvis phantom. Relaxivity measurements indicated that C4:S solution had good T1-weighted contrast (relative to oil [fat] signal intensity) and good T2-weighted contrast (relative to water signal intensity) at both room temperature (relaxivity ratio > 1; r2/r1 = 1.43) and body temperature (relaxivity ratio > 1; r2/r1 = 1.38). These measurements were verified by the positive visualization of the C4:S (C4/saline 50:50) HDPE tube HDR brachytherapy line marker on both T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences. Orientation did not affect the relaxivity of the C4:S contrast solution. C4:S encapsulated in HDPE tubing can be visualized as a positive line marker on both T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences. MRI-guided HDR planning may be possible with these novel line markers for HDR MARS for several types of cancer.

Analyzing coherent and incoherent optical susceptibilities in four-wave mixing: stochasticity, symmetry, and intramolecular coupling

The nonlinear optical susceptibilities are analyzed in their optical propagation length considering the incoherent-coherent contributions with the dependence on the relaxation times. In addition, some symmetry properties of the Four-Wave mixing (FWM) signal concerning the frequency detuning exchange are used in the study, without restricting ourselves to the maxima of population oscillations. We analyze the behaviors of these optical responses in a vibronic coupling scheme using a molecule model consisting of two coupled harmonic curves of electronic energies with displaced minima in position and nuclear energies. The solvent effect in our model is treated through the natural Bohr frequency shift to a time-dependent function, with explicit manifestations in its comparison as if the upper state were broadened. Our results for both FWM signal propagation and nonlinear optical susceptibilities are sensitive to the intramolecular coupling parameters, solvent stochasticity, and perturbation order for the treatment of the weak probe beam. The consideration of a second-order probe beam in FWM would not represent a significant contribution to the predicted results, since its percentage contribution is negligible within the model development framework; however, this contribution becomes important when increasing the ratio between longitudinal and transverse relaxation times.

Suppressing effect of shortening vapor cell stem on polarization-induced magnetic gradient relaxation of Xe in NMR co-magnetometers

The Rb polarization-induced magnetic field gradient is one of the crucial sources of Xe spin relaxation in NMR co-magnetometers. The additional volume of the atomic vapor cell stem can enhance the effective magnetic field gradient through the diffusion effect of the optically polarized-Rb atoms, which affects the spin relaxation properties of Xe and degrades the long-term stability of NMR co-magnetometers. Based on the discrete steps random walk diffusion model, the magnetic gradient relaxation properties of Xe diffusing in an asymmetric cell composed of a cubic part and a cylindrical tube (stem) are characterized. Simulation results indicate that a shorter stem can effectively prolong the nuclear spin relaxation time under a constant magnetic field gradient. To verify this conclusion, a cell stem truncating actuator is developed using a high-power CO2 laser to shorten the cell stem, and the magnetic field gradient coil is used to perform the gradient compensation to examine the impact of various stem lengths on the spin relaxation rate. Experiments indicate that under the influence of atomic diffusive motions, shortening the stem length can effectively suppress the polarization-induced magnetic gradient and increase the 129Xe transverse relaxation time from 4.5 s to 21 s. The study posts practical applications for vapor cells with a stem, which is expected to enhance the performance of atomic spin co-magnetometers.

Relaxation Editing in NMR Using a New Two-Dimensional Long-Lived Coherence Method for Mixture Analysis.

The exploration of metabolomics and targeted segments of proteins stands as a pivotal facet of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis, furnishing valuable insights into molecular architectures and potential therapeutic applications. The issue of spectral congestion frequently presents challenges in ascribing distinct peaks within the confines of both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectra. Numerous strategies have been proposed to resolve specific resonances in NMR spectra differentially. Among these approaches, relaxation editing emerges as a viable solution. In the realm of relaxation phenomena within NMR, Long-Lived States (LLS) and Long-Lived Coherences (LLC) manifest as promising phenomena, offering enhanced relaxation lifetimes in comparison to the traditional longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation times for coupled nuclear spins. Notably, LLC presents a pathway to attenuate uncoupled high-intensity peaks, effectively diminishing their impact. The foundation of this technique rests upon the premise that the relaxation lifetime in the rotating frame (T1ρ) remains smaller than TLLC. In pursuit of refining spectral assignments within complex mixtures, we introduce a new pulse sequence tailored for LLC Total Correlation Spectroscopy (LLC-TOCSY). This demonstrates efficacy in extracting LLC signals within configurations involving multiple coupled spins, thereby decluttering the spectrum and enhancing the accuracy of peak assignments. To validate the effectiveness of this method, a collection of samples was subjected to scrutiny, yielding compelling results.

