Sample records for precession cardiovascular magnetic

  1. Non-rigid precession of magnetic stars

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lander, S. K.; Jones, D. I.

    2017-06-01

    Stars are, generically, rotating and magnetized objects with a misalignment between their magnetic and rotation axes. Since a magnetic field induces a permanent distortion to its host, it provides effective rigidity even to a fluid star, leading to bulk stellar motion that resembles free precession. This bulk motion is, however, accompanied by induced interior velocity and magnetic field perturbations, which are oscillatory on the precession time-scale. Extending previous work, we show that these quantities are described by a set of second-order perturbation equations featuring cross-terms scaling with the product of the magnetic and centrifugal distortions to the star. For the case of a background toroidal field, we reduce these to a set of differential equations in radial functions, and find a method for their solution. The resulting magnetic field and velocity perturbations show complex multipolar structure and are strongest towards the centre of the star.

  2. Reference left atrial dimensions and volumes by steady state free precession cardiovascular magnetic resonance

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Left atrial (LA) size is related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides high quality images of the left atrium with high temporal resolution steady state free precession (SSFP) cine sequences. We used SSFP cines to define normal ranges for LA volumes and dimensions relative to gender, age and body surface area (BSA), and examine the relative value of 2D atrial imaging techniques in patients. For definition of normal ranges of LA volume we studied 120 healthy subjects after careful exclusion of cardiovascular abnormality (60 men, 60 women; 20 subjects per age decile from 20 to 80 years). Data were generated from 3-dimensional modeling, including tracking of the atrioventricular ring motion and time-volume curves analysis. For definition of the best 2D images-derived predictors of LA enlargement, we studied 120 patients (60 men, 60 women; age range 20 to 80 years) with a clinical indication for CMR. Results In the healthy subjects, age was associated with LA 4-chamber transverse and 3-chamber anteroposterior diameters, but not with LA volume. Gender was an independent predictor of most absolute LA dimensions and volume, but following normalization to BSA, some associations became non-significant. CMR normal ranges were modeled and are tabled for clinical use with normalization, where appropriate, for BSA and gender and display of parameter variation with age. The best 2D predictors of LA volume were the 2-chamber area and 3-chamber area (both r = 0.90, p < 0.001). Conclusions These CMR data show that LA dimensions and volume in healthy, individuals vary significantly by BSA, with lesser effects of age and gender. PMID:21070636

  3. Reference right atrial dimensions and volume estimation by steady state free precession cardiovascular magnetic resonance

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) steady state free precession (SSFP) cine sequences with high temporal resolution and improved post-processing can accurately measure RA dimensions. We used this technique to define ranges for normal RA volumes and dimensions normalized, when necessary, to the influence of gender, body surface area (BSA) and age, and also to define the best 2D images-derived predictors of RA enlargement. Methods For definition of normal ranges of RA volume we studied 120 healthy subjects (60 men, 60 women; 20 subjects per age decile from 20 to 80 years), after careful exclusion of cardiovascular abnormality. We also studied 120 patients (60 men, 60 women; age range 20 to 80 years) with a clinical indication for CMR in order to define the best 1D and 2D predictors of RA enlargement. Data were generated from SSFP cine CMR, with 3-dimensional modeling, including tracking of the atrioventricular ring motion and time-volume curves analysis. Results In the group of healthy individuals, age influenced RA 2-chamber area and transverse diameter. Gender influenced most absolute RA dimensions and volume. Interestingly, right atrial volumes did not change with age and gender when indexed to body surface area. New CMR normal ranges for RA dimensions were modeled and displayed for clinical use with normalization for BSA and gender and display of parameter variation with age. Finally, the best 2D images-derived independent predictors of RA enlargement were indexed area and indexed longitudinal diameter in the 2-chamber view. Conclusion Reference RA dimensions and predictors of RA enlargement are provided using state-of-the-art CMR techniques. PMID:23566426

  4. Perihelion precession from power law central force and magnetic-like force

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Feng

    2011-04-01

    By the Laplace-Runge-Lenz (LRL) vector, we analyzed perihelion precessions of orbit with arbitrary eccentricity from perturbations of 1) power law central force and 2) fThusmagnetic-like force. Exact and analytically closed expressions for the precession rate are derived in both cases. In the central force case, we give a further expansion expression of precession rate in orders of eccentricity, and a rule judging pro- or retrograde precession is also given. We applied the result of central force to precessions of a planet in 1) Schwarzschild space-time, for which the formula for the Mercury’s 43”/century is reproduced, and 2) spherically distributed dark matter, for which we find a formula that is a generalization of the result derived by others for circular orbit. In the magnetic case, the use of the LRL vector proves to be simple and efficient. An example of magnetic-like perturbation is also discussed.

  5. Perihelion precession from power law central force and magnetic-like force

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Xu Feng

    2011-04-15

    By the Laplace-Runge-Lenz (LRL) vector, we analyzed perihelion precessions of orbit with arbitrary eccentricity from perturbations of 1) power law central force and 2) fThusmagnetic-like force. Exact and analytically closed expressions for the precession rate are derived in both cases. In the central force case, we give a further expansion expression of precession rate in orders of eccentricity, and a rule judging pro- or retrograde precession is also given. We applied the result of central force to precessions of a planet in 1) Schwarzschild space-time, for which the formula for the Mercury's 43''/century is reproduced, and 2) spherically distributed darkmore » matter, for which we find a formula that is a generalization of the result derived by others for circular orbit. In the magnetic case, the use of the LRL vector proves to be simple and efficient. An example of magnetic-like perturbation is also discussed.« less

  6. Determination of the ferrimagnetic precession cone of in-plane magnetized garnet films using optical modulation technique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bahlmann, N.; Gerhardt, R.; Wallenhorst, M.; Dötsch, H.

    1996-10-01

    Magnetic garnet films of composition (A, Bi)3(Fe, B)5 O12 are grown by liquid phase epitaxy on [111] oriented substrates of Gd3 Ga5 O12, where A=yttrium or lutetium and B=aluminum or gallium. The ferrimagnetic resonance (FMR) of in-plane magnetized films is studied by analyzing the modulation of light, which passes the film parallel to the film normal. Modulation efficiencies up to 1.8% at 2.9 GHz are observed at a wavelength of 0.633 μm. From the measured modulation intensities the precession angles of the FMR are derived. The dependence of the precession cone on the excitation frequency or on the external induction shows a foldover effect which, however, is smaller than for the FMR of perpendicularly magnetized films. Maximum precession angles up to 14° are achieved and the experiments indicate that saturation occurs. Light modulation is also observed at the first harmonic frequency, but the intensity is about 300 times weaker than at the fundamental frequency.

  7. Prognostic value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging measurements corrected for age and sex in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

    PubMed

    Swift, Andrew J; Rajaram, Smitha; Campbell, Michael J; Hurdman, Judith; Thomas, Steve; Capener, Dave; Elliot, Charlie; Condliffe, Robin; Wild, Jim M; Kiely, David G

    2014-01-01

    There are limited data on the prognostic value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance measurements in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, with no studies investigating the impact of correction of cardiovascular magnetic resonance indices for age and sex on prognostic value. Consecutive patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5T. Steady-state free precession cardiac volumes and mass measurements were corrected for age, sex, and body surface area according to reference data and prognostic significance assessed. A total of 80 patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension were identified, and 23 patients died during the mean follow-up of 32±14 months. Corrected for age, sex, and body surface area, right ventricular end-systolic volume (P=0.004) strongly predicted mortality, independent of World Health Organization functional class, mean right atrial pressure, cardiac index, and mixed venous oxygen saturations. Consideration should be given to correcting cardiovascular magnetic resonance measures for age, sex, and body surface area, particularly given the changing demographics of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Corrected right ventricular end-systolic volume is a strong prognostic marker in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, independent of invasively derived measurements, mean right atrial pressure cardiac index, and mixed venous oxygen saturations.

  8. The precession dynamo experiment at HZDR

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Giesecke, A.; Albrecht, T.; Gerbeth, G.; Gundrum, T.; Nore, C.; Stefani, F.; Steglich, C.

    2013-12-01

    Most planets of the solar system are accompanied by a magnetic field with a large scale structure. These fields are generated by the dynamo effect, the process that provides for the transfer of kinetic energy from a flow of a conducting fluid into magnetic energy. In case of planetary dynamos it is generally assumed that these flows are driven by thermal and/or chemical convection but other driving sources like libration, tidal forcing or precession are possible as well. Precessional forcing, in particular, has been discussed since long as an at least additional power source for the geodynamo. A fluid flow of liquid sodium, solely driven by precession, will be the source for magnetic field generation in the next generation dynamo experiment currently under development at the Helmholz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR). In contrast to previous dynamo experiments no internal blades, propellers or complex systems of guiding tubes will be used for the optimization of the flow properties. However, in order to reach sufficiently high magnetic Reynolds numbers required for the onset of dynamo action rather large dimensions of the container are necessary making the construction of the experiment a challenge. At present state a small scale water experiment is running in order to estimate the hydrodynamic flow properties in dependence of precession angle and precession rate. The measurements are utilized in combination with numerical simulations of the hydrodynamic case as input data for kinematic simulations of the induction equation. The resulting growth rates and the corresponding critical magnetic Reynolds numbers will provide a restriction of the useful parameter regime and will allow an optimization of the experimental configuration.

  9. A History of Precession Dissipation Energy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vanyo, J. P.

    2006-05-01

    I am not an historian, but here are a few of my remembrances of my 78 years. Precession theory and application had its formal beginning by Euler in 1758 to define rotation of rigid objects. A short burst of interest, theory, and application for precession and planetary motion and gyroscopes started around the1800s. Precession theory blossomed in the 1960s by the Soviet-American contest for space exploration and the contest for a geodynamo model. Precession interest then followed separate paths. Aerospace research introduced precession dissipation energy by America's 1958 satellite (Explorer I) where an instability was seen. Its antennae dissipated energy by material hysteresis. Liquid dissipation in precessing satellites became a major difficulty for designers, and physical experiments became the prime solution. Precession dissipation energy rates are difficult and expensive to measure, see Vanyo, "Rotating Fluids", 1993 Butterworth-Heinemann (2001 Dover), p.318. Geophysical research introduced nutation and precession by luni-solar forces. Luni-solar precession dissipation energy had become the criteria for adequacy for a geodynamo. Roberts and Busse both examined viscous models, but an attempt by Malkus (1968) for a viscous and magnetic model did not success. A precession model by Vanyo-Likins (1972) derived an aerospace application for dissipation energy. Rochester et al (1975) and Loper (1975) claimed that precession energy was inadequate for a geodynamo, but formal criteria were never published. The 1975 papers by Rochester et al and Loper were in error. Their estimate for precession energy rate is off by 4 magnitudes. New research now supports energetic precession geodynamo models, e.g., articles for precession experiments that have adequate geodynamo energy rates, articles for core-mantle motions that show geomagnetic CMB patterns, articles for viscous-electromagnetic analyses that show precession core-mantle coupling, and articles for computer simulations

  10. Magnetic nanoparticles for MR imaging: agents, techniques and cardiovascular applications

    PubMed Central

    Sosnovik, David E.; Nahrendorf, Matthias; Weissleder, Ralph

    2008-01-01

    Magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) are playing an increasingly important role in cardiovascular molecular imaging. These agents are superparamagnetic and consist of a central core of iron-oxide surrounded by a carbohydrate or polymer coat. The size, physical properties and pharmacokinetics of MNP make them highly suited to cellular and molecular imaging of atherosclerotic plaque and myocardial injury. MNP have a sensitivity in the nanomolar range and can be detected with T1, T2, T2*, off resonance and steady state free precession sequences. Targeted imaging with MNP is being actively explored and can be achieved through either surface modification or through the attachment of an affinity ligand to the nanoparticle. First generation MNP are already in clinical use and second generation agents, with longer blood half lives, are likely to be approved for routine clinical use in the near future. PMID:18324368

  11. Pseudo Steady-State Free Precession for MR-Fingerprinting.

    PubMed

    Assländer, Jakob; Glaser, Steffen J; Hennig, Jürgen

    2017-03-01

    This article discusses the signal behavior in the case the flip angle in steady-state free precession sequences is continuously varied as suggested for MR-fingerprinting sequences. Flip angle variations prevent the establishment of a steady state and introduce instabilities regarding to magnetic field inhomogeneities and intravoxel dephasing. We show how a pseudo steady state can be achieved, which restores the spin echo nature of steady-state free precession. Based on geometrical considerations, relationships between the flip angle, repetition and echo time are derived that suffice to the establishment of a pseudo steady state. The theory is tested with Bloch simulations as well as phantom and in vivo experiments. A typical steady-state free precession passband can be restored with the proposed conditions. The stability of the pseudo steady state is demonstrated by comparing the evolution of the signal of a single isochromat to one resulting from a spin ensemble. As confirmed by experiments, magnetization in a pseudo steady state can be described with fewer degrees of freedom compared to the original fingerprinting and the pseudo steady state results in more reliable parameter maps. The proposed conditions restore the spin-echo-like signal behavior typical for steady-state free precession in fingerprinting sequences, making this approach more robust to B 0 variations. Magn Reson Med 77:1151-1161, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

  12. Non-thermal optical excitation of terahertz-spin precession in a magneto-optical insulator

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Parchenko, Sergii; Maziewski, Andrzej; Stupakiewicz, Andrzej, E-mail: and@uwb.edu.pl

    2016-01-18

    We demonstrate non-thermal ultrafast laser excitation of spin precession with THz frequency in Gd-Bi-substituted iron garnet via the inverse Faraday effect. The modulation of THz precession by about 60 GHz below the compensation temperature of magnetic moment was observed. The THz frequency precession was caused by the exchange resonance between the Gd and Fe sublattices; we attributed the low-frequency modulation to dielectric resonance mode with a magnetic contribution. We demonstrate the possibility of polarization-sensitive control of spin precession under THz generation by laser pulses, helping to develop high-speed magneto-optical devices.

  13. Laser-induced THz magnetization precession for a tetragonal Heusler-like nearly compensated ferrimagnet

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mizukami, S., E-mail: mizukami@wpi-aimr.tohoku.ac.jp; Sugihara, A.; Suzuki, K. Z.

    2016-01-04

    Laser-induced magnetization precessional dynamics was investigated in epitaxial films of Mn{sub 3}Ge, which is a tetragonal Heusler-like nearly compensated ferrimagnet. The ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) mode was observed, the precession frequency for which exceeded 0.5 THz and originated from the large magnetic anisotropy field of approximately 200 kOe for this ferrimagnet. The effective damping constant was approximately 0.03. The corresponding effective Landau-Lifshitz constant is approximately 60 Mrad/s and is comparable with those of the similar Mn-Ga materials. The physical mechanisms for the Gilbert damping and for the laser-induced excitation of the FMR mode were also discussed in terms of the spin-orbit-induced damping and themore » laser-induced ultrafast modulation of the magnetic anisotropy, respectively.« less

  14. Modulation of ultrafast laser-induced magnetization precession in BiFeO3-coated La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wan, Qian; Jin, KuiJuan; Wang, JieSu; Yao, HongBao; Gu, JunXing; Guo, HaiZhong; Xu, XiuLai; Yang, GuoZhen

    2017-04-01

    The ultrafast laser-excited magnetization dynamics of ferromagnetic (FM) La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) thin films with BiFeO3 (BFO) coating layers grown by laser molecular beam epitaxy are investigated using the optical pump-probe technique. Uniform magnetization precessions are observed in the films under an applied external magnetic field by measuring the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect. The magnetization precession frequencies of the LSMO thin films with the BFO coating layers are lower than those of uncoated LSMO films, which is attributed to the suppression of the anisotropy field induced by the exchange interaction at the interface between the antiferromagnetic order of BFO and the FM order of LSMO.

  15. THE COMBINED EFFECT OF PRECESSION AND CONVECTION ON THE DYNAMO ACTION

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wei, Xing, E-mail: xing.wei@sjtu.edu.cn; Princeton University Observatory, Princeton, NJ 08544

    2016-08-20

    To understand the generation of the Earth’s magnetic field and those of other planets, we numerically investigate the combined effect of precession and convection on dynamo action in a spherical shell. Convection alone, precession alone, and the combined effect of convection and precession are studied at the low Ekman number at which the precessing flow is already unstable. The key result is that although precession or convection alone are not strong enough to support the dynamo action, the combined effect of precession and convection can support the dynamo action because of the resonance of precessional and convective instabilities. This resultmore » may explain why the geodynamo has been maintained for such a long time compared to the Martian dynamo.« less

  16. Larmor precession and barrier tunneling time of a neutral spinning particle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Zhi-Jian; Liang, J. Q.; Kobe, D. H.

    2001-10-01

    The Larmor precession of a neutral spinning particle in a magnetic field confined to the region of a one-dimensional rectangular barrier is investigated for both a nonrelativistic and a relativistic incoming particle. The spin precession serves as a clock to measure the time spent by a quantum particle traversing a potential barrier. With the help of a general spin coherent state it is explicitly shown that the precession time is equal to the dwell time in both the nonrelativistic and relativistic cases. We also present a numerical estimation of the precession time showing an apparent superluminal tunneling.

  17. Electrical control of flying spin precession in chiral 1D edge states

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nakajima, Takashi; Komiyama, Susumu; Lin, Kuan-Ting

    2013-12-04

    Electrical control and detection of spin precession are experimentally demonstrated by using spin-resolved edge states in the integer quantum Hall regime. Spin precession is triggered at a corner of a biased metal gate, where electron orbital motion makes a sharp turn leading to a nonadiabatic change in the effective magnetic field via spin-orbit interaction. The phase of precession is controlled by the group velocity of edge-state electrons tuned by gate bias voltage: Spin-FET-like coherent control of spin precession is thus realized by all-electrical means.

  18. Gyroscope precession along bound equatorial plane orbits around a Kerr black hole

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bini, Donato; Geralico, Andrea; Jantzen, Robert T.

    2016-09-01

    The precession of a test gyroscope along stable bound equatorial plane orbits around a Kerr black hole is analyzed, and the precession angular velocity of the gyro's parallel transported spin vector and the increment in the precession angle after one orbital period is evaluated. The parallel transported Marck frame which enters this discussion is shown to have an elegant geometrical explanation in terms of the electric and magnetic parts of the Killing-Yano 2-form and a Wigner rotation effect.

  19. Recent Advances in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Techniques and Applications

    PubMed Central

    Salerno, Michael; Sharif, Behzad; Arheden, Håkan; Kumar, Andreas; Axel, Leon; Li, Debiao; Neubauer, Stefan

    2018-01-01

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging has become the gold standard for evaluating myocardial function, volumes, and scarring. Additionally, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is unique in its comprehensive tissue characterization, including assessment of myocardial edema, myocardial siderosis, myocardial perfusion, and diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging has become an indispensable tool in the evaluation of congenital heart disease, heart failure, cardiac masses, pericardial disease, and coronary artery disease. This review will highlight some recent novel cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging techniques, concepts, and applications. PMID:28611116

  20. New Precession Formulas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fukushima, T.

    2003-08-01

    We adapted J.G. Williams' expression of the precession and nutation by the 3-1-3-1 rotation (Williams 1994) to an arbitrary inertial frame of reference. The new expression of the precession matrix is P = R1(-ɛ ) R3(-ψ ) R1(ϕ) R3(γ ) while that of precession-nutation matrix is NP = R1(-ɛ -Δ ɛ ) R3(-ψ -Δ ψ ) R1(ϕ) R3(γ ). Here γ and ϕ are the new planetary precession angles, ψ and ɛ are the new luni-solar precession angles, and Δ ψ and Δ ɛ are the usual nutations. The modified formulation avoids a singularity caused by finite pole offsets near the epoch. By adopting the latest planetary precession formula determined from DE405 (Harada 2003) and by using a recent theory of the forced nutation of the non-rigid Earth, SF2001 (Shirai and Fukushima 2001), we analysed the celestial pole offsets observed by VLBI for 1979-2000 and compiled by USNO and determined the best-fit polynomials of the new luni-solar precession angles. Then we translated the results into the classic precessional quantities as sin π A sin Π A, sin π A \\cos Π A, π A, Π A, pA, ψ A, ω A, χA, ζ A, zA, and θ A. Also we evaluated the effect of the difference in the ecliptic definition between the inertial and rotational senses. The combination of these formulas and the periodic part of SF2001 serves as a good approximation of the precession-nutation matrix in the ICRF. As a by-product, we determined the mean celestial pole offset at J2000.0 as X0 = -(17.12 +/- 0.01) mas and Y0 = -(5.06 +/- 0.02) mas. Also we estimated the speed of general precession in longitude at J2000.0 as p = (5028.7955 +/- 0.0003)''/Julian century, the mean obliquity at J2000.0 in the rotational sense as ɛ 0 = (84381.40955 +/- 0.00001)'', and the dynamical flattening of the Earth as Hd = (0.0032737804 +/- 0.0000000003). Further, we established a fast way to compute the precession-nutation matrix and provided a best-fit polynomial of s, an angle to specify the mean CEO.

  1. The precession dynamo experiment at HZDR

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Giesecke, A.; Gundrum, T.; Herault, J.; Stefani, F.; Gerbeth, G.

    2015-12-01

    In a next generation dynamo experiment currently under development atthe Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) a fluid flow of liquidsodium, solely driven by precession, will be considered as a possiblesource for magnetic field generation. The experiment is mainlymotivated by alternative concepts for astrophysical dynamos that arebased on mechanical flow driving. For example, it has long beendiscussed whether precession may be a complementary power source forthe geodynamo (Malkus, Science 1968) or for the ancient lunar dynamodue to the Earth-driven precession of the lunar spin axis (Dwyer, Nature 2011).We will present the current state of development of the dynamoexperiment together with results from non-linear hydrodynamicsimulations with moderate precessional forcing. Our simulations reveala non-axisymmetric forced mode with an amplitude of up to one fourthof the rotation velocity of the cylindrical container confirming thatprecession provides a rather efficient flow driving mechanism even atmoderate precession rates.More relevant for dynamo action might be free Kelvin modes (thenatural flow eigenmodes in a rotating cylinder) with higher azimuthalwave number. These modes may become relevant when constituting atriadic resonance with the fundamental forced mode, i.e., when theheight of the container matches their axial wave lengths. We findtriadic resonances at aspect ratios close to those predicted by thelinear theory except around the primary resonance of the forcedmode. In that regime we still identify free Kelvin modes propagatingin retrograde direction but none of them can be assigned to a triade.Our results will enter into the development of flow models that willbe used in kinematic simulations of the electromagnetic inductionequation in order to determine whether a precession driven flow willbe capable to drive a dynamo at all and to limit the parameter spacewithin which the occurrence of dynamo action is most promising.

  2. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in adults with previous cardiovascular surgery.

    PubMed

    von Knobelsdorff-Brenkenhoff, Florian; Trauzeddel, Ralf Felix; Schulz-Menger, Jeanette

    2014-03-01

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a versatile non-invasive imaging modality that serves a broad spectrum of indications in clinical cardiology and has proven evidence. Most of the numerous applications are appropriate in patients with previous cardiovascular surgery in the same manner as in non-surgical subjects. However, some specifics have to be considered. This review article is intended to provide information about the application of CMR in adults with previous cardiovascular surgery. In particular, the two main scenarios, i.e. following coronary artery bypass surgery and following heart valve surgery, are highlighted. Furthermore, several pictorial descriptions of other potential indications for CMR after cardiovascular surgery are given.

  3. Nonlinear dynamo action in a precessing cylindrical container.

    PubMed

    Nore, C; Léorat, J; Guermond, J-L; Luddens, F

    2011-07-01

    It is numerically demonstrated by means of a magnetohydrodynamics code that precession can trigger the dynamo effect in a cylindrical container. When the Reynolds number, based on the radius of the cylinder and its angular velocity, increases, the flow, which is initially centrosymmetric, loses its stability and bifurcates to a quasiperiodic motion. This unsteady and asymmetric flow is shown to be capable of sustaining dynamo action in the linear and nonlinear regimes. The magnetic field thus generated is unsteady and quadrupolar. These numerical evidences of dynamo action in a precessing cylindrical container may be useful for an experiment now planned at the Dresden sodium facility for dynamo and thermohydraulic studies in Germany.

  4. Quantification of myocardium at risk in ST- elevation myocardial infarction: a comparison of contrast-enhanced steady-state free precession cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance with coronary angiographic jeopardy scores.

    PubMed

    De Palma, Rodney; Sörensson, Peder; Verouhis, Dinos; Pernow, John; Saleh, Nawzad

    2017-07-27

    Clinical outcome following acute myocardial infarction is predicted by final infarct size evaluated in relation to left ventricular myocardium at risk (MaR). Contrast-enhanced steady-state free precession (CE-SSFP) cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is not widely used for assessing MaR. Evidence of its utility compared to traditional assessment methods and as a surrogate for clinical outcome is needed. Retrospective analysis within a study evaluating post-conditioning during ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with coronary intervention (n = 78). CE-SSFP post-infarction was compared with angiographic jeopardy methods. Differences and variability between CMR and angiographic methods using Bland-Altman analyses were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were compared to MaR and extent of infarction. MaR showed correlation between CE-SSFP, and both BARI and APPROACH scores of 0.83 (p < 0.0001) and 0.84 (p < 0.0001) respectively. Bias between CE-SSFP and BARI was 1.1% (agreement limits -11.4 to +9.1). Bias between CE-SSFP and APPROACH was 1.2% (agreement limits -13 to +10.5). Inter-observer variability for the BARI score was 0.56 ± 2.9; 0.42 ± 2.1 for the APPROACH score; -1.4 ± 3.1% for CE-SSFP. Intra-observer variability was 0.15 ± 1.85 for the BARI score; for the APPROACH score 0.19 ± 1.6; and for CE-SSFP -0.58 ± 2.9%. Quantification of MaR with CE-SSFP imaging following STEMI shows high correlation and low bias compared with angiographic scoring and supports its use as a reliable and practical method to determine myocardial salvage in this patient population. Clinical trial registration information for the parent clinical trial: Karolinska Clinical Trial Registration (2008) Unique identifier: CT20080014. Registered 04 th January 2008.

  5. Application of spin-exchange relaxation-free magnetometry to the Cosmic Axion Spin Precession Experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Tao; Kimball, Derek F. Jackson; Sushkov, Alexander O.; Aybas, Deniz; Blanchard, John W.; Centers, Gary; Kelley, Sean R. O.'; Wickenbrock, Arne; Fang, Jiancheng; Budker, Dmitry

    2018-03-01

    The Cosmic Axion Spin Precession Experiment (CASPEr) seeks to measure oscillating torques on nuclear spins caused by axion or axion-like-particle (ALP) dark matter via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. A sample spin-polarized along a leading magnetic field experiences a resonance when the Larmor frequency matches the axion/ALP Compton frequency, generating precessing transverse nuclear magnetization. Here we demonstrate a Spin-Exchange Relaxation-Free (SERF) magnetometer with sensitivity ≈ 1 fT /√{ Hz } and an effective sensing volume of 0.1 cm3 that may be useful for NMR detection in CASPEr. A potential drawback of SERF-magnetometer-based NMR detection is the SERF's limited dynamic range. Use of a magnetic flux transformer to suppress the leading magnetic field is considered as a potential method to expand the SERF's dynamic range in order to probe higher axion/ALP Compton frequencies.

  6. Effective equations for the precession dynamics of electron spins and electron-impurity correlations in diluted magnetic semiconductors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cygorek, M.; Axt, V. M.

    2015-08-01

    Starting from a quantum kinetic theory for the spin dynamics in diluted magnetic semiconductors, we derive simplified equations that effectively describe the spin transfer between carriers and magnetic impurities for an arbitrary initial impurity magnetization. Taking the Markov limit of these effective equations, we obtain good quantitative agreement with the full quantum kinetic theory for the spin dynamics in bulk systems at high magnetic doping. In contrast, the standard rate description where the carrier-dopant interaction is treated according to Fermi’s golden rule, which involves the assumption of a short memory as well as a perturbative argument, has been shown previously to fail if the impurity magnetization is non-zero. The Markov limit of the effective equations is derived, assuming only a short memory, while higher order terms are still accounted for. These higher order terms represent the precession of the carrier-dopant correlations in the effective magnetic field due to the impurity spins. Numerical calculations show that the Markov limit of our effective equations reproduces the results of the full quantum kinetic theory very well. Furthermore, this limit allows for analytical solutions and for a physically transparent interpretation.

  7. Precession Driven Instabilities and Dynamos in the Early Moon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cebron, D.; Laguerre, R.; Noir, J.; Vidal, J.; Schaeffer, N.

    2017-12-01

    The Early Moon magnetic fields are probably due to a strong temporary dynamo, which may be due to lunar precession [1]. However, precession driven dynamos remain badly known, with only few studied cases [2,3,4]. Given the uncertainties of the early Moon precession, wider ranges of parameters need to be explored in order to assess if such lunar dynamos are possible. Using the efficient dynamo code XSHELLS, we have thus performed many simulations of precessing spherical shells, varying the parameters in a systematic way. This allows us to characterize the various excited instabilities, and to propose scaling laws. We also obtain that precession driven dynamos seem scarce and weak in our simulations, which makes difficult and uncertain the extrapolation of these dynamos to the Moon. However, our dynamo simulations, as every other in the literature, neglect the topographic torque effect on instabilities in order to use fast spectral codes [5]. By contrast, the topographic torque is dominant for the lunar core. Before exploring this effect numerically, which is a real challenge, we choose to study it theoretically. To do so, we have developed a novel global linear stability analysis of mechanically-driven flows in triaxial ellipsoids, with leading order viscous effects. Internal dissipation is obtained for the first time by extending the Greenspan's theory (1968) of geostrophic and inertial modes. By contrast with pioneering theories [6], we propose a new linear viscous model valid in arbitrary ellipsoid and for any precessing forcing. Then we perform the linear stability analysis by considering ellipsoidal perturbations of unprecedented spatial complexity with a self-consistent model of viscous damping. We show that forced precession-driven basic flows are bistable in triaxial ellipsoids. Then, we present the first stability analysis of precessing-flows in triaxial ellipsoids. [1] Dwyer et al. (2011), Nature, 479, 212-214.[2] Tilgner (2005), Phy. Fluids, 17, 034104

  8. A New Precession Formula

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fukushima, Toshio

    2003-07-01

    We adapt J. G. Williams' expression of the precession and nutation using the 3-1-3-1 rotation to an arbitrary inertial frame of reference. The modified formulation avoids a singularity caused by finite pole offsets near the epoch. By adopting the planetary precession formula numerically determined from DE405 and by using a recent theory of the forced nutation of the nonrigid Earth by Shirai & Fukishima, we analyze the celestial pole offsets observed by VLBI for 1979-2000 and determine the best-fit polynomials of the lunisolar precession angles. We then translate the results into classical precession quantities and evaluate the difference due to the difference in the ecliptic definition. The combination of these formulae and the periodic part of the Shirai-Fukishima nutation theory serves as a good approximation of the precession-nutation matrix in the International Celestial Reference Frame. As a by-product, we determine the mean celestial pole offset at J2000.0 as X0=-(17.12+/-0.01) mas and Y0=-(5.06+/-0.02) mas. Also, we estimate the speed of general precession in longitude at J2000.0 as p=5028.7955"+/-0.0003" per Julian century, the mean obliquity at J2000.0 in the inertial sense as (ɛ0)I=84381.40621"+/-0.00001" and in the rotational sense as (ɛ0)R=84381.40955"+/-0.00001", and the dynamical flattening of Earth as Hd=(3.2737804+/-0.0000003)×10-3. Furthermore, we establish a fast way to compute the precession-nutation matrix and provide a best-fit polynomial of an angle to specify the mean Celestial Ephemeris Origin.

  9. Expressions for IAU 2000 precession quantities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Capitaine, N.; Wallace, P. T.; Chapront, J.

    2003-12-01

    A new precession-nutation model for the Celestial Intermediate Pole (CIP) was adopted by the IAU in 2000 (Resolution B1.6). The model, designated IAU 2000A, includes a nutation series for a non-rigid Earth and corrections for the precession rates in longitude and obliquity. The model also specifies numerical values for the pole offsets at J2000.0 between the mean equatorial frame and the Geocentric Celestial Reference System (GCRS). In this paper, we discuss precession models consistent with IAU 2000A precession-nutation (i.e. MHB 2000, provided by Mathews et al. \\cite{Mathews02}) and we provide a range of expressions that implement them. The final precession model, designated P03, is a possible replacement for the precession component of IAU 2000A, offering improved dynamical consistency and a better basis for future improvement. As a preliminary step, we present our expressions for the currently used precession quantities zetaA, thetaA, zA, in agreement with the MHB corrections to the precession rates, that appear in the IERS Conventions 2000. We then discuss a more sophisticated method for improving the precession model of the equator in order that it be compliant with the IAU 2000A model. In contrast to the first method, which is based on corrections to the t terms of the developments for the precession quantities in longitude and obliquity, this method also uses corrections to their higher degree terms. It is essential that this be used in conjunction with an improved model for the ecliptic precession, which is expected, given the known discrepancies in the IAU 1976 expressions, to contribute in a significant way to these higher degree terms. With this aim in view, we have developed new expressions for the motion of the ecliptic with respect to the fixed ecliptic using the developments from Simon et al. (\\cite{Simon94}) and Williams (\\cite{Williams94}) and with improved constants fitted to the most recent numerical planetary ephemerides. We have then used

  10. Noncontrast magnetic resonance angiography of the hand: improved arterial conspicuity by multidirectional flow-sensitive dephasing magnetization preparation in 3D balanced steady-state free precession imaging.

    PubMed

    Fan, Zhaoyang; Hodnett, Philip A; Davarpanah, Amir H; Scanlon, Timothy G; Sheehan, John J; Varga, John; Carr, James C; Li, Debiao

    2011-08-01

    : To develop a flow-sensitive dephasing (FSD) preparative scheme to facilitate multidirectional flow-signal suppression in 3-dimensional balanced steady-state free precession imaging and to validate the feasibility of the refined sequence for noncontrast magnetic resonance angiography (NC-MRA) of the hand. : A new FSD preparative scheme was developed that combines 2 conventional FSD modules. Studies using a flow phantom (gadolinium-doped water 15 cm/s) and the hands of 11 healthy volunteers (6 males and 5 females) were performed to compare the proposed FSD scheme with its conventional counterpart with respect to the signal suppression of multidirectional flow. In 9 of the 11 healthy subjects and 2 patients with suspected vasculitis and documented Raynaud phenomenon, respectively, 3-dimensional balanced steady-state free precession imaging coupled with the new FSD scheme was compared with spatial-resolution-matched (0.94 × 0.94 × 0.94 mm) contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (0.15 mmol/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine) in terms of overall image quality, venous contamination, motion degradation, and arterial conspicuity. : The proposed FSD scheme was able to suppress 2-dimensional flow signal in the flow phantom and hands and yielded significantly higher arterial conspicuity scores than the conventional scheme did on NC-MRA at the regions of common digitals and proper digitals. Compared with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography, the refined NC-MRA technique yielded comparable overall image quality and motion degradation, significantly less venous contamination, and significantly higher arterial conspicuity score at digital arteries. : The FSD-based NC-MRA technique is improved in the depiction of multidirectional flow by applying a 2-module FSD preparation, which enhances its potential to serve as an alternative magnetic resonance angiography technique for the assessment of hand vascular abnormalities.

  11. Evidence for free precession in a pulsar

    PubMed

    Stairs; Lyne; Shemar

    2000-08-03

    Pulsars are rotating neutron stars that produce lighthouse-like beams of radio emission from their magnetic poles. The observed pulse of emission enables their rotation rates to be measured with great precision. For some young pulsars, this provides a means of studying the interior structure of neutron stars. Most pulsars have stable pulse shapes, and slow down steadily (for example, see ref. 20). Here we report the discovery of long-term, highly periodic and correlated variations in both the pulse shape and the rate of slow-down of the pulsar PSR B1828-11. The variations are best described as harmonically related sinusoids, with periods of approximately 1,000, 500 and 250 days, probably resulting from precession of the spin axis caused by an asymmetry in the shape of the pulsar. This is difficult to understand theoretically, because torque-free precession of a solitary pulsar should be damped out by the vortices in its superfluid interior.

  12. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in systemic hypertension

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Systemic hypertension is a highly prevalent potentially modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of underlying causes for hypertension, in assessing cardiovascular complications of hypertension, and in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease process. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides accurate and reproducible measures of ventricular volumes, mass, function and haemodynamics as well as uniquely allowing tissue characterization of diffuse and focal fibrosis. In addition, CMR is well suited for exclusion of common secondary causes for hypertension. We review the current and emerging clinical and research applications of CMR in hypertension. PMID:22559053

  13. Formation of precessing jets by tilted black hole discs in 3D general relativistic MHD simulations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liska, M.; Hesp, C.; Tchekhovskoy, A.; Ingram, A.; van der Klis, M.; Markoff, S.

    2018-02-01

    Gas falling into a black hole (BH) from large distances is unaware of BH spin direction, and misalignment between the accretion disc and BH spin is expected to be common. However, the physics of tilted discs (e.g. angular momentum transport and jet formation) is poorly understood. Using our new GPU-accelerated code H-AMR, we performed 3D general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of tilted thick accretion discs around rapidly spinning BHs, at the highest resolution to date. We explored the limit where disc thermal pressure dominates magnetic pressure, and showed for the first time that, for different magnetic field strengths on the BH, these flows launch magnetized relativistic jets propagating along the rotation axis of the tilted disc (rather than of the BH). If strong large-scale magnetic flux reaches the BH, it bends the inner few gravitational radii of the disc and jets into partial alignment with the BH spin. On longer time-scales, the simulated disc-jet system as a whole undergoes Lense-Thirring precession and approaches alignment, demonstrating for the first time that jets can be used as probes of disc precession. When the disc turbulence is well resolved, our isolated discs spread out, causing both the alignment and precession to slow down.