Predicting the compressive strength of tight sandstone based on the low field NMR and pseudo-triaxial compression measurements

The compressive strength is very important for petroleum and other engineering studies. However, the effect of pore size and fluid distribution on the rock’s strength is not fully understood. We developed comprehensive research to study the controlling factors of the compressive strength based on low field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements and pseudo-triaxial compression test for tight sandstones. The relationship between the compressive strength and the NMR obtained parameters are investigated completely, aiming for a better estimation of the compressive strength using the NMR data. The result shows that the rock’s strength is strongly controlled by the pore size distribution and the fluid existing state. Generally, the compressive strength is negatively correlated with the average transversal relaxation time, the movable water saturation, and the porosity, but positively correlated with the irreducible water saturation. The result reveals that the rock with larger pore radius and higher percentage of movable fluid is easier to reach the failure state. Further, the precision of the empirical model by multiple regression of the geometric mean of the relaxation time and the porosity is greatly improved compared with the model established by the brittle minerals, which is potentially to be use for geophysical prospecting when the NMR logging data is available.

A Method to Identify Pore Fluids in Heterogeneous Conglomerate Reservoirs Using a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Log with Oil-Based Mud Invasion

Summary Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging has been extensively utilized for identifying pore fluids in recent years. However, after oil-based mud (OBM) invasion, OBM filtrate partially takes the place of the original fluid in the reservoir and the morphology of the NMR T2 (transverse relaxation time) spectrum changes. OBM invasion makes it difficult to identify the formation fluid using routine NMR fluid identification methods. In this study, we took heterogeneous conglomerate formation in the northwestern Junggar Basin as a case study and carried out core experiments under four conditions (viz., water-saturated, OBM displacing water, oil-saturated, and OBM displacing oil) and simulated the states of OBM invasion into water and hydrocarbon-bearing formation. Comparative analysis finds that when the OBM invades the water layer, the movable peak of the T2 spectrum primarily reflects the bulk relaxation characteristics of OBM filtrate, whereas when the OBM invades into the oil layer, the T2 spectrum may exhibit a three-peak distribution, where the first peak mainly indicates irreducible water, the second peak reflects OBM filtrate, and the third peak primarily reflects nondisplaced oil. To facilitate fluid identification, two T2 cutoffs are adopted to divide the T2 spectrum into three segments, and combined with the T2 geometric average, a fluid identification factor (ifluid) is proposed. Finally, identification criteria for reservoir type are established on the NMR logging and drillstem test data. The field application verifies the reliability of the proposed methods. These methods realize the identification of oil layers under OBM drilling and guide the subsequent production and development of oil reservoirs.

More accurate trabecular bone imaging using UTE MRI at the resonance frequency of fat

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) has been increasingly used to assess the trabecular bone structure. High susceptibility at the marrow/bone interface may significantly reduce the marrow's apparent transverse relaxation time (T2*), overestimating trabecular bone thickness. Ultrashort echo time MRI (UTE-MRI) can minimize the signal loss caused by susceptibility-induced T2* shortening. However, UTE-MRI is sensitive to chemical shift artifacts, which manifest as spatial blurring and ringing artifacts partially due to non-Cartesian sampling. In this study, we proposed UTE-MRI at the resonance frequency of fat to minimize marrow-related chemical shift artifacts and the overestimation of trabecular thickness. Cubes of trabecular bone from six donors (75 ± 4 years old) were scanned using a 3 T clinical scanner at the resonance frequencies of fat and water, respectively, using 3D UTE sequences with five TEs (0.032, 1.1, 2.2, 3.3, and 4.4 ms) and a clinical 3D gradient echo (GRE) sequence at 0.2 × 0.2 × 0.4 mm3 voxel size. Trabecular bone thickness was measured in 30 regions of interest (ROIs) per sample. MRI results were compared with thicknesses obtained from micro-computed tomography (μCT) at 50 μm3 voxel size. Linear regression models were used to calculate the coefficient of determination between MRI- and μCT-based trabecular thickness. All MRI-based trabecular thicknesses showed significant correlations with μCT measurements. The correlations were higher (examined with paired Student's t-test, P < 0.01) for 3D UTE images performed at the fat frequency (R2 = 0.59–0.74, P < 0.01) than those at the water frequency (R2 = 0.18–0.52, P < 0.01) and clinical GRE images (R2 = 0.39–0.47, P < 0.01). Significantly reduced correlations were observed with longer TEs. This study highlighted the feasibility of UTE-MRI at the fat frequency for a more accurate assessment of trabecular bone thickness.

Five multivariate Duchenne muscular dystrophy progression models bridging six-minute walk distance and MRI relaxometry of leg muscles.