  14. Effect of zero magnetic field on cardiovascular system and microcirculation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gurfinkel, Yu. I.; At'kov, O. Yu.; Vasin, A. L.; Breus, T. K.; Sasonko, M. L.; Pishchalnikov, R. Yu.

    2016-02-01

    The effects of zero magnetic field conditions on cardiovascular system of healthy adults have been studied. In order to generate zero magnetic field, the facility for magnetic fields modeling ;ARFA; has been used. Parameters of the capillary blood flow, blood pressure, and the electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring were measured during the study. All subjects were tested twice: in zero magnetic field and, for comparison, in sham condition. The obtained results during 60 minutes of zero magnetic field exposure demonstrate a clear effect on cardiovascular system and microcirculation. The results of our experiments can be used in studies of long-term stay in hypo-magnetic conditions during interplanetary missions.

  15. Magnetic flux density measurement with balanced steady state free precession pulse sequence for MREIT: a simulation study.

    PubMed

    Minhas, Atul S; Woo, Eung Je; Lee, Soo Yeol

    2009-01-01

    Magnetic Resonance Electrical Impedance Tomography (MREIT) utilizes the magnetic flux density B(z), generated due to current injection, to find conductivity distribution inside an object. This B(z) can be measured from MR phase images using spin echo pulse sequence. The SNR of B(z) and the sensitivity of phase produced by B(z) in MR phase image are critical in deciding the resolution of MREIT conductivity images. The conventional spin echo based data acquisition has poor phase sensitivity to current injection. Longer scan time is needed to acquire data with higher SNR. We propose a balanced steady state free precession (b-SSFP) based pulse sequence which is highly sensitive to small off-resonance phase changes. A procedure to reconstruct B(z) from MR signal obtained with b-SSFP sequence is described. Phases for b-SSFP signals for two conductivity phantoms of TX 151 and Gelatin are simulated from the mathematical models of b-SSFP signal. It was observed that the phase changes obtained from b-SSFP pulse sequence are highly sensitive to current injection and hence would produce higher magnetic flux density. However, the b-SSFP signal is dependent on magnetic field inhomogeneity and the signal deteriorated highly for small offset from resonance frequency. The simulation results show that the b-SSFP sequence can be utilized for conductivity imaging of a local region where magnetic field inhomogeneity is small. A proper shimming of magnet is recommended before using the b-SSFP sequence.

  16. Numerical Simulations of Naturally Tilted, Retrogradely Precessing, Nodal Superhumping Accretion Disks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Montgomery, M. M.

    2012-02-01

    Accretion disks around black hole, neutron star, and white dwarf systems are thought to sometimes tilt, retrogradely precess, and produce hump-shaped modulations in light curves that have a period shorter than the orbital period. Although artificially rotating numerically simulated accretion disks out of the orbital plane and around the line of nodes generate these short-period superhumps and retrograde precession of the disk, no numerical code to date has been shown to produce a disk tilt naturally. In this work, we report the first naturally tilted disk in non-magnetic cataclysmic variables using three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics. Our simulations show that after many hundreds of orbital periods, the disk has tilted on its own and this disk tilt is without the aid of radiation sources or magnetic fields. As the system orbits, the accretion stream strikes the bright spot (which is on the rim of the tilted disk) and flows over and under the disk on different flow paths. These different flow paths suggest the lift force as a source to disk tilt. Our results confirm the disk shape, disk structure, and negative superhump period and support the source to disk tilt, source to retrograde precession, and location associated with X-ray and He II emission from the disk as suggested in previous works. Our results identify the fundamental negative superhump frequency as the indicator of disk tilt around the line of nodes.

  17. Two spinning ways for precession dynamo.

    PubMed

    Cappanera, L; Guermond, J-L; Léorat, J; Nore, C

    2016-04-01

    It is numerically demonstrated by means of a magnetohydrodynamic code that precession can trigger dynamo action in a cylindrical container. Fixing the angle between the spin and the precession axis to be 1/2π, two limit configurations of the spinning axis are explored: either the symmetry axis of the cylinder is parallel to the spin axis (this configuration is henceforth referred to as the axial spin case), or it is perpendicular to the spin axis (this configuration is referred to as the equatorial spin case). In both cases, the centro-symmetry of the flow breaks when the kinetic Reynolds number increases. Equatorial spinning is found to be more efficient in breaking the centro-symmetry of the flow. In both cases, the average flow in the reference frame of the mantle converges to a counter-rotation with respect to the spin axis as the Reynolds number grows. We find a scaling law for the average kinetic energy in term of the Reynolds number in the axial spin case. In the equatorial spin case, the unsteady asymmetric flow is shown to be capable of sustaining dynamo action in the linear and nonlinear regimes. The magnetic field is mainly dipolar in the equatorial spin case, while it is is mainly quadrupolar in the axial spin case.

  18. Clinical validation of free breathing respiratory triggered retrospectively cardiac gated cine balanced steady-state free precession cardiovascular magnetic resonance in sedated children.

    PubMed

    Krishnamurthy, Rajesh; Pednekar, Amol; Atweh, Lamya A; Vogelius, Esben; Chu, Zili David; Zhang, Wei; Maskatia, Shiraz; Masand, Prakash; Morris, Shaine A; Krishnamurthy, Ramkumar; Muthupillai, Raja

    2015-01-14

    Cine balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP), the preferred sequence for ventricular function, demands uninterrupted radio frequency (RF) excitation to maintain the steady-state during suspended respiration. This is difficult to accomplish in sedated children. In this work, we validate a respiratory triggered (RT) SSFP sequence that drives the magnetization to steady-state before commencing retrospectively cardiac gated cine acquisition in a sedated pediatric population. This prospective study was performed on 20 sedated children with congenital heart disease (8.6 ± 4 yrs). Identical imaging parameters were used for multiple number of signal averages (MN) and RT cine SSFP sequences covering both the ventricles in short-axis (SA) orientation. Image quality assessment and quantitative volumetric analysis was performed on the datasets by two blinded observers. One-sided Wilcoxon signed rank test and Box plot analysis were performed to compare the clinical scores. Bland-Altman (BA) analysis was performed on LV and RV volumes. Scan duration for SA stack using RT-SSFP (3.9 ± 0.8 min) was slightly shorter than MN-SSFP (4.6 ± 0.9 min) acquisitions. The endocardial edge definition was significantly better for RT than MN, blood to myocardial contrast was better for RT than MN without reaching statistical significance, and inter slice alignment was comparable. BA analysis indicates that the variability of volumetric indices between RT and MN is comparable to inter and intra-observer variability reported in the literature. The free breathing RT-SSFP sequence allows diagnostic images in sedated children with significantly better edge definition when compared to MN-SSFP, without any penalty for total scan time.

  19. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy of the murine cardiovascular system.

    PubMed

    Akki, Ashwin; Gupta, Ashish; Weiss, Robert G

    2013-03-01

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a powerful and reliable tool to noninvasively study the cardiovascular system in clinical practice. Because transgenic mouse models have assumed a critical role in cardiovascular research, technological advances in MRI have been extended to mice over the last decade. These have provided critical insights into cardiac and vascular morphology, function, and physiology/pathophysiology in many murine models of heart disease. Furthermore, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has allowed the nondestructive study of myocardial metabolism in both isolated hearts and in intact mice. This article reviews the current techniques and important pathophysiological insights from the application of MRI/MRS technology to murine models of cardiovascular disease.

  20. Precession of the Earth as the Cause of Geomagnetism: Experiments lend support to the proposal that precessional torques drive the earth's dynamo.

    PubMed

    Malkus, W V

    1968-04-19

    I have proposed that the precessional torques acting on the earth can sustain a turbulent hydromagnetic flow in the molten core. A gross balance of the Coriolis force, the Lorentz force, and the precessional force in the core fluid provided estimates of the fluid velocity and the interior magnetic field characteristic of such flow. Then these numbers and a balance of the processes responsible for the decay and regeneration of the magnetic field provided an estimate of the magnetic field external to the core. This external field is in keeping with the observations, but its value is dependent upon the speculative value for the electrical conductivity of core material. The proposal that turbulent flow due to precession can occur in the core was tested in a study of nonmagnetic laboratory flows induced by the steady precession of fluid-filled rotating spheroids. It was found that these flows exhibit both small wavelike instabilities and violent finite-amplitude instability to turbulent motion above critical values of the precession rate. The observed critical parameters indicate that a laminar flow in the core, due to the earth's precession, would have weak hydrodynamic instabilities at most, but that finite-amplitude hydromagnetic instability could lead to fully turbulent flow.

  1. Review Of The Working Group On Precession And The Ecliptic

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hilton, J. L.

    2006-08-01

    The IAU Working Group on Precession and the Ecliptic was charged with providing a precession model that was both dynamically consistent and compatible with the IAU 2000A nutation model, along with an updated definition and model for the ecliptic. The report of the working group has been accepted for publication in Celestial Mechanics (Hilton et al. 2006, in press) and has resulted in a recommendation to be considered at this General Assembly of the IAU. Specifically, the working group recommends: 1. That the terms lunisolar precession and planetary precession be replaced by precession of the equator and precession of the ecliptic, respectively. 2. That, beginning on 1 January 2009, the precession component of the IAU 2000A precession-nutation model be replaced by the P03 precession theory, of Capitaine et al. (2003, A&A, 412, 567-586) for the precession of the equator (Eqs. 37) and the precession of the ecliptic (Eqs. 38); the same paper provides the polynomial developments for the P03 primary angles and a number of derived quantities for use in both the equinox based and Celestial Intermediate Origin based paradigms. 3. That the choice of precession parameters be left to the user. 4. That the ecliptic pole should be explicitly defined by the mean orbital angular momentum vector of the Earth-Moon barycenter in an inertial reference frame, and this definition should be explicitly stated to avoid confusion with other, older definitions. consistent and compatible with the IAU 2000A nutation model, along consistent and compatible with the IAU 2000A nutation model, along with an updated definition and model for the ecliptic. The report of the working group has been accepted for publication in Celestial Mechanics (Hilton et al. 2006, in press) and has resulted in a recommendation to be considered at this General Assembly of the IAU. Specifically, the working group recommends, * that the terms lunisolar precession and planetary precession be replaced by precession of the

  2. First Numerical Simulations of Turbulent Dynamos Driven by Libration, Precession and Tides in Triaxial Ellipsoids - An Alternative Route for Planetary Magnetism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Le Bars, M.; Kanuganti, S. R.; Favier, B.

    2017-12-01

    Most of the time, planetary dynamos are - tacitly or not - associated with thermo-solutal convection. The convective dynamo model has indeed proven successful to explain the current Earth's magnetic field. However, its results are sometimes difficult to reconcile with observational data and its validity can be questioned for several celestial bodies. For instance, the small size of the Moon and Ganymede makes it difficult to maintain a sufficient temperature gradient to sustain convection and to explain their past and present magnetic fields, respectively. The same caveat applies to the growing number of planetesimals shown to have generated magnetic fields in their early history. Finally, the energy budget of the early Earth is difficult to reconcile with a convective dynamo before the onset of inner core growth. Significant effort has thus been put into finding new routes for planetary dynamo. In particular, the rotational dynamics of planets, moons and small bodies, where their average spinning motion is periodically perturbed by the small mechanical forcings of libration, precession and/or tides, is now widely accepted as an efficient source of core turbulence. The underlying mechanism relies on a parametric instability where the inertial waves of the rotating fluid core are resonantly excited by the small forcing, leading to exponential growth and bulk filling intense motions, pumping their energy from the orbital dynamics. Dynamos driven by mechanical forcing have been suggested for the Moon, Mars, Io, the early Earth, etc. However, the real dynamo capacity of the corresponding flows has up-to-now been studied only in very limited cases, with simplified spherical/spheroidal geometries and/or overly viscous fluids. We will present here the first numerical simulations of dynamos driven by libration, precession and tides, in the triaxial ellipsoidal geometry and in the turbulent regime relevant for planetary cores. We will describe the numerical techniques

  3. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy of the murine cardiovascular system

    PubMed Central

    Akki, Ashwin; Gupta, Ashish

    2013-01-01

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a powerful and reliable tool to noninvasively study the cardiovascular system in clinical practice. Because transgenic mouse models have assumed a critical role in cardiovascular research, technological advances in MRI have been extended to mice over the last decade. These have provided critical insights into cardiac and vascular morphology, function, and physiology/pathophysiology in many murine models of heart disease. Furthermore, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has allowed the nondestructive study of myocardial metabolism in both isolated hearts and in intact mice. This article reviews the current techniques and important pathophysiological insights from the application of MRI/MRS technology to murine models of cardiovascular disease. PMID:23292717

  4. Rapid Jet Precession During the 2015 Outburst of the Black Hole X-ray Binary V404 Cygni

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sivakoff, Gregory R.; Miller-Jones, James; Tetarenko, Alex J.

    2017-08-01

    In stellar-mass black holes that are orbited by lower-mass companions (black hole low-mass X-ray binaries), the accretion process can undergo dramatic outbursts that can be accompanied by the launching of powerful relativistic jets. We still do not know the exact mechanism responsible for launching these jets, despite decades of research and the importance of determining this mechanism given the clear analogue of accreting super-massive black holes and their jets. The two main models for launching jets involve the extraction of the rotational energy of a spinning black hole (Blandford-Znajek) and the centrifugal acceleration of particles by open magnetic field lines rotating with the accretion flow (Blandford-Payne). Since some relativistic jets are not fully aligned with the angular momentum of the binary's orbit, the inner accretion flow of some black hole X-ray binaries may precess due to frame-dragging by a spinning black hole (Lense-Thirring precession). This precession has been previously observed close to the black hole as second-timescale quasi-periodic (X-ray) variability. In this talk we will present radio-through-sub-mm timing and high-angular resolution radio imaging (including a high-timing resolution movie) of the black hole X-ray binary V404 Cygni during its 2015 outburst. These data show that at the peak of the outburst the relativistic jets in this system were precessing on timescales of hours. We will discuss how rapid precession can be explained by Lense-Thirring precession of a vertically-extended slim disc that is maintained out to a radius of 6 X 1010 cm by a highly super-Eddington accretion rate. This would imply that the jet axis of V404 Cyg is not aligned with the black hole spin. More importantly, this places a key requirement on any model for launching jets, and may favour launching the jet from the rotating magnetic fields threading the disc.

  5. Precession effects on a liquid planetary core

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Min; Li, Li-Gang

    2018-02-01

    Motivated by the desire to understand the rich dynamics of precessionally driven flow in a liquid planetary core, we investigate, through numerical simulations, the precessing fluid motion in a rotating cylindrical annulus, which simultaneously possesses slow precession. The same problemhas been studied extensively in cylinders, where the precessing flow is characterized by three key parameters: the Ekman number E, the Poincaré number Po and the radius-height aspect ratio Γ. While in an annulus, there is another parameter, the inner-radius-height aspect ratio ϒ, which also plays an important role in controlling the structure and evolution of the flow. By decomposing the nonlinear solution into a set of inertial modes, we demonstrate the properties of both weakly and moderately precessing flows. It is found that, when the precessional force is weak, the flow is stable with a constant amplitude of kinetic energy. As the precessional force increases, our simulation suggests that the nonlinear interaction between the boundary effects and the inertial modes can trigger more turbulence, introducing a transitional regime of rich dynamics to disordered flow. The inertial mode u 111, followed by u 113 or u 112, always dominates the precessing flow when 0.001 ≤ Po ≤ 0.05, ranging from weak to moderate precession. Moreover, the precessing flow in an annulus shows more stability than in a cylinder which is likely to be caused by the effect of the inner boundary that restricts the growth of resonant and non-resonant inertial modes. Furthermore, the mechanism of triadic resonance is not found in the transitional regime from a laminar to disordered flow.

  6. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance physics for clinicians: part I.

    PubMed

    Ridgway, John P

    2010-11-30

    There are many excellent specialised texts and articles that describe the physical principles of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques. There are also many texts written with the clinician in mind that provide an understandable, more general introduction to the basic physical principles of magnetic resonance (MR) techniques and applications. There are however very few texts or articles that attempt to provide a basic MR physics introduction that is tailored for clinicians using CMR in their daily practice. This is the first of two reviews that are intended to cover the essential aspects of CMR physics in a way that is understandable and relevant to this group. It begins by explaining the basic physical principles of MR, including a description of the main components of an MR imaging system and the three types of magnetic field that they generate. The origin and method of production of the MR signal in biological systems are explained, focusing in particular on the two tissue magnetisation relaxation properties (T1 and T2) that give rise to signal differences from tissues, showing how they can be exploited to generate image contrast for tissue characterisation. The method most commonly used to localise and encode MR signal echoes to form a cross sectional image is described, introducing the concept of k-space and showing how the MR signal data stored within it relates to properties within the reconstructed image. Before describing the CMR acquisition methods in detail, the basic spin echo and gradient pulse sequences are introduced, identifying the key parameters that influence image contrast, including appearances in the presence of flowing blood, resolution and image acquisition time. The main derivatives of these two pulse sequences used for cardiac imaging are then described in more detail. Two of the key requirements for CMR are the need for data acquisition first to be to be synchronised with the subject's ECG and to be fast enough for the subject

  7. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance physics for clinicians: part I

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    There are many excellent specialised texts and articles that describe the physical principles of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques. There are also many texts written with the clinician in mind that provide an understandable, more general introduction to the basic physical principles of magnetic resonance (MR) techniques and applications. There are however very few texts or articles that attempt to provide a basic MR physics introduction that is tailored for clinicians using CMR in their daily practice. This is the first of two reviews that are intended to cover the essential aspects of CMR physics in a way that is understandable and relevant to this group. It begins by explaining the basic physical principles of MR, including a description of the main components of an MR imaging system and the three types of magnetic field that they generate. The origin and method of production of the MR signal in biological systems are explained, focusing in particular on the two tissue magnetisation relaxation properties (T1 and T2) that give rise to signal differences from tissues, showing how they can be exploited to generate image contrast for tissue characterisation. The method most commonly used to localise and encode MR signal echoes to form a cross sectional image is described, introducing the concept of k-space and showing how the MR signal data stored within it relates to properties within the reconstructed image. Before describing the CMR acquisition methods in detail, the basic spin echo and gradient pulse sequences are introduced, identifying the key parameters that influence image contrast, including appearances in the presence of flowing blood, resolution and image acquisition time. The main derivatives of these two pulse sequences used for cardiac imaging are then described in more detail. Two of the key requirements for CMR are the need for data acquisition first to be to be synchronised with the subject's ECG and to be fast enough for the subject

  8. New precession expressions, valid for long time intervals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vondrák, J.; Capitaine, N.; Wallace, P.

    2011-10-01

    Context. The present IAU model of precession, like its predecessors, is given as a set of polynomial approximations of various precession parameters intended for high-accuracy applications over a limited time span. Earlier comparisons with numerical integrations have shown that this model is valid only for a few centuries around the basic epoch, J2000.0, while for more distant epochs it rapidly diverges from the numerical solution. In our preceding studies we also obtained preliminary developments for the precessional contribution to the motion of the equator: coordinates X,Y of the precessing pole and precession parameters ψA,ωA, suitable for use over long time intervals. Aims: The goal of the present paper is to obtain upgraded developments for various sets of precession angles that would fit modern observations near J2000.0 and at the same time fit numerical integration of the motions of solar system bodies on scales of several thousand centuries. Methods: We used the IAU 2006 solutions to represent the precession of the ecliptic and of the equator close to J2000.0 and, for more distant epochs, a numerical integration using the Mercury 6 package and solutions by Laskar et al. (1993, A&A, 270, 522) with upgraded initial conditions and constants to represent the ecliptic, and general precession and obliquity, respectively. From them, different precession parameters were calculated in the interval ± 200 millennia from J2000.0, and analytical expressions are found that provide a good fit for the whole interval. Results: Series for the various precessional parameters, comprising a cubic polynomial plus from 8 to 14 periodic terms, are derived that allow precession to be computed with an accuracy comparable to IAU 2006 around the central epoch J2000.0, a few arcseconds throughout the historical period, and a few tenths of a degree at the ends of the ± 200 millennia time span. Computer algorithms are provided that compute the ecliptic and mean equator poles and the

  9. Exploratory use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in liver transplantation: a one-stop shop for preoperative cardiohepatic evaluation.

    PubMed

    Reddy, Sahadev T; Thai, Ngoc L; Fakhri, Asghar A; Oliva, Jose; Tom, Kusum B; Dishart, Michael K; Doyle, Mark; Yamrozik, June A; Williams, Ronald B; Grant, Saundra B; Poydence, Jacqueline; Shah, Moneal; Singh, Anil; Nathan, Swami; Biederman, Robert W W

    2013-11-15

    Preoperative cardiovascular risk stratification in orthotopic liver transplantation candidates has proven challenging due to limitations of current noninvasive modalities. Additionally, the preoperative workup is logistically cumbersome and expensive given the need for separate cardiac, vascular, and abdominal imaging. We evaluated the feasibility of a "one-stop shop" in a magnetic resonance suite, performing assessment of cardiac structure, function, and viability, along with simultaneous evaluation of thoracoabdominal vasculature and liver anatomy. In this pilot study, patients underwent steady-state free precession sequences and stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), thoracoabdominal magnetic resonance angiography, and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a standard MRI scanner. Pharmacologic stress was performed using regadenoson, adenosine, or dobutamine. Viability was assessed using late gadolinium enhancement. Over 2 years, 51 of 77 liver transplant candidates (mean age, 56 years; 35% female; mean Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, 10.8; range, 6-40) underwent MRI. All referred patients completed standard dynamic CMR, 98% completed stress CMR, 82% completed late gadolinium enhancement for viability, 94% completed liver MRI, and 88% completed magnetic resonance angiography. The mean duration of the entire study was 72 min, and 45 patients were able to complete the entire examination. Among all 51 patients, 4 required follow-up coronary angiography (3 for evidence of ischemia on perfusion CMR and 1 for postoperative ischemia), and none had flow-limiting coronary disease. Nine proceeded to orthotopic liver transplantation (mean 74 days to transplantation after MRI). There were six ascertained mortalities in the nontransplant group and one death in the transplanted group. Explant pathology confirmed 100% detection/exclusion of hepatocellular carcinoma. No complications during CMR examination were encountered. In this proof-of-concept study, it

  10. Ballistic missile precession frequency extraction by spectrogram's texture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Longlong; Xu, Shiyou; Li, Gang; Chen, Zengping

    2013-10-01

    In order to extract precession frequency, an crucial parameter in ballistic target recognition, which reflected the kinematical characteristics as well as structural and mass distribution features, we developed a dynamic RCS signal model for a conical ballistic missile warhead, with a log-norm multiplicative noise, substituting the familiar additive noise, derived formulas of micro-Doppler induced by precession motion, and analyzed time-varying micro-Doppler features utilizing time-frequency transforms, extracted precession frequency by measuring the spectrogram's texture, verified them by computer simulation studies. Simulation demonstrates the excellent performance of the method proposed in extracting the precession frequency, especially in the case of low SNR.

  11. Numerical relativity simulations of precessing binary neutron star mergers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dietrich, Tim; Bernuzzi, Sebastiano; Brügmann, Bernd; Ujevic, Maximiliano; Tichy, Wolfgang

    2018-03-01

    We present the first set of numerical relativity simulations of binary neutron mergers that include spin precession effects and are evolved with multiple resolutions. Our simulations employ consistent initial data in general relativity with different spin configurations and dimensionless spin magnitudes ˜0.1 . They start at a gravitational-wave frequency of ˜392 Hz and cover more than 1 precession period and about 15 orbits up to merger. We discuss the spin precession dynamics by analyzing coordinate trajectories, quasilocal spin measurements, and energetics, by comparing spin aligned, antialigned, and irrotational configurations. Gravitational waveforms from different spin configuration are compared by calculating the mismatch between pairs of waveforms in the late inspiral. We find that precession effects are not distinguishable from nonprecessing configurations with aligned spins for approximately face-on binaries, while the latter are distinguishable from nonspinning configurations. Spin precession effects are instead clearly visible for approximately edge-on binaries. For the parameters considered here, precession does not significantly affect the characteristic postmerger gravitational-wave frequencies nor the mass ejection. Our results pave the way for the modeling of spin precession effects in the gravitational waveform from binary neutron star events.

  12. Nonlinear Large Scale Flow in a Precessing Cylinder and Its Ability To Drive Dynamo Action

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Giesecke, André; Vogt, Tobias; Gundrum, Thomas; Stefani, Frank

    2018-01-01

    We have conducted experimental measurements and numerical simulations of a precession-driven flow in a cylindrical cavity. The study is dedicated to the precession dynamo experiment currently under construction at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and aims at the evaluation of the hydrodynamic flow with respect to its ability to drive a dynamo. We focus on the strongly nonlinear regime in which the flow is essentially composed of the directly forced primary Kelvin mode and higher modes in terms of standing inertial waves arising from nonlinear self-interactions. We obtain an excellent agreement between experiment and simulation with regard to both flow amplitudes and flow geometry. A peculiarity is the resonance-like emergence of an axisymmetric mode that represents a double roll structure in the meridional plane. Kinematic simulations of the magnetic field evolution induced by the time-averaged flow yield dynamo action at critical magnetic Reynolds numbers around Rmc≈430 , which is well within the range of the planned liquid sodium experiment.

  13. Nonlinear Large Scale Flow in a Precessing Cylinder and Its Ability To Drive Dynamo Action.

    PubMed

    Giesecke, André; Vogt, Tobias; Gundrum, Thomas; Stefani, Frank

    2018-01-12

    We have conducted experimental measurements and numerical simulations of a precession-driven flow in a cylindrical cavity. The study is dedicated to the precession dynamo experiment currently under construction at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and aims at the evaluation of the hydrodynamic flow with respect to its ability to drive a dynamo. We focus on the strongly nonlinear regime in which the flow is essentially composed of the directly forced primary Kelvin mode and higher modes in terms of standing inertial waves arising from nonlinear self-interactions. We obtain an excellent agreement between experiment and simulation with regard to both flow amplitudes and flow geometry. A peculiarity is the resonance-like emergence of an axisymmetric mode that represents a double roll structure in the meridional plane. Kinematic simulations of the magnetic field evolution induced by the time-averaged flow yield dynamo action at critical magnetic Reynolds numbers around Rm^{c}≈430, which is well within the range of the planned liquid sodium experiment.

  14. High-resolution scanning precession electron diffraction: Alignment and spatial resolution.

    PubMed

    Barnard, Jonathan S; Johnstone, Duncan N; Midgley, Paul A

    2017-03-01

    Methods are presented for aligning the pivot point of a precessing electron probe in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and for assessing the spatial resolution in scanning precession electron diffraction (SPED) experiments. The alignment procedure is performed entirely in diffraction mode, minimising probe wander within the bright-field (BF) convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) disk and is used to obtain high spatial resolution SPED maps. Through analysis of the power spectra of virtual bright-field images extracted from the SPED data, the precession-induced blur was measured as a function of precession angle. At low precession angles, SPED spatial resolution was limited by electronic noise in the scan coils; whereas at high precession angles SPED spatial resolution was limited by tilt-induced two-fold astigmatism caused by the positive spherical aberration of the probe-forming lens. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Contributions to the Earth's Obliquity Rate, Precession, and Nutation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Williams, James G.

    1994-01-01

    The precession and nutation of the Earth's equator arise from solar, lunar, and planetary torques on the oblate Earth. The mean lunar orbit plane is nearly coincident with the ecliptic plane. A small tilt out of the ecliptic is caused by planetary perturbations and the Earth's gravitational harmonic J(sub 2). These planetary perturbations on the lunar orbit result in torques on the oblate Earth which contribute to precession, obliquity rate, and nutation while the J(sub 2) perturbations contribute to precession and nutation. Small additional contributions to the secular rates arise from tidal effects and planetary torques on the Earth's bulge. The total correction to the obliquity rate is -0.024 sec/century, it is an observable motion in space (the much larger conventional obliquity rate is wholly from the motion of the ecliptic, not the equator), and it is not present in the IAU-adopted expressions for the orientation of the Earth's equator. The effects have generally been allowed for in past nutation theories and some precession theories. For the planetary effect, the contributions to the 18.6 yr nutation are -0.03 mas (milliarcseconds) for the in-phase Delta(psi) plus out-of-phase contributions of 0.14 mas in Delta(psi) and -0.03 mas in Delta(sub epsilon). The latter terms demonstrate that out-of-phase contributions can arise by means other than dissipation. The sum of the contributions to the precession rate is considered and the inferred value of the moment of inertia combination (C-A)/C, which is used to scale the coefficients in the nutation series, is evaluated. Using an updated value for the precession rate, the rigid body (C-A)/C =0.003 273 763 4 which, in combination with a satellite-derived J(sub 2), gives a normalized polar moment of inertia C/MR(exp 2) = 0.330 700 7. The planetary contributions to the precession and obliquity rates are not constant for long times causing accelerations in both quantities. Acceleration in precession also arises from

  16. Some new thoughts about long-term precession formula

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vondrák, J.; Capitaine, N.; Wallace, P.

    2011-10-01

    In our preceding study (Vondrák et al. 2009) we formulated developments for the precessional contribution to the CIP X, Y coordinates suitable for use over long time intervals. They were fitted to IAU 2006 close to J2000.0 and to the numerical integration of the ecliptic (using the integrator package Mercury 6) and of the general precession and obliquity (using Laskar's solution LA93) for more distant epochs. Now we define the boundary between precession and nutation (both are periodic) to avoid their overlap. We use the IAU 2006 model (that is based on the Bretagnon's solution VSOP87 and the JPL planetary ephemerides DE406) to represent the precession of the ecliptic close to J2000.0, a new integration using Mercury 6 for more distant epochs, and Laskar's LA93 solution to represent general precession and obliquity. The goal is to obtain new developments for different sets of precession angles that would fit to modern observations near J2000.0, and at the same time to numerical integration of the translatory-rotatory motions of solar system bodies on scales of several thousand centuries.

  17. Ballistic missile precession frequency extraction based on the Viterbi & Kalman algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Longlong; Xie, Yongjie; Xu, Daping; Ren, Li

    2015-12-01

    Radar Micro-Doppler signatures are of great potential for target detection, classification and recognition. In the mid-course phase, warheads flying outside the atmosphere are usually accompanied by precession. Precession may induce additional frequency modulations on the returned radar signal, which can be regarded as a unique signature and provide additional information that is complementary to existing target recognition methods. The main purpose of this paper is to establish a more actual precession model of conical ballistic missile warhead and extract the precession parameters by utilizing Viterbi & Kalman algorithm, which improving the precession frequency estimation accuracy evidently , especially in low SNR.

  18. Does the Atmosphere Precess?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hester, R. E., Jr.

    2015-12-01

    The study considers a north-south pair of mid-latitude rings of atmospheric mass, symmetric with respect to the equator, and rotating with respect to the distant stars. The mass and angular velocity are assigned similar to the annual and zonal mean upper level westerlies. Their relatively rapid rotation is assumed to allow a rigid body approximation on long time and space scales. The rings are constrained to move as if rigidly connected to a common axis of rotation. The pair thus constitutes a symmetric top with a fixed pivot point at the center of mass. Analysis of the dynamics follows the classical mechanics approach used for precession of the equinoxes. The theoretical rate of precession for this highly idealized system yields a period on the order of decades. The predicted dynamics appears consistent with three prior studies of observational data: latitudinal movements of atmospheric circulation above far Southern Australia, latitudinal movements of ocean circulation in the Kuroshio Extension, and changes in global Atmospheric Angular Momentum before and after 1976. Each of these observational records indicates correlation with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. The theoretical dynamics in combination with the observations suggests the axis of rotation of the atmospheric westerlies is offset from the Earth axis by a few degrees, and further, that this axis precesses around a mean axis on a time scale of a few decades.

  19. Mechanism of photoexcited precession of magnetization in (Ga,Mn)As on the basis of time-resolved spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matsuda, T.; Munekata, H.

    2016-02-01

    In order to investigate the mechanism of photoexcited precession of magnetization in ferromagnetic G a1 -xM nxAs , magneto-optical (MO) and differential reflectivity (Δ R /R ; DR) temporal profiles are studied at relatively long (picosecond to nanosecond) and ultrashort (1 ps or less) time scales for samples with different Mn content (x =0.01 -0.11 ) . As to the oscillatory MO profiles observed in the long time scale, simulation based on the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation combined with two different MO effects confirms photoinducement of the perpendicular anisotropy component Δ Heff ,⊥ . As for the profiles observed in the ultrashort time scale, they are consistently explained in terms of the dynamics of photogenerated carriers, but not by the sudden reduction in magnetization (the ultrafast demagnetization). In light of these experimental results and analyses, a mechanism that accounts for the photoinduced Δ Heff ,⊥ is addressed: namely, photoionizationlike excitation of M n2 + , M n2 ++h ν →M n2 +,*=M n3++e- . That such excitation tips magnetic anisotropy toward the out-of-plane direction through the inducement of orbital angular momentum and the gradient ∂ (M n2 +,* )/∂ z is discussed. The validity of the proposed mechanism is examined by estimating the efficiency of excitation on the basis of the Lambert-Beer law and the experimental Δ Heff ,⊥ values, through which an efficiency of 1-10 ppm with a nominal optical cross section of around 5 ×10-12m2 is obtained.

  20. Simulation of Dynamo Action Generated by a Precession Driven Flow.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Giesecke, A.; Vogt, T.; Gundrum, T.; Stefani, F.

    2017-12-01

    Since many years precession is regarded as an alternative flow drivingmechanism that may account, e.g., for remarkable features of theancient lunar magnetic field [Dwyer 2011; Noir 2013; Weiss 2014] or asa complementary power source for the geodynamo [Malkus 1968; Vanyo1991]. Precessional forcing is also of great interest from theexperimental point of view because it represents a natural forcingmechanism that allows an efficient driving of conducting fluid flowson the laboratory scale without making use of propellers orpumps. Within the project DRESDYN (DREsden Sodium facility for DYNamoand thermohydraulic studies) a dynamo experiment is under developmentat Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) in which a precessiondriven flow of liquid sodium with a magnetic Reynolds number of up toRm=700 will be used to drive dynamo action.Our present study addresses preparative numerical simulations and flowmeasurements at a small model experiment running with water. Theresulting flow pattern and amplitude provide the essential ingredientsfor kinematic dynamo models that are used to estimate whether theparticular flow is able to drive a dynamo. In the strongly non-linearregime the flow essentially consists of standing inertial waves (see Figure). Most remarkable feature is the occurrence of a resonant-like axisymmetricmode which emerges around a precession ratio of Ωp/Ωc = 0.1on top of the directly forced re-circulation flow. The combination ofthis axisymmetric mode and the forced m=1 Kelvin mode is indeedcapable of driving a dynamo at a critical magnetic Reynolds number ofRmc=430 which is well within the range achievable in theexperiment. However, the occurrence of the axisymmetric mode slightlydepends on the absolute rotation rate of the cylinder and futureexperiments are required to indicate whether it persists at theextremely large Re that will be obtained in the large scale sodiumexperiment.

  1. Gyroscope precession in special and general relativity from basic principles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jonsson, Rickard M.

    2007-05-01

    In special relativity a gyroscope that is suspended in a torque-free manner will precess as it is moved along a curved path relative to an inertial frame S. We explain this effect, which is known as Thomas precession, by considering a real grid that moves along with the gyroscope, and that by definition is not rotating as observed from its own momentary inertial rest frame. From the basic properties of the Lorentz transformation we deduce how the form and rotation of the grid (and hence the gyroscope) will evolve relative to S. As an intermediate step we consider how the grid would appear if it were not length contracted along the direction of motion. We show that the uncontracted grid obeys a simple law of rotation. This law simplifies the analysis of spin precession compared to more traditional approaches based on Fermi transport. We also consider gyroscope precession relative to an accelerated reference frame and show that there are extra precession effects that can be explained in a way analogous to the Thomas precession. Although fully relativistically correct, the entire analysis is carried out using three-vectors. By using the equivalence principle the formalism can also be applied to static spacetimes in general relativity. As an example, we calculate the precession of a gyroscope orbiting a static black hole.

  2. Precessing rotating flows with additional shear: stability analysis.

    PubMed

    Salhi, A; Cambon, C

    2009-03-01

    We consider unbounded precessing rotating flows in which vertical or horizontal shear is induced by the interaction between the solid-body rotation (with angular velocity Omega(0)) and the additional "precessing" Coriolis force (with angular velocity -epsilonOmega(0)), normal to it. A "weak" shear flow, with rate 2epsilon of the same order of the Poincaré "small" ratio epsilon , is needed for balancing the gyroscopic torque, so that the whole flow satisfies Euler's equations in the precessing frame (the so-called admissibility conditions). The base flow case with vertical shear (its cross-gradient direction is aligned with the main angular velocity) corresponds to Mahalov's [Phys. Fluids A 5, 891 (1993)] precessing infinite cylinder base flow (ignoring boundary conditions), while the base flow case with horizontal shear (its cross-gradient direction is normal to both main and precessing angular velocities) corresponds to the unbounded precessing rotating shear flow considered by Kerswell [Geophys. Astrophys. Fluid Dyn. 72, 107 (1993)]. We show that both these base flows satisfy the admissibility conditions and can support disturbances in terms of advected Fourier modes. Because the admissibility conditions cannot select one case with respect to the other, a more physical derivation is sought: Both flows are deduced from Poincaré's [Bull. Astron. 27, 321 (1910)] basic state of a precessing spheroidal container, in the limit of small epsilon . A Rapid distortion theory (RDT) type of stability analysis is then performed for the previously mentioned disturbances, for both base flows. The stability analysis of the Kerswell base flow, using Floquet's theory, is recovered, and its counterpart for the Mahalov base flow is presented. Typical growth rates are found to be the same for both flows at very small epsilon , but significant differences are obtained regarding growth rates and widths of instability bands, if larger epsilon values, up to 0.2, are considered. Finally

  3. General Relativistic Precession in Small Solar System Bodies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sekhar, Aswin; Werner, Stephanie; Hoffmann, Volker; Asher, David; Vaubaillon, Jeremie; Hajdukova, Maria; Li, Gongjie

    2016-10-01

    Introduction: One of the greatest successes of the Einstein's General Theory of Relativity (GR) was the correct prediction of the precession of perihelion of Mercury. The closed form expression to compute this precession tells us that substantial GR precession would occur only if the bodies have a combination of both moderately small perihelion distance and semi-major axis. Minimum Orbit Intersection Distance (MOID) is a quantity which helps us to understand the closest proximity of two orbits in space. Hence evaluating MOID is crucial to understand close encounters and collision scenarios better. In this work, we look at the possible scenarios where a small GR precession in argument of pericentre (ω) can create substantial changes in MOID for small bodies ranging from meteoroids to comets and asteroids.Analytical Approach and Numerical Integrations: Previous works have looked into neat analytical techniques to understand different collision scenarios and we use those standard expressions to compute MOID analytically. We find the nature of this mathematical function is such that a relatively small GR precession can lead to drastic changes in MOID values depending on the initial value of ω. Numerical integrations were done with package MERCURY incorporating the GR code to test the same effects. Numerical approach showed the same interesting relationship (as shown by analytical theory) between values of ω and the peaks/dips in MOID values. Previous works have shown that GR precession suppresses Kozai oscillations and this aspect was verified using our integrations. There is an overall agreement between both analytical and numerical methods.Summary and Discussion: We find that GR precession could play an important role in the calculations pertaining to MOID and close encounter scenarios in the case of certain small solar system bodies (depending on their initial orbital elements). Previous works have looked into impact probabilities and collision scenarios on

  4. Pharmacological Stress Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

    PubMed Central

    Chotenimitkhun, Runyawan; Hundley, W. Gregory

    2013-01-01

    Over the past decade, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has evolved into a cardiac stress testing modality that can be used to diagnose myocardial ischemia using intravenous dobutamine or vasodilator perfusion agents such as adenosine or dipyridamole. Because CMR produces high-resolution tomographic images of the human heart in multiple imaging planes, it has become a highly attractive noninvasive testing modality for those suspected of having myocardial ischemia. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical, diagnostic, and prognostic utility of stress CMR testing for patients with (or suspected of having) coronary artery disease. PMID:21566427

  5. Contributions to the Earth's obliquity rate, precession, and nutation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Williams, James G.

    1994-01-01

    The precession and nutation of the Earth's equator arise from solar, lunar, and planetary torques on the oblate Earth. The mean lunar orbit plane is nearly coincident with the ecliptic plane. A small tilt out of the ecliptic is caused by planetary perturbations and the Earth's gravitational harmonic J(sub2). These planetary perturbations on the lunar orbit result in torques on the oblate Earth which contribute to precession, obliquity rate, and nutation while the J(sub 2) perturbations contribute to precession and nutation. Small additional contributions to the secular rates arise from tidal effects and planetary torques on the Earth's bulge. The total correction to the obliquity rate is -0.024sec/century, it is an observable motion in space (the much larger conventional obliquity rate is wholly from the motion of the ecliptic, not the equator), and it is not present in the IAU-adopted expressions for the orientation of the Earth's equator. The J(sub2) effects have generally been allowed for in past nutation theories and some procession theories. For the planetary effect, the contributions to the 18.6 yr nutation are -0.03 mas (milliarcseconds) for the in-phase Delta phi plus out-of-phase contributions of 0.14 mas in Delta phi and -0.03 mas in Delta epsilon. The latter terms demonstrate that out-of-phase contributions can arise by means other than dissipation. The sum of the contributions to the precession rate is considered and the inferred value of the moment of inertia combination (C-A)/C, which is used to scale the coefficients in the nutation series, is evaluated. Using an updated value for the precession rate, the rigid body (C-A)/C = 0.003 273 763 4 which, in combination with a satellite-derived J(sub2), gives a normalized polar moment of inertia C/MR(exp2) = 0.330 700 7. The planetary contributions to the precession and obliquity rates are not constant for long times causing accelerations in both quantities. Acceleration in precession also arises from tides

  6. Assessment of Myocardial Ischemia with Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

    PubMed Central

    Heydari, Bobak; Jerosch-Herold, Michael; Kwong, Raymond Y.

    2014-01-01

    Assessment of myocardial ischemia in symptomatic patients remains a common and challenging clinical situation faced by physicians. Risk stratification by presence of ischemia provides important utility for both prognostic assessment and management. Unfortunately, current noninvasive modalities possess numerous limitations and have limited prognostic capacity. More recently, ischemia assessment by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been shown to be a safe, available, and potentially cost-effective alternative with both high diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance has numerous advantages over other noninvasive methods, including high temporal and spatial resolution, relatively few contraindications, and absence of ionizing radiation. Furthermore, studies assessing the clinical utility and cost effectiveness of CMR in the short-term setting for patients without evidence of an acute myocardial infarction have also demonstrated favorable results. This review will cover techniques of ischemia assessment with CMR by both stress-induced wall motion abnormalities as well as myocardial perfusion imaging. The diagnostic and prognostic performance studies will also be reviewed, and the use of CMR for ischemia assessment will be compared with other commonly used noninvasive modalities. PMID:22014487

  7. Review of Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2009

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    There were 56 articles published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in 2009. The editors were impressed with the high quality of the submissions, of which our acceptance rate was about 40%. In accordance with open-access publishing, the articles go on-line as they are accepted with no collating of the articles into sections or special thematic issues. We have therefore chosen to briefly summarise the papers in this article for quick reference for our readers in broad areas of interest, which we feel will be useful to practitioners of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). In some cases where it is considered useful, the articles are also put into the wider context with a short narrative and recent CMR references. It has been a privilege to serve as the Editor of the JCMR this past year. I hope that you find the open-access system increases wider reading and citation of your papers, and that you will continue to send your quality manuscripts to JCMR for publication. PMID:20302618

  8. Comparing post-Newtonian and numerical relativity precession dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ossokine, Serguei; Boyle, Michael; Kidder, Lawrence E.; Pfeiffer, Harald P.; Scheel, Mark A.; Szilágyi, Béla

    2015-11-01

    Binary black-hole systems are expected to be important sources of gravitational waves for upcoming gravitational-wave detectors. If the spins are not colinear with each other or with the orbital angular momentum, these systems exhibit complicated precession dynamics that are imprinted on the gravitational waveform. We develop a new procedure to match the precession dynamics computed by post-Newtonian (PN) theory to those of numerical binary black-hole simulations in full general relativity. For numerical relativity (NR) simulations lasting approximately two precession cycles, we find that the PN and NR predictions for the directions of the orbital angular momentum and the spins agree to better than ˜1 ° with NR during the inspiral, increasing to 5° near merger. Nutation of the orbital plane on the orbital time scale agrees well between NR and PN, whereas nutation of the spin direction shows qualitatively different behavior in PN and NR. We also examine how the PN equations for precession and orbital-phase evolution converge with PN order, and we quantify the impact of various choices for handling partially known PN terms.

  9. Comparing Post-Newtonian and Numerical-Relativity Precession Dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kidder, Lawrence; Ossokine, Sergei; Boyle, Michael; Pfeiffer, Harald; Scheel, Mark; Szilagyi, Bela

    2015-04-01

    Binary black-hole systems are expected to be important sources of gravitational waves for upcoming gravitational-wave detectors. If the spins are not colinear with each other or with the orbital angular momentum, these systems exhibit complicated precession dynamics that are imprinted on the gravitational waveform. We develop a new procedure to match the precession dynamics computed by post-Newtonian (PN) theory to those of numerical binary black-hole simulations in full general relativity. For numerical relativity (NR) simulations lasting approximately two precession cycles, we find that the PN and NR predictions for the directions of the orbital angular momentum and the spins agree to better than ~1° with NR during the inspiral, increasing to 5° near merger. Nutation of the orbital plane on the orbital time-scale agrees well between NR and PN, whereas nutation of the spin direction shows qualitatively different behavior in PN and NR. We also examine how the PN equations for precession and orbital-phase evolution converge with PN order, and we quantify the impact of various choices for handling partially known PN terms.

  10. Right Ventricular Volumes and Systolic Function by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and the Impact of Sex, Age, and Obesity in a Longitudinally Followed Cohort Free of Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Disease: The Framingham Heart Study.

    PubMed

    Foppa, Murilo; Arora, Garima; Gona, Philimon; Ashrafi, Arman; Salton, Carol J; Yeon, Susan B; Blease, Susan J; Levy, Daniel; O'Donnell, Christopher J; Manning, Warren J; Chuang, Michael L

    2016-03-01

    Cardiac magnetic resonance is uniquely well suited for noninvasive imaging of the right ventricle. We sought to define normal cardiac magnetic resonance reference values and to identify the main determinants of right ventricular (RV) volumes and systolic function using a modern imaging sequence in a community-dwelling, longitudinally followed cohort free of clinical cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. The Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort has been followed since 1971. We scanned 1794 Offspring cohort members using steady-state free precession cardiac magnetic resonance and identified a reference group of 1336 adults (64±9 years, 576 men) free of prevalent cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. RV trabeculations and papillary muscles were considered cavity volume. Men had greater RV volumes and cardiac output before and after indexation to body size (all P<0.001). Women had higher RV ejection fraction than men (68±6% versus 64±7%; P<0.0001). RV volumes and cardiac output decreased with advancing age. There was an increase in raw and height-indexed RV measurements with increasing body mass index, but this trend was weakly inverted after indexation of RV volumes to body surface area. Sex, age, height, body mass index, and heart rate account for most of the variability in RV volumes and function in this community-dwelling population. We report sex-specific normative values for RV measurements among principally middle-aged and older adults. RV ejection fraction is greater in women. RV volumes increase with body size, are greater in men, and are smaller in older people. Body surface area seems to be appropriate for indexation of cardiac magnetic resonance-derived RV volumes. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  11. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging: clinical implications in the evaluation of connective tissue diseases

    PubMed Central

    Mavrogeni, Sophie; Markousis-Mavrogenis, George; Koutsogeorgopoulou, Loukia; Kolovou, Genovefa

    2017-01-01

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is a recently developed noninvasive, nonradiating, operator-independent technique that has been successfully used for the evaluation of congenital heart disease, valvular and pericardial diseases, iron overload, cardiomyopathies, great and coronary vessel diseases, cardiac inflammation, stress–rest myocardial perfusion, and fibrosis. Rheumatoid arthritis and other spondyloarthropathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory myopathies, mixed connective tissue diseases (CTDs), systemic sclerosis, vasculitis, and sarcoidosis are among CTDs with serious cardiovascular involvement; this is due to multiple causative factors such as myopericarditis, micro/macrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, myocardial fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and finally heart failure. The complicated pathophysiology and the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of CTDs demand a versatile, noninvasive, nonradiative diagnostic tool for early cardiovascular diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment follow-up. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging can detect early silent cardiovascular lesions, assess disease acuteness, and reliably evaluate the effect of both cardiac and rheumatic medication in the cardiovascular system, due to its capability to perform tissue characterization and its high spatial resolution. However, until now, high cost; lack of interaction between cardiologists, radiologists, and rheumatologists; lack of availability; and lack of experts in the field have limited its wider adoption in the clinical practice. PMID:28546762

  12. Precession feature extraction of ballistic missile warhead with high velocity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Huixia

    2018-04-01

    This paper establishes the precession model of ballistic missile warhead, and derives the formulas of micro-Doppler frequency induced by the target with precession. In order to obtain micro-Doppler feature of ballistic missile warhead with precession, micro-Doppler bandwidth estimation algorithm, which avoids velocity compensation, is presented based on high-resolution time-frequency transform. The results of computer simulations confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method even with low signal-to-noise ratio.

  13. Using the P03 Precession Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wallace, P. T.; Capitaine, N.

    2006-08-01

    The precession model adopted by the IAU in 2000 comprised the existing Lieske et al. (1977) model plus rate corrections of about 300 mas/cy in longitude and 25 mas/cy in obliquity. Though accurate with respect to existing VLBI observations, the IAU 2000 model is not consistent with dynamical theory, and consequently the IAU Working Group on precession and the ecliptic has recommended (Hilton et al. 2006) that it be replaced by the "P03" model of Capitaine et al. (2003). P03 provides improved models for both the equator and the ecliptic, and also includes parameterized provision for future adjustment to match new determinations of properties of the non-rigid Earth such as the precession rates and J2 rate. Practical use of the new model involves choices of algorithm and computational procedure, and a number of ways have been studied (Capitaine & Wallace 2006) of generating the directions of the celestial intermediate pole and origin (CIP, CIO), from which the usual rotation matrices can be obtained. From a wide range of possible procedures we have selected two that target different classes of application, typified by the SOFA software and the IERS Conventions respectively. These procedures achieve a high standard of consistency, both internal and mutual, as well as being efficient and versatile. One is based on the Fukushima-Williams precession-nutation angles, the other on series for the CIP coordinates. Both use the CIO locator s, and both deliver the full range of products, supporting classical equinox/GST methods in addition to the CIO/ERA "new paradigm".

  14. Quasi-parallel precession diffraction: Alignment method for scanning transmission electron microscopes.

    PubMed

    Plana-Ruiz, S; Portillo, J; Estradé, S; Peiró, F; Kolb, Ute; Nicolopoulos, S

    2018-06-06

    A general method to set illuminating conditions for selectable beam convergence and probe size is presented in this work for Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM) fitted with µs/pixel fast beam scanning control, (S)TEM, and an annular dark field detector. The case of interest of beam convergence and probe size, which enables diffraction pattern indexation, is then used as a starting point in this work to add 100 Hz precession to the beam while imaging the specimen at a fast rate and keeping the projector system in diffraction mode. The described systematic alignment method for the adjustment of beam precession on the specimen plane while scanning at fast rates is mainly based on the sharpness of the precessed STEM image. The complete alignment method for parallel condition and precession, Quasi-Parallel PED-STEM, is presented in block diagram scheme, as it has been tested on a variety of instruments. The immediate application of this methodology is that it renders the TEM column ready for the acquisition of Precessed Electron Diffraction Tomographies (EDT) as well as for the acquisition of slow Precessed Scanning Nanometer Electron Diffraction (SNED). Examples of the quality of the Precessed Electron Diffraction (PED) patterns and PED-STEM alignment images are presented with corresponding probe sizes and convergence angles. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  15. Positive effect on patient experience of video information given prior to cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging: A clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Ahlander, Britt-Marie; Engvall, Jan; Maret, Eva; Ericsson, Elisabeth

    2018-03-01

    To evaluate the effect of video information given before cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging on patient anxiety and to compare patient experiences of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging versus myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. To evaluate whether additional information has an impact on motion artefacts. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy are technically advanced methods for the evaluation of heart diseases. Although cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is considered to be painless, patients may experience anxiety due to the closed environment. A prospective randomised intervention study, not registered. The sample (n = 148) consisted of 97 patients referred for cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, randomised to receive either video information in addition to standard text-information (CMR-video/n = 49) or standard text-information alone (CMR-standard/n = 48). A third group undergoing myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (n = 51) was compared with the cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging-standard group. Anxiety was evaluated before, immediately after the procedure and 1 week later. Five questionnaires were used: Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, MRI Fear Survey Schedule and the MRI-Anxiety Questionnaire. Motion artefacts were evaluated by three observers, blinded to the information given. Data were collected between April 2015-April 2016. The study followed the CONSORT guidelines. The CMR-video group scored lower (better) than the cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging-standard group in the factor Relaxation (p = .039) but not in the factor Anxiety. Anxiety levels were lower during scintigraphic examinations compared to the CMR-standard group (p < .001). No difference was found regarding motion artefacts between CMR-video and CMR-standard. Patient ability to relax during cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

  16. Precession missile feature extraction using sparse component analysis of radar measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Lihua; Du, Xiaoyong; Ghogho, Mounir; Hu, Weidong; McLernon, Des

    2012-12-01

    According to the working mode of the ballistic missile warning radar (BMWR), the radar return from the BMWR is usually sparse. To recognize and identify the warhead, it is necessary to extract the precession frequency and the locations of the scattering centers of the missile. This article first analyzes the radar signal model of the precessing conical missile during flight and develops the sparse dictionary which is parameterized by the unknown precession frequency. Based on the sparse dictionary, the sparse signal model is then established. A nonlinear least square estimation is first applied to roughly extract the precession frequency in the sparse dictionary. Based on the time segmented radar signal, a sparse component analysis method using the orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm is then proposed to jointly estimate the precession frequency and the scattering centers of the missile. Simulation results illustrate the validity of the proposed method.

  17. Quipus and System of Coordinated Precession

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Campos, T. C.

    2004-05-01

    The Incas of ancient Peru possessed no writing. Instead, they developed a unique system expressed on spatial arrays of colored knotted cords called Quipus to record and transmit information throughout their vast empire. In their thorough description of quipus, Ascher & Ascher observed that in two cases the numbers registered in their strings have a very special relationship to each other. For this to occur the numbers must have been obtained through the multiplication of whole numbers by fractions or decimals, operations apparently beyond the arithmetic knowledge of the Incas. The quipus AS120 and AS143, coming from Ica (Peru) and conserved in the Museum of Berlin has the suitable characteristics previously. In the AS143 there is a the relationship with the systems of coordinated precession (tilt of Earth's spin axis (40036); eccentricity of Earth's orbit (97357); and precession of equinoxes (between 18504 and 23098)). For the history of the Earth are necessary an chronometer natural to coordinate and to classify the observations and this chronometer comes to be the vernal point, defining the vernal point as" a sensitive axis of maximum conductivity" as itdemonstrates it the stability of the geomagnetic equator (inclination of the field is zero grades), in the year 1939 calculated with the IGRF from the year 1900 up to the 2004 and that it is confirmed with tabulated data of the Geophysical Institute of Huancayo (Peru),from that date until this year (2004) and this fluctuating between the 12-14 South.,on the other hand in the area of Brazil it has advanced very quickly toward the north, and above to 108 km. approximately it is located the equatorial electrojet that is but intense in the equinoxes in South America. And this stability from the point of view of the precession of the equinoxes this coinciding with the entrance of the apparent sun for the constellation of Aquarius, being this mechanism the base to establish a system of coordinated precession where it is

  18. Concise CIO based precession-nutation formulations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Capitaine, N.; Wallace, P. T.

    2008-01-01

    Context: The IAU 2000/2006 precession-nutation models have precision goals measured in microarcseconds. To reach this level of performance has required series containing terms at over 1300 frequencies and involving several thousand amplitude coefficients. There are many astronomical applications for which such precision is not required and the associated heavy computations are wasteful. This justifies developing smaller models that achieve adequate precision with greatly reduced computing costs. Aims: We discuss strategies for developing simplified IAU 2000/2006 precession-nutation procedures that offer a range of compromises between accuracy and computing costs. Methods: The chain of transformations linking celestial and terrestrial coordinates comprises frame bias, precession-nutation, Earth rotation and polar motion. We address the bias and precession-nutation (NPB) portion of the chain, linking the Geocentric Celestial Reference System (GCRS) with the Celestial Intermediate Reference System (CIRS), the latter based on the Celestial Intermediate Pole (CIP) and Celestial Intermediate Origin (CIO). Starting from direct series that deliver the CIP coordinates X,Y and (via the quantity s + XY/2) the CIO locator s, we look at the opportunities for simplification. Results: The biggest reductions come from truncating the series, but some additional gains can be made in the areas of the matrix formulation, the expressions for the nutation arguments and by subsuming long period effects into the bias quantities. Three example models are demonstrated that approximate the IAU 2000/2006 CIP to accuracies of 1 mas, 16 mas and 0.4 arcsec throughout 1995-2050 but with computation costs reduced by 1, 2 and 3 orders of magnitude compared with the full model. Appendices A to G are only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

  19. The use of precession modulation for nutation control in spin-stabilized spacecraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Taylor, J. M.; Donner, R. J.; Tasar, V.

    1974-01-01

    The relations which determine the nutation effects induced in a spinning spacecraft by periodic precession thrust pulses are derived analytically. By utilizing the idea that nutation need only be observed just before each precession thrust pulse, a difficult continuous-time derivation is replaced by a simple discrete-time derivation using z-transforms. The analytic results obtained are used to develop two types of modulated precession control laws which use the precession maneuver to concurrently control nutation. Results are illustrated by digital simulation of an actual spacecraft configuration.

  20. Revealing giant internal magnetic fields due to spin fluctuations in magnetically doped colloidal nanocrystals

    DOE PAGES

    Rice, William D.; Liu, Wenyong; Baker, Thomas A.; ...

    2015-11-23

    Strong quantum confinement in semiconductors can compress the wavefunctions of band electrons and holes to nanometre-scale volumes, significantly enhancing interactions between themselves and individual dopants. In magnetically doped semiconductors, where paramagnetic dopants (such as Mn 2+, Co 2+ and so on) couple to band carriers via strong sp–d spin exchange, giant magneto-optical effects can therefore be realized in confined geometries using few or even single impurity spins. Importantly, however, thermodynamic spin fluctuations become increasingly relevant in this few-spin limit. In nanoscale volumes, the statistical √N fluctuations of N spins are expected to generate giant effective magnetic fields B eff, whichmore » should dramatically impact carrier spin dynamics, even in the absence of any applied field. In this paper, we directly and unambiguously reveal the large B eff that exist in Mn 2+-doped CdSe colloidal nanocrystals using ultrafast optical spectroscopy. At zero applied magnetic field, extremely rapid (300–600 GHz) spin precession of photoinjected electrons is observed, indicating B eff ~ 15-30 T for electrons. Precession frequencies exceed 2 THz in applied magnetic fields. Finally, these signals arise from electron precession about the random fields due to statistically incomplete cancellation of the embedded Mn 2+ moments, thereby revealing the initial coherent dynamics of magnetic polaron formation, and highlighting the importance of magnetization fluctuations on carrier spin dynamics in nanomaterials.« less

  1. Consistency problems associated to the improvement of precession-nutation theories

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ferrandiz, J. M.; Escapa, A.; Baenas, T.; Getino, J.; Navarro, J. F.; Belda, S.

    2014-12-01

    The complexity of the modelling of the rotational motion of the Earth in space has produced that no single theory has been adopted to describe it in full. Hence, it is customary using at least a theory for precession and another one for nutation. The classic approach proceeds by deriving some of the fundamentals parameters from the precession theory at hand, like, e.g. the dynamical ellipticity H, and then using that valuesin the nutation theory. The former IAU1976 precession and IAU1980 nutation theories followed that scheme. Along with the improvement of the accuracy of the determination of EOP (Earth orientation parameters), IAU1980 was superseded by IAU2000, based on the application of the MHB2000 (Mathews et al 2002) transfer function to the previous rigid earth analytical theory REN2000 (Souchay et al 1999). The latter was derived while the precession model IAU1976 was still in force therefore it used the corresponding values for some of the fundamental parameters, as the precession rate, associated to the dynamical ellipticity, and the obliquity of the ecliptic at the reference epoch. The new precession model P03 was adopted as IAU2006. That change introduced some inconsistency since P03 used different values for some of the fundamental parameters that MHB2000 inherited from REN2000. Besides, the derivation of the basic earth parameters of MHB2000 itself comprised a fitted variation of the dynamical ellipticity adopted in the background rigid theory. Due to the strict requirements of accuracy of the present and coming times, the magnitude of the inconsistencies originated by this two-fold approach is no longer negligible as earlier. Some corrections have been proposed by Capitaine et al (2005) and Escapa et al (2014) in order to reach a better level of consistency between precession and nutation theories and parameters. In this presentation we revisit the problem taking into account some of the advances in precession theory not accounted for yet, stemming

  2. The Precession Index, A Nonlinear Energy Balance Model, And Seversmith Psychroterms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rubincam, David Parry

    2004-01-01

    An important component of Milankovitch's astronomical theory of climate change is the precession index. The precession index, along with the Earth's tilt and orbital eccentricity, are believed to be the major controlling factors of climate change in the last few million years. The precession index is e sin omega(sub s) where e is the Earth's orbital eccentricity and omega(sub s) measures how close the Sun is to the Earth at midsummer. When omega(sub s) = 90deg the Sun is close to the Earth during northern summer, and at 270deg it is far from the Earth during northern summer. The precession index varies with time, because both the eccentricity e and the parameter omega(sub s) are constantly changing due to disturbances in the Earth's orbit by other planets, and due to the precession of the Earth, The change is largely periodic, with a period of about 23,000 years.

  3. Real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 1.5 T using balanced SSFP and 40 ms resolution

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background While cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) commonly employs ECG-synchronized cine acquisitions with balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) contrast at 1.5 T, recent developments at 3 T demonstrate significant potential for T1-weighted real-time imaging at high spatiotemporal resolution using undersampled radial FLASH. The purpose of this work was to combine both ideas and to evaluate a corresponding real-time CMR method at 1.5 T with SSFP contrast. Methods Radial gradient-echo sequences with fully balanced gradients and at least 15-fold undersampling were implemented on two CMR systems with different gradient performance. Image reconstruction by regularized nonlinear inversion (NLINV) was performed offline and resulted in real-time SSFP CMR images at a nominal resolution of 1.8 mm and with acquisition times of 40 ms. Results Studies of healthy subjects demonstrated technical feasibility in terms of robustness and general image quality. Clinical applicability with access to quantitative evaluations (e.g., ejection fraction) was confirmed by preliminary applications to 27 patients with typical indications for CMR including arrhythmias and abnormal wall motion. Real-time image quality was slightly lower than for cine SSFP recordings, but considered diagnostic in all cases. Conclusions Extending conventional cine approaches, real-time radial SSFP CMR with NLINV reconstruction provides access to individual cardiac cycles and allows for studies of patients with irregular heartbeat. PMID:24028285

  4. Alternating steady state free precession for estimation of current-induced magnetic flux density: A feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hyunyeol; Jeong, Woo Chul; Kim, Hyung Joong; Woo, Eung Je; Park, Jaeseok

    2016-05-01

    To develop a novel, current-controlled alternating steady-state free precession (SSFP)-based conductivity imaging method and corresponding MR signal models to estimate current-induced magnetic flux density (Bz ) and conductivity distribution. In the proposed method, an SSFP pulse sequence, which is in sync with alternating current pulses, produces dual oscillating steady states while yielding nonlinear relation between signal phase and Bz . A ratiometric signal model between the states was analytically derived using the Bloch equation, wherein Bz was estimated by solving a nonlinear inverse problem for conductivity estimation. A theoretical analysis on the signal-to-noise ratio of Bz was given. Numerical and experimental studies were performed using SSFP-FID and SSFP-ECHO with current pulses positioned either before or after signal encoding to investigate the feasibility of the proposed method in conductivity estimation. Given all SSFP variants herein, SSFP-FID with alternating current pulses applied before signal encoding exhibits the highest Bz signal-to-noise ratio and conductivity contrast. Additionally, compared with conventional conductivity imaging, the proposed method benefits from rapid SSFP acquisition without apparent loss of conductivity contrast. We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method in estimating current-induced Bz and conductivity distribution. It can be a promising, rapid imaging strategy for quantitative conductivity imaging. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. Implications of the Occurrence of Glitches in Pulsar Free Precession Candidates.

    PubMed

    Jones, D I; Ashton, G; Prix, R

    2017-06-30

    The timing properties of radio pulsars provide a unique probe of neutron star interiors. Recent observations have uncovered quasiperiodicities in the timing and pulse properties of some pulsars, a phenomenon that has often been attributed to free precession of the neutron star, with profound implications for the distribution of superfluidity and superconductivity in the star. We advance this program by developing consistency relations between free precession and pulsars glitches, and we show that there are difficulties in reconciling the two phenomena in some precession candidates. This indicates that the precession model used here needs to be modified or some other phenomenon is at work in producing the quasiperiodicities, or even that there is something missing in terms of our understanding of glitches.

  6. Spin-Precession Organic Magnetic Sensor

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-06-01

    magnetically— a new half-metal CFAS that has desirable properties for use at room temperature; (2) fabricated several nonlocal devices with CFAS and polymer...400 600 800 1000 1200 0 200 400 600 800 Temperature ( C) M s (e m u /c c) One-Step Two-Step Figure 2: Magnetic properties of CFAS layers measured...temperature-independent for the two-step process. We also measured the transport properties of CFAS layers. The electrical resistivity is small (~60

  7. A long time span relativistic precession model of the Earth

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Kai; Soffel, Michael H.; Tao, Jin-He; Han, Wen-Biao; Tang, Zheng-Hong

    2015-04-01

    A numerical solution to the Earth's precession in a relativistic framework for a long time span is presented here. We obtain the motion of the solar system in the Barycentric Celestial Reference System by numerical integration with a symplectic integrator. Special Newtonian corrections accounting for tidal dissipation are included in the force model. The part representing Earth's rotation is calculated in the Geocentric Celestial Reference System by integrating the post-Newtonian equations of motion published by Klioner et al. All the main relativistic effects are included following Klioner et al. In particular, we consider several relativistic reference systems with corresponding time scales, scaled constants and parameters. Approximate expressions for Earth's precession in the interval ±1 Myr around J2000.0 are provided. In the interval ±2000 years around J2000.0, the difference compared to the P03 precession theory is only several arcseconds and the results are consistent with other long-term precession theories. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

  8. Highlights of the 16th annual scientific sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

    PubMed

    Carpenter, John-Paul; Patel, Amit R; Fernandes, Juliano Lara

    2013-07-19

    The 16th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) took place in San Francisco, USA at the end of January 2013. With a faculty of experts from across the world, this congress provided a wealth of insight into cutting-edge research and technological development. This review article intends to provide a highlight of what represented the most significant advances in the field of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) during this year's meeting.

  9. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Cardiology Practice: A Concise Guide to Image Acquisition and Clinical Interpretation.

    PubMed

    Valbuena-López, Silvia; Hinojar, Rocío; Puntmann, Valentina O

    2016-02-01

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance plays an increasingly important role in routine cardiology clinical practice. It is a versatile imaging modality that allows highly accurate, broad and in-depth assessment of cardiac function and structure and provides information on pertinent clinical questions in diseases such as ischemic heart disease, nonischemic cardiomyopathies, and heart failure, as well as allowing unique indications, such as the assessment and quantification of myocardial iron overload or infiltration. Increasing evidence for the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance, together with the spread of knowledge and skill outside expert centers, has afforded greater access for patients and wider clinical experience. This review provides a snapshot of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in modern clinical practice by linking image acquisition and postprocessing with effective delivery of the clinical meaning. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  10. Gender differences in response to cold pressor test assessed with velocity-encoded cardiovascular magnetic resonance of the coronary sinus.

    PubMed

    Moro, Pierre-Julien; Flavian, Antonin; Jacquier, Alexis; Kober, Frank; Quilici, Jacques; Gaborit, Bénédicte; Bonnet, Jean-Louis; Moulin, Guy; Cozzone, Patrick J; Bernard, Monique

    2011-09-23

    Gender-specific differences in cardiovascular risk are well known, and current evidence supports an existing role of endothelium in these differences. The purpose of this study was to assess non invasively coronary endothelial function in male and female young volunteers by myocardial blood flow (MBF) measurement using coronary sinus (CS) flow quantification by velocity encoded cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) at rest and during cold pressor test (CPT). Twenty-four healthy volunteers (12 men, 12 women) underwent CMR in a 3 Tesla MR imager. Coronary sinus flow was measured at rest and during CPT using non breath-hold velocity encoded phase contrast cine-CMR. Myocardial function and morphology were acquired using a cine steady-state free precession sequence. At baseline, mean MBF was 0.63 ± 0.23 mL·g⁻¹·min⁻¹ in men and 0.79 ± 0.21 mL·g⁻¹·min⁻¹ in women. During CPT, the rate pressure product in men significantly increased by 49 ± 36% (p < 0.0001) and in women by 52 ± 22% (p < 0.0001). MBF increased significantly in both men and women by 0.22 ± 0.19 mL·g⁻¹·min⁻¹ (p = 0.0022) and by 0.73 ± 0.43 mL·g⁻¹·min⁻¹ (p = 0.0001), respectively. The increase in MBF was significantly higher in women than in men (p = 0.0012). CMR coronary sinus flow quantification for measuring myocardial blood flow revealed a higher response of MBF to CPT in women than in men. This finding may reflect gender differences in endothelial-dependent vasodilatation in these young subjects. This non invasive rest/stress protocol may become helpful to study endothelial function in normal physiology and in physiopathology.

  11. Reducing Field Distortion in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Eom, Byeong Ho; Penanen, Konstantin; Hahn, Inseob

    2010-01-01

    A concept for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that would utilize a relatively weak magnetic field provides for several design features that differ significantly from the corresponding features of conventional MRI systems. Notable among these features are a magnetic-field configuration that reduces (relative to the conventional configuration) distortion and blurring of the image, the use of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer as the detector, and an imaging procedure suited for the unconventional field configuration and sensor. In a typical application of MRI, a radio-frequency pulse is used to excite precession of the magnetic moments of protons in an applied magnetic field, and the decaying precession is detected for a short time following the pulse. The precession occurs at a resonance frequency proportional to the strengths of the magnetic field and the proton magnetic moment. The magnetic field is configured to vary with position in a known way; hence, by virtue of the aforesaid proportionality, the resonance frequency varies with position in a known way. In other words, position is encoded as resonance frequency. MRI using magnetic fields weaker than those of conventional MRI offers several advantages, including cheaper and smaller equipment, greater compatibility with metallic objects, and higher image quality because of low susceptibility distortion and enhanced spin-lattice-relaxation- time contrast. SQUID MRI is being developed into a practical MRI method for applied magnetic flux densities of the order of only 100 T

  12. Progress Report of the IAU Working Group on Precession and the Ecliptic

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-12-01

    may be used with either the traditional rotation matrix, or those rotation matrices described in Capitaine et al. (2003) and Fukushima (2003). We...precession of about 6.4 mas cent−2 in longitude. Thus, the precession theory was not dynamically consistent. 93 Furthermore, Fukushima (2003) showed that...2003, Capitaine et al. 2003, and Fukushima 2003) have been published recently to address the shortcomings of the precession portion, including the

  13. A new method to determine magnetic properties of the unsaturated-magnetized rotor of a novel gyro

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Hai; Liu, Xiaowei; Dong, Changchun; Zhang, Haifeng

    2016-06-01

    A new method is proposed to determine magnetic properties of the unsaturated-magnetized, small and irregular shaped rotor of a novel gyro. The method is based on finite-element analysis and the measurements of the magnetic flux density distribution, determining magnetic parameters by comparing the magnetic flux intensity distribution differences between the modeling results under different parameters and the measured ones. Experiment on a N30 Grade NdFeB magnet shows that its residual magnetic flux density is 1.10±0.01 T, and coercive field strength is 801±3 kA/m, which are consistent with the given parameters of the material. The method was applied to determine the magnetic properties of the rotor of the gyro, and the magnetic properties acquired were used to predict the open-loop gyro precession frequency. The predicted precession frequency should be larger than 12.9 Hz, which is close to the experimental result 13.5 Hz. The result proves that the method is accurate in estimating the magnetic properties of the rotor of the gyro.

  14. Technological Innovations in Magnetic Resonance for Early Detection of Cardiovascular Diseases.

    PubMed

    Santarelli, Maria F; Positano, Vincenzo; Martini, Nicola; Valvano, Giuseppe; Landini, Luigi

    2016-01-01

    Most recent technical innovations in cardiovascular MR imaging (CMRI) are presented in this review. They include hardware and software developments, and novelties in parametric mapping. All these recent improvements lead to high spatial and temporal resolution and quantitative information on the heart structure and function. They make it achievable ambitious goals in the field of magnetic resonance, such as the early detection of cardiovascular pathologies. In this review article, we present recent innovations in CMRI, emphasizing the progresses performed and the solutions proposed to some yet opened technical problems.

  15. Study of magnetic resonance with parametric modulation in a potassium vapor cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Rui; Wang, Zhiguo; Peng, Xiang; Li, Wenhao; Li, Songjian; Guo, Hong; Cream Team

    2017-04-01

    A typical magnetic-resonance scheme employs a static bias magnetic field and an orthogonal driving magnetic field oscillating at the Larmor frequency, at which the atomic polarization precesses around the static magnetic field. We demonstrate in a potassium vapor cell the variations of the resonance condition and the spin precession dynamics resulting from the parametric modulation of the bias field, which are in well agreement with theoretical predictions from the Bloch equation. We show that, the driving magnetic field with the frequency detuned by different harmonics of the parametric modulation frequency can lead to resonance as well. Also, a series of frequency sidebands centered at the driving frequency and spaced by the parametric modulation frequency can be observed in the precession of the atomic polarization. These effects could be used in different atomic magnetometry applications. This work is supported by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of China (Grant No. 61225003) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61531003 and 61571018).

  16. Numerical simulations of bistable flows in precessing spheroidal shells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vormann, J.; Hansen, U.

    2018-05-01

    Precession of the rotation axis is an often neglected mechanical driving mechanism for flows in planetary interiors, through viscous coupling at the boundaries and topographic forcing in non-spherical geometries. We investigate precession-driven flows in spheroidal shells over a wide range of parameters and test the results against theoretical predictions. For Ekman numbers down to 8.0 × 10-7, we see a good accordance with the work of Busse, who assumed the precession-driven flow to be dominated by a rigid rotation component that is tilted to the main rotation axis. The velocity fields show localized small-scale structures for lower Ekman numbers and clear signals of inertial waves for some parameters. For the case of moderate viscosity and strong deformation, we report the realization of multiple solutions at the same parameter combination, depending on the initial condition.

  17. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Findings Late After the Arterial Switch Operation.

    PubMed

    Shepard, Charles W; Germanakis, Ioannis; White, Matthew T; Powell, Andrew J; Co-Vu, Jennifer; Geva, Tal

    2016-09-01

    Despite its robust diagnostic capabilities in adolescents and adult patients after the arterial switch operation, little information is available on the cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings in this population. The cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings of 220 consecutive patients evaluated in our center were retrospectively reviewed (median age at cardiovascular magnetic resonance, 15.4 years; 66.8% male sex). Compared with published normal values, left and right ventricular end-diastolic volume z scores were mildly enlarged (0.48±1.76 and 0.33±1.5; P=0.0003 and 0.0038, respectively), with 26% of patients having left ventricular dilatation and 20% having right ventricular dilatation. Left ventricular dysfunction was present in 21.5% of patients (mild in most), and only 5.1% of patients had mild right ventricular dysfunction. Myocardial scar was found in 1.8% of patients. Dilatation of the neoaortic root was common (76%), and root z score increased at an average rate of 0.03 points per year. By multivariable analysis, neoaortic root dilatation was associated with worse neoaortic valve regurgitation (OR, 5.29; P=0.0016). The diameters of the thoracic aorta distal to the root were near-normal in most patients, whereas the neomain pulmonary artery was typically oval shaped with decreased anteroposterior and normal lateral diameters. Although the majority of arterial switch operation patients have normal ventricular size and function and myocardial scar is rare, an important minority exhibits ventricular enlargement or dysfunction. Neoaortic root dilatation, which is present in most patients and progresses over time, is strongly associated with significant neoaortic valve regurgitation. The findings of this study provide reference values against which arterial switch operation patients can be compared with their peers. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  18. MR fingerprinting using fast imaging with steady state precession (FISP) with spiral readout.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Yun; Ma, Dan; Seiberlich, Nicole; Gulani, Vikas; Griswold, Mark A

    2015-12-01

    This study explores the possibility of using gradient echo-based sequences other than balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) in the magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) framework to quantify the relaxation parameters . An MRF method based on a fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) sequence structure is presented. A dictionary containing possible signal evolutions with physiological range of T1 and T2 was created using the extended phase graph formalism according to the acquisition parameters. The proposed method was evaluated in a phantom and a human brain. T1 , T2 , and proton density were quantified directly from the undersampled data by the pattern recognition algorithm. T1 and T2 values from the phantom demonstrate that the results of MRF FISP are in good agreement with the traditional gold-standard methods. T1 and T2 values in brain are within the range of previously reported values. MRF-FISP enables a fast and accurate quantification of the relaxation parameters. It is immune to the banding artifact of bSSFP due to B0 inhomogeneities, which could improve the ability to use MRF for applications beyond brain imaging. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Rotation Detection Using the Precession of Molecular Electric Dipole Moment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ke, Yi; Deng, Xiao-Bing; Hu, Zhong-Kun

    2017-11-01

    We present a method to detect the rotation by using the precession of molecular electric dipole moment in a static electric field. The molecular electric dipole moments are polarized under the static electric field and a nonzero electric polarization vector emerges in the molecular gas. A resonant radio-frequency pulse electric field is applied to realize a 90° flip of the electric polarization vector of a particular rotational state. After the pulse electric field, the electric polarization vector precesses under the static electric field. The rotation induces a shift in the precession frequency which is measured to deduce the angular velocity of the rotation. The fundamental sensitivity limit of this method is estimated. This work is only a proposal and does not involve experimental results.

  20. Influence of orbital precession on the polar methane accumulation on Titan

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, J.; Schneider, T.

    2014-12-01

    Data collected by Cassini Spacecraft indicate that lakes on Titan are primarily found in the polar regions, preferentially in the north. It has been suggested that the hemispherical asymmetry in lake distribution is related to Saturn's orbital precession, which changes the seasonal distribution of solar radiation on Titan, but not the annual mean (Aharonson et al., 2009; Schneider et al., 2012). Saturn's current longitude of perihelion is near northern winter solstice. Hence, the northern summer on Titan is longer and less intense than the southern summer. The longer northern summer leads to greater net precipitation in the annual mean and the methane accumulation over the northern polar region (Schneider et al. 2012). Saturn's perihelion precesses over an approximately 45-kyr period, so the solar radiation at the top of Titan's atmosphere varies on this time scale. Here we investigate how the orbital precession influences the polar methane accumulation with a three-dimensional atmospheric model coupled to a dynamic surface reservoir of methane (Schneider et al. 2012). We find that methane accumulation is closely tied to Saturn's orbital precession. At the time when Saturn's longitude of perihelion is 180 degree away from the present day value, methane is mainly accumulated in the southern polar region due to the stronger annual-mean precipitation there induced by the longer southern summer. The annual-mean evaporation is largely unchanged with orbital precession, since it scales with the annual-mean insolation, which does not change under orbital precession. When Saturn's longitude of perihelion is close to equinox, methane is approximately evenly distributed in the northern and southern polar regions, and the lake dichotomy disappears. The timescale of methane redistribution from one pole to the other is short compared with the timescale of orbital precession, so the surface methane distribution can be viewed as being approximately in equilibrium with the solar

  1. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment of acute cardiovascular effects of voluntary apnoea in elite divers.

    PubMed

    Eichhorn, L; Doerner, J; Luetkens, J A; Lunkenheimer, J M; Dolscheid-Pommerich, R C; Erdfelder, F; Fimmers, R; Nadal, J; Stoffel-Wagner, B; Schild, H H; Hoeft, A; Zur, B; Naehle, C P

    2018-06-18

    Prolonged breath holding results in hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Compensatory mechanisms help maintain adequate oxygen supply to hypoxia sensitive organs, but burden the cardiovascular system. The aim was to investigate human compensatory mechanisms and their effects on the cardiovascular system with regard to cardiac function and morphology, blood flow redistribution, serum biomarkers of the adrenergic system and myocardial injury markers following prolonged apnoea. Seventeen elite apnoea divers performed maximal breath-hold during cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Two breath-hold sessions were performed to assess (1) cardiac function, myocardial tissue properties and (2) blood flow. In between CMR sessions, a head MRI was performed for the assessment of signs of silent brain ischemia. Urine and blood samples were analysed prior to and up to 4 h after the first breath-hold. Mean breath-hold time was 297 ± 52 s. Left ventricular (LV) end-systolic, end-diastolic, and stroke volume increased significantly (p < 0.05). Peripheral oxygen saturation, LV ejection fraction, LV fractional shortening, and heart rate decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Blood distribution was diverted to cerebral regions with no significant changes in the descending aorta. Catecholamine levels, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin, and NT-pro-BNP levels increased significantly, but did not reach pathological levels. Compensatory effects of prolonged apnoea substantially burden the cardiovascular system. CMR tissue characterisation did not reveal acute myocardial injury, indicating that the resulting cardiovascular stress does not exceed compensatory physiological limits in healthy subjects. However, these compensatory mechanisms could overly tax those limits in subjects with pre-existing cardiac disease. For divers interested in competetive apnoea diving, a comprehensive medical exam with a special focus on the cardiovascular system may be warranted. This prospective

  2. The Role of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Heart Failure

    PubMed Central

    Peterzan, Mark A; Rider, Oliver J

    2016-01-01

    Cardiovascular imaging is key for the assessment of patients with heart failure. Today, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging plays an established role in the assessment of patients with suspected and confirmed heart failure syndromes, in particular identifying aetiology. Its role in informing prognosis and guiding decisions around therapy are evolving. Key strengths include its accuracy; reproducibility; unrestricted field of view; lack of radiation; multiple abilities to characterise myocardial tissue, thrombus and scar; as well as unparalleled assessment of left and right ventricular volumes. T2* has an established role in the assessment and follow-up of iron overload cardiomyopathy and a role for T1 in specific therapies for cardiac amyloid and Anderson–Fabry disease is emerging. PMID:28785465

  3. The Role of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Heart Failure.

    PubMed

    Peterzan, Mark A; Rider, Oliver J; Anderson, Lisa J

    2016-11-01

    Cardiovascular imaging is key for the assessment of patients with heart failure. Today, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging plays an established role in the assessment of patients with suspected and confirmed heart failure syndromes, in particular identifying aetiology. Its role in informing prognosis and guiding decisions around therapy are evolving. Key strengths include its accuracy; reproducibility; unrestricted field of view; lack of radiation; multiple abilities to characterise myocardial tissue, thrombus and scar; as well as unparalleled assessment of left and right ventricular volumes. T2* has an established role in the assessment and follow-up of iron overload cardiomyopathy and a role for T1 in specific therapies for cardiac amyloid and Anderson-Fabry disease is emerging.

  4. Lense-Thirring Precession and Quasi-periodic Oscillations in X-Ray Binaries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marković , Dragoljub; Lamb, Frederick K.

    1998-11-01

    It has recently been suggested that gravitomagnetic precession of the inner part of the accretion disk, possibly driven by radiation torques, may be responsible for some of the quasi-periodic X-ray brightness oscillations (QPOs) and other spectral features with frequencies between 20 and 300 Hz observed in the power spectra of some low-mass binary systems containing accreting neutron stars and black hole candidates. We have explored the free and driven normal modes of geometrically thin disks in the presence of gravitomagnetic and radiation warping torques. We have found a family of low-frequency gravitomagnetic (LFGM) modes with precession frequencies that range from the lowest frequency allowed by the size of the disk up to a certain critical frequency ωcrit, which is ~1 Hz for a compact object of solar mass. The lowest frequency (lowest order) LFGM modes are similar to the previously known radiation warping modes, extend over much of the disk, and have damping rates >~10 times their precession frequencies. The highest frequency LFGM modes are tightly wound spiral corrugations of the disk that extend to ~10 times its inner radius and have damping rates >~103 times their precession frequencies. A radiation warping torque can cause a few of the lowest frequency LFGM modes to grow with time, but even a strong radiation warping torque has essentially no effect on the LFGM modes with frequencies >~10-4 Hz. We have also discovered a second family of high-frequency gravitomagnetic (HFGM) modes with precession frequencies that range from ωcrit up to slightly less than the gravitomagnetic precession frequency ωgm,i of a particle at the inner edge of the disk, which is 30 Hz if the disk extends inward to the innermost stable circular orbit around a 2 M⊙ compact object with dimensionless angular momentum cJ/GM2 = 0.2. The lowest frequency HFGM modes are very strongly damped and have warp functions and precession frequencies very similar to those of the highest

  5. Analytic gravitational waveforms for generic precessing compact binaries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chatziioannou, Katerina; Klein, Antoine; Cornish, Neil; Yunes, Nicolas

    2017-01-01

    Gravitational waves from compact binaries are subject to amplitude and phase modulations arising from interactions between the angular momenta of the system. Failure to account for such spin-precession effects in gravitational wave data analysis could hinder detection and completely ruin parameter estimation. In this talk I will describe the construction of closed-form, frequency-domain waveforms for fully-precessing, quasi-circular binary inspirals. The resulting waveforms can model spinning binaries of arbitrary spin magnitudes, spin orientations, and masses during the inspiral phase. I will also describe ongoing efforts to extend these inspiral waveforms to the merger and ringdown phases.

  6. Improved Analysis of GW150914 Using a Fully Spin-Precessing Waveform Model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abbott, B. P.; Abbott, R.; Abbott, T. D.; Abernathy, M. R.; Acernese, F.; Ackley, K.; Adams, C.; Adams, T.; Addesso, P.; Camp, J. B.; hide

    2016-01-01

    This paper presents updated estimates of source parameters for GW150914, a binary black-hole coalescence event detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) in 2015 [Abbott et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 061102 (2016).]. Abbott et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 241102 (2016).] presented parameter estimation of the source using a 13-dimensional, phenomenological precessing-spin model (precessing IMRPhenom) and an 11-dimensional nonprecessing effective-one-body (EOB) model calibrated to numerical-relativity simulations, which forces spin alignment (nonprecessing EOBNR). Here, we present new results that include a 15-dimensional precessing-spin waveform model (precessing EOBNR) developed within the EOB formalism. We find good agreement with the parameters estimated previously [Abbott et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 241102 (2016).], and we quote updated component masses of 35(+5)(-3) solar M; and 30(+3)(-4) solar M; (where errors correspond to 90 symmetric credible intervals). We also present slightly tighter constraints on the dimensionless spin magnitudes of the two black holes, with a primary spin estimate is less than 0.65 and a secondary spin estimate is less than 0.75 at 90% probability. Abbott et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 241102 (2016).] estimated the systematic parameter-extraction errors due to waveform-model uncertainty by combining the posterior probability densities of precessing IMRPhenom and nonprecessing EOBNR. Here, we find that the two precessing-spin models are in closer agreement, suggesting that these systematic errors are smaller than previously quoted.

  7. Improved Analysis of GW150914 Using a Fully Spin-Precessing Waveform Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abbott, B. P.; Abbott, R.; Abbott, T. D.; Abernathy, M. R.; Acernese, F.; Ackley, K.; Adams, C.; Adams, T.; Addesso, P.; Adhikari, R. X.; Adya, V. B.; Affeldt, C.; Agathos, M.; Agatsuma, K.; Aggarwal, N.; Aguiar, O. D.; Aiello, L.; Ain, A.; Ajith, P.; Allen, B.; Allocca, A.; Altin, P. A.; Anderson, S. B.; Anderson, W. G.; Arai, K.; Araya, M. C.; Arceneaux, C. C.; Areeda, J. S.; Arnaud, N.; Arun, K. G.; Ascenzi, S.; Ashton, G.; Ast, M.; Aston, S. M.; Astone, P.; Aufmuth, P.; Aulbert, C.; Babak, S.; Bacon, P.; Bader, M. K. M.; Baker, P. T.; Baldaccini, F.; Ballardin, G.; Ballmer, S. W.; Barayoga, J. C.; Barclay, S. E.; Barish, B. C.; Barker, D.; Barone, F.; Barr, B.; Barsotti, L.; Barsuglia, M.; Barta, D.; Bartlett, J.; Bartos, I.; Bassiri, R.; Basti, A.; Batch, J. C.; Baune, C.; Bavigadda, V.; Bazzan, M.; Bejger, M.; Bell, A. S.; Berger, B. K.; Bergmann, G.; Berry, C. P. L.; Bersanetti, D.; Bertolini, A.; Betzwieser, J.; Bhagwat, S.; Bhandare, R.; Bilenko, I. A.; Billingsley, G.; Birch, J.; Birney, R.; Birnholtz, O.; Biscans, S.; Bisht, A.; Bitossi, M.; Biwer, C.; Bizouard, M. A.; Blackburn, J. K.; Blair, C. D.; Blair, D. G.; Blair, R. M.; Bloemen, S.; Bock, O.; Boer, M.; Bogaert, G.; Bogan, C.; Bohe, A.; Bond, C.; Bondu, F.; Bonnand, R.; Boom, B. A.; Bork, R.; Boschi, V.; Bose, S.; Bouffanais, Y.; Bozzi, A.; Bradaschia, C.; Brady, P. R.; Braginsky, V. B.; Branchesi, M.; Brau, J. E.; Briant, T.; Brillet, A.; Brinkmann, M.; Brisson, V.; Brockill, P.; Broida, J. E.; Brooks, A. F.; Brown, D. A.; Brown, D. D.; Brown, N. M.; Brunett, S.; Buchanan, C. C.; Buikema, A.; Bulik, T.; Bulten, H. J.; Buonanno, A.; Buskulic, D.; Buy, C.; Byer, R. L.; Cabero, M.; Cadonati, L.; Cagnoli, G.; Cahillane, C.; Calderón Bustillo, J.; Callister, T.; Calloni, E.; Camp, J. B.; Cannon, K. C.; Cao, J.; Capano, C. D.; Capocasa, E.; Carbognani, F.; Caride, S.; Casanueva Diaz, C.; Casentini, J.; Caudill, S.; Cavaglià, M.; Cavalier, F.; Cavalieri, R.; Cella, G.; Cepeda, C. B.; Cerboni Baiardi, L.; Cerretani, G.; Cesarini, E.; Chamberlin, S. J.; Chan, M.; Chao, S.; Charlton, P.; Chassande-Mottin, E.; Cheeseboro, B. D.; Chen, H. Y.; Chen, Y.; Cheng, C.; Chincarini, A.; Chiummo, A.; Cho, H. S.; Cho, M.; Chow, J. H.; Christensen, N.; Chu, Q.; Chua, S.; Chung, S.; Ciani, G.; Clara, F.; Clark, J. A.; Cleva, F.; Coccia, E.; Cohadon, P.-F.; Colla, A.; Collette, C. G.; Cominsky, L.; Constancio, M.; Conte, A.; Conti, L.; Cook, D.; Corbitt, T. R.; Cornish, N.; Corsi, A.; Cortese, S.; Costa, C. A.; Coughlin, M. W.; Coughlin, S. B.; Coulon, J.-P.; Countryman, S. T.; Couvares, P.; Cowan, E. E.; Coward, D. M.; Cowart, M. J.; Coyne, D. C.; Coyne, R.; Craig, K.; Creighton, J. D. E.; Cripe, J.; Crowder, S. G.; Cumming, A.; Cunningham, L.; Cuoco, E.; Dal Canton, T.; Danilishin, S. L.; D'Antonio, S.; Danzmann, K.; Darman, N. S.; Dasgupta, A.; Da Silva Costa, C. F.; Dattilo, V.; Dave, I.; Davier, M.; Davies, G. S.; Daw, E. J.; Day, R.; De, S.; DeBra, D.; Debreczeni, G.; Degallaix, J.; De Laurentis, M.; Deléglise, S.; Del Pozzo, W.; Denker, T.; Dent, T.; Dergachev, V.; De Rosa, R.; DeRosa, R. T.; DeSalvo, R.; Devine, R. C.; Dhurandhar, S.; Díaz, M. C.; Di Fiore, L.; Di Giovanni, M.; Di Girolamo, T.; Di Lieto, A.; Di Pace, S.; Di Palma, I.; Di Virgilio, A.; Dolique, V.; Donovan, F.; Dooley, K. L.; Doravari, S.; Douglas, R.; Downes, T. P.; Drago, M.; Drever, R. W. P.; Driggers, J. C.; Ducrot, M.; Dwyer, S. E.; Edo, T. B.; Edwards, M. C.; Effler, A.; Eggenstein, H.-B.; Ehrens, P.; Eichholz, J.; Eikenberry, S. S.; Engels, W.; Essick, R. C.; Etienne, Z.; Etzel, T.; Evans, M.; Evans, T. M.; Everett, R.; Factourovich, M.; Fafone, V.; Fair, H.; Fairhurst, S.; Fan, X.; Fang, Q.; Farinon, S.; Farr, B.; Farr, W. M.; Fauchon-Jones, E.; Favata, M.; Fays, M.; Fehrmann, H.; Fejer, M. M.; Fenyvesi, E.; Ferrante, I.; Ferreira, E. C.; Ferrini, F.; Fidecaro, F.; Fiori, I.; Fiorucci, D.; Fisher, R. P.; Flaminio, R.; Fletcher, M.; Fournier, J.-D.; Frasca, S.; Frasconi, F.; Frei, Z.; Freise, A.; Frey, R.; Frey, V.; Fritschel, P.; Frolov, V. V.; Fulda, P.; Fyffe, M.; Gabbard, H. A. G.; Gaebel, S.; Gair, J. R.; Gammaitoni, L.; Gaonkar, S. G.; Garufi, F.; Gaur, G.; Gehrels, N.; Gemme, G.; Geng, P.; Genin, E.; Gennai, A.; George, J.; Gergely, L.; Germain, V.; Ghosh, Abhirup; Ghosh, Archisman; Ghosh, S.; Giaime, J. A.; Giardina, K. D.; Giazotto, A.; Gill, K.; Glaefke, A.; Goetz, E.; Goetz, R.; Gondan, L.; González, G.; Gonzalez Castro, J. M.; Gopakumar, A.; Gordon, N. A.; Gorodetsky, M. L.; Gossan, S. E.; Gosselin, M.; Gouaty, R.; Grado, A.; Graef, C.; Graff, P. B.; Granata, M.; Grant, A.; Gras, S.; Gray, C.; Greco, G.; Green, A. C.; Groot, P.; Grote, H.; Grunewald, S.; Guidi, G. M.; Guo, X.; Gupta, A.; Gupta, M. K.; Gushwa, K. E.; Gustafson, E. K.; Gustafson, R.; Hacker, J. J.; Hall, B. R.; Hall, E. D.; Hammond, G.; Haney, M.; Hanke, M. M.; Hanks, J.; Hanna, C.; Hannam, M. D.; Hanson, J.; Hardwick, T.; Harms, J.; Harry, G. M.; Harry, I. W.; Hart, M. J.; Hartman, M. T.; Haster, C.-J.; Haughian, K.; Healy, J.; Heidmann, A.; Heintze, M. C.; Heitmann, H.; Hello, P.; Hemming, G.; Hendry, M.; Heng, I. S.; Hennig, J.; Henry, J.; Heptonstall, A. W.; Heurs, M.; Hild, S.; Hoak, D.; Hofman, D.; Holt, K.; Holz, D. E.; Hopkins, P.; Hough, J.; Houston, E. A.; Howell, E. J.; Hu, Y. M.; Huang, S.; Huerta, E. A.; Huet, D.; Hughey, B.; Husa, S.; Huttner, S. H.; Huynh-Dinh, T.; Indik, N.; Ingram, D. R.; Inta, R.; Isa, H. N.; Isac, J.-M.; Isi, M.; Isogai, T.; Iyer, B. R.; Izumi, K.; Jacqmin, T.; Jang, H.; Jani, K.; Jaranowski, P.; Jawahar, S.; Jian, L.; Jiménez-Forteza, F.; Johnson, W. W.; Johnson-McDaniel, N. K.; Jones, D. I.; Jones, R.; Jonker, R. J. G.; Ju, L.; K, Haris; Kalaghatgi, C. V.; Kalogera, V.; Kandhasamy, S.; Kang, G.; Kanner, J. B.; Kapadia, S. J.; Karki, S.; Karvinen, K. S.; Kasprzack, M.; Katsavounidis, E.; Katzman, W.; Kaufer, S.; Kaur, T.; Kawabe, K.; Kéfélian, F.; Kehl, M. S.; Keitel, D.; Kelley, D. B.; Kells, W.; Kennedy, R.; Key, J. S.; Khalili, F. Y.; Khan, I.; Khan, S.; Khan, Z.; Khazanov, E. A.; Kijbunchoo, N.; Kim, Chi-Woong; Kim, Chunglee; Kim, J.; Kim, K.; Kim, N.; Kim, W.; Kim, Y.-M.; Kimbrell, S. J.; King, E. J.; King, P. J.; Kissel, J. S.; Klein, B.; Kleybolte, L.; Klimenko, S.; Koehlenbeck, S. M.; Koley, S.; Kondrashov, V.; Kontos, A.; Korobko, M.; Korth, W. Z.; Kowalska, I.; Kozak, D. B.; Kringel, V.; Królak, A.; Krueger, C.; Kuehn, G.; Kumar, P.; Kumar, R.; Kuo, L.; Kutynia, A.; Lackey, B. D.; Landry, M.; Lange, J.; Lantz, B.; Lasky, P. D.; Laxen, M.; Lazzarini, A.; Lazzaro, C.; Leaci, P.; Leavey, S.; Lebigot, E. O.; Lee, C. H.; Lee, H. K.; Lee, H. M.; Lee, K.; Lenon, A.; Leonardi, M.; Leong, J. R.; Leroy, N.; Letendre, N.; Levin, Y.; Lewis, J. B.; Li, T. G. F.; Libson, A.; Littenberg, T. B.; Lockerbie, N. A.; Lombardi, A. L.; London, L. T.; Lord, J. E.; Lorenzini, M.; Loriette, V.; Lormand, M.; Losurdo, G.; Lough, J. D.; Lousto, C. O.; Lovelace, G.; Lück, H.; Lundgren, A. P.; Lynch, R.; Ma, Y.; Machenschalk, B.; MacInnis, M.; Macleod, D. M.; Magaña-Sandoval, F.; Magaña Zertuche, L.; Magee, R. M.; Majorana, E.; Maksimovic, I.; Malvezzi, V.; Man, N.; Mandic, V.; Mangano, V.; Mansell, G. L.; Manske, M.; Mantovani, M.; Marchesoni, F.; Marion, F.; Márka, S.; Márka, Z.; Markosyan, A. S.; Maros, E.; Martelli, F.; Martellini, L.; Martin, I. W.; Martynov, D. V.; Marx, J. N.; Mason, K.; Masserot, A.; Massinger, T. J.; Masso-Reid, M.; Mastrogiovanni, S.; Matichard, F.; Matone, L.; Mavalvala, N.; Mazumder, N.; McCarthy, R.; McClelland, D. E.; McCormick, S.; McGuire, S. C.; McIntyre, G.; McIver, J.; McManus, D. J.; McRae, T.; McWilliams, S. T.; Meacher, D.; Meadors, G. D.; Meidam, J.; Melatos, A.; Mendell, G.; Mercer, R. A.; Merilh, E. L.; Merzougui, M.; Meshkov, S.; Messenger, C.; Messick, C.; Metzdorff, R.; Meyers, P. M.; Mezzani, F.; Miao, H.; Michel, C.; Middleton, H.; Mikhailov, E. E.; Milano, L.; Miller, A. L.; Miller, A.; Miller, B. B.; Miller, J.; Millhouse, M.; Minenkov, Y.; Ming, J.; Mirshekari, S.; Mishra, C.; Mitra, S.; Mitrofanov, V. P.; Mitselmakher, G.; Mittleman, R.; Moggi, A.; Mohan, M.; Mohapatra, S. R. P.; Montani, M.; Moore, B. C.; Moore, C. J.; Moraru, D.; Moreno, G.; Morriss, S. R.; Mossavi, K.; Mours, B.; Mow-Lowry, C. M.; Mueller, G.; Muir, A. W.; Mukherjee, Arunava; Mukherjee, D.; Mukherjee, S.; Mukund, N.; Mullavey, A.; Munch, J.; Murphy, D. J.; Murray, P. G.; Mytidis, A.; Nardecchia, I.; Naticchioni, L.; Nayak, R. K.; Nedkova, K.; Nelemans, G.; Nelson, T. J. N.; Neri, M.; Neunzert, A.; Newton, G.; Nguyen, T. T.; Nielsen, A. B.; Nissanke, S.; Nitz, A.; Nocera, F.; Nolting, D.; Normandin, M. E. N.; Nuttall, L. K.; Oberling, J.; Ochsner, E.; O'Dell, J.; Oelker, E.; Ogin, G. H.; Oh, J. J.; Oh, S. H.; Ohme, F.; Oliver, M.; Oppermann, P.; Oram, Richard J.; O'Reilly, B.; O'Shaughnessy, R.; Ottaway, D. J.; Overmier, H.; Owen, B. J.; Pai, A.; Pai, S. A.; Palamos, J. R.; Palashov, O.; Palomba, C.; Pal-Singh, A.; Pan, H.; Pankow, C.; Pannarale, F.; Pant, B. C.; Paoletti, F.; Paoli, A.; Papa, M. A.; Paris, H. R.; Parker, W.; Pascucci, D.; Pasqualetti, A.; Passaquieti, R.; Passuello, D.; Patricelli, B.; Patrick, Z.; Pearlstone, B. L.; Pedraza, M.; Pedurand, R.; Pekowsky, L.; Pele, A.; Penn, S.; Perreca, A.; Perri, L. M.; Pfeiffer, H. P.; Phelps, M.; Piccinni, O. J.; Pichot, M.; Piergiovanni, F.; Pierro, V.; Pillant, G.; Pinard, L.; Pinto, I. M.; Pitkin, M.; Poe, M.; Poggiani, R.; Popolizio, P.; Post, A.; Powell, J.; Prasad, J.; Predoi, V.; Prestegard, T.; Price, L. R.; Prijatelj, M.; Principe, M.; Privitera, S.; Prix, R.; Prodi, G. A.; Prokhorov, L.; Puncken, O.; Punturo, M.; Puppo, P.; Pürrer, M.; Qi, H.; Qin, J.; Qiu, S.; Quetschke, V.; Quintero, E. A.; Quitzow-James, R.; Raab, F. J.; Rabeling, D. S.; Radkins, H.; Raffai, P.; Raja, S.; Rajan, C.; Rakhmanov, M.; Rapagnani, P.; Raymond, V.; Razzano, M.; Re, V.; Read, J.; Reed, C. M.; Regimbau, T.; Rei, L.; Reid, S.; Reitze, D. H.; Rew, H.; Reyes, S. D.; Ricci, F.; Riles, K.; Rizzo, M.; Robertson, N. A.; Robie, R.; Robinet, F.; Rocchi, A.; Rolland, L.; Rollins, J. G.; Roma, V. J.; Romano, R.; Romanov, G.; Romie, J. H.; Rosińska, D.; Rowan, S.; Rüdiger, A.; Ruggi, P.; Ryan, K.; Sachdev, S.; Sadecki, T.; Sadeghian, L.; Sakellariadou, M.; Salconi, L.; Saleem, M.; Salemi, F.; Samajdar, A.; Sammut, L.; Sanchez, E. J.; Sandberg, V.; Sandeen, B.; Sanders, J. R.; Sassolas, B.; Sathyaprakash, B. S.; Saulson, P. R.; Sauter, O. E. S.; Savage, R. L.; Sawadsky, A.; Schale, P.; Schilling, R.; Schmidt, J.; Schmidt, P.; Schnabel, R.; Schofield, R. M. S.; Schönbeck, A.; Schreiber, E.; Schuette, D.; Schutz, B. F.; Scott, J.; Scott, S. M.; Sellers, D.; Sengupta, A. S.; Sentenac, D.; Sequino, V.; Sergeev, A.; Setyawati, Y.; Shaddock, D. A.; Shaffer, T.; Shahriar, M. S.; Shaltev, M.; Shapiro, B.; Shawhan, P.; Sheperd, A.; Shoemaker, D. H.; Shoemaker, D. M.; Siellez, K.; Siemens, X.; Sieniawska, M.; Sigg, D.; Silva, A. D.; Singer, A.; Singer, L. P.; Singh, A.; Singh, R.; Singhal, A.; Sintes, A. M.; Slagmolen, B. J. J.; Smith, J. R.; Smith, N. D.; Smith, R. J. E.; Son, E. J.; Sorazu, B.; Sorrentino, F.; Souradeep, T.; Srivastava, A. K.; Staley, A.; Steinke, M.; Steinlechner, J.; Steinlechner, S.; Steinmeyer, D.; Stephens, B. C.; Stevenson, S. P.; Stone, R.; Strain, K. A.; Straniero, N.; Stratta, G.; Strauss, N. A.; Strigin, S.; Sturani, R.; Stuver, A. L.; Summerscales, T. Z.; Sun, L.; Sunil, S.; Sutton, P. J.; Swinkels, B. L.; Szczepańczyk, M. J.; Tacca, M.; Talukder, D.; Tanner, D. B.; Tápai, M.; Tarabrin, S. P.; Taracchini, A.; Taylor, R.; Theeg, T.; Thirugnanasambandam, M. P.; Thomas, E. G.; Thomas, M.; Thomas, P.; Thorne, K. A.; Thorne, K. S.; Thrane, E.; Tiwari, S.; Tiwari, V.; Tokmakov, K. V.; Toland, K.; Tomlinson, C.; Tonelli, M.; Tornasi, Z.; Torres, C. V.; Torrie, C. I.; Töyrä, D.; Travasso, F.; Traylor, G.; Trifirò, D.; Tringali, M. C.; Trozzo, L.; Tse, M.; Turconi, M.; Tuyenbayev, D.; Ugolini, D.; Unnikrishnan, C. S.; Urban, A. L.; Usman, S. A.; Vahlbruch, H.; Vajente, G.; Valdes, G.; Vallisneri, M.; van Bakel, N.; van Beuzekom, M.; van den Brand, J. F. J.; Van Den Broeck, C.; Vander-Hyde, D. C.; van der Schaaf, L.; van der Sluys, M. V.; van Heijningen, J. V.; Vano-Vinuales, A.; van Veggel, A. A.; Vardaro, M.; Vass, S.; Vasúth, M.; Vaulin, R.; Vecchio, A.; Vedovato, G.; Veitch, J.; Veitch, P. J.; Venkateswara, K.; Verkindt, D.; Vetrano, F.; Viceré, A.; Vinciguerra, S.; Vine, D. J.; Vinet, J.-Y.; Vitale, S.; Vo, T.; Vocca, H.; Vorvick, C.; Voss, D. V.; Vousden, W. D.; Vyatchanin, S. P.; Wade, A. R.; Wade, L. E.; Wade, M.; Walker, M.; Wallace, L.; Walsh, S.; Wang, G.; Wang, H.; Wang, M.; Wang, X.; Wang, Y.; Ward, R. L.; Warner, J.; Was, M.; Weaver, B.; Wei, L.-W.; Weinert, M.; Weinstein, A. J.; Weiss, R.; Wen, L.; Weßels, P.; Westphal, T.; Wette, K.; Whelan, J. T.; Whiting, B. F.; Williams, R. D.; Williamson, A. R.; Willis, J. L.; Willke, B.; Wimmer, M. H.; Winkler, W.; Wipf, C. C.; Wittel, H.; Woan, G.; Woehler, J.; Worden, J.; Wright, J. L.; Wu, D. S.; Wu, G.; Yablon, J.; Yam, W.; Yamamoto, H.; Yancey, C. C.; Yu, H.; Yvert, M.; ZadroŻny, A.; Zangrando, L.; Zanolin, M.; Zendri, J.-P.; Zevin, M.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, M.; Zhang, Y.; Zhao, C.; Zhou, M.; Zhou, Z.; Zhu, X. J.; Zucker, M. E.; Zuraw, S. E.; Zweizig, J.; Boyle, M.; Brügmann, B.; Campanelli, M.; Chu, T.; Clark, M.; Haas, R.; Hemberger, D.; Hinder, I.; Kidder, L. E.; Kinsey, M.; Laguna, P.; Ossokine, S.; Pan, Y.; Röver, C.; Scheel, M.; Szilagyi, B.; Teukolsky, S.; Zlochower, Y.; LIGO Scientific Collaboration; Virgo Collaboration

    2016-10-01

    This paper presents updated estimates of source parameters for GW150914, a binary black-hole coalescence event detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) in 2015 [Abbott et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 061102 (2016).]. Abbott et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 241102 (2016).] presented parameter estimation of the source using a 13-dimensional, phenomenological precessing-spin model (precessing IMRPhenom) and an 11-dimensional nonprecessing effective-one-body (EOB) model calibrated to numerical-relativity simulations, which forces spin alignment (nonprecessing EOBNR). Here, we present new results that include a 15-dimensional precessing-spin waveform model (precessing EOBNR) developed within the EOB formalism. We find good agreement with the parameters estimated previously [Abbott et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 241102 (2016).], and we quote updated component masses of 35-3+5 M⊙ and 3 0-4+3 M⊙ (where errors correspond to 90% symmetric credible intervals). We also present slightly tighter constraints on the dimensionless spin magnitudes of the two black holes, with a primary spin estimate <0.65 and a secondary spin estimate <0.75 at 90% probability. Abbott et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 241102 (2016).] estimated the systematic parameter-extraction errors due to waveform-model uncertainty by combining the posterior probability densities of precessing IMRPhenom and nonprecessing EOBNR. Here, we find that the two precessing-spin models are in closer agreement, suggesting that these systematic errors are smaller than previously quoted.

  8. Merging magnetic droplets by a magnetic field pulse

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Chengjie; Xiao, Dun; Liu, Yaowen

    2018-05-01

    Reliable manipulation of magnetic droplets is of immense importance for their applications in spin torque oscillators. Using micromagnetic simulations, we find that the antiphase precession state, which originates in the dynamic dipolar interaction effect, is a favorable stable state for two magnetic droplets nucleated at two identical nano-contacts. A magnetic field pulse can be used to destroy their stability and merge them into a big droplet. The merging process strongly depends on the pulse width as well as the pulse strength.

  9. Correcting Concomitant Gradient Distortion in Microtesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Myers, Whittier

    2005-03-01

    Progress in ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using an untuned gradiometer coupled to a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) has resulted in three-dimensional images with an in-plane resolution of 2 mm. Protons in samples up to 80 mm in size were prepolarized in a 100 mT field, manipulated by ˜100 μT/m gradients for image encoding, and detected by the SQUID in the ˜65 μT precession field. Maxwell's equations prohibit a unidirectional magnetic field gradient. While the additional concomitant gradients can be neglected in high-field MRI, they distort high-resolution images of large samples taken in microtesla precession fields. We propose two methods to mitigate such distortion: raising the precession field during image encoding, and software post-processing. Both approaches are demonstrated using computer simulations and MRI images. Simulations show that the combination of these techniques can correct the concomitant gradient distortion present in a 4-mm resolution image of an object the size of a human brain with a precession field of 50 μT. Supported by USDOE.

  10. Polynomial approximation of the Lense-Thirring rigid precession frequency

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    De Falco, Vittorio; Motta, Sara

    2018-05-01

    We propose a polynomial approximation of the global Lense-Thirring rigid precession frequency to study low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations around spinning black holes. This high-performing approximation allows to determine the expected frequencies of a precessing thick accretion disc with fixed inner radius and variable outer radius around a black hole with given mass and spin. We discuss the accuracy and the applicability regions of our polynomial approximation, showing that the computational times are reduced by a factor of ≈70 in the range of minutes.

  11. Research program in nuclear and solid state physics. [including pion absorption spectra and muon spin precession

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1974-01-01

    The survey of negative pion absorption reactions on light and medium nuclei was continued. Muon spin precession was studied using an iron target. An impulse approximation model of the pion absorption process implied that the ion will absorb almost exclusively on nucleon pairs, single nucleon absorption being suppressed by energy and momentum conservation requirements. For measurements on both paramagnetic and ferromagnetic iron, the external magnetic field was supplied by a large C-type electromagnet carrying a current of about 100 amperes.

  12. The Complex Dynamics of the Precessing Vortex Rope in a Straight Diffuser

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stuparu, Adrian; Susan-Resiga, Romeo

    2016-11-01

    The decelerated swirling flow in the discharge cone of Francis turbines operated at partial discharge develops a self-induced instability with a precessing helical vortex (vortex rope). In an axisymmetric geometry, this phenomenon is expected to generate asynchronous pressure fluctuations as a result of the precessing motion. However, numerical and experimental data indicate that synchronous (plunging) fluctuations, with a frequency lower than the precessing frequency, also develops as a result of helical vortex filament dynamics. This paper presents a quantitative approach to describe the precessing vortex rope by properly fitting a three-dimensional logarithmic spiral model with the vortex filament computed from the velocity gradient tensor. We show that the slope coefficient of either curvature or torsion radii of the helix is a good indicator for the vortex rope dynamics, and it supports the stretching - breaking up - bouncing back mechanism that may explain the plunging oscillations.

  13. Corkscrew Structures and Precessing Jets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sahai, Raghvendra

    2005-07-01

    Collimated jets are one of the most intriguing, yet poorly understood phenomena in astrophysics. Jets have been found in a wide variety of object classes which include AGNs, YSOs, massive X-ray binaries {e.g. SS433}, black hole X-ray transients, symbiotic stars, supersoft X-ray sources, and finally, planetary and preplanetary nebulae {PNs & PPNs}. In the case of PNs and PPNs, we have propsoed that wobbling collimated jets are the universal mechanism which can shape the wide variety of bipolar and multipolar morphologies seen in these objects. Most of our knowledge of post-AGB jets is indirectly inferred from their effects on the circumstellar envelopes of the progenitor AGB stars and, for that reason, these jets remain very poorly understood. Thus the mechanism that powers and collimates these jet-like post-AGB outflows remains as one of the most important, unsolved issues in post-AGB evolution. We propose an archival study of two bipolar PPNs, motivated by two recent discoveries which indicate that precessing jets are likely to be operational in them, and that the properties of the jets and the bipolar lobes produced by them, may be directly measured. One of these is IRAS16342-3814 {IRAS1634}, previously imaged with WPFC2, in which new Adaptive Optics {AO} observations at near-IR wavelengths show a remarkable corkscrew-shaped structure, the tell-tale signature of a precessing jet. Inspection of WFPC2 images of another PPN, OH231.8+4.2 in which we have recently discovered a A-type companion to the central mass-losing star, shows a sinuous nebulosity in a broad-band continuum image, resembling a corkscrew structure. We will use the latter to constrain the phsyical properties of the jet {precession period, opening angle, jet beam diameter, temporal history} in OH231.8. Using the multi-wavelength data on both sources, we will build models of the density distribution of the lobes and their interiors. In the case of IRAS1634, these models will be used to investigate the

  14. The Pole Orientation, Pole Precession, and Moment of Inertia Factor of Saturn

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jacobson, R. A.; French, R. G.; Nicholson, P. D.; Hedman, M.; Colwell, J. E.; Marouf, E.; Rappaport, N.; McGhee, C.; Sepersky, T.; Lonergan, K.

    2011-01-01

    This paper discusses our determination of the Saturn's pole orientation and precession using a combination of Earthbased and spacecraft based observational data. From our model of the polar motion and the observed precession rate we obtain a value for Saturn's polar moment of inertia

  15. Spin precession in a black hole and naked singularity spacetimes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chakraborty, Chandrachur; Kocherlakota, Prashant; Joshi, Pankaj S.

    2017-02-01

    We propose here a specific criterion to address the existence or otherwise of Kerr naked singularities, in terms of the precession of the spin of a test gyroscope due to the frame dragging by the central spinning body. We show that there is indeed an important characteristic difference in the behavior of gyro spin precession frequency in the limit of approach to these compact objects, and this can be used, in principle, to differentiate the naked singularity from a black hole. Specifically, if gyroscopes are fixed all along the polar axis up to the horizon of a Kerr black hole, the precession frequency becomes arbitrarily high, blowing up as the event horizon is approached. On the other hand, in the case of naked singularity, this frequency remains always finite and well behaved. Interestingly, this behavior is intimately related to and is governed by the geometry of the ergoregion in each of these cases, which we analyze here. One intriguing behavior that emerges is, in the Kerr naked singularity case, the Lense-Thirring precession frequency (ΩLT ) of the gyroscope due to frame-dragging effect decreases as (ΩLT∝r ) after reaching a maximum, in the limit of r =0 , as opposed to r-3 dependence in all other known astrophysical cases.

  16. Relativistic spin precession in the double pulsar.

    PubMed

    Breton, Rene P; Kaspi, Victoria M; Kramer, Michael; McLaughlin, Maura A; Lyutikov, Maxim; Ransom, Scott M; Stairs, Ingrid H; Ferdman, Robert D; Camilo, Fernando; Possenti, Andrea

    2008-07-04

    The double pulsar PSR J0737-3039A/B consists of two neutron stars in a highly relativistic orbit that displays a roughly 30-second eclipse when pulsar A passes behind pulsar B. Describing this eclipse of pulsar A as due to absorption occurring in the magnetosphere of pulsar B, we successfully used a simple geometric model to characterize the observed changing eclipse morphology and to measure the relativistic precession of pulsar B's spin axis around the total orbital angular momentum. This provides a test of general relativity and alternative theories of gravity in the strong-field regime. Our measured relativistic spin precession rate of 4.77 degrees (-0 degrees .65)(+0 degrees .66) per year (68% confidence level) is consistent with that predicted by general relativity within an uncertainty of 13%.

  17. Variable neutron star free precession in Hercules X-1 from evolution of RXTE X-ray pulse profiles with phase of the 35-d cycle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Postnov, K.; Shakura, N.; Staubert, R.; Kochetkova, A.; Klochkov, D.; Wilms, J.

    2013-10-01

    Accretion of matter on to the surface of a freely precessing neutron star (NS) with a complex non-dipole magnetic field can explain the change of X-ray pulse profiles of Her X-1 observed by RXTE with the phase of the 35-d cycle. We demonstrate this using all available measurements of X-ray pulse profiles in the 9-13 keV energy range obtained with the RXTE/Proportional Counter Array (PCA). The measured profiles guided the elaboration of a geometrical model and the definition of locations of emitting poles, arcs and spots on the NS surface which satisfactorily reproduce the observed pulse profiles and their dependence on free precession phase. We have found that the observed trend of the times of the 35-d turn-ons on the O-C diagram, which can be approximated by a collection of consecutive linear segments around the mean value, can be described by our model by assuming a variable free precession period, with a fractional period change of about a few per cent. Under this assumption and using our model, we have found that the times of phase zero of the NS free precession (which we identify with the maximum separation of the brightest spot on the NS surface with the NS spin axis) occur about 1.6 d after the mean turn-on times inside each `stable' epoch, producing a linear trend on the O-C diagram with the same slope as the observed times of turn-ons. We propose that the 2.5 per cent changes in the free precession period that occur on time scales of several to tens of 35-d cycles can be related to wandering of the principal inertia axis of the NS body due to variations in the patterns of accretion on to the NS surface. The closeness of periods of the disc precession and the NS free precession can be explained by the presence of a synchronization mechanism in the system, which modulates the dynamical interaction of the gas streams and the accretion disc with the NS free precession period.

  18. Thermal diffusivity and nuclear spin relaxation: a continuous wave free precession NMR study.

    PubMed

    Venâncio, Tiago; Engelsberg, Mario; Azeredo, Rodrigo B V; Colnago, Luiz A

    2006-07-01

    Continuous wave free precession (CWFP) nuclear magnetic resonance is capable of yielding quantitative and easily obtainable information concerning the kinetics of processes that change the relaxation rates of the nuclear spins through the action of some external agent. In the present application, heat flow from a natural rubber sample to a liquid nitrogen thermal bath caused a large temperature gradient leading to a non-equilibrium temperature distribution. The ensuing local changes in the relaxation rates could be monitored by the decay of the CWFP signals and, from the decays, it was possible to ascertain the prevalence of a diffusive process and to obtain an average value for the thermal diffusivity.

  19. Myocardial oedema as the sole marker of acute injury in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study.

    PubMed

    Iacucci, Ilaria; Carbone, Iacopo; Cannavale, Giuseppe; Conti, Bettina; Iampieri, Ilaria; Rosati, Riccardo; Sardella, Gennaro; Frustaci, Andrea; Fedele, Francesco; Catalano, Carlo; Francone, Marco

    2013-12-01

    The main hallmark of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TT-CMP) is transient ischaemia, with completely reversible regional contractile dysfunction, which involves the mid-apical segments and shows no angiographic signs of coronary artery disease (CAD). The acute and reversible myocardial injury suggests that tissue oedema may be an important marker of disease. Seventeen patients with a clinical and angiographic diagnosis of TT-CMP underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in the acute phase and at follow-up after 4 months. A standard acquisition protocol including turbo spin echo (TSE) T2-weighted short-tau inversion-recovery (T2 STIR), steady-state free-precession cine (SSFP cine) and lateenhancement (LE) imaging after gadolinium benzyloxypropionic tetraacetic acid (Gd-BOPTA) administration was performed. All images were analysed, and data on oedema and LE were correlated with regional dysfunction and histological findings from endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) where available. In all patients, T2 STIR images showed a diffuse homogeneous hyperintensity that extended to all mid-apical segments and perfectly matched the area of regional dysfunction, reflecting tissue oedema. In the five patients who underwent EMB, histology confirmed the massive interstitial oedema associated with typical contraction-band necrosis. No cases of LE were observed. At follow-up, complete regression of oedema was observed in all cases, with significant recovery of regional and global left ventricular (LV) function (ejection fraction from 48.7% to 59.8%). Myocardial oedema on CMR is a characteristic feature of acute TT-CMP, which reflects acute inflammation and acute myocardial injury. It could therefore be used as a specific marker of disease severity.

  20. Predicting Precession Rates from Secular Dynamics for Extra-solar Multi-planet Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Van Laerhoven, Christa

    2015-12-01

    Considering the secular dynamics of multi-planet systems provides substantial insight into the interactions between planets in those systems. Secular interactions are those that don't involve knowing where a planet is along its orbit, and they dominate when planets are not involved in mean motion resonances. These interactions exchange angular momentum among the planets, evolving their eccentricities and inclinations. To second order in the planets' eccentricities and inclinations, the eccentricity and inclination perturbations are decoupled. Given the right variable choice, the relevant differential equations are linear and thus the eccentricity and inclination behaviors can be described as a sum of eigenmodes. Since the underlying structure of the secular eigenmodes can be calculated using only the planets' masses and semi-major axes, one can elucidate the eccentricity and inclination behavior of planets in exoplanet systems even without knowing the planets' current eccentricities and inclinations. I have calculated both the eccentricity and inclination secular eigenmodes for the population of known multi-planet systems whose planets have well determined masses and periods and have used this to predict what range of pericenter precession (and nodal regression) rates the planets may have. One might have assumed that in any given system the planets with shorter periods would have faster precession rates, but I show that this is not necessarily the case. Planets that are 'loners' have narrow ranges of possible precession rates, while planets that are 'groupies' can have a wider range of possible precession rates. Several planets are expected to undergo significant precession on few-year timescales and many planets (though not the majority of planets) will undergo significant precession on decade timescales.

  1. A complete solution for GP-B's gyroscopic precession by retarded gravitational theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Keyun

    Mainstream physicists generally believe that Mercury’s Perihelion precession and GP-B’ gyroscopic precession are two of the strongest evidences supporting Einstein’ curved spacetime and general relativity. However, most classical literatures and textbooks (e.g. Ohanain: Gravitation and Spacetime) paint an incorrect picture of Mercury’s orbit anomaly, namely Mercury’s perihelion precessed 43 arc-seconds per century; a correct picture should be that Mercury rotated 43 arc-seconds per century more than along Newtonian theoretical orbit. The essence of Le Verrier’s and Newcomb’s observation and analysis is that the angular speed of Mercury is slightly faster than the Newtonian theoretical value. The complete explanation to Mercury’s orbit anomaly should include two factors, perihelion precession is one of two factors, in addition, the change of orbital radius will also cause a change of angular speed, which is another component of Mercury's orbital anomaly. If Schwarzschild metric is correct, then the solution of the Schwarzschild orbit equation must contain three non-ignorable items. The first corresponds to Newtonian ellipse; the second is a nonlinear perturbation with increasing amplitude, which causes the precession of orbit perihelion; this is just one part of the angular speed anomaly of Mercury; the third part is a linear perturbation, corresponding to a similar figure of the Newton's ellipse, but with a minimal radius; this makes no contribution to the perihelion precession of the Schwarzschild orbit, but makes the Schwarzschild orbital radius slightly smaller, leading to a slight increase in Mercury’s angular speed. All classical literatures of general relativity ignored this last factor, which is a gross oversight. If you correctly take all three factors into consideration, the final result is that the difference between the angles rotated along Schwarzschild’s orbit and the angle rotated along Newton’s orbit for one hundred years should

  2. 4963 Kanroku: Asteroid with a possible precession of rotation axis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sokova, Iraida A.; Marchini, Alessandro; Franco, Lorenzo; Papini, Riccardo; Salvaggio, Fabio; Palmas, Teodora; Sokov, Eugene N.; Garlitz, Joe; Knight, Carl R.; Bretton, Marc

    2018-04-01

    Based on photometric observations of 4963 Kanroku as part of a campaign to measure its light-curve, changes of the light-curve profile have been detected. These changes are of a periodic nature, i.e. the profiles change with a detected period P = 16.4032 h. Based on simulations of the shape of the asteroid and using observational data, we make the assumption that such changes of the light-curve of the asteroid could be caused by the existence of a precession force acting on the axis of rotation of the asteroid. Simulations of the 4963 Kanroku light-curve, taking into account the detected precession, and the parameters for the shape of the asteroid, the modeled light-curves are in good agreement with the light-curves obtained from the observation campaign. Thus, the detected precession force may indicate a possible satellite of the asteroid 4963 Kanroku.

  3. Gravitational waves from rotating and precessing rigid bodies. 2: General solutions and computationally useful formulae

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zimmerman, M.

    1979-01-01

    The classical mechanics results for free precession which are needed in order to calculate the weak field, slow-motion, quadrupole-moment gravitational waves are reviewed. Within that formalism, algorithms are given for computing the exact gravitational power radiated and waveforms produced by arbitrary rigid-body freely-precessing sources. The dominant terms are presented in series expansions of the waveforms for the case of an almost spherical object precessing with a small wobble angle. These series expansions, which retain the precise frequency dependence of the waves, may be useful for gravitational astronomers when freely-precessing sources begin to be observed.

  4. Review of journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance 2010

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    There were 75 articles published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (JCMR) in 2010, which is a 34% increase in the number of articles since 2009. The quality of the submissions continues to increase, and the editors were delighted with the recent announcement of the JCMR Impact Factor of 4.33 which showed a 90% increase since last year. Our acceptance rate is approximately 30%, but has been falling as the number of articles being submitted has been increasing. In accordance with Open-Access publishing, the JCMR articles go on-line as they are accepted with no collating of the articles into sections or special thematic issues. Last year for the first time, the Editors summarized the papers for the readership into broad areas of interest or theme, which we felt would be useful to practitioners of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) so that you could review areas of interest from the previous year in a single article in relation to each other and other recent JCMR articles [1]. This experiment proved very popular with a very high rate of downloading, and therefore we intend to continue this review annually. The papers are presented in themes and comparison is drawn with previously published JCMR papers to identify the continuity of thought and publication in the journal. We hope that you find the open-access system increases wider reading and citation of your papers, and that you will continue to send your quality manuscripts to JCMR for publication. PMID:21914185

  5. Change in general relativistic precession rates due to Lidov-Kozai oscillations in Solar system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sekhar, A.; Asher, D. J.; Werner, S. C.; Vaubaillon, J.; Li, G.

    2017-06-01

    Both general relativistic (GR) precession and the Lidov-Kozai mechanism, separately, are known to play an important role in the orbital evolution of Solar system bodies. Previous works have studied these two mechanisms independently in great detail. However, both these phenomena occurring at the same time in real Solar system bodies have rarely been explored. In this work, we find a continuum connecting the GR precession dominant and Lidov-Kozai-like mechanism dominant regimes, I.e. an intermediate regime where the competing effects of GR precession and Lidov-Kozai-like oscillations coexist simultaneously. We find some real examples in the Solar system in this intermediate regime. Moreover, we identify a rare example among them, comet 96P/Machholz 1, which shows significant changes in the rates of GR precession (an order of magnitude higher than Mercury's GR precession rate) due to sungrazing and sun-colliding phases induced by Lidov-Kozai-like oscillations. This comet's combination of orbital elements and initial conditions (at the present epoch) favour this measurable rapid change in GR precession (at some points peaking up to 60 times Mercury's GR precession rate) along with prograde-retrograde inclination flip (due to Lidov-Kozai-like oscillations). Similar tests are performed for hundreds of bodies lying in the moderately low perihelion distance and moderately low semimajor axis phase space in the Solar system, the present lowest perihelion distance asteroid 322P/SOHO 1, and further examples connected with 96P/Machholz 1 namely, the Marsden and Kracht families of sungrazing comets plus low perihelion meteoroid streams like Daytime Arietids and Southern Delta Aquariids.

  6. Nonrelativistic Contribution to Mercury's Perihelion Precession.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Price, Michael P.; Rush, William F.

    1979-01-01

    Presents a calculation of the precession of the perihelion of Mercury due to the perturbations from the outer planets. The time-average effect of each planet is calculated by replacing that planet with a ring of linear mass density equal to the mass of the planet divided by the circumference of its orbit. (Author/GA)

  7. Developing the Precision Magnetic Field for the E989 Muon g{2 Experiment

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Smith, Matthias W.

    The experimental value ofmore » $$(g\\hbox{--}2)_\\mu$$ historically has been and contemporarily remains an important probe into the Standard Model and proposed extensions. Previous measurements of $$(g\\hbox{--}2)_\\mu$$ exhibit a persistent statistical tension with calculations using the Standard Model implying that the theory may be incomplete and constraining possible extensions. The Fermilab Muon g-2 experiment, E989, endeavors to increase the precision over previous experiments by a factor of four and probe more deeply into the tension with the Standard Model. The $$(g\\hbox{--}2)_\\mu$$ experimental implementation measures two spin precession frequencies defined by the magnetic field, proton precession and muon precession. The value of $$(g\\hbox{--}2)_\\mu$$ is derived from a relationship between the two frequencies. The precision of magnetic field measurements and the overall magnetic field uniformity achieved over the muon storage volume are then two undeniably important aspects of the e xperiment in minimizing uncertainty. The current thesis details the methods employed to achieve magnetic field goals and results of the effort.« less

  8. Long-Term Evolution of Orbits About a Precessing Oblate Planet: 3. A Semianalytical and a Purely Numerical Approach

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-11-01

    Keywords Orbital elements · Osculating elements · Mars · Natural satellites · Natural satellites’ orbits · Deimos · Equinoctial precession · The...theory of orbits about a precessing and nutating oblate planet, in terms of osculating elements defined in a frame associated with the equator of...solar-gravity-perturbed satellite orbiting an oblate planet subject to nonuniform equinoctial precession. This nonuniformity of precession is caused by

  9. Nutation control during precession of a spin-stabilized spacecraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1974-01-01

    Precession maneuver control laws for single-spin spacecraft are investigated so that nutation is concurrently controlled. Analysis has led to the development of two types of control laws employing precession modulation for concurrent nutation control. Results were verified through digital simulation of a Synchronous Meteorological Satellite (SMS) configuration. An addition research effort was undertaken to investigate the cause and elimination of nutation anomalies in dual-spin spacecraft. A literature search was conducted and a dual-spin configuration was simulated to verify that nutational anomalies are not predicted by the existing nonlinear model. No conclusions were drawn as to the cause of the observed nutational anomalies in dual-spin spacecraft.

  10. Precession of the Earth-Moon System

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Urbassek, Herbert M.

    2009-01-01

    The precession rate of the Earth-Moon system by the gravitational influence of the Sun is derived. Attention is focussed on a physically transparent but complete presentation accessible to first- or second-year physics students. Both a shortcut and a full analysis are given, which allows the inclusion of this material as an example of the physics…

  11. Real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guidance for Cardiovascular Procedures

    PubMed Central

    Horvath, Keith A.; Li, Ming; Mazilu, Dumitru; Guttman, Michael A.; McVeigh, Elliot R.

    2008-01-01

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cardiovascular system has proven to be an invaluable diagnostic tool. Given the ability to allow for real-time imaging, MRI guidance of intraoperative procedures can provide superb visualization which can facilitate a variety of interventions and minimize the trauma of the operations as well. In addition to the anatomic detail, MRI can provide intraoperative assessment of organ and device function. Instruments and devices can be marked to enhance visualization and tracking. All of which is an advance over standard x-ray or ultrasonic imaging. PMID:18395633

  12. Spectral element simulation of precession driven flows in the outer cores of spheroidal planets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vormann, Jan; Hansen, Ulrich

    2015-04-01

    A common feature of the planets in the solar system is the precession of the rotation axes, driven by the gravitational influence of another body (e.g. the Earth's moon). In a precessing body, the rotation axis itself is rotating around another axis, describing a cone during one precession period. Similar to the coriolis and centrifugal force appearing from the transformation to a rotating system, the addition of precession adds another term to the Navier-Stokes equation, the so called Poincaré force. The main geophysical motivation in studying precession driven flows comes from their ability to act as magnetohydrodynamic dynamos in planets and moons. Precession may either act as the only driving force or operate together with other forces such as thermochemical convection. One of the challenges in direct numerical simulations of such flows lies in the spheroidal shape of the fluid volume, which should not be neglected since it contributes an additional forcing trough pressure torques. Codes developed for the simulation of flows in spheres mostly use efficient global spectral algorithms that converge fast, but lack geometric flexibility, while local methods are usable in more complex shapes, but often lack high accuracy. We therefore adapted the spectral element code Nek5000, developed at Argonne National Laboratory, to the problem. The spectral element method is capable of solving for the flow in arbitrary geometries while still offering spectral convergence. We present first results for the simulation of a purely hydrodynamic, precession-driven flow in a spheroid with no-slip boundaries and an inner core. The driving by the Poincaré force is in a range where theoretical work predicts multiple solutions for a laminar flow. Our simulations indicate a transition to turbulent flows for Ekman numbers of 10-6 and lower.

  13. Binary Pulsar PSR J1518+4904: Orbital Precession and Mass Estimates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nice, D. J.; Sayer, R. W.; Taylor, J. H.

    1995-03-01

    We have made timing observations of newly discovered binary pulsar PSR J1518+4904 over a span of five months using the 140ft telescope of NRAO/Green Bank at frequencies between 320 and 800 MHz. Typical precision of a pulse time of arrival is 15 mu s in a 1 hour integration (using a 40 MHz passband at 370 or 575 MHz). The timing data were reduced using standard techniques, and they fit well to a standard model of neutron star and orbital behavior. The pulse period is 40.934 ms, and the period derivative is at most 10(-18) , implying an age of at least 600 Myr and a surface magnetic field no stronger than 6*E(9) Gauss. The pulsar is in an 8.6 day, eccentric (e=0.249) orbit, with semi-major axis 0.040 AU. Orbital precession of 0.0110+/-0.0008 deg/yr (2sigma uncertainty) has been detected. This implies a total system mass of 2.6+/-0.3 M_sun. The masses of the pulsar and companion (quite possibly another neutron star) cannot be fully separated. However, the system mass, combined with other orbital parameters, implies a pulsar mass of at most 1.9 M_sun and a companion mass of at least 0.9 M_sun. Precision of the precession measurement increases at least linearly with the length of the data series, so further observations of this system will provide a better measure of the total system mass. It is unlikely that the estimates of the individual component masses will improve.

  14. Precession-nutation procedures consistent with IAU 2006 resolutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wallace, P. T.; Capitaine, N.

    2006-12-01

    Context: .The 2006 IAU General Assembly has adopted the P03 model of Capitaine et al. (2003a) recommended by the WG on precession and the ecliptic (Hilton et al. 2006) to replace the IAU 2000 model, which comprised the Lieske et al. (1977) model with adjusted rates. Practical implementations of this new "IAU 2006" model are therefore required, involving choices of procedures and algorithms. Aims: .The purpose of this paper is to recommend IAU 2006 based precession-nutation computing procedures, suitable for different classes of application and achieving high standards of consistency. Methods: .We discuss IAU 2006 based procedures and algorithms for generating the rotation matrices that transform celestial to terrestrial coordinates, taking into account frame bias (B), P03 precession (P), P03-adjusted IAU 2000A nutation (N) and Earth rotation. The NPB portion can refer either to the equinox or to the celestial intermediate origin (CIO), requiring either the Greenwich sidereal time (GST) or the Earth rotation angle (ERA) as the measure of Earth rotation. Where GST is used, it is derived from ERA and the equation of the origins (EO) rather than through an explicit formula as in the past, and the EO itself is derived from the CIO locator. Results: .We provide precession-nutation procedures for two different classes of full-accuracy application, namely (i) the construction of algorithm collections such as the Standards Of Fundamental Astronomy (SOFA) library and (ii) IERS Conventions, and in addition some concise procedures for applications where the highest accuracy is not a requirement. The appendix contains a fully worked numerical example, to aid implementors and to illustrate the consistency of the two full-accuracy procedures which, for the test date, agree to better than 1 μas. Conclusions: .The paper recommends, for case (i), procedures based on angles to represent the PB and N components and, for case (ii), procedures based on series for the CIP X,Y. The two

  15. Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance: A Novel Technique for the In Vivo Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease

    PubMed Central

    Schroeder, Marie A.; Clarke, Kieran; Neubauer, Stefan; Tyler, Damian J.

    2011-01-01

    Non-invasive imaging plays a central role in cardiovascular disease for determining diagnosis, prognosis, and optimizing patient management. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that monitoring hyperpolarized 13C-labelled tracers with magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI and MRS) offers a new way to investigate the normal and diseased heart, and that the technology may be useful in patients with heart disease. In this review, we show how hyperpolarized 13C-labelled tracers are generated and have been applied experimentally, and outline the methodological advances currently underway to enable translation of hyperpolarized 13C MRI and MRS into the clinic. Using hyperpolarized 13C-labelled metabolites and metabolic MRI and MRS could help assessment of many human cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and metabolic cardiomyopathies. We discuss the clinical areas in which the technology may, in the future, aid in the diagnosis and management of patients with cardiovascular diseases, including dynamic investigations of in vivo metabolism, coronary angiography and quantitative perfusion imaging. It is possible that, in the future, hyperpolarized magnetic resonance will play a major role in clinical cardiology. PMID:21969318

  16. Precession and circularization of elliptical space-tether motion

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chapel, Jim D.; Grosserode, Patrick

    1993-01-01

    In this paper, we present a simplified analytic model for predicting motion of long space tethers. The perturbation model developed here addresses skip rope motion, where each end of the tether is held in place and the middle of the tether swings with a motion similar to that of a child's skip rope. If the motion of the tether midpoint is elliptical rather than circular, precession of the ellipse complicates the procedures required to damp this motion. The simplified analytic model developed in this paper parametrically predicts the precession of elliptical skip rope motion. Furthermore, the model shows that elliptic skip rope motion will circularize when damping is present in the longitudinal direction. Compared with high-fidelity simulation results, this simplified model provides excellent predictions of these phenomena.

  17. Thomas precession and squeezed states of light

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Han, D.; Hardekopf, E. E.; Kim, Y. S.

    1989-01-01

    The Lorentz group, which is the language of special relativity, is a useful theoretical toll in modern optics. Optics experiments can therefore serve as analog computers for special relativity. Possible optics experiments involving squeezed states are discussed in connection with the Thomas precession and the Wigner rotation.

  18. Stochastic Template Bank for Gravitational Wave Searches for Precessing Neutron Star-Black Hole Coalescence Events

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Indik, Nathaniel; Haris, K.; Dal Canton, Tito; Fehrmann, Henning; Krishnan, Badri; Lundgren, Andrew; Nielsen, Alex B.; Pai, Archana

    2017-01-01

    Gravitational wave searches to date have largely focused on non-precessing systems. Including precession effects greatly increases the number of templates to be searched over. This leads to a corresponding increase in the computational cost and can increase the false alarm rate of a realistic search. On the other hand, there might be astrophysical systems that are entirely missed by non-precessing searches. In this paper we consider the problem of constructing a template bank using stochastic methods for neutron star-black hole binaries allowing for precession, but with the restrictions that the total angular momentum of the binary is pointing toward the detector and that the neutron star spin is negligible relative to that of the black hole. We quantify the number of templates required for the search, and we explicitly construct the template bank. We show that despite the large number of templates, stochastic methods can be adapted to solve the problem. We quantify the parameter space region over which the non-precessing search might miss signals.

  19. The impact of precession and obliquity on the Late-Devonian greenhouse climate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    De Vleeschouwer, D.; Crucifix, M.; Bounceur, N.; Claeys, P. F.

    2012-12-01

    To date, only few general circulation model (GCM) have been used to simulate the extremely warm greenhouse climate of the Late-Devonian (~370 Ma). As a consequence, the current knowledge on Devonian climate dynamics comes almost exclusively from geological proxy data. Given the fragmentary nature of these data sources, the understanding of the Devonian climate is rather limited. Nonetheless, the Late-Devonian is a key-period in the evolution of life on Earth: the continents were no longer bare but were invaded by land plants, the first forests appeared, soils were formed, fish evolved to amphibians and 70-80% of all animal species were wiped out during the Late Devonian extinction (~376 Ma). In order to better understand the functioning of the climate system during this highly important period in Earth's history, we applied the HadSM3 climate model to the Devonian period under different astronomical configurations. This approach provides insight into the response of Late-Devonian climate to astronomical forcing due to precession and obliquity. Moreover, the assessment of the sensitivity of the Late-Devonian climate to astronomical forcing, presented here, will allow cyclostratigraphers to make better and more detailed interpretations of recurring patterns often observed in Late-Devonian sections. We simulated Late-Devonian climates by prescribing palaeogeography, vegetation distribution and pCO2 concentration (2180 ppm). Different experiments were carried out under 31 different astronomical configurations: three levels for obliquity (ɛ = 22°; 23.5° and 24.5°) and eccentricity (e = 0; 0.03 and 0.07) were chosen. For precession, 8 levels were considered (longitude of the perihelion= 0°; 45°; 90°; 135°; 180°; 235°; 270°). First results suggest that the intensity of precipitation on the tropical Euramerican continent (also known as Laurussia) is highly dependent on changes in precession: During precession maxima (= maximal insolation in SH during winter

  20. Expressions for the precession quantities based upon the IAU /1976/ system of astronomical constants

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lieske, J. H.; Lederle, T.; Fricke, W.; Morando, B.

    1977-01-01

    The structure of the expressions usually employed in calculating the effects of precession is examined, and a method is outlined for revising the expressions to account for changes in the fundamental astronomical constants. It is shown that the basic set of parameters, upon which depend the lengthy polynomials for computing the mean obliquity of data and the elements of the precession matrix, consists of the mean obliquity, the speed of general precession in longitude at a fixed epoch, and the system of planetary masses. Special attention is given to the motion of the ecliptic pole, formulations for a basic epoch as well as an arbitrary epoch, and ecliptic motion relative to the basic epoch. Numerical precession quantities at epoch J2000.0 (JED 2451545.0) are presented which result from the revision of astronomical constants adopted at the XVI General Assembly of the IAU.

  1. Exact solution for spin precession in the radiationless relativistic Kepler problem

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mane, S. R.

    2014-11-01

    There is interest in circulating beams of polarized particles in all-electric storage rings to search for nonzero permanent electric dipole moments of subatomic particles. To this end, it is helpful to derive exact analytical solutions of the spin precession in idealized models, both for pedagogical reasons and to serve as benchmark tests for analysis and design of experiments. This paper derives exact solutions for the spin precession in the relativistic Kepler problem. Some counterintuitive properties of the solutions are pointed out.

  2. Perihelion precession caused by solar oblateness variation in equatorial and ecliptic coordinate systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Yan; Shen, Yunzhong; Xu, Guochang; Shan, Xinjian; Rozelot, Jean-Pierre

    2017-12-01

    Analytic solutions of planetary orbits disturbed by solar gravitational oblateness have been derived and given in the solar equatorial coordinate system, although the results usually have to be represented in the ecliptic coordinate system. The perihelion precession of interest in the solar equatorial and ecliptic coordinate systems is partly periodical and not negligible. The result shows that the difference in Mercury's perihelion precession between the solar equatorial plane and the ecliptic plane can reach a magnitude of 126708J2, which is even bigger than the perihelion precession itself (101516J2). Due to the temporal variability of the oblateness, the periodic variation of the J2 term, instead of simply a constant, is taken into account and solutions are derived. In the case of Mercury, the periodic J2 has an effect of nearly 0.8 per cent of the secular perihelion precession of Mercury. This indicates that a better understanding of the solar oblateness is required, which could be done through observation in the solar orbits instead of on Earth.

  3. On HPM approximation for the perihelion precession angle in general relativity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shchigolev, Victor; Bezbatko, Dmitrii

    2017-03-01

    In this paper, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is applied for calculating the perihelion precession angle of planetary orbits in General Relativity. The HPM is quite efficient and is practically well suited for use in many astrophysical and cosmological problems. For our purpose, we applied HPM to the approximate solutions for the orbits in order to calculate the perihelion shift. On the basis of the main idea of HPM, we construct the appropriate homotopy that leads to the problem of solving the set of linear algebraic equations. As a result, we obtain a simple formula for the angle of precession avoiding any restrictions on the smallness of physical parameters. First of all, we consider the simple examples of the Schwarzschild metric and the Reissner - Nordström spacetime of a charged star for which the approximate geodesics solutions are known. Furthermore, the implementation of HPM has allowed us to readily obtain the precession angle for the orbits in the gravitational field of Kiselev black hole.

  4. Are we close to putting the anomalous perihelion precessions from Verlinde's emergent gravity to the test?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Iorio, Lorenzo

    2017-03-01

    In the framework of the emergent gravity scenario by Verlinde, it was recently observed by Liu and Prokopec that, among other things, an anomalous pericenter precession would affect the orbital motion of a test particle orbiting an isolated central body. Here, it is shown that, if it were real, its expected magnitude for the inner planets of the Solar System would be at the same level of the present-day accuracy in constraining any possible deviations from their standard perihelion precessions as inferred from long data records spanning about the last century. The most favorable situation for testing the Verlinde-type precession seems to occur for Mars. Indeed, according to recent versions of the EPM and INPOP planetary ephemerides, non-standard perihelion precessions, of whatsoever physical origin, which are larger than some ≈ 0.02-0.11 milliarcseconds per century are not admissible, while the putative precession predicted by Liu and Prokopec amounts to 0.09 milliarcseconds per century. Other potentially interesting astronomical and astrophysical scenarios like, e.g., the Earth's LAGEOS II artificial satellite, the double pulsar system PSR J0737-3039A/B and the S-stars orbiting the Supermassive Black Hole in Sgr A^* are, instead, not viable because of the excessive smallness of the predicted precessions for them.

  5. Unmasking Silent Endothelial Activation in the Cardiovascular System Using Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

    PubMed

    Belliere, Julie; Martinez de Lizarrondo, Sara; Choudhury, Robin P; Quenault, Aurélien; Le Béhot, Audrey; Delage, Christine; Chauveau, Dominique; Schanstra, Joost P; Bascands, Jean-Loup; Vivien, Denis; Gauberti, Maxime

    2015-01-01

    Endothelial activation is a hallmark of cardiovascular diseases, acting either as a cause or a consequence of organ injury. To date, we lack suitable methods to measure endothelial activation in vivo. In the present study, we developed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method allowing non-invasive endothelial activation mapping in the vasculature of the main organs affected during cardiovascular diseases. In clinically relevant contexts in mice (including systemic inflammation, acute and chronic kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus and normal aging), we provided evidence that this method allows detecting endothelial activation before any clinical manifestation of organ failure in the brain, kidney and heart with an exceptional sensitivity. In particular, we demonstrated that diabetes mellitus induces chronic endothelial cells activation in the kidney and heart. Moreover, aged mice presented activated endothelial cells in the kidneys and the cerebrovasculature. Interestingly, depending on the underlying condition, the temporospatial patterns of endothelial activation in the vascular beds of the cardiovascular system were different. These results demonstrate the feasibility of detecting silent endothelial activation occurring in conditions associated with high cardiovascular risk using molecular MRI.

  6. Unmasking Silent Endothelial Activation in the Cardiovascular System Using Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Belliere, Julie; Martinez de Lizarrondo, Sara; Choudhury, Robin P.; Quenault, Aurélien; Le Béhot, Audrey; Delage, Christine; Chauveau, Dominique; Schanstra, Joost P.; Bascands, Jean-Loup; Vivien, Denis; Gauberti, Maxime

    2015-01-01

    Endothelial activation is a hallmark of cardiovascular diseases, acting either as a cause or a consequence of organ injury. To date, we lack suitable methods to measure endothelial activation in vivo. In the present study, we developed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method allowing non-invasive endothelial activation mapping in the vasculature of the main organs affected during cardiovascular diseases. In clinically relevant contexts in mice (including systemic inflammation, acute and chronic kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus and normal aging), we provided evidence that this method allows detecting endothelial activation before any clinical manifestation of organ failure in the brain, kidney and heart with an exceptional sensitivity. In particular, we demonstrated that diabetes mellitus induces chronic endothelial cells activation in the kidney and heart. Moreover, aged mice presented activated endothelial cells in the kidneys and the cerebrovasculature. Interestingly, depending on the underlying condition, the temporospatial patterns of endothelial activation in the vascular beds of the cardiovascular system were different. These results demonstrate the feasibility of detecting silent endothelial activation occurring in conditions associated with high cardiovascular risk using molecular MRI. PMID:26379785

  7. Remote magnetic targeting of iron oxide nanoparticles for cardiovascular diagnosis and therapeutic drug delivery: where are we now?

    PubMed Central

    Bietenbeck, Michael; Florian, Anca; Faber, Cornelius; Sechtem, Udo; Yilmaz, Ali

    2016-01-01

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for an accurate assessment of both functional and structural cardiac parameters, and thereby appropriate diagnosis and validation of cardiovascular diseases. The diagnostic yield of cardiovascular MRI examinations is often increased by the use of contrast agents that are almost exclusively based on gadolinium compounds. Another clinically approved contrast medium is composed of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs). These particles may expand the field of contrast-enhanced cardiovascular MRI as recently shown in clinical studies focusing on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, IONs open up new research opportunities such as remote magnetic drug targeting (MDT). The approach of MDT relies on the coupling of bioactive molecules and magnetic nanoparticles to form an injectable complex. This complex, in turn, can be attracted to and retained at a desired target inside the body with the help of applied magnetic fields. In comparison to common systemic drug applications, MDT techniques promise both higher concentrations at the target site and lower concentrations elsewhere in the body. Moreover, concurrent or subsequent MRI can be used for noninvasive monitoring of drug distribution and successful delivery to the desired organ in vivo. This review does not only illustrate the basic conceptual and biophysical principles of IONs, but also focuses on new research activities and achievements in the cardiovascular field, mainly in the management of AMI. Based on the presentation of successful MDT applications in preclinical models of AMI, novel approaches and the translational potential of MDT are discussed. PMID:27486321

  8. Fuel Distribution Estimate via Spin Period to Precession Period Ratio for the Advanced Composition Explorer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    DeHart, Russell; Smith, Eric; Lakin, John

    2015-01-01

    The spin period to precession period ratio of a non-axisymmetric spin-stabilized spacecraft, the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE), was used to estimate the remaining mass and distribution of fuel within its propulsion system. This analysis was undertaken once telemetry suggested that two of the four fuel tanks had no propellant remaining, contrary to pre-launch expectations of the propulsion system performance. Numerical integration of possible fuel distributions was used to calculate moments of inertia for the spinning spacecraft. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of output from a dynamics simulation was employed to relate calculated moments of inertia to spin and precession periods. The resulting modeled ratios were compared to the actual spin period to precession period ratio derived from the effect of post-maneuver nutation angle on sun sensor measurements. A Monte Carlo search was performed to tune free parameters using the observed spin period to precession period ratio over the life of the mission. This novel analysis of spin and precession periods indicates that at the time of launch, propellant was distributed unevenly between the two pairs of fuel tanks, with one pair having approximately 20% more propellant than the other pair. Furthermore, it indicates the pair of the tanks with less fuel expelled all of its propellant by 2014 and that approximately 46 kg of propellant remains in the other two tanks, an amount that closely matches the operational fuel accounting estimate. Keywords: Fuel Distribution, Moments of Inertia, Precession, Spin, Nutation

  9. Steady flow in a rotating sphere with strong precession

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kida, Shigeo

    2018-04-01

    The steady flow in a rotating sphere is investigated by asymptotic analysis in the limit of strong precession. The whole spherical body is divided into three regions in terms of the flow characteristics: the critical band, which is the close vicinity surrounding the great circle perpendicular to the precession axis, the boundary layer, which is attached to the whole sphere surface and the inviscid region that occupies the majority of the sphere. The analytic expressions, in the leading order of the asymptotic expansion, of the velocity field are obtained in the former two, whereas partial differential equations for the velocity field are derived in the latter, which are solved numerically. This steady flow structure is confirmed by the corresponding direct numerical simulation.

  10. A sparse representation of gravitational waves from precessing compact binaries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Blackman, Jonathan; Szilagyi, Bela; Galley, Chad; Tiglio, Manuel

    2014-03-01

    With the advanced generation of gravitational wave detectors coming online in the near future, there is a need for accurate models of gravitational waveforms emitted by binary neutron stars and/or black holes. Post-Newtonian approximations work well for the early inspiral and there are models covering the late inspiral as well as merger and ringdown for the non-precessing case. While numerical relativity simulations have no difficulty with precession and can now provide accurate waveforms for a broad range of parameters, covering the 7 dimensional precessing parameter space with ~107 simulations is not feasible. There is still hope, as reduced order modelling techniques have been highly successful in reducing the impact of the curse of dimensionality for lower dimensional cases. We construct a reduced basis of Post-Newtonian waveforms for the full parameter space with mass ratios up to 10 and spins up to 0 . 9 , and find that for the last 100 orbits only ~ 50 waveforms are needed. The huge compression relies heavily on a reparametrization which seeks to reduce the non-linearity of the waveforms. We also show that the addition of merger and ringdown only mildly increases the size of the basis.

  11. Linear frictional forces cause orbits to neither circularize nor precess

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hamilton, B.; Crescimanno, M.

    2008-06-01

    For the undamped Kepler potential the lack of precession has historically been understood in terms of the Runge-Lenz symmetry. For the damped Kepler problem this result may be understood in terms of the generalization of Poisson structure to damped systems suggested recently by Tarasov (2005 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 38 2145). In this generalized algebraic structure the orbit-averaged Runge-Lenz vector remains a constant in the linearly damped Kepler problem to leading order in the damping coefficient. Beyond Kepler, we prove that, for any potential proportional to a power of the radius, the orbit shape and precession angle remain constant to leading order in the linear friction coefficient.

  12. Obliquity, precession rate, and nutation coefficients for a set of 100 asteroids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lhotka, C.; Souchay, J.; Shahsavari, A.

    2013-08-01

    Context. Thanks to various space missions and the progress of ground-based observational techniques, the knowledge of asteroids has considerably increased in the recent years. Aims: Due to this increasing database that accompanies this evolution, we compute for a set of 100 asteroids their rotational parameters: the moments of inertia along the principal axes of the object, the obliquity of the axis of rotation with respect to the orbital plane, the precession rates, and the nutation coefficients. Methods: We select 100 asteroids for which the parameters for the study are well-known from observations or space missions. For each asteroid, we determine the moments of inertia, assuming an ellipsoidal shape. We calculate their obliquity from their orbit (instead of the ecliptic) and the orientation of the spin-pole. Finally, we calculate the precession rates and the largest nutation components. The number of asteroids concerned leads to some statistical studies of the output. Results: We provide a table of rotational parameters for our set of asteroids. The table includes the obliquity, their axes ratio, their dynamical ellipticity Hd, and the scaling factor K. We compute the precession rate ψ˙ and the leading nutation coefficients Δψ and Δɛ. We observe similar characteristics, as observed by previous authors that is, a significantly larger number of asteroids rotates in the prograde mode (≈ 60%) than in the retrograde one with a bimodal distribution. In particular, there is a deficiency of objects with a polar axis close to the orbit. The precession rates have a mean absolute value of 18″/y, and the leading nutation coefficients have an average absolute amplitude of 5.7″ for Δψ and 5.2″ for Δɛ. At last, we identify and characterize some cases with large precession rates, as seen in 25143 Itokawa, with has a precession rate of about - 475''/y. Tables 1 and 2 are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130

  13. Continuous Faraday measurement of spin precession without light shifts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jasperse, M.; Kewming, M. Â. J.; Fischer, S. Â. N.; Pakkiam, P.; Anderson, R. Â. P.; Turner, L. Â. D.

    2017-12-01

    We describe a dispersive Faraday optical probe of atomic spin which performs a weak measurement of spin projection of a quantum gas continuously for more than one second. To date, focusing bright far-off-resonance probes onto quantum gases has proved invasive due to strong scalar and vector light shifts exerting dipole and Stern-Gerlach forces. We show that tuning the probe near the magic-zero wavelength at 790 nm between the fine-structure doublet of 87Rb cancels the scalar light shift, and careful control of polarization eliminates the vector light shift. Faraday rotations due to each fine-structure line reinforce at this wavelength, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio for a fixed rate of probe-induced decoherence. Using this minimally invasive spin probe, we perform microscale atomic magnetometry at high temporal resolution. Spectrogram analysis of the Larmor precession signal of a single spinor Bose-Einstein condensate measures a time-varying magnetic field strength with 1 μ G accuracy every 5 ms; or, equivalently, makes more than 200 successive measurements each at 10 pT /√{Hz } sensitivity.

  14. The Evaluation of the Earth's Dynamical Flattening Based on the IAU Precession-nutation and VLBI Observations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Capitaine, Nicole; Liu, Jia-Cheng

    2014-12-01

    The dynamical flattening H_{d} is a fundamental Earth's parameter and a crucial scale factor in constructing the precession-nutation models. Its value has generally been derived from astronomical observations of the luni-solar precession in longitude at epoch, or from geophysical determinations of the Earth's moment of inertia. It should be noted that the observed precession rates in longitude and obliquity result from several theoretical contributions, some of them, as well as the nutation amplitudes, being also dependent on H_{d}. This paper discusses the rigorous procedure to be used for deriving H_{d} from the best available astronomical observations. We use the IAU 2006/2000 precession-nutation and VLBI observations of the celestial pole offsets spanning about 32 years in order to calculate the observed position of the CIP (Celestial intermediate pole) in the GCRS (Geocentric celestial reference system). Then, the value of H_{d} is evaluated by a least squares method with a careful consideration of the various theoretical contributions to the precession rates and of the largest terms of nutation. We compare the results with an indirect fit of H_{d} to the estimated corrections to the linear term in precession and the 18.6-yr nutation. We discuss the limit of accuracy, given the characteristics of the available observations and the uncertainties in the models, as well as the parameters on which H_{d} is dependent.

  15. Spin precession experiments for light axionic dark matter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Graham, Peter W.; Kaplan, David E.; Mardon, Jeremy; Rajendran, Surjeet; Terrano, William A.; Trahms, Lutz; Wilkason, Thomas

    2018-03-01

    Axionlike particles are promising candidates to make up the dark matter of the Universe, but it is challenging to design experiments that can detect them over their entire allowed mass range. Dark matter in general, and, in particular, axionlike particles and hidden photons, can be as light as roughly 10-22 eV (˜10-8 Hz ), with astrophysical anomalies providing motivation for the lightest masses ("fuzzy dark matter"). We propose experimental techniques for direct detection of axionlike dark matter in the mass range from roughly 10-13 eV (˜102 Hz ) down to the lowest possible masses. In this range, these axionlike particles act as a time-oscillating magnetic field coupling only to spin, inducing effects such as a time-oscillating torque and periodic variations in the spin-precession frequency with the frequency and direction of these effects set by the axion field. We describe how these signals can be measured using existing experimental technology, including torsion pendulums, atomic magnetometers, and atom interferometry. These experiments demonstrate a strong discovery capability, with future iterations of these experiments capable of pushing several orders of magnitude past current astrophysical bounds.

  16. Real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance at high temporal resolution: radial FLASH with nonlinear inverse reconstruction.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Shuo; Uecker, Martin; Voit, Dirk; Merboldt, Klaus-Dietmar; Frahm, Jens

    2010-07-08

    Functional assessments of the heart by dynamic cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) commonly rely on (i) electrocardiographic (ECG) gating yielding pseudo real-time cine representations, (ii) balanced gradient-echo sequences referred to as steady-state free precession (SSFP), and (iii) breath holding or respiratory gating. Problems may therefore be due to the need for a robust ECG signal, the occurrence of arrhythmia and beat to beat variations, technical instabilities (e.g., SSFP "banding" artefacts), and limited patient compliance and comfort. Here we describe a new approach providing true real-time CMR with image acquisition times as short as 20 to 30 ms or rates of 30 to 50 frames per second. The approach relies on a previously developed real-time MR method, which combines a strongly undersampled radial FLASH CMR sequence with image reconstruction by regularized nonlinear inversion. While iterative reconstructions are currently performed offline due to limited computer speed, online monitoring during scanning is accomplished using gridding reconstructions with a sliding window at the same frame rate but with lower image quality. Scans of healthy young subjects were performed at 3 T without ECG gating and during free breathing. The resulting images yield T1 contrast (depending on flip angle) with an opposed-phase or in-phase condition for water and fat signals (depending on echo time). They completely avoid (i) susceptibility-induced artefacts due to the very short echo times, (ii) radiofrequency power limitations due to excitations with flip angles of 10 degrees or less, and (iii) the risk of peripheral nerve stimulation due to the use of normal gradient switching modes. For a section thickness of 8 mm, real-time images offer a spatial resolution and total acquisition time of 1.5 mm at 30 ms and 2.0 mm at 22 ms, respectively. Though awaiting thorough clinical evaluation, this work describes a robust and flexible acquisition and reconstruction technique for

  17. Cardiovascular mortality and exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields: a cohort study of Swiss railway workers

    PubMed Central

    Röösli, Martin; Egger, Matthias; Pfluger, Dominik; Minder, Christoph

    2008-01-01

    Background Exposure to intermittent magnetic fields of 16 Hz has been shown to reduce heart rate variability, and decreased heart rate variability predicts cardiovascular mortality. We examined mortality from cardiovascular causes in railway workers exposed to varying degrees to intermittent 16.7 Hz magnetic fields. Methods We studied a cohort of 20,141 Swiss railway employees between 1972 and 2002, including highly exposed train drivers (median lifetime exposure 120.5 μT-years), and less or little exposed shunting yard engineers (42.1 μT-years), train attendants (13.3 μT-years) and station masters (5.7 μT-years). During 464,129 person-years of follow up, 5,413 deaths were recorded and 3,594 deaths were attributed to cardio-vascular diseases. We analyzed data using Cox proportional hazards models. Results For all cardiovascular mortality the hazard ratio compared to station masters was 0.99 (95%CI: 0.91, 1.08) in train drivers, 1.13 (95%CI: 0.98, 1.30) in shunting yard engineers, and 1.09 (95%CI: 1.00, 1.19) in train attendants. Corresponding hazard ratios for arrhythmia related deaths were 1.04 (95%CI: 0.68, 1.59), 0.58 (95%CI: 0.24, 1.37) and 10 (95%CI: 0.87, 1.93) and for acute myocardial infarction 1.00 (95%CI: 0.73, 1.36), 1.56 (95%CI: 1.04, 2.32), and 1.14 (95%CI: 0.85, 1.53). The hazard ratio for arrhythmia related deaths per 100 μT-years of cumulative exposure was 0.94 (95%CI: 0.71, 1.24) and 0.91 (95%CI: 0.75, 1.11) for acute myocardial infarction. Conclusion This study provides evidence against an association between long-term occupational exposure to intermittent 16.7 Hz magnetic fields and cardiovascular mortality. PMID:18593477

  18. Vector solitons with locked and precessing states of polarization.

    PubMed

    Sergeyev, Sergey V; Mou, Chengbo; Rozhin, Aleksey; Turitsyn, Sergei K

    2012-11-19

    We demonstrate experimentally new families of vector solitons with locked and precessing states of polarization for fundamental and multipulse soliton operations in a carbon nanotube mode-locked fiber laser with anomalous dispersion laser cavity.

  19. [Is stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance really useful to detect ischemia and predict events in patients with different cardiovascular risk profile?

    PubMed

    Esteban-Fernández, Alberto; Coma-Canella, Isabel; Bastarrika, Gorka; Barba-Cosials, Joaquín; Azcárate-Agüero, Pedro M

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic usefulness of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (stress CMR) in patients with different cardiovascular risk profile and to assess if the degree of hypoperfusion is important to guide clinical decisions. We included patients submitted to adenosine stress CMR to rule out myocardial ischemia. We evaluated its diagnostic accuracy with likelihood ratio (LR) and its prognostic value with survival curves and a Cox regression model. 295 patients were studied. The positive LR was 3.40 and the negative one 0.47. The maximal usefulness of the test was found in patients without previous ischemic cardiomyopathy (positive LR 4.85), patients with atypical chest pain (positive LR 8.56), patients with low or intermediate cardiovascular risk (positive LR 3.87) and those with moderate or severe hypoperfusion (positive LR 8.63). Sixty cardiovascular major events were registered. The best survival prognosis was found in patients with a negative result (p=0.001) or mild hypoperfusion (p=0.038). In the multivariate analysis, a moderate or severe hypoperfusion increased cardiovascular event probability (HR=2.2; IC 95% 1.26-3.92), with no differences between a mild positive and a negative result (HR=0.93; IC 95% 0.38-2.28). Stress CMR was specially useful in patients with low or intermediate cardiovascular risk, patients with atypical chest pain, patients without previous ischemic cardiomyopathy and those with moderate or severe hypoperfusion. Hypoperfusion degree was the main issue factor to guide clinical decisions. Copyright © 2016 Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

  20. Non-Rigid Earth Contributions to the Precession in Longitude and Indirect Effects on Nutations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ferrandiz, J. M.; Escapa, A.; Baenas, T.; Getino, J.

    2016-12-01

    Precession in longitude is affected by the internal structure of the Earth. Although this effect is small, typically described as of second-order, it must be considered in current precession theories due to the stringent accuracy and consistency requirements. The current IAU2006 precession theory is based on Capitaine at al. (2003, 2005). The influence of the Earth's geophysical model is taken into account in IAU2006 only through a sole contribution, the so-called "non-linear effect" computed by Mathews (2004). In elastic Earth models the contributions are twofold. A main part comes from 2nd order terms of the mathematical solution stemming from crossed influences of certain nutation-rising terms. Only the Hamiltonian theory of the non-rigid Earth has succeeded in deriving a solution for those terms so far, and they were not considered in IAU2006 precession theory. Another contributions are caused by geopotential variations resulting from the tidal deformations of the Earth, or redistribution tidal potential. IAU2006 non-linear effect belongs to this category, although it just represents a partial, simplified approach to the total effect (Lambert & Mathews 2006, 2008). The mass redistribution is induced by the gravitational action of Moon and Sun, but also by the tidal variations of the Earth's angular velocity and the resultant changes of the centrifugal potential. We present a comprehensive study of the contributions to the precession in longitude due to the non-rigidity of the Earth, based on the Hamiltonian formalism developed by Getino and Ferrándiz for a two-layer Earth elastic model. To this end, we recall the achievements made by our group recently (Ferrándiz et al 2016, Baenas et al 2016) and complete them by incorporating the contributions due to the tidal variations of the Earth's angular velocity, as well as anelasticity effects consistent with the IERS Conventions. After that, we compute the total final correction to the precession in longitude due

  1. Noise suppression for the differential detection in nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Dan; Zhou, Binquan; Chen, LinLin; Jia, YuChen; Lu, QiLin

    2017-10-01

    The nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope is based on spin-exchange optical pumping of noble gases to detect and measure the angular velocity of the carrier, but it would be challenging to measure the precession signal of noble gas nuclei directly. To solve the problem, the primary detection method utilizes alkali atoms, the precession of nuclear magnetization modulates the alkali atoms at the Larmor frequency of nuclei, relatively speaking, and it is easier to detect the precession signal of alkali atoms. The precession frequency of alkali atoms is detected by the rotation angle of linearly polarized probe light; and differential detection method is commonly used in NMRG in order to detect the linearly polarized light rotation angle. Thus, the detection accuracy of differential detection system will affect the sensitivity of the NMRG. For the purpose of further improvement of the sensitivity level of the NMRG, this paper focuses on the aspects of signal detection, and aims to do an error analysis as well as an experimental research of the linearly light rotation angle detection. Through the theoretical analysis and the experimental illustration, we found that the extinction ratio σ2 and DC bias are the factors that will produce detective noise in the differential detection method.

  2. Cardiovascular applications of magnetic resonance imaging

    PubMed Central

    Pflugfelder, Peter W.; Wisenberg, Gerald; Prato, Frank S.

    1985-01-01

    Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a unique imaging modality that is gaining rapid acceptance for a variety of medical indications. Diagnostic information is obtained noninvasively, without the potential hazards of ionizing radiation. The spatial resolution and anatomic detail of MR imaging rival those of other currently available imaging methods. By gating to an electrocardiographic signal cardiac imaging is possible. Since March 1983 the authors have had experience with cardiac MR imaging in both animals and humans. Cardiac anatomy is well shown by this technique, which allows detection and characterization of intracardiac masses, congenital heart disease and anomalies of the great vessels. Myocardial infarction has been detected in both animals and humans without the use of contrast agents, and acute cardiac transplant rejection has been visualized in an animal model. Limitations of MR imaging primarily have been lengthy imaging times and the sensitivity of the images to motion. With further investigation and experience this technique may become useful for studying a wide variety of cardiovascular disorders. ImagesFig. 2Fig. 3Fig. 4Fig. 5Fig. 6 PMID:3904969

  3. Conductance dips and spin precession in a nonuniform waveguide with spin–orbit coupling

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Malyshev, A. I., E-mail: malyshev@phys.unn.ru; Kozulin, A. S.

    An infinite waveguide with a nonuniformity, a segment of finite length with spin–orbit coupling, is considered in the case when the Rashba and Dresselhaus parameters are identical. Analytical expressions have been derived in the single-mode approximation for the conductance of the system for an arbitrary initial spin state. Based on numerical calculations with several size quantization modes, we have detected and described the conductance dips arising when the waves are localized in the nonuniformity due to the formation of an effective potential well in it. We show that allowance for the evanescent modes under carrier spin precession in an effectivemore » magnetic field does not lead to a change in the direction of the average spin vector at the output of the system.« less

  4. Effects of the observed J2 variations on the Earth's precession and nutation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ferrándiz, José M.; Baenas, Tomás; Belda, Santiago

    2016-04-01

    The Earth's oblateness parameter J2 is closely related to the dynamical ellipticity H, which factorizes the main components of the precession and the different nutation terms. In most theoretical approaches to the Earth's rotation, with IAU2000 nutation theory among them, H is assumed to be constant. The precession model IAU2006 supposes H to have a conventional linear variation, based on the J2 time series derived mainly from satellite laser ranging (SLR) data for decades, which gives rise to an additional quadratic term of the precession in longitude and some corrections of the nutation terms. The time evolution of J2 is, however, too complex to be well approximated by a simple linear model. The effect of more general models including periodic terms and closer to the observed time series, although still unable to reproduce a significant part of the signal, has been seldom investigated. In this work we address the problem of deriving the effect of the observed J2 variations without resorting to such simplified models. The Hamiltonian approach to the Earth rotation is extended to allow the McCullagh's term of the potential to depend on a time-varying oblateness. An analytical solution is derived by means of a suitable perturbation method in the case of the time series provided by the Center for Space Research (CSR) of the University of Texas, which results in non-negligible contributions to the precession-nutation angles. The presentation focuses on the main effects on the longitude of the equator; a noticeable non-linear trend is superimposed to the linear main precession term, along with some periodic and decadal variations.

  5. The Effect of the Air-Delivery Method on Parameters of the Precessing Vortex Core in a Hydrodynamic Vortex Chamber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alekseenko, S. V.; Shtork, S. I.; Yusupov, R. R.

    2018-03-01

    The effect of the method of gas-phase injection into a swirled fluid flow on parameters of a precessing vortex core is studied experimentally. Conditions of the appearance of the vortex-core precession effect were modeled in a hydrodynamic sudden expansion vortex chamber. The dependences of the vortexcore precession frequency, flow-pulsation level, and full pressure differential in the vortex chamber on the consumption gas content in the flow have been obtained. The results of measurements permit one to determine optimum conditions for the most effective control of vortex-core precession.

  6. Empirical Corrections to Nutation Amplitudes and Precession Computed from a Global VLBI Solution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schuh, H.; Ferrandiz, J. M.; Belda-Palazón, S.; Heinkelmann, R.; Karbon, M.; Nilsson, T.

    2017-12-01

    The IAU2000A nutation and IAU2006 precession models were adopted to provide accurate estimations and predictions of the Celestial Intermediate Pole (CIP). However, they are not fully accurate and VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) observations show that the CIP deviates from the position resulting from the application of the IAU2006/2000A model. Currently, those deviations or offsets of the CIP (Celestial Pole Offsets - CPO), can only be obtained by the VLBI technique. The accuracy of the order of 0.1 milliseconds of arc (mas) allows to compare the observed nutation with theoretical prediction model for a rigid Earth and constrain geophysical parameters describing the Earth's interior. In this study, we empirically evaluate the consistency, systematics and deviations of the IAU 2006/2000A precession-nutation model using several CPO time series derived from the global analysis of VLBI sessions. The final objective is the reassessment of the precession offset and rate, and the amplitudes of the principal terms of nutation, trying to empirically improve the conventional values derived from the precession/nutation theories. The statistical analysis of the residuals after re-fitting the main nutation terms demonstrates that our empirical corrections attain an error reduction by almost 15 micro arc seconds.

  7. Dynamics of magnetization in ferromagnet with spin-transfer torque

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Zai-Dong; He, Peng-Bin; Liu, Wu-Ming

    2014-11-01

    We review our recent works on dynamics of magnetization in ferromagnet with spin-transfer torque. Driven by constant spin-polarized current, the spin-transfer torque counteracts both the precession driven by the effective field and the Gilbert damping term different from the common understanding. When the spin current exceeds the critical value, the conjunctive action of Gilbert damping and spin-transfer torque leads naturally the novel screw-pitch effect characterized by the temporal oscillation of domain wall velocity and width. Driven by space- and time-dependent spin-polarized current and magnetic field, we expatiate the formation of domain wall velocity in ferromagnetic nanowire. We discuss the properties of dynamic magnetic soliton in uniaxial anisotropic ferromagnetic nanowire driven by spin-transfer torque, and analyze the modulation instability and dark soliton on the spin wave background, which shows the characteristic breather behavior of the soliton as it propagates along the ferromagnetic nanowire. With stronger breather character, we get the novel magnetic rogue wave and clarify its formation mechanism. The generation of magnetic rogue wave mainly arises from the accumulation of energy and magnons toward to its central part. We also observe that the spin-polarized current can control the exchange rate of magnons between the envelope soliton and the background, and the critical current condition is obtained analytically. At last, we have theoretically investigated the current-excited and frequency-adjusted ferromagnetic resonance in magnetic trilayers. A particular case of the perpendicular analyzer reveals that the ferromagnetic resonance curves, including the resonant location and the resonant linewidth, can be adjusted by changing the pinned magnetization direction and the direct current. Under the control of the current and external magnetic field, several magnetic states, such as quasi-parallel and quasi-antiparallel stable states, out

  8. Nanoconstriction spin-Hall oscillator with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Divinskiy, B.; Demidov, V. E.; Kozhanov, A.; Rinkevich, A. B.; Demokritov, S. O.; Urazhdin, S.

    2017-07-01

    We experimentally study spin-Hall nano-oscillators based on [Co/Ni] multilayers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. We show that these devices exhibit single-frequency auto-oscillations at current densities comparable to those for in-plane magnetized oscillators. The demonstrated oscillators exhibit large magnetization precession amplitudes, and their oscillation frequency is highly tunable by the electric current. These features make them promising for applications in high-speed integrated microwave circuits.

  9. Lense-Thirring Precession of Accretion Disks and Quasi-Periodic Oscillations in X-Ray Binaries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Markovic, D.; Lamb, F. K.

    2003-05-01

    It has recently been suggested that gravitomagnetic precession of the inner part of the accretion disk, possibly driven by radiation torques, may be responsible for some of the 20-300 Hz quasi-periodic X-ray brightness oscillations (QPOs) observed in some low-mass binary systems containing accreting neutron stars and black hole candidates. We have explored warping modes of geometrically thin disks in the presence of gravitomagnetic and radiation torques. We have found a family of overdamped, low-frequency gravitomagnetic (LFGM) modes all of which have precession frequencies lower than a certain critical frequency ωcrit, which is 1 Hz for a compact object of solar mass. A radiation warping torque can cause a few of the lowest-frequency LFGM modes to grow with time, but even a strong radiation warping torque has essentially no effect on the LFGM modes with frequencies ≳10-4 Hz. We have also discovered a second family of high-frequency gravitomagnetic (HFGM) modes with precession frequencies that range from ωcrit up to slightly less than the gravitomagnetic precession frequency of a particle at the inner edge of the disk, which is 30 Hz if the disk extends inward to the innermost stable circular orbit around a 2M⊙ compact object with dimensionless angular momentum cJ/GM2 = 0.2. The highest-frequency HFGM modes are very localized spiral corrugations of the inner disk and are weakly damped, with Q values as large as 50. We discuss the implications of our results for the observability of Lense-Thirring precession in X-ray binaries.

  10. Forced precession of the cometary nucleus with randomly placed active regions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Szutowicz, Slawomira

    1992-01-01

    The cometary nucleus is assumed to be triaxial or axisymmetric spheroid rotating about its axis of maximum moment of inertia and is forced to precess due to jets of ejected material. Randomly placed regions of exposed ice on the surface of the nucleus are assumed to produce gas and dust. The solution of the heat conduction equation for each active region is used to find the gas sublimation rate and the jet acceleration. Precession of the comet nucleus is followed numerically using a phase-averaged system of equations. The gas production curves and the variation of the spin axis during the orbital motion of the comet are presented.

  11. Measuring coalescing massive binary black holes with gravitational waves: The impact of spin-induced precession

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lang, Ryan N.; Hughes, Scott A.

    The coalescence of massive black holes generates gravitational waves (GWs) that will be measurable by space-based detectors such as LISA to large redshifts. The spins of a binary's black holes have an important impact on its waveform. Specifically, geodetic and gravitomagnetic effects cause the spins to precess; this precession then modulates the waveform, adding periodic structure which encodes useful information about the binary's members. Following pioneering work by Vecchio, we examine the impact upon GW measurements of including these precession-induced modulations in the waveform model. We find that the additional periodicity due to spin precession breaks degeneracies among certain parameters,more » greatly improving the accuracy with which they may be measured. In particular, mass measurements are improved tremendously, by one to several orders of magnitude. Localization of the source on the sky is also improved, though not as much--low redshift systems can be localized to an ellipse which is roughly 10-a fewx10 arcminutes in the long direction and a factor of 2 smaller in the short direction. Though not a drastic improvement relative to analyses which neglect spin precession, even modest gains in source localization will greatly facilitate searches for electromagnetic counterparts to GW events. Determination of distance to the source is likewise improved: We find that relative error in measured luminosity distance is commonly {approx}0.1%-0.4% at z{approx}1. Finally, with the inclusion of precession, we find that the magnitude of the spins themselves can typically be determined for low redshift systems with an accuracy of about 0.1%-10%, depending on the spin value, allowing accurate surveys of mass and spin evolution over cosmic time.« less

  12. Predicting Mercury's precession using simple relativistic Newtonian dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Friedman, Y.; Steiner, J. M.

    2016-03-01

    We present a new simple relativistic model for planetary motion describing accurately the anomalous precession of the perihelion of Mercury and its origin. The model is based on transforming Newton's classical equation for planetary motion from absolute to real spacetime influenced by the gravitational potential and introducing the concept of influenced direction.

  13. Cryogenic magnetic coil and superconducting magnetic shield for neutron electric dipole moment searches

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Slutsky, S.; Swank, C. M.; Biswas, A.; Carr, R.; Escribano, J.; Filippone, B. W.; Griffith, W. C.; Mendenhall, M.; Nouri, N.; Osthelder, C.; Pérez Galván, A.; Picker, R.; Plaster, B.

    2017-08-01

    A magnetic coil operated at cryogenic temperatures is used to produce spatial, relative field gradients below 6 ppm/cm, stable for several hours. The apparatus is a prototype of the magnetic components for a neutron electric dipole moment (nEDM) search, which will take place at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory using ultra-cold neutrons (UCN). That search requires a uniform magnetic field to mitigate systematic effects and obtain long polarization lifetimes for neutron spin precession measurements. This paper details upgrades to a previously described apparatus [1], particularly the introduction of super-conducting magnetic shielding and the associated cryogenic apparatus. The magnetic gradients observed are sufficiently low for the nEDM search at SNS.

  14. Early diagnosis and follow-up of chronic active Epstein–Barr-virus-associated cardiovascular complications with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, Shu; Li, Xiao; Cao, Jian; Wu, Di; Kong, Lingyan; Lin, Lu; Jin, Zhengyu; An, Jing; Wang, Yining

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Introduction: Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection (CAEBV) is characterized as chronic or recurrent mononucleosis-like symptoms and elevated EBV deoxyribonucleic acid (EBV-DNA) copies. Cardiovascular complications have high morbidity and mortality. The treatment regimen for CAEBV has not been established yet, resulting in poor prognoses. Herein, we present a case of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) evaluation with a series of sequences for CAEBV-associated cardiovascular involvement, which has never been reported. Case presentation: A 16-year-old female (body weight, 55 kg) developed a persistent fever and a positive EBV-DNA level of 28,000 copies/mL. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed aneurysms involving the aorta and its major branches, as well as multiple aneurysms and stenoses of the coronary arteries. CMRI of the coronary arteries depicted the dilution and stenosis of the arterial lumen as well as the thickening of the arterial wall. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) showed subendocardial and transmural delayed enhancement of the left ventricle, suggesting myocardial infarction. CAEBV and associated cardiovascular complications were diagnosed. After treatment with Medrol and Leflunomide, the clinical manifestation and serological parameters reversed to normal. However, the EBV-DNA level increased again to 13,900 copies/mL 2 months later. A follow-up with aorta CTA showed that the arterial walls of the bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms were thicker with new-onset mural thrombi. The aorta CTA also showed new-onset occlusion of the right coronary artery, but a follow-up of CMRI at the same day did not find new-onset delayed enhancement lesion. Conclusion: This case reminds clinicians of the vital importance of early diagnosis and close follow-up of CAEBV-associated cardiovascular complications. With cine imaging, coronary artery imaging, LGE imaging, and other novel techniques, CMRI can effectively and

  15. On the free-precession candidate PSR B1828-11: Evidence for increasing deformation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ashton, G.; Jones, D. I.; Prix, R.

    2017-05-01

    We observe that the periodic variations in spin-down rate and beamwidth of the radio pulsar PSR B1828-11 are getting faster. In the context of a free precession model, this corresponds to a decrease in the precession period Pfp. We investigate how a precession model can account for such a decrease in Pfp, in terms of an increase over time in the absolute biaxial deformation (|ɛp| ˜ 10-8) of this pulsar. We perform a Bayesian model comparison against the 'base' precession model (with constant ɛp) developed in Ashton et al., and we obtain decisive odds in favour of a time-varying deformation. We study two types of time variation: (I) a linear drift with a posterior estimate of \\dot{ɛ }_p{˜ }10^{-18} s^{-1} and odds of 1075 compared to the base model, and (II) N discrete positive jumps in ɛp with very similar odds to the linear ɛp drift model. The physical mechanism explaining this behaviour is unclear, but the observation could provide a crucial probe of the interior physics of neutron stars. We also place an upper bound on the rate at which the precessional motion is damped, and translate this into a bound on a dissipative mutual friction-type coupling between the star's crust and core.

  16. Truncus arteriosus with aortic arch interruption: cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings in the unrepaired adult

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Truncus arteriosus (TA) is a rare congenital condition defined as a single arterial vessel arising from the heart that gives origin to the systemic, pulmonary and coronary circulations. We discuss the unique case of a 28 year-old female patient with unrepaired TA and interruption of the aortic arch who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). PMID:20307275

  17. POLARIZATION MODULATION FROM LENSE–THIRRING PRECESSION IN X-RAY BINARIES

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ingram, Adam; Maccarone, Thomas J.; Poutanen, Juri

    2015-07-01

    It has long been recognized that quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in the X-ray light curves of accreting black hole and neutron star binaries have the potential to be powerful diagnostics of strong field gravity. However, this potential cannot be fulfilled without a working theoretical model, which has remained elusive. Perhaps, the most promising model associates the QPO with Lense–Thirring precession of the inner accretion flow, with the changes in viewing angle and Doppler boosting modulating the flux over the course of a precession cycle. Here, we consider the polarization signature of a precessing inner accretion flow. We use simple assumptions about themore » Comptonization process generating the emitted spectrum and take all relativistic effects into account, parallel transporting polarization vectors toward the observer along null geodesics in the Kerr metric. We find that both the degree of linear polarization and the polarization angle should be modulated on the QPO frequency. We calculate the predicted absolute rms variability amplitude of the polarization degree and angle for a specific model geometry. We find that it should be possible to detect these modulations for a reasonable fraction of parameter space with a future X-ray polarimeter such as NASA’s Polarization Spectroscopic Telescope Array (the satellite incarnation of the balloon experiment X-Calibur)« less

  18. WASP-12b: Orbital Decay or Apsidal Precession?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Winn, Joshua; Knutson, Heather

    2018-05-01

    Over the last decade, the interval between the transits of the hot Jupiter WASP-12b has been steadily shrinking by 29 milliseconds per year. This may represent the first direct detection of tidal orbital decay, a phenomenon that has long been predicted to occur for hot Jupiters and that features in many theories to explain their properties. Another viable explanation for the apparent period decrease is that the orbit is slightly eccentric and apsidally precessing, in which case the data could be used to measure the planet's Love number. This would be a rare and precious constraint on its interior density distribution. The best way to tell the difference is to combine new Spitzer observations of secondary eclipses with ongoing ground-based transit observations. Orbital decay predicts that the transit and eclipse timing residuals will have the same sign, while apsidal precession would produce anti-correlated residuals. We propose to observe 4 eclipses with Spitzer during Cycle 14, which will allow the two hypotheses to be distinguished with high confidence.

  19. Thomas precession, Wigner rotations and gauge transformations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Han, D.; Kim, Y. S.; Son, D.

    1987-01-01

    The exact Lorentz kinematics of the Thomas precession is discussed in terms of Wigner's O(3)-like little group which describes rotations in the Lorentz frame in which the particle is at rest. A Lorentz-covariant form for the Thomas factor is derived. It is shown that this factor is a Lorentz-boosted rotation matrix, which becomes a gauge transformation in the infinite-momentum or zero-mass limit.

  20. Imaging of dynamic magnetic fields with spin-polarized neutron beams

    DOE PAGES

    Tremsin, A. S.; Kardjilov, N.; Strobl, M.; ...

    2015-04-22

    Precession of neutron spin in a magnetic field can be used for mapping of a magnetic field distribution, as demonstrated previously for static magnetic fields at neutron beamline facilities. The fringing in the observed neutron images depends on both the magnetic field strength and the neutron energy. In this paper we demonstrate the feasibility of imaging periodic dynamic magnetic fields using a spin-polarized cold neutron beam. Our position-sensitive neutron counting detector, providing with high precision both the arrival time and position for each detected neutron, enables simultaneous imaging of multiple phases of a periodic dynamic process with microsecond timing resolution.more » The magnetic fields produced by 5- and 15-loop solenoid coils of 1 cm diameter, are imaged in our experiments with ~100 μm resolution for both dc and 3 kHz ac currents. Our measurements agree well with theoretical predictions of fringe patterns formed by neutron spin precession. We also discuss the wavelength dependence and magnetic field quantification options using a pulsed neutron beamline. Furthermore, the ability to remotely map dynamic magnetic fields combined with the unique capability of neutrons to penetrate various materials (e.g., metals), enables studies of fast periodically changing magnetic processes, such as formation of magnetic domains within metals due to the presence of ac magnetic fields.« less

  1. Imaging of dynamic magnetic fields with spin-polarized neutron beams

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tremsin, A. S.; Kardjilov, N.; Strobl, M.

    Precession of neutron spin in a magnetic field can be used for mapping of a magnetic field distribution, as demonstrated previously for static magnetic fields at neutron beamline facilities. The fringing in the observed neutron images depends on both the magnetic field strength and the neutron energy. In this paper we demonstrate the feasibility of imaging periodic dynamic magnetic fields using a spin-polarized cold neutron beam. Our position-sensitive neutron counting detector, providing with high precision both the arrival time and position for each detected neutron, enables simultaneous imaging of multiple phases of a periodic dynamic process with microsecond timing resolution.more » The magnetic fields produced by 5- and 15-loop solenoid coils of 1 cm diameter, are imaged in our experiments with ~100 μm resolution for both dc and 3 kHz ac currents. Our measurements agree well with theoretical predictions of fringe patterns formed by neutron spin precession. We also discuss the wavelength dependence and magnetic field quantification options using a pulsed neutron beamline. Furthermore, the ability to remotely map dynamic magnetic fields combined with the unique capability of neutrons to penetrate various materials (e.g., metals), enables studies of fast periodically changing magnetic processes, such as formation of magnetic domains within metals due to the presence of ac magnetic fields.« less

  2. Change in General Relativistic precession rates due to Lidov-Kozai oscillations in the Solar System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sekhar, Aswin; Asher, David J.; Werner, Stephanie C.; Vaubaillon, Jeremie; Li, Gongjie

    2017-04-01

    Introduction: Two well known phenomena associated with low perihelion distance bodies in orbital dynamics are general relativistic (GR) precession and Lidov-Kozai (LK) oscillations. The accurate prediction of the perihelion shift of Mercury in accord with real observations is one of the significant triumphs of the general theory of relativity developed by Einstein. The Lidov-Kozai mechanism was first proposed and derived by Kozai and independently by Lidov explaining the periodic exchange between eccentricities e and inclinations i thereby increasing or decreasing the perihelion distance q secularly in the orbiting body. Co-existence of GR Precession and LK Oscillations: In this work, we were interested to identify bodies evolving in the near future (i.e. thousands of years in this case) into rapid sungrazing and sun colliding phases and undergoing inclination flips, due to LK oscillations and being GR active at the same time. Of all the bodies we checked from the IAU-Minor Planet Center, and Marsden plus Kracht families from the comet catalogue, 96P/Machholz 1 stands out because it shows all these trends in the near future. LK leads to secular lowering of q which in turn leads to a huge increase in GR precession of argument of pericentre. This in turn gives feedback to the LK mechanism as the e,i and argument of pericentre in Kozai cycles are closely correlated. In this work, we find real examples of solar system bodies which show the continuum nature between GR precession domi-nant and LK mechanism dominant regimes. Results and Discussion: We have shown that there are bodies in the solar system in which both GR precession and LK mechanism can co-exist at the same time and for which these effects can be measured and identified using analytical and numerical techniques. Thus there is a continuum of bodies encompassing, firstly GR precession dominant, secondly GR precession plus LK mechanism co-existing and finally LK mechanism dominant states which are all

  3. Measuring the Lense-Thirring precession using a second Lageos satellite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tapley, B. D.; Ciufolini, I.

    1989-01-01

    A complete numerical simulation and error analysis was performed for the proposed experiment with the objective of establishing an accurate assessment of the feasibility and the potential accuracy of the measurement of the Lense-Thirring precession. Consideration was given to identifying the error sources which limit the accuracy of the experiment and proposing procedures for eliminating or reducing the effect of these errors. Analytic investigations were conducted to study the effects of major error sources with the objective of providing error bounds on the experiment. The analysis of realistic simulated data is used to demonstrate that satellite laser ranging of two Lageos satellites, orbiting with supplemental inclinations, collected for a period of 3 years or more, can be used to verify the Lense-Thirring precession. A comprehensive covariance analysis for the solution was also developed.

  4. Detectability of gravitational waves from binary black holes: Impact of precession and higher modes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Calderón Bustillo, Juan; Laguna, Pablo; Shoemaker, Deirdre

    2017-05-01

    Gravitational wave templates used in current searches for binary black holes omit the effects of precession of the orbital plane and higher-order modes. While this omission seems not to impact the detection of sources having mass ratios and spins similar to those of GW150914, even for total masses M >200 M⊙ , we show that it can cause large fractional losses of sensitive volume for binaries with mass ratio q ≥4 and M >100 M⊙, measured in the detector frame. For the highest precessing cases, this is true even when the source is face-on to the detector. Quantitatively, we show that the aforementioned omission can lead to fractional losses of sensitive volume of ˜15 %, reaching >25 % for the worst cases studied. Loss estimates are obtained by evaluating the effectualness of the SEOBNRv2-ROM double spin model, currently used in binary black hole searches, towards gravitational wave signals from precessing binaries computed by means of numerical relativity. We conclude that, for sources with q ≥4 , a reliable search for binary black holes heavier than M >100 M⊙ needs to consider the effects of higher-order modes and precession. The latter seems especially necessary when Advanced LIGO reaches its design sensitivity.

  5. Steady-state free precession with myocardial tagging: CSPAMM in a single breathhold.

    PubMed

    Zwanenburg, Jaco J M; Kuijer, Joost P A; Marcus, J Tim; Heethaar, Robert M

    2003-04-01

    A method is presented that combines steady-state free precession (SSFP) cine imaging with myocardial tagging. Before the tagging preparation at each ECG-R wave, the steady-state magnetization is stored as longitudinal magnetization by an alpha/2 flip-back pulse. Imaging is continued immediately after tagging preparation, using linearly increasing startup angles (LISA) with a rampup over 10 pulses. Interleaved segmented k-space ordering is used to prevent artifacts from the increasing signal during the LISA rampup. First, this LISA-SSFP method was evaluated regarding ghost artifacts from the steady-state interruption by comparing LISA with an alpha/2 startup method. Next, LISA-SSFP was compared with spoiled gradient echo (SGRE) imaging, regarding tag contrast-to-noise ratio and tag persistence. The measurements were performed in phantoms and in six subjects applying breathhold cine imaging with tagging (temporal resolution 51 ms). The results show that ghost artifacts are negligible for the LISA method. Compared to the SGRE reference, LISA-SSFP was two times faster, with a slightly better tag contrast-to-noise. Additionally, the tags persisted 126 ms longer with LISA-SSFP than with SGRE imaging. The high efficiency of LISA-SSFP enables the acquisition of complementary tagged (CSPAMM) images in a single breathhold. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  6. Adenosine stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance with variable-density spiral pulse sequences accurately detects coronary artery disease: initial clinical evaluation.

    PubMed

    Salerno, Michael; Taylor, Angela; Yang, Yang; Kuruvilla, Sujith; Ragosta, Michael; Meyer, Craig H; Kramer, Christopher M

    2014-07-01

    Adenosine stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance perfusion imaging can be limited by motion-induced dark-rim artifacts, which may be mistaken for true perfusion abnormalities. A high-resolution variable-density spiral pulse sequence with a novel density compensation strategy has been shown to reduce dark-rim artifacts in first-pass perfusion imaging. We aimed to assess the clinical performance of adenosine stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance using this new perfusion sequence to detect obstructive coronary artery disease. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance perfusion imaging was performed during adenosine stress (140 μg/kg per minute) and at rest on a Siemens 1.5-T Avanto scanner in 41 subjects with chest pain scheduled for coronary angiography. Perfusion images were acquired during injection of 0.1 mmol/kg Gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentacetate at 3 short-axis locations using a saturation recovery interleaved variable-density spiral pulse sequence. Significant stenosis was defined as >50% by quantitative coronary angiography. Two blinded reviewers evaluated the perfusion images for the presence of adenosine-induced perfusion abnormalities and assessed image quality using a 5-point scale (1 [poor] to 5 [excellent]). The prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease by quantitative coronary angiography was 68%. The average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 89%, 85%, and 88%, respectively, with a positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 93% and 79%, respectively. The average image quality score was 4.4±0.7, with only 1 study with more than mild dark-rim artifacts. There was good inter-reader reliability with a κ statistic of 0.67. Spiral adenosine stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance results in high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of obstructive coronary artery disease with excellent image quality and minimal dark-rim artifacts. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

  7. Geodetic precession or dragging of inertial frames

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ashby, Neil; Shahid-Saless, Bahman

    1989-01-01

    In General Relativity, the Principle of General Covariance allows one to describe phenomena by means of any convenient choice of coordinate system. Here, it is shown that the geodetic precession of a gyroscope orbiting a spherically symmetric, nonrotating mass can be recast as a Lense-Thirring frame-dragging effect, in an appropriately chosen coordinate frame whose origin falls freely along with the gyroscope and whose spatial coordinate axes point in fixed directions.

  8. Nutation and precession control of the High Energy Solar Physics (HESP) satellite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jayaraman, C. P.; Robertson, B. P.

    1993-01-01

    The High Energy Solar Physics (HESP) spacecraft is an intermediate class satellite proposed by NASA to study solar high-energy phenomena during the next cycle of high solar activity in the 1998 to 2005 time frame. The HESP spacecraft is a spinning satellite which points to the sun with stringent pointing requirements. The natural dynamics of a spinning satellite includes an undesirable effect: nutation, which is due to the presence of disturbances and offsets of the spin axis from the angular momentum vector. The proposed Attitude Control System (ACS) attenuates nutation with reaction wheels. Precessing the spacecraft to track the sun in the north-south and east-west directions is accomplished with the use of torques from magnetic torquer bars. In this paper, the basic dynamics of a spinning spacecraft are derived, control algorithms to meet HESP science requirements are discussed and simulation results to demonstrate feasibility of the ACS concept are presented.

  9. Predicting Precession Rates from Secular Dynamics for Extra-solar Multi-planet Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Van Laerhoven, Christa L.

    2015-11-01

    Considering the secular dynamics of multi-planet systems provides substantial insight into the interactions between planets in those systems. Secular interactions are those that don't involve knowing where a planet is along its orbit, and they dominate when planets are not involved in mean motion resonances. These interactions exchange angular momentum among the planets, evolving their eccentricities and inclinations. To second order in the planets' eccentricities and inclinations, the eccentricity and inclination perturbations are decoupled. Given the right variable choice, the relevant differential equations are linear and thus the eccentricity and inclination behaviors can be described as a sum of eigenmodes. Since the underlying structure of the secular eigenmodes can be calculated using only the planets' masses and semi-major axes, one can elucidate the eccentricity and inclination behavior of planets in exoplanet systems even without knowing the planets' current eccentricities and inclinations. I have calculated both the eccentricity and inclination secular eigenmodes for the population of known multi-planet systems whose planets have well determined masses and periods. Using this catalog, and assuming a Gausian distribution for the eigenmode amplitudes and a uniform distribution for the eigenmode phases, I have predicted what range of precession rates the planets may have. Generally, planets that have more than one eigenmode significantly contribute to their eccentricity ('groupies') can have a wide range of possible precession rates, while planets that are 'loners' have a narrow range of possible precession rates. One might have assumed that in any given system, the planets with shorter periods would have faster precession rates. However, I show that in systems where the planets suffer strong secular interactions this is not necessarily the case.

  10. Understanding the d18O Response to Precession in the South Asian Monsoon Region

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tabor, C. R.; Otto-Bliesner, B. L.; Brady, E. C.; Nusbaumer, J. M.; Zhu, J.; Erb, M. P.

    2017-12-01

    Speleothem records from the South Asian Monsoon (SAM) region display d18O variability at orbital frequencies. The dominant mode of variability in many of these records reflects cycles of precession. There are several potential explanations for why speleothem records from the SAM region show a strong precession signal, including the amount effect, temperature differences, and circulation changes. Here, we use a version of the Community Earth System Model with water isotope tracking capability to explore the mechanisms responsible for precession driven d18O variability in the SAM region. By using a fully coupled model with idealized orbits and regional isotope tracking techniques, we are able to tease apart the various contributions to the precession driven d18O signal found in the SAM speleothem records. Our preliminary results suggest that neither the amount effect nor temperature differences cause the majority of SAM d18O response to changes in precession. Instead, changes in the relative moisture contributions from different source regions drive much of the d18O variability. During Northern Hemisphere summer at aphelion, much of the SAM precipitation sources from the nearby ocean. The nearby location of these sources limits the amount of rainout that occurs before reaching the SAM region, which results in a relatively enriched precipitation d18O signal. Conversely, during Northern Hemisphere summer at perihelion, a greater portion of the SAM precipitation sources from far away regions such as the Southern Hemisphere and Northern Africa. Water vapor from these sources is more depleted by the time it reaches the SAM region, leading to precipitation relatively depleted in d18O as well. Further, we find that the modeled d18O signals of soil water better match the d18O signals in the SAM speleothems, suggesting that local evaporation also plays an important role.

  11. Spin–Orbit Misalignment and Precession in the Kepler-13Ab Planetary System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Herman, Miranda K.; de Mooij, Ernst J. W.; Huang, Chelsea X.; Jayawardhana, Ray

    2018-01-01

    Gravity darkening induced by rapid stellar rotation provides us with a unique opportunity to characterize the spin–orbit misalignment of a planetary system through analysis of its photometric transit. We use the gravity-darkened transit modeling code simuTrans to reproduce the transit light curve of Kepler-13Ab by separately analyzing phase-folded transits for 12 short-cadence Kepler quarters. We verify the temporal change in impact parameter indicative of spin–orbit precession identified by Szabó et al. and Masuda, reporting a rate of change {db}/{dt}=(-4.1+/- 0.2)× {10}-5 day‑1. We further investigate the effect of light dilution on the fitted impact parameter and find that less than 1% of additional light is sufficient to explain the seasonal variation seen in the Kepler quarter data. We then extend our precession analysis to the phase curve data from which we report a rate of change {db}/{dt}=(-3.2+/- 1.3)× {10}-5 day‑1. This value is consistent with that of the transit data at a lower significance and provides the first evidence of spin–orbit precession based solely on the temporal variation of the secondary eclipse.

  12. Propulsion and hydrodynamic particle transport of magnetically twisted colloidal ribbons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Massana-Cid, Helena; Martinez-Pedrero, Fernando; Navarro-Argemí, Eloy; Pagonabarraga, Ignacio; Tierno, Pietro

    2017-10-01

    We describe a method to trap, transport and release microscopic particles in a viscous fluid using the hydrodynamic flow field generated by a magnetically propelled colloidal ribbon. The ribbon is composed of ferromagnetic microellipsoids that arrange with their long axis parallel to each other, a configuration that is energetically favorable due to their permanent magnetic moments. We use an external precessing magnetic field to torque the anisotropic particles forming the ribbon, and to induce propulsion of the entire structure due to the hydrodynamic coupling with the close substrate. The propulsion speed of the ribbon can be controlled by varying the driving frequency, or the amplitude of the precessing field. The latter parameter is also used to reduce the average inter particle distance and to induce the twisting of the ribbon due to the increase in the attraction between the rotating ellipsoids. Furthermore, non magnetic particles are attracted or repelled with the hydrodynamic flow field generated by the propelling ribbon. The proposed method may be used in channel free microfluidic applications, where the precise trapping and transport of functionalized particles via non invasive magnetic fields is required.

  13. Meeting highlights of the 8th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Society For Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, January 21 to 23, 2005.

    PubMed

    Kramer, Christopher M; Friedrich, Matthias G; Neubauer, Stefan; Stuber, Matthias; Geva, Tal; Higgins, Charles B; Manning, Warren J

    2005-08-02

    Parallel tracks for clinical scientists, basic scientists, and pediatric imagers was the novel approach taken for the highly successful 8th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, held in San Francisco, California, January 21 to 23, 2005. Attendees were immersed in information on the latest scientific advances in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) from mice to man and technological advances from systems with field strengths from 0.5 T to 11.7 T. State-of-the-art applications were reviewed, spanning a wide range from molecular imaging to predicting outcome with CMR in large patient populations.

  14. Quantum Spin Stabilized Magnetic Levitation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rusconi, C. C.; Pöchhacker, V.; Kustura, K.; Cirac, J. I.; Romero-Isart, O.

    2017-10-01

    We theoretically show that, despite Earnshaw's theorem, a nonrotating single magnetic domain nanoparticle can be stably levitated in an external static magnetic field. The stabilization relies on the quantum spin origin of magnetization, namely, the gyromagnetic effect. We predict the existence of two stable phases related to the Einstein-de Haas effect and the Larmor precession. At a stable point, we derive a quadratic Hamiltonian that describes the quantum fluctuations of the degrees of freedom of the system. We show that, in the absence of thermal fluctuations, the quantum state of the nanomagnet at the equilibrium point contains entanglement and squeezing.

  15. Quantum Spin Stabilized Magnetic Levitation.

    PubMed

    Rusconi, C C; Pöchhacker, V; Kustura, K; Cirac, J I; Romero-Isart, O

    2017-10-20

    We theoretically show that, despite Earnshaw's theorem, a nonrotating single magnetic domain nanoparticle can be stably levitated in an external static magnetic field. The stabilization relies on the quantum spin origin of magnetization, namely, the gyromagnetic effect. We predict the existence of two stable phases related to the Einstein-de Haas effect and the Larmor precession. At a stable point, we derive a quadratic Hamiltonian that describes the quantum fluctuations of the degrees of freedom of the system. We show that, in the absence of thermal fluctuations, the quantum state of the nanomagnet at the equilibrium point contains entanglement and squeezing.

  16. Impact of a small ellipticity on the sustainability condition of developed turbulence in a precessing spheroid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Horimoto, Yasufumi; Simonet-Davin, Gabriel; Katayama, Atsushi; Goto, Susumu

    2018-04-01

    We experimentally investigate the flow transition to developed turbulence in a precessing spheroid with a small ellipticity. Fully developed turbulence appears through a subcritical transition when we fix the Reynolds number (the spin rate) and gradually increase the Poincaré number (the precession rate). In the transitional range of the Poincaré number, two qualitatively different turbulent states (i.e., fully developed turbulence and quiescent turbulence with a spin-driven global circulation) are stable and they are connected by a hysteresis loop. This discontinuous transition is in contrast to the continuous transition in a precessing sphere, for which neither bistable turbulent states nor hysteresis loops are observed. The small ellipticity of the container makes the global circulation of the confined fluid more stable, and it requires much stronger precession of the spheroid, than a sphere, for fully developed turbulence to be sustained. Nevertheless, once fully developed turbulence is sustained, its flow structures are almost identical in the spheroid and sphere. The argument [Lorenzani and Tilgner, J. Fluid Mech. 492, 363 (2003), 10.1017/S002211200300572X; Noir et al., Geophys. J. Int. 154, 407 (2003), 10.1046/j.1365-246X.2003.01934.x] on the basis of the analytical solution [Busse, J. Fluid Mech. 33, 739 (1968), 10.1017/S0022112068001655] of the steady global circulation in a weak precession range well describes the onset of the fully developed turbulence in the spheroid.

  17. Insolation and the Precession Index

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rubincam, David Parry

    2000-01-01

    Simple nonlinear climate models yield a precession index-like term in the temperature. Despite its importance in the geologic record, the precession index e sin omega, where e is the Earth's orbital eccentricity and omega is the Sun's perigee in the geocentric frame, is not present in the insolation at the top of the atmosphere. Hence there is no one-for-one mapping of 23,000 and 19,000 year periodicities from the insolation to the paleoclimate record; a nonlinear climate model is needed to produce these periods. Two such models, a grey body and an energy balance climate model with an added quadratic term, produce e sin omega terms in temperature. These terms, which without feedback mechanisms achieve extreme values of about plus or minus 0.48 K for the grey body and plus or minus 0.64 K for the energy balance model, simultaneously cool one hemisphere while they warm the other. Moreover, they produce long-term cooling in the northern hemisphere when the Sun's perigee is near northern solstice and long-term warming in the northern hemisphere when the perigee is near southern solstice. Thus this seemingly paradoxical mechanism works against the standard model which requires cool northern summers (Sun far from Earth in northern summer) to build up northern ice sheets, so that if the standard model is correct it may be more efficient than previously thought. Alternatively, the new mechanism could possibly be dominant and indicate southern hemisphere control of the northern ice sheets, wherein the southern oceans undergo a long-term cooling when the Sun is close to the Earth during southern summer. The cold water eventually flows north, cooling the northern hemisphere. This might explain why the northern oceans lag the southern ones when it comes to orbital forcing.

  18. The growth and evolution of cardiovascular magnetic resonance: a 20-year history of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) annual scientific sessions.

    PubMed

    Lee, Daniel C; Markl, Michael; Dall'Armellina, Erica; Han, Yuchi; Kozerke, Sebastian; Kuehne, Titus; Nielles-Vallespin, Sonia; Messroghli, Daniel; Patel, Amit; Schaeffter, Tobias; Simonetti, Orlando; Valente, Anne Marie; Weinsaft, Jonathan W; Wright, Graham; Zimmerman, Stefan; Schulz-Menger, Jeanette

    2018-01-31

    The purpose of this work is to summarize cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) research trends and highlights presented at the annual Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) scientific sessions over the past 20 years. Scientific programs from all SCMR Annual Scientific Sessions from 1998 to 2017 were obtained. SCMR Headquarters also provided data for the number and the country of origin of attendees and the number of accepted abstracts according to type. Data analysis included text analysis (key word extraction) and visualization by 'word clouds' representing the most frequently used words in session titles for 5-year intervals. In addition, session titles were sorted into 17 major subject categories to further evaluate research and clinical CMR trends over time. Analysis of SCMR annual scientific sessions locations, attendance, and number of accepted abstracts demonstrated substantial growth of CMR research and clinical applications. As an international field of study, significant growth of CMR was documented by a strong increase in SCMR scientific session attendance (> 500%, 270 to 1406 from 1998 to 2017, number of accepted abstracts (> 700%, 98 to 701 from 1998 to 2018) and number of international participants (42-415% increase for participants from Asia, Central and South America, Middle East and Africa in 2004-2017). 'Word clouds' based evaluation of research trends illustrated a shift from early focus on 'MRI technique feasibility' to new established techniques (e.g. late gadolinium enhancement) and their clinical applications and translation (key words 'patient', 'disease') and more recently novel techniques and quantitative CMR imaging (key words 'mapping', 'T1', 'flow', 'function'). Nearly every topic category demonstrated an increase in the number of sessions over the 20-year period with 'Clinical Practice' leading all categories. Our analysis identified three growth areas 'Congenital', 'Clinical Practice', and 'Structure

  19. Precession of orbits around the stellar-mass black hole in H 1743-322

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ingram, Adam

    2016-07-01

    Accreting stellar-mass black holes often show a quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) in their X-ray flux with a period that slowly drifts from ~10s to ~0.05s, and an iron emission line in their X-ray spectrum. The iron line is generated by fluorescent re-emission, by the accretion disk, of X-ray photons originating in the innermost hot flow. The line shape is distorted by relativistic motion of the orbiting plasma and the gravitational pull of the black hole. The QPO arises from the immediate vicinity of the black hole, but its physical origin has long been debated. It has been suggested that the QPO originates via Lense-Thirring precession, a General Relativistic effect causing the inner flow to precess as the spinning black hole twists up the surrounding space-time. This predicts a characteristic rocking of the iron line between red and blue shift as the receding and approaching sides of the disk are respectively illuminated. I will talk about our observations of the black hole binary H 1743-322 in which the line energy varies in step with the ~4.5s QPO cycle, providing strong evidence that such QPOs originate via Lense-Thirring precession. This effect has previously been measured in our Solar System but our detection is in the strong field regime of General Relativity, at a precession rate 14 orders of magnitude faster than possible in the Earth's gravitational field. Our result enables the application of tomographic techniques to map the motion of matter in the strong gravity near black hole event horizons.

  20. Linear stability analysis of a levitated nanomagnet in a static magnetic field: Quantum spin stabilized magnetic levitation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rusconi, C. C.; Pöchhacker, V.; Cirac, J. I.; Romero-Isart, O.

    2017-10-01

    We theoretically study the levitation of a single magnetic domain nanosphere in an external static magnetic field. We show that, apart from the stability provided by the mechanical rotation of the nanomagnet (as in the classical Levitron), the quantum spin origin of its magnetization provides two additional mechanisms to stably levitate the system. Despite the Earnshaw theorem, such stable phases are present even in the absence of mechanical rotation. For large magnetic fields, the Larmor precession of the quantum magnetic moment stabilizes the system in full analogy with magnetic trapping of a neutral atom. For low magnetic fields, the magnetic anisotropy stabilizes the system via the Einstein-de Haas effect. These results are obtained with a linear stability analysis of a single magnetic domain rigid nanosphere with uniaxial anisotropy in a Ioffe-Pritchard magnetic field.

  1. Feasibility of real-time magnetic resonance imaging-guided endomyocardial biopsies: An in-vitro study.

    PubMed

    Lossnitzer, Dirk; Seitz, Sebastian A; Krautz, Birgit; Schnackenburg, Bernhard; André, Florian; Korosoglou, Grigorios; Katus, Hugo A; Steen, Henning

    2015-07-26

    To investigate if magnetic resonance (MR)-guided biopsy can improve the performance and safety of such procedures. A novel MR-compatible bioptome was evaluated in a series of in-vitro experiments in a 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The bioptome was inserted into explanted porcine and bovine hearts under real-time MR-guidance employing a steady state free precession sequence. The artifact produced by the metal element at the tip and the signal voids caused by the bioptome were visually tracked for navigation and allowed its constant and precise localization. Cardiac structural elements and the target regions for the biopsy were clearly visible. Our method allowed a significantly better spatial visualization of the bioptoms tip compared to conventional X-ray guidance. The specific device design of the bioptome avoided inducible currents and therefore subsequent heating. The novel MR-compatible bioptome provided a superior cardiovascular magnetic resonance (imaging) soft-tissue visualization for MR-guided myocardial biopsies. Not at least the use of MRI guidance for endomyocardial biopsies completely avoided radiation exposure for both patients and interventionalists. MRI-guided endomyocardial biopsies provide a better than conventional X-ray guided navigation and could therefore improve the specificity and reproducibility of cardiac biopsies in future studies.

  2. Thermally driven magnetic precession in spin valves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Luc, David; Waintal, Xavier

    2014-10-01

    We investigate the angular dependence of the spin torque generated when applying a temperature difference across a spin valve. Our study shows the presence of a nontrivial fixed point in this angular dependence. This fixed point opens the possibility for a temperature gradient to stabilize radio frequency oscillations without the need for an external magnetic field. This so-called "wavy" behavior can already be found upon applying a voltage difference across a spin valve but we find that this effect is much more pronounced with a temperature difference. We find that a spin asymmetry of the Seebeck coefficient of the order of 20 μ VK -1 should be large enough for a temperature gradient of a few degrees to trigger the radio-frequency oscillations. Our semiclassical theory is fully parametrized with experimentally measured(able) parameters and allows one to quantitatively predict the amplitude of the torque.

  3. Self-force correction to geodetic spin precession in Kerr spacetime

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akcay, Sarp

    2017-08-01

    We present an expression for the gravitational self-force correction to the geodetic spin precession of a spinning compact object with small, but non-negligible mass in a bound, equatorial orbit around a Kerr black hole. We consider only conservative backreaction effects due to the mass of the compact object (m1), thus neglecting the effects of its spin s1 on its motion; i.e., we impose s1≪G m12/c and m1≪m2, where m2 is the mass parameter of the background Kerr spacetime. We encapsulate the correction to the spin precession in ψ , the ratio of the accumulated spin-precession angle to the total azimuthal angle over one radial orbit in the equatorial plane. Our formulation considers the gauge-invariant O (m1) part of the correction to ψ , denoted by Δ ψ , and is a generalization of the results of Akcay et al. [Classical Quantum Gravity 34, 084001 (2017), 10.1088/1361-6382/aa61d6] to Kerr spacetime. Additionally, we compute the zero-eccentricity limit of Δ ψ and show that this quantity differs from the circular orbit Δ ψcirc by a gauge-invariant quantity containing the gravitational self-force correction to general relativistic periapsis advance in Kerr spacetime. Our result for Δ ψ is expressed in a manner that readily accommodates numerical/analytical self-force computations, e.g., in the radiation gauge, and paves the way for the computation of a new eccentric-orbit Kerr gauge invariant beyond the generalized redshift.

  4. Noncontrast-enhanced renal angiography using multiple inversion recovery and alternating TR balanced steady-state free precession.

    PubMed

    Dong, Hattie Z; Worters, Pauline W; Wu, Holden H; Ingle, R Reeve; Vasanawala, Shreyas S; Nishimura, Dwight G

    2013-08-01

    Noncontrast-enhanced renal angiography techniques based on balanced steady-state free precession avoid external contrast agents, take advantage of high inherent blood signal from the T 2 / T 1 contrast mechanism, and have short steady-state free precession acquisition times. However, background suppression is limited; inflow times are inflexible; labeling region is difficult to define when tagging arterial flow; and scan times are long. To overcome these limitations, we propose the use of multiple inversion recovery preparatory pulses combined with alternating pulse repetition time balanced steady-state free precession to produce renal angiograms. Multiple inversion recovery uses selective spatial saturation followed by four nonselective inversion recovery pulses to concurrently null a wide range of background T 1 species while allowing for adjustable inflow times; alternating pulse repetition time steady-state free precession maintains vessel contrast and provides added fat suppression. The high level of suppression enables imaging in three-dimensional as well as projective two-dimensional formats, the latter of which has a scan time as short as one heartbeat. In vivo studies at 1.5 T demonstrate the superior vessel contrast of this technique. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. Pluto and Charon: A Case of Precession-Orbit Resonance?

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rubincam, David Parry; Smith, David E. (Technical Monitor)

    2000-01-01

    Pluto may be the only known case of precession-orbit resonance in the solar system. The Pluto-Charon system orbits the Sun with a period of 1 Plutonian year, which is 250.8 Earth years. The observed parameters of the system are such that Charon may cause Pluto to precess with a period near 250.8 Earth years. This gives rise to two possible resonances, heretofore unrecognized. The first is due to Pluto's orbit being highly eccentric, giving solar torques on Charon with a period of 1 Plutonian year. Charon in turn drives Pluto near its precession period. Volatiles, which are expected to shuttle across Pluto's surface between equator and pole as Pluto's obliquity oscillates, might change the planet's dynamical flattening enough so that Pluto crosses the nearby resonance, forcing the planet's equatorial plane to depart from Charon's orbital plane. The mutual tilt can reach as much as 2 deg after integrating over 5.6 x 10(exp 6) years, depending upon how close Pluto is to the resonance and the supply of volatiles. The second resonance is due to the Sun's traveling above and below Charon's orbital plane; it has a period half that of the eccentricity resonance. Reaching this half-Plutonian year resonance requires a much larger but still theoretically possible amount of volatiles. In this case the departure of Charon from an equatorial orbit is about 1 deg after integrating for 5.6 x 10(exp 6) years. The calculations ignore libration and tidal friction. It is not presently known how large the mutual tilt can grow over the age of the solar system, but if it remains only a few degrees, then observing such small angles from a Pluto flyby mission would be difficult. It is not clear why the parameters of the Pluto-Charon system are so close to the eccentricity resonance.

  6. Precession of the Disk in Pleione Study of the Halpha Line Profile

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pollmann, Ernst

    2018-03-01

    Medium-resolution spectroscopy of the binary system Pleione (28 Tau), obtained over the time period October 2004 (JD 2453300) to March 2018 (JD 2458185) by the ARAS Spectroscopy Group, has been used to determine the central absorption depth (CA), V/R ratio, radial velocity (RV) and equivalent width of the H emission, in order to study the disk precession as a consequence of the periastron passages of the companion. We found an exact coincidence of the CA maxima with the minima of V/R and RV as a result of the disk precession. This has never before been observed during the maximum shell phase in the years around 1980, or during the initial shell phase around August/October 1974.

  7. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Incremental Value in a Series of 361 Patients Demonstrating Cost Savings and Clinical Benefits: An Outcome-Based Study.

    PubMed

    Hegde, Vinayak A; Biederman, Robert Ww; Mikolich, J Ronald

    2017-01-01

    This study was designed to assess the clinical impact and cost-benefit of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). In the face of current health care cost concerns, cardiac imaging modalities have come under focused review. Data related to CMR clinical impact and cost-benefit are lacking. Retrospective review of 361 consecutive patients (pts) who underwent CMR exams was conducted. Indications for CMR were tabulated for appropriateness criteria. Components of the CMR exam were identified along with evidence of clinical impact. The cost of each CMR exam was ascertained along with cost savings attributable to the CMR exam for calculation of an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. A total of 354 of 361 pts (98%) had diagnostic quality studies. Of the 361 pts, 350 (97%) had at least 1 published Appropriateness Criterion for CMR. A significant clinical impact attributable to CMR exam results was observed in 256 of 361 pts (71%). The CMR exam resulted in a new diagnosis in 69 of 361 (27%) pts. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging results avoided invasive procedures in 38 (11%) pts and prevented additional diagnostic testing in 26 (7%) pts. Comparison of health care savings using CMR as opposed to current standards of care showed a net cost savings of $833 037, ie, per patient cost savings of $2308. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging provides diagnostic image quality in >98% of cases. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging findings have documentable clinical impact on patient management in 71% of pts undergoing the exam, in a cost beneficial manner.

  8. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging—Incremental Value in a Series of 361 Patients Demonstrating Cost Savings and Clinical Benefits: An Outcome-Based Study

    PubMed Central

    Hegde, Vinayak A; Biederman, Robert WW; Mikolich, J Ronald

    2017-01-01

    BACKGROUND This study was designed to assess the clinical impact and cost-benefit of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). In the face of current health care cost concerns, cardiac imaging modalities have come under focused review. Data related to CMR clinical impact and cost-benefit are lacking. METHODS AND RESULTS Retrospective review of 361 consecutive patients (pts) who underwent CMR exams was conducted. Indications for CMR were tabulated for appropriateness criteria. Components of the CMR exam were identified along with evidence of clinical impact. The cost of each CMR exam was ascertained along with cost savings attributable to the CMR exam for calculation of an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. A total of 354 of 361 pts (98%) had diagnostic quality studies. Of the 361 pts, 350 (97%) had at least 1 published Appropriateness Criterion for CMR. A significant clinical impact attributable to CMR exam results was observed in 256 of 361 pts (71%). The CMR exam resulted in a new diagnosis in 69 of 361 (27%) pts. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging results avoided invasive procedures in 38 (11%) pts and prevented additional diagnostic testing in 26 (7%) pts. Comparison of health care savings using CMR as opposed to current standards of care showed a net cost savings of $833 037, ie, per patient cost savings of $2308. CONCLUSIONS Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging provides diagnostic image quality in >98% of cases. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging findings have documentable clinical impact on patient management in 71% of pts undergoing the exam, in a cost beneficial manner. PMID:28579858

  9. Change in Minimum Orbit Intersection Distance due to General Relativistic Precession in Small Solar System Bodies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sekhar, Aswin; Valsecchi, Giovanni B.; Asher, David; Werner, Stephanie; Vaubaillon, Jeremie; Li, Gongjie

    2017-06-01

    One of the greatest successes of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity (GR) was the correct prediction of the perihelion precession of Mercury. The closed form expression to compute this precession tells us that substantial GR precession would occur only if the bodies have a combination of both moderately small perihelion distance and semi-major axis. Minimum Orbit Intersection Distance (MOID) is a quantity which helps us to understand the closest proximity of two orbits in space. Hence evaluating MOID is crucial to understand close encounters and collision scenarios better. In this work, we look at the possible scenarios where a small GR precession in argument of pericentre can create substantial changes in MOID for small bodies ranging from meteoroids to comets and asteroids.Previous works have looked into neat analytical techniques to understand different collision scenarios and we use those standard expressions to compute MOID analytically. We find the nature of this mathematical function is such that a relatively small GR precession can lead to drastic changes in MOID values depending on the initial value of argument of pericentre. Numerical integrations were done with the MERCURY package incorporating GR code to test the same effects. A numerical approach showed the same interesting relationship (as shown by analytical theory) between values of argument of pericentre and the peaks or dips in MOID values. There is an overall agreement between both analytical and numerical methods.We find that GR precession could play an important role in the calculations pertaining to MOID and close encounter scenarios in the case of certain small solar system bodies (depending on their initial orbital elements) when long term impact risk possibilities are considered. Previous works have looked into impact probabilities and collision scenarios on planets from different small body populations. This work aims to find certain sub-sets of small bodies where GR could play an

  10. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the evaluation of hypertrophic and infiltrative cardiomyopathies.

    PubMed

    O'Hanlon, Rory; Pennell, Dudley J

    2009-07-01

    There is often considerable phenotypic overlap in hypertrophic and infiltrative cardiomyopathies. This overlap creates difficulties, when using routine imaging modalities, in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can make diagnosis easier and more certain. Used with gadolinium contrast agent for tissue characterization, CMR offers a superior field of view and temporal resolution, enabling clinicians to make more confident assessments of etiology. CMR may also be a useful modality for stratifying risk and monitoring treatment responses over time in patients with hypertrophic or infiltrative cardiomyopathies. This article highlights the role of CMR in the assessment and, if relevant, the risk stratification of hypertrophic and infiltrative cardiomyopathies.

  11. Orientation and phase mapping in the transmission electron microscope using precession-assisted diffraction spot recognition: state-of-the-art results.

    PubMed

    Viladot, D; Véron, M; Gemmi, M; Peiró, F; Portillo, J; Estradé, S; Mendoza, J; Llorca-Isern, N; Nicolopoulos, S

    2013-10-01

    A recently developed technique based on the transmission electron microscope, which makes use of electron beam precession together with spot diffraction pattern recognition now offers the possibility to acquire reliable orientation/phase maps with a spatial resolution down to 2 nm on a field emission gun transmission electron microscope. The technique may be described as precession-assisted crystal orientation mapping in the transmission electron microscope, precession-assisted crystal orientation mapping technique-transmission electron microscope, also known by its product name, ASTAR, and consists in scanning the precessed electron beam in nanoprobe mode over the specimen area, thus producing a collection of precession electron diffraction spot patterns, to be thereafter indexed automatically through template matching. We present a review on several application examples relative to the characterization of microstructure/microtexture of nanocrystalline metals, ceramics, nanoparticles, minerals and organics. The strengths and limitations of the technique are also discussed using several application examples. ©2013 The Authors. Journal of Microscopy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal Microscopical Society.

  12. Interventional cardiovascular magnetic resonance: still tantalizing

    PubMed Central

    Ratnayaka, Kanishka; Faranesh, Anthony Z; Guttman, Michael A; Kocaturk, Ozgur; Saikus, Christina E; Lederman, Robert J

    2008-01-01

    The often touted advantages of MR guidance remain largely unrealized for cardiovascular interventional procedures in patients. Many procedures have been simulated in animal models. We argue these opportunities for clinical interventional MR will be met in the near future. This paper reviews technical and clinical considerations and offers advice on how to implement a clinical-grade interventional cardiovascular MR (iCMR) laboratory. We caution that this reflects our personal view of the "state of the art." PMID:19114017

  13. Validating the effective-one-body model of spinning, precessing binary black holes against numerical relativity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Babak, Stanislav; Taracchini, Andrea; Buonanno, Alessandra

    2017-01-01

    In Abbott et al. [Phys. Rev. X 6, 041014 (2016), 10.1103/PhysRevX.6.041014], the properties of the first gravitational wave detected by LIGO, GW150914, were measured by employing an effective-one-body (EOB) model of precessing binary black holes whose underlying dynamics and waveforms were calibrated to numerical-relativity (NR) simulations. Here, we perform the first extensive comparison of such an EOBNR model to 70 precessing NR waveforms that span mass ratios from 1 to 5, dimensionless spin magnitudes up to 0.5, generic spin orientations, and length of about 20 orbits. We work in the observer's inertial frame and include all ℓ=2 modes in the gravitational-wave polarizations. We introduce new prescriptions for the EOB ringdown signal concerning its spectrum and time of onset. For total masses between 10 M⊙ and 200 M⊙ , we find that precessing EOBNR waveforms have unfaithfulness within about 3% to NR waveforms when considering the Advanced-LIGO design noise curve. This result is obtained without recalibration of the inspiral-plunge signal of the underlying nonprecessing EOBNR model. The unfaithfulness is computed with maximization over time and phase of arrival, sky location, and polarization of the EOBNR waveform, and it is averaged over sky location and polarization of the NR signal. We also present comparisons between NR and EOBNR waveforms in a frame that tracks the orbital precession.

  14. Three-Dimensional Numerical Hydrodynamical Simulation of Low/hard and High/soft States in Accretion Discs of Microquasars and Quasars on Base of Undefined Precession

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nazarenko, V. V.; Nazarenko, S. V.

    In this study, the models of slaved precession of accretion disc and donors radiation-driven wind were performed using three-dimensional numerical astrophysical methods by the example of microquasar Cyg X-1. As is shown, in the course of precession of the accretion disc blown by the donor's wind the states with high and low temperature (low and high mass accretion rate, respectively) start being generated in the centre of disc. Our computations of disc precession performed on base of undefined precession that means each point of rotation axis of accretion disc makes unclosed difficult curve instead of a circle as it is in case of definite precession. In this case, the transition between states of high and low temperature takes place irregularly and not depend on precession period. The duration of transition between these both states is less than intervals of states on several orders of magnitudes.

  15. Methods for Probing Magnetic Films with Neutrons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kozhevnikov, S. V.; Ott, F.; Radu, F.

    2018-03-01

    We review various methods in the investigation of magnetic films with neutrons, including those based on the effects of Larmor precession, Zeeman spatial splitting of the beam, neutron spin resonance, and polarized neutron channeling. The underlying principles, examples of the investigated systems, specific features, applications, and perspectives of these methods are discussed.

  16. Early diagnosis and follow-up of chronic active Epstein-Barr-virus-associated cardiovascular complications with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging: A case report.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Shu; Li, Xiao; Cao, Jian; Wu, Di; Kong, Lingyan; Lin, Lu; Jin, Zhengyu; An, Jing; Wang, Yining

    2016-08-01

    Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection (CAEBV) is characterized as chronic or recurrent mononucleosis-like symptoms and elevated EBV deoxyribonucleic acid (EBV-DNA) copies. Cardiovascular complications have high morbidity and mortality. The treatment regimen for CAEBV has not been established yet, resulting in poor prognoses. Herein, we present a case of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) evaluation with a series of sequences for CAEBV-associated cardiovascular involvement, which has never been reported. A 16-year-old female (body weight, 55 kg) developed a persistent fever and a positive EBV-DNA level of 28,000 copies/mL. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed aneurysms involving the aorta and its major branches, as well as multiple aneurysms and stenoses of the coronary arteries. CMRI of the coronary arteries depicted the dilution and stenosis of the arterial lumen as well as the thickening of the arterial wall. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) showed subendocardial and transmural delayed enhancement of the left ventricle, suggesting myocardial infarction.CAEBV and associated cardiovascular complications were diagnosed. After treatment with Medrol and Leflunomide, the clinical manifestation and serological parameters reversed to normal. However, the EBV-DNA level increased again to 13,900 copies/mL 2 months later. A follow-up with aorta CTA showed that the arterial walls of the bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms were thicker with new-onset mural thrombi. The aorta CTA also showed new-onset occlusion of the right coronary artery, but a follow-up of CMRI at the same day did not find new-onset delayed enhancement lesion. This case reminds clinicians of the vital importance of early diagnosis and close follow-up of CAEBV-associated cardiovascular complications. With cine imaging, coronary artery imaging, LGE imaging, and other novel techniques, CMRI can effectively and comprehensively reveal the early and dynamic changes, and

  17. Ultrafast optical excitation of magnetic skyrmions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ogawa, N.; Seki, S.; Tokura, Y.

    2015-04-01

    Magnetic skyrmions in an insulating chiral magnet Cu2OSeO3 were studied by all-optical spin wave spectroscopy. The spins in the conical and skyrmion phases were excited by the impulsive magnetic field from the inverse-Faraday effect, and resultant spin dynamics were detected by using time-resolved magneto-optics. Clear dispersions of the helimagnon were observed, which is accompanied by a distinct transition into the skyrmion phase, by sweeping temperature and magnetic field. In addition to the collective excitations of skyrmions, i.e., rotation and breathing modes, several spin precession modes were identified, which would be specific to optical excitation. The ultrafast, nonthermal, and local excitation of the spin systems by photons would lead to the efficient manipulation of nano-magnetic structures.

  18. Rapid 3D in vivo 1H human lung respiratory imaging at 1.5 T using ultra-fast balanced steady-state free precession.

    PubMed

    Pusterla, Orso; Bauman, Grzegorz; Wielpütz, Mark O; Nyilas, Sylvia; Latzin, Philipp; Heussel, Claus P; Bieri, Oliver

    2017-09-01

    To introduce a reproducible, nonenhanced 1H MRI method for rapid in vivo functional assessment of the whole lung at 1.5 Tesla (T). At different respiratory volumes, the pulmonary signal of ultra-fast steady-state free precession (ufSSFP) follows an adapted sponge model, characterized by a respiratory index α. From the model, α reflects local ventilation-related information, is virtually independent from the lung density and thus from the inspiratory phase and breathing amplitude. Respiratory α-mapping is evaluated for healthy volunteers and patients with obstructive lung disease from a set of five consecutive 3D ultra-fast steady-state free precession (ufSSFP) scans performed in breath-hold and at different inspiratory volumes. For the patients, α-maps were compared with CT, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), and Fourier decomposition (FD). In healthy volunteers, respiratory α-maps showed good reproducibility and were homogeneous on iso-gravitational planes, but showed a gravity-dependent respiratory gradient. In patients with obstructive pulmonary disease, the functional impairment observed in respiratory α-maps was associated with emphysematous regions present on CT images, perfusion defects observable on DCE-MRI, and impairments visualized on FD ventilation and perfusion maps. Respiratory α-mapping derived from multivolumetric ufSSFP provides insights into functional lung impairment and may serve as a reproducible and normative measure for clinical studies. Magn Reson Med 78:1059-1069, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

  19. Representation of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the AHA / ACC guidelines.

    PubMed

    von Knobelsdorff-Brenkenhoff, Florian; Pilz, Guenter; Schulz-Menger, Jeanette

    2017-09-25

    Whereas evidence supporting the diagnostic value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has increased, there exists significant worldwide variability in the clinical utilization of CMR. A recent study demonstrated that CMR is represented in the majority of European Society for Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, with a large number of specific recommendations in particular regarding coronary artery disease. To further investigate the gap between the evidence and clinical use of CMR, this study analyzed the role of CMR in the guidelines of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA). Twenty-four AHA/ACC original guidelines, updates and new editions, published between 2006 and 2017, were screened for the terms "magnetic", "MRI", "CMR", "MR" and "imaging". Non-cardiovascular MR examinations were excluded. All CMR-related paragraphs and specific recommendations for CMR including the level of evidence (A, B, C) and the class of recommendation (I, IIa, IIb, III) were extracted. Twelve of the 24 guidelines (50.0%) contain specific recommendations regarding CMR. Four guidelines (16.7%) mention CMR in the text only, and 8 (33.3%) do not mention CMR. The 12 guidelines with recommendations for CMR contain in total 65 specific recommendations (31 class-I, 23 class-IIa, 6 class-IIb, 5 class-III). Most recommendations have evidence level C (44/65; 67.7%), followed by level B (21/65; 32.3%). There are no level A recommendations. 22/65 recommendations refer to vascular imaging, 17 to congenital heart disease, 8 to cardiomyopathies, 8 to myocardial stress testing, 5 to left and right ventricular function, 3 to viability, and 2 to valvular heart disease. CMR is represented in two thirds of the AHA/ACC guidelines, which contain a number of specific recommendations for the use of CMR. In a simplified comparison with the ESC guidelines, CMR is less represented in the AHA/ACC guidelines in particular in the field of coronary artery disease.

  20. A POSSIBLE SIGNATURE OF LENSE-THIRRING PRECESSION IN DIPPING AND ECLIPSING NEUTRON-STAR LOW-MASS X-RAY BINARIES

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Homan, Jeroen, E-mail: jeroen@space.mit.edu

    2012-12-01

    Relativistic Lense-Thirring precession of a tilted inner accretion disk around a compact object has been proposed as a mechanism for low-frequency ({approx}0.01-70 Hz) quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in the light curves of X-ray binaries. A substantial misalignment angle ({approx}15 Degree-Sign -20 Degree-Sign ) between the inner-disk rotation axis and the compact-object spin axis is required for the effects of this precession to produce observable modulations in the X-ray light curve. A consequence of this misalignment is that in high-inclination X-ray binaries the precessing inner disk will quasi-periodically intercept our line of sight to the compact object. In the case of neutron-starmore » systems, this should have a significant observational effect, since a large fraction of the accretion energy is released on or near the neutron-star surface. In this Letter, I suggest that this specific effect of Lense-Thirring precession may already have been observed as {approx}1 Hz QPOs in several dipping/eclipsing neutron-star X-ray binaries.« less

  1. Fast and Slow Precession of Gaseous Debris Disks around Planet-accreting White Dwarfs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miranda, Ryan; Rafikov, Roman R.

    2018-04-01

    Spectroscopic observations of some metal-rich white dwarfs (WDs), believed to be polluted by planetary material, reveal the presence of compact gaseous metallic disks orbiting them. The observed variability of asymmetric, double-peaked emission-line profiles in about half of such systems could be interpreted as the signature of precession of an eccentric gaseous debris disk. The variability timescales—from decades down to 1.4 year (recently inferred for the debris disk around HE 1349–2305)—are in rough agreement with the rate of general relativistic (GR) precession in the test-particle limit. However, it has not been demonstrated that this mechanism can drive such a fast, coherent precession of a radially extended (out to 1 {R}ȯ ) gaseous disk mediated by internal stresses (pressure). Here, we use the linear theory of eccentricity evolution in hydrodynamic disks to determine several key properties of eccentric modes in gaseous debris disks around WDs. We find a critical dependence of both the precession period and radial eccentricity distribution of the modes on the inner disk radius, r in. For small inner radii, {r}in}≲ (0.2{--}0.4) {R}ȯ , the modes are GR-driven, with periods of ≈1–10 year. For {r}in}≳ (0.2{--}0.4) {R}ȯ , the modes are pressure dominated, with periods of ≈3–20 year. Correspondence between the variability periods and inferred inner radii of the observed disks is in general agreement with this trend. In particular, the short period of HE 1349–2305 is consistent with its small r in. Circum-WD debris disks may thus serve as natural laboratories for studying the evolution of eccentric gaseous disks.

  2. Recovery of methamphetamine associated cardiomyopathy predicted by late gadolinium enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

    PubMed

    Lopez, Javier E; Yeo, Khung; Caputo, Gary; Buonocore, Michael; Schaefer, Saul

    2009-11-11

    Methamphetamine is known to cause a cardiomyopathy which may be reversible with appropriate medical therapy and cessation of use. Late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been shown to identify fibrosis in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. We present a case of severe methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy in which cardiac function recovered after 6 months. Evaluation by CMR using late gadolinium enhancement was notable for an absence of enhancement, suggesting an absence of irreversible myocyte injury and a good prognosis. CMR may be useful to predict recovery in toxin-associated non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.

  3. Recovery of methamphetamine associated cardiomyopathy predicted by late gadolinium enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    Methamphetamine is known to cause a cardiomyopathy which may be reversible with appropriate medical therapy and cessation of use. Late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been shown to identify fibrosis in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. We present a case of severe methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy in which cardiac function recovered after 6 months. Evaluation by CMR using late gadolinium enhancement was notable for an absence of enhancement, suggesting an absence of irreversible myocyte injury and a good prognosis. CMR may be useful to predict recovery in toxin-associated non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. PMID:19906310

  4. Modeling North American Ice Sheet Response to Changes in Precession and Obliquity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tabor, C.; Poulsen, C. J.; Pollard, D.

    2012-12-01

    precession on the Laurentide and Cordillera ice sheets of North America. Preliminary model results show that the ice sheet response to changes in obliquity are larger than for precession despite providing a smaller direct insolation variation in the Northern Hemisphere high latitudes. A combination of enhanced Northern Hemisphere mid-latitude temperature gradient and longer cycle duration allow for a larger ice sheet response to obliquity than would be expected from insolation forcing alone. Conversely, a shorter duration dampens the ice sheet response to precession. Nevertheless, the precession cycle does cause significant changes in ice volume, a feature not observed in the Early Pleistocene δ18O records (Raymo and Nisancioglu, 2003). Future work will examine the climate response to an idealized transient orbit that includes concurrent variations in obliquity, precession, and eccentricity.

  5. Spin precession and spin Hall effect in monolayer graphene/Pt nanostructures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Savero Torres, W.; Sierra, J. F.; Benítez, L. A.; Bonell, F.; Costache, M. V.; Valenzuela, S. O.

    2017-12-01

    Spin Hall effects have surged as promising phenomena for spin logics operations without ferromagnets. However, the magnitude of the detected electric signals at room temperature in metallic systems has been so far underwhelming. Here, we demonstrate a two-order of magnitude enhancement of the signal in monolayer graphene/Pt devices when compared to their fully metallic counterparts. The enhancement stems in part from efficient spin injection and the large spin resistance of graphene but we also observe 100% spin absorption in Pt and find an unusually large effective spin Hall angle of up to 0.15. The large spin-to-charge conversion allows us to characterise spin precession in graphene under the presence of a magnetic field. Furthermore, by developing an analytical model based on the 1D diffusive spin-transport, we demonstrate that the effective spin-relaxation time in graphene can be accurately determined using the (inverse) spin Hall effect as a means of detection. This is a necessary step to gather full understanding of the consequences of spin absorption in spin Hall devices, which is known to suppress effective spin lifetimes in both metallic and graphene systems.

  6. Probing general relativistic precession around stellar-mass black holes with tomography and polarimetry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ingram, A.

    2017-10-01

    Accreting stellar-mass black holes often show a quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) in their X-ray flux, and an iron emission line in their X-ray spectrum. The iron line is generated through disc reflection, and its shape is distorted by rapid orbital motion and gravitational redshift. The physical origin of the QPO has long been debated, but is often attributed to Lense-Thirring precession, a General Relativistic effect causing the inner flow to precess as the spinning black hole twists up the surrounding space-time. This predicts a characteristic rocking of the iron line between red- and blueshift as the receding and approaching sides of the disc are respectively illuminated. I will first talk about our XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of the black hole binary H 1743-322 in which the line energy varies systematically over the ˜ 4 s QPO cycle, as predicted. This result has enabled us to map the inner accretion disc using tomographic techniques for the first time. I will then talk about the quasi-periodic swings in X-ray polarisation angle predicted by the precession model, and show how we can go about measuring such swings with the recently selected NASA Small explorer mission IXPE and proposed missions such as XIPE and eXTP.

  7. New test of general relativity - Measurement of de Sitter geodetic precession rate for lunar perigee

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bertotti, Bruno; Ciufolini, Ignazio; Bender, Peter L.

    1987-01-01

    According to general relativity, the calculated rate of motion of lunar perigee should include a contribution of 19.2 msec/yr from geodetic precession. It is shown that existing analyses of lunar-laser-ranging data confirm the general-relativistic rate for geodetic precession with respect to the planetary dynamical frame. In addition, the comparison of earth-rotation results from lunar laser ranging and from VLBI shows that the relative drift of the planetary dynamical frame and the extragalactic VLBI reference frame is small. The estimated accuracy is about 10 percent.

  8. Long-term evolution of orbits about a precessing oblate planet: 3. A semianalytical and a purely numerical approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gurfil, Pini; Lainey, Valéry; Efroimsky, Michael

    2007-12-01

    Construction of an accurate theory of orbits about a precessing and nutating oblate planet, in terms of osculating elements defined in a frame associated with the equator of date, was started in Efroimsky and Goldreich (2004) and Efroimsky (2004, 2005, 2006a, b). Here we continue this line of research by combining that analytical machinery with numerical tools. Our model includes three factors: the J 2 of the planet, its nonuniform equinoctial precession described by the Colombo formalism, and the gravitational pull of the Sun. This semianalytical and seminumerical theory, based on the Lagrange planetary equations for the Keplerian elements, is then applied to Deimos on very long time scales (up to 1 billion years). In parallel with the said semianalytical theory for the Keplerian elements defined in the co-precessing equatorial frame, we have also carried out a completely independent, purely numerical, integration in a quasi-inertial Cartesian frame. The results agree to within fractions of a percent, thus demonstrating the applicability of our semianalytical model over long timescales. Another goal of this work was to make an independent check of whether the equinoctial-precession variations predicted for a rigid Mars by the Colombo model could have been sufficient to repel its moons away from the equator. An answer to this question, in combination with our knowledge of the current position of Phobos and Deimos, will help us to understand whether the Martian obliquity could have undergone the large changes ensuing from the said model (Ward 1973; Touma and Wisdom 1993, 1994; Laskar and Robutel 1993), or whether the changes ought to have been less intensive (Bills 2006; Paige et al. 2007). It has turned out that, for low initial inclinations, the orbit inclination reckoned from the precessing equator of date is subject only to small variations. This is an extension, to non-uniform equinoctial precession given by the Colombo model, of an old result obtained by

  9. Chagas' heart disease: gender differences in myocardial damage assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

    PubMed

    Assunção, Antonildes N; Jerosch-Herold, Michael; Melo, Rodrigo L; Mauricio, Alejandra V; Rocha, Liliane; Torreão, Jorge A; Fernandes, Fabio; Ianni, Barbara M; Mady, Charles; Ramires, José A F; Kalil-Filho, Roberto; Rochitte, Carlos E

    2016-11-28

    Since a male-related higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with Chagas' heart disease has been reported, we aimed to investigate gender differences in myocardial damage assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Retrospectively, 62 seropositive Chagas' heart disease patients referred to CMR (1.5 T) and with low probability of having significant coronary artery disease were included in this analysis. Amongst both sexes, there was a strong negative correlation between LV ejection fraction and myocardial fibrosis (male r = 0.64, female r = 0.73, both P < 0.001), with males showing significantly greater myocardial fibrosis (P = 0.002) and lower LV ejection fraction (P < 0.001) than females. After adjustment for potential confounders, gender remained associated with myocardial dysfunction, and 53% of the effect was mediated by myocardial fibrosis (P for mediation = 0.004). Also, the transmural pattern was more prevalent among male patients (23.7 vs. 9.9%, P < 0.001) as well as the myocardial heterogeneity or gray zone (2.2 vs. 1.3 g, P = 0.003). We observed gender-related differences in myocardial damage assessed by CMR in patients with Chagas' heart disease. As myocardial fibrosis and myocardial dysfunction are associated to cardiovascular outcomes, our findings might help to understand the poorer prognosis observed in males in Chagas' disease.

  10. The Orbital precession around oblate spheroids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Montanus, J. M. C.

    2006-07-01

    An exact series will be given for the gravitational potential generated by an oblate gravitating source. To this end the corresponding Epstein-Hubbell type elliptic integral is evaluated. The procedure is based on the Legendre polynomial expansion method and on combinatorial techniques. The result is of interest for gravitational models based on the linearity of the gravitational potential. The series approximation for such potentials is of use for the analysis of orbital motions around a nonspherical source. It can be considered advantageous that the analysis is purely algebraic. Numerical approximations are not required. As an important example, the expression for the orbital precession will be derived for an object orbiting around an oblate homogeneous spheroid.

  11. Predictors of ischaemic mitral regurgitation recurrence in patients undergoing combined surgery: additional value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.

    PubMed

    Glaveckaite, Sigita; Uzdavinyte-Gateliene, Egle; Petrulioniene, Zaneta; Palionis, Darius; Valeviciene, Nomeda; Kalinauskas, Gintaras; Serpytis, Pranas; Laucevicius, Aleksandras

    2018-03-09

    We aimed to evaluate (i) the effectiveness of combined surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting with restrictive mitral valve annuloplasty) and (ii) the late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance-based predictors of ischaemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) recurrence. The prospective analysis included 40 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, IMR >II° and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction undergoing combined surgery. The degree of IMR and LV parameters were assessed preoperatively by transthoracic echocardiography, 3D transoesophageal echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance and postoperatively by transthoracic echocardiography. The effective mitral valve repair group (n = 30) was defined as having recurrent ischaemic mitral regurgitation (RIMR) ≤II° at the end of follow-up (25 ± 11 months). The surgery was effective: freedom from RIMR >II° at 1 and 2 years after surgery was 80% and 75%, respectively. Using multivariable logistic regression, 2 independent predictors of RIMR >II° were identified: ≥3 non-viable LV segments (odds ratio 22, P = 0.027) and ≥1 non-viable segment in the LV posterior wall (odds ratio 11, P = 0.026). Using classification trees, the best combinations of cardiovascular magnetic resonance-based and 3D transoesophageal echocardiography-based predictors for RIMR >II° were (i) posterior mitral valve leaflet angle >40° and LV end-systolic volume index >45 ml/m2 (sensitivity 100%, specificity 89%) and (ii) scar transmurality >68% in the inferior LV wall and EuroSCORE II >8 (sensitivity 83%, specificity 78%). There is a clear relationship between the amount of non-viable LV segments, especially in the LV posterior and inferior walls, and the recurrence of IMR after the combined surgery.

  12. Optimal three-dimensional reusable tug trajectories for planetary missions including correction for nodal precession

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Borsody, J.

    1976-01-01

    Equations are derived by using the maximum principle to maximize the payload of a reusable tug for planetary missions. The analysis includes a correction for precession of the space shuttle orbit. The tug returns to this precessed orbit (within a specified time) and makes the required nodal correction. A sample case is analyzed that represents an inner planet mission as specified by a fixed declination and right ascension of the outgoing asymptote and the mission energy. The reusable stage performance corresponds to that of a typical cryogenic tug. Effects of space shuttle orbital inclination, several trajectory parameters, and tug thrust on payload are also investigated.

  13. Improving sensitivity to magnetic fields and electric dipole moments by using measurements of individual magnetic sublevels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Cheng; Zhang, Teng; Weiss, David S.

    2018-03-01

    We explore ways to use the ability to measure the populations of individual magnetic sublevels to improve the sensitivity of magnetic field measurements and measurements of atomic electric dipole moments (EDMs). When atoms are initialized in the m =0 magnetic sublevel, the shot-noise-limited uncertainty of these measurements is 1 /√{2 F (F +1 ) } smaller than that of a Larmor precession measurement. When the populations in the even (or odd) magnetic sublevels are combined, we show that these measurements are independent of the tensor Stark shift and the second order Zeeman shift. We discuss the complicating effect of a transverse magnetic field and show that when the ratio of the tensor Stark shift to the transverse magnetic field is sufficiently large, an EDM measurement with atoms initialized in the superposition of the stretched states can reach the optimal sensitivity.

  14. Dynamic colloidal sorting on a magnetic bubble lattice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tierno, Pietro; Soba, Alejandro; Johansen, Tom H.; Sagués, Francesc

    2008-11-01

    We use a uniaxial garnet film with a magnetic bubble lattice to sort paramagnetic colloidal particles with different diameters, i.e., 1.0 and 2.8μm. We apply an external magnetic field which precesses around an axis normal to the film with a frequency Ω =62.8s-1 and intensity 3120A/m magnetic bubbles while the others are transported through the array. We complement the experimental measurements with numerical simulations to explore the sorting capability for particles with different magnetic moments.

  15. The search for axion-like dark matter using magnetic resonance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sushkov, Alexander; Casper Collaboration

    2016-05-01

    The nature of dark matter is one of the most important open problems in modern physics, and it is necessary to develop techniques to search for a wide class of dark-matter candidates. Axions, originally introduced to resolve the strong CP problem in quantum chromodynamics (QCD), and axion-like particles (ALPs) are strongly motivated dark matter candidates. Nuclear spins interacting with axion-like background dark matter experience an energy shift, oscillating at the frequency equal to the axion Compton frequency. The Cosmic Axion Spin Precession Experiments (CASPEr) use precision magnetometry and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques to search for the effects of this interaction. The experimental signature is precession of the nuclear spins under the condition of magnetic resonance: when the bias magnetic field is tuned such that the nuclear spin sublevel splitting is equal to the axion Compton frequency. These experiments have the potential to detect axion-like dark matter in a wide mass range (10-12 eV to 10-6 eV, scanned by changing the bias magnetic field from approximately 1 gauss to 20 tesla) and with coupling strengths many orders of magnitude beyond the current astrophysical and laboratory limits, and all the way down to those corresponding to the QCD axion. Supported by the Heising-Simons Foundation.

  16. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Myocardial Infarction, Viability, and Cardiomyopathies

    PubMed Central

    West, Amy M.; Kramer, Christopher M.

    2010-01-01

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance provides the opportunity for a truly comprehensive evaluation of patients with a history of MI, with regards to characterizing the extent of disease, impact on LV function and degree of viable myocardium. The use of contrast-enhanced CMR for first-pass perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement is a powerful technique for delineating areas of myocardial ischemia and infarction. Using a combination of T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced CMR images, information about the acuity of an infarct can be obtained. There is an extensive amount of literature using contrast-enhanced CMR to predict myocardial functional recovery with revascularization in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathies. In addition, CMR imaging in patients with cardiomyopathies can distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic etiologies, with the ability to further characterize the underlying pathology for non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. PMID:20197150

  17. Cardiac structure and function in the obese: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging study.

    PubMed

    Danias, Peter G; Tritos, Nicholas A; Stuber, Matthias; Kissinger, Kraig V; Salton, Carol J; Manning, Warren J

    2003-07-01

    Obesity is a major health problem in the Western world. Among obese subjects cardiac pathology is common, but conventional noninvasive imaging modalities are often suboptimal for detailed evaluation of cardiac structure and function. We investigated whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can better characterize possible cardiac abnormalities associated with obesity, in the absence of other confounding comorbidities. In this prospective cross-sectional study, CMR was used to quantify left and right ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, mass, cardiac output, and apical left ventricular rotation in 25 clinically healthy obese men and 25 age-matched lean controls. Obese subjects had higher left ventricular mass (203 +/- 38 g vs. 163 +/- 22 g, p < 0.001), end-diastolic volume (176 +/- 29 mL vs. 156 +/- 25 mL, p < 0.05), and cardiac output (8.2 +/- 1.2 L/min vs. 6.4 +/- 1.3 L/min, p < 0.001). The obese also had increased right ventricular mass (105 +/- 25 g vs. 87 +/- 18 g, p < 0.005) and end-diastolic volume (179 +/- 36 mL vs. 155 +/- 28 mL, p < 0.05). When indexed for height, differences in left and right ventricular mass, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume remained significant. Apical left ventricular rotation and rotational velocity patterns were also different between obese and lean subjects. Obesity is independently associated with remodeling of the heart. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging identifies subtle cardiac abnormalities and may be the preferred imaging technique to evaluate cardiac structure and function in the obese.

  18. Resonant obliquity of Mars?. [climate driven by spin axis and orbit plane precession caused oscillations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ward, William R.; Rudy, Donald J.

    1991-01-01

    The large-scale oscillations generated by the obliquity of Mars through spin-axis and orbit-plane precessions constitute basic climate system drivers with periodicities of 100,000 yrs in differential spin axis-orbit precession rates and of over 1 million yrs in amplitude modulations due to orbital-inclination changes. Attention is presently given to a third time-scale for climate change, which involves a possible spin-spin resonance and whose mechanism operates on a 10-million-yr time-scale: this effect implies an average obliquity increase for Mars of 15 deg only 5 million yrs ago, with important climatic consequences.

  19. Hysteresis and precession of a swirling jet normal to a wall.

    PubMed

    Shtern, V; Mi, J

    2004-01-01

    Interaction of a swirling jet with a no-slip surface has striking features of fundamental and practical interest. Different flow states and transitions among them occur at the same conditions in combustors, vortex tubes, and tornadoes. The jet axis can undergo precession and bending in combustors; this precession enhances large-scale mixing and reduces emissions of NOx. To explore the mechanisms of these phenomena, we address conically similar swirling jets normal to a wall. In addition to the Serrin model of tornadolike flows, a new model is developed where the flow is singularity free on the axis. New analytical and numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations explain occurrence of multiple states and show that hysteresis is a common feature of wall-normal vortices or swirling jets no matter where sources of motion are located. Then we study the jet stability with the aid of a new approach accounting for deceleration and nonparallelism of the base flow. An appropriate transformation of variables reduces the stability problem for this strongly nonparallel flow to a set of ordinary differential equations. A particular flow whose stability is studied in detail is a half-line vortex normal to a rigid plane-a model of a tornado and of a swirling jet issuing from a nozzle in a combustor. Helical counter-rotating disturbances appear to be first growing as Reynolds number increases. Disturbance frequency changes its sign along the neutral curve while the wave number remains positive. Short disturbance waves propagate downstream and long waves propagate upstream. This helical instability causes bending of the vortex axis and its precession-the effects observed in technological flows and in tornadoes.

  20. In-situ magnetization/heating electron holography to study the magnetic ordering in arrays of nickel metallic nanowires

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ortega, Eduardo; Santiago, Ulises; Giuliani, Jason G.; Monton, Carlos; Ponce, Arturo

    2018-05-01

    Magnetic nanostructures of different size, shape, and composition possess a great potential to improve current technologies like data storage and electromagnetic sensing. In thin ferromagnetic nanowires, their magnetization behavior is dominated by the competition between magnetocrystalline anisotropy (related to the crystalline structure) and shape anisotropy. In this way electron diffraction methods like precession electron diffraction (PED) can be used to link the magnetic behavior observed by Electron Holography (EH) with its crystallinity. Using off-axis electron holography under Lorentz conditions, we can experimentally determine the magnetization distribution over neighboring nanostructures and their diamagnetic matrix. In the case of a single row of nickel nanowires within the alumina template, the thin TEM samples showed a dominant antiferromagnetic arrangement demonstrating long-range magnetostatic interactions playing a major role.

  1. In-situ magnetization/heating electron holography to study the magnetic ordering in arrays of nickel metallic nanowires.

    PubMed

    Ortega, Eduardo; Santiago, Ulises; Giuliani, Jason G; Monton, Carlos; Ponce, Arturo

    2018-05-01

    Magnetic nanostructures of different size, shape, and composition possess a great potential to improve current technologies like data storage and electromagnetic sensing. In thin ferromagnetic nanowires, their magnetization behavior is dominated by the competition between magnetocrystalline anisotropy (related to the crystalline structure) and shape anisotropy. In this way electron diffraction methods like precession electron diffraction (PED) can be used to link the magnetic behavior observed by Electron Holography (EH) with its crystallinity. Using off-axis electron holography under Lorentz conditions, we can experimentally determine the magnetization distribution over neighboring nanostructures and their diamagnetic matrix. In the case of a single row of nickel nanowires within the alumina template, the thin TEM samples showed a dominant antiferromagnetic arrangement demonstrating long-range magnetostatic interactions playing a major role.

  2. Precessional switching of a perpendicular anisotropy magneto-tunneling junction without a magnetic field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Drobitch, Justine L.; Ahsanul Abeed, Md; Bandyopadhyay, Supriyo

    2017-10-01

    We describe an approach to implement precessional switching of a perpendicular-magnetic-anisotropy magneto-tunneling-junction (p-MTJ) without using any magnetic field. The switching is accomplished with voltage-controlled-magnetic-anisotropy (VCMA), spin transfer torque (STT) and mechanical strain. The soft layer of the p-MTJ is magnetostrictive and the strain acts as an effective in-plane magnetic field around which the magnetization of the soft layer precesses to complete a flip. A two-terminal energy-efficient p-MTJ based memory cell, that is compatible with crossbar architecture and high cell density, is designed.

  3. Response of the Asian summer monsoons to idealized precession and obliquity forcing in a set of GCMs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bosmans, J. H. C.; Erb, M. P.; Dolan, A. M.; Drijfhout, S. S.; Tuenter, E.; Hilgen, F. J.; Edge, D.; Pope, J. O.; Lourens, L. J.

    2018-05-01

    We examine the response of the Indian and East Asian summer monsoons to separate precession and obliquity forcing, using a set of fully coupled high-resolution models for the first time: EC-Earth, GFDL CM2.1, CESM and HadCM3. We focus on the effect of insolation changes on monsoon precipitation and underlying circulation changes, and find strong model agreement despite a range of model physics, parameterization, and resolution. Our results show increased summer monsoon precipitation at times of increased summer insolation, i.e. minimum precession and maximum obliquity, accompanied by a redistribution of precipitation and convection from ocean to land. Southerly monsoon winds over East Asia are strengthened as a consequence of an intensified land-sea pressure gradient. The response of the Indian summer monsoon is less straightforward. Over south-east Asia low surface pressure is less pronounced and winds over the northern Indian Ocean are directed more westward. An Indian Ocean Dipole pattern emerges, with increased precipitation and convection over the western Indian Ocean. Increased temperatures occur during minimum precession over the Indian Ocean, but not during maximum obliquity when insolation is reduced over the tropics and southern hemisphere during northern hemisphere summer. Evaporation is reduced over the northern Indian Ocean, which together with increased precipitation over the western Indian Ocean dampens the increase of monsoonal precipitation over the continent. The southern tropical Indian Ocean as well as the western tropical Pacific (for precession) act as a moisture source for enhanced monsoonal precipitation. The models are in closest agreement for precession-induced changes, with more model spread for obliquity-induced changes, possibly related to a smaller insolation forcing. Our results indicate that a direct response of the Indian and East Asian summer monsoons to insolation forcing is possible, in line with speleothem records but in

  4. Prognostic Value of Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Cardiac Amyloidosis.

    PubMed

    Fontana, Marianna; Pica, Silvia; Reant, Patricia; Abdel-Gadir, Amna; Treibel, Thomas A; Banypersad, Sanjay M; Maestrini, Viviana; Barcella, William; Rosmini, Stefania; Bulluck, Heerajnarain; Sayed, Rabya H; Patel, Ketna; Mamhood, Shameem; Bucciarelli-Ducci, Chiara; Whelan, Carol J; Herrey, Anna S; Lachmann, Helen J; Wechalekar, Ashutosh D; Manisty, Charlotte H; Schelbert, Eric B; Kellman, Peter; Gillmore, Julian D; Hawkins, Philip N; Moon, James C

    2015-10-20

    The prognosis and treatment of the 2 main types of cardiac amyloidosis, immunoglobulin light chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis, are substantially influenced by cardiac involvement. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is a reference standard for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, but its potential for stratifying risk is unknown. Two hundred fifty prospectively recruited subjects, 122 patients with ATTR amyloid, 9 asymptomatic mutation carriers, and 119 patients with AL amyloidosis, underwent LGE cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Subjects were followed up for a mean of 24±13 months. LGE was performed with phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) and without (magnitude only). These were compared with extracellular volume measured with T1 mapping. PSIR was superior to magnitude-only inversion recovery LGE because PSIR always nulled the tissue (blood or myocardium) with the longest T1 (least gadolinium). LGE was classified into 3 patterns: none, subendocardial, and transmural, which were associated with increasing amyloid burden as defined by extracellular volume (P<0.0001), with transitions from none to subendocardial LGE at an extracellular volume of 0.40 to 0.43 (AL) and 0.39 to 0.40 (ATTR) and to transmural at 0.48 to 0.55 (AL) and 0.47 to 0.59 (ATTR). Sixty-seven patients (27%) died. Transmural LGE predicted death (hazard ratio, 5.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-13.7; P<0.0001) and remained independent after adjustment for N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, ejection fraction, stroke volume