The study aimed to provide quantitative information on the utilization of MRI transverse relaxation time constant (MRI-T2) of leg muscles in DMD clinical trials by developing multivariate disease progression models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and MRI-T2. Clinical data were collected from the prospective and longitudinal ImagingNMD study. Disease progression models were developed by a nonlinear mixed-effect modeling approach. Univariate models of 6MWD and MRI-T2 of five muscles were developed separately. Age at assessment was the time metric. Multivariate models were developed by estimating the correlation of 6MWD and MRI-T2 modelvariables. Full model estimation approach for covariate analysis and five-fold cross validation were conducted. Simulations were performed to compare the models and predict the covariate effects on the trajectories of 6MWD and MRI-T2. Sigmoid Imax and Emax models best captured the profiles of 6MWD and MRI-T2 over age. Steroid use, baseline 6MWD, and baseline MRI-T2 were significant covariates. The median age at which 6MWD is half of its maximum decrease in the five models was similar, while the median age at which MRI-T2 is half of its maximum increase varied depending on the type of muscle. The models connecting 6MWD and MRI-T2 successfully quantified how individual characteristics alter disease trajectories. The models demonstrate a plausible correlation between 6MWD and MRI-T2, supporting the use of MRI-T2. The developed models will guide drug developers in using the MRI-T2 to most efficient use in DMD clinical trials.

Multienzyme-Mediated Dual-Channel Magnetic Relaxation Switching Taste Biosensor (D-MRSTB) for Simultaneous Detection of Umami Compounds and Synergistic Enhancement in Food.

Umami substances play a significant role in the evaluation of food quality, and their synergistic enhancement is of great importance in improving and intensifying food flavors and tastes. Current biosensors available for umami detection still confront challenges in simultaneous quantification of multiple umami substances and umami intensities. In this study, an innovative dual-channel magnetic relaxation switching taste biosensor (D-MRSTB) was developed for the quantitative detection of representative umami substances. The multienzyme signal of D-MRSTB specifically catalyzes the umami substances of interest to generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is then used to oxidate Fe2+ to Fe3+. Such a valence-state transition of paramagnetic ions was utilized as a magnetic relaxation signaling switch to influence the transverse magnetic relaxation time (T2) within the reaction milieu, thus achieving simultaneous detection of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP). The biosensor showed good linearity (R2 > 0.99) in the concentration range of 50-1000 and 10-1000 μmol/L, with limits of detection (LOD) of 0.61 and 0.09 μmol/L for MSG and IMP, respectively. Furthermore, the biosensor accurately characterized the synergistic effect of the mixed solution of IMP and MSG, where ΔT2 showed a good linear relationship with the equivalent umami concentration (EUC) of the mixed solution (R2 = 0.998). Moreover, the D-MRSTB successfully achieved the quantitative detection of umami compounds in real samples. This sensing technology provides a powerful tool for achieving the detection of synergistic enhancement among umami compounds and demonstrates its potential for application in the food industry.

Method to quickly estimate T1 value by suppressing spin exchange relaxation and magnetic field gradient relaxation in atomic sensors

The accuracy of atomic sensor is determined by the transverse nuclear spin relaxation time (T2). As the longitudinal nuclear spin relaxation time (T1) is the upper limit of T2, it becomes an important metric for evaluating the merits of alkali vapor cells. However, the conventional method for measuring T1 of pulse delay takes dozens of minutes, which will increase the effect of random errors during the testing process. In order to solve this problem, a method to quickly estimate the value of T1 is proposed by suppressing the influence of spin exchange relaxation and magnetic field gradient relaxation terms on T2. Experimental results indicate that the accuracy is maintained at above 95%, and the testing time is reduced to less than 5%.

Fine quantitative characterization of high-H2S gas reservoirs under the influence of liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption

In order to clarify the influence of liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption to high-H2S gas reservoirs, three types of natural cores with typical carbonate pore structures were selected for high-temperature and high-pressure core displacement experiments. Fine quantitative characterization of the cores in three steady states (original, after sulfur injection, and after gas flooding) was carried out using the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) transverse relaxation time spectrum and imaging, X-ray computer tomography (CT) of full-diameter cores, basic physical property testing, and field emission scanning electron microscopy imaging. The loss of pore volume caused by sulfur deposition and adsorption mainly comes from the medium and large pores with sizes bigger than 1 000 μm. Liquid sulfur has a stronger adsorption and deposition ability in smaller pore spaces, and causes greater damage to reservoirs with poor original pore structures. The pore structure of the three types of carbonate reservoirs shows multiple fractal characteristics. The worse the pore structure, the greater the change of internal pore distribution caused by liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption, and the stronger the heterogeneity. Liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption change the pore size distribution, pore connectivity, and heterogeneity of the rock, which further changes the physical properties of the reservoir. After sulfur injection and gas flooding, the permeability of Type I reservoirs with good physical properties decreased by 16%, and that of Types II and III reservoirs with poor physical properties decreased by 90% or more, suggesting an extremely high damage. This indicates that the worse the initial physical properties, the greater the damage of liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption. Liquid sulfur is adsorbed and deposited in different types of pore space in the forms of flocculence, cobweb, or retinitis, causing different changes in the pore structure and physical property of the reservoir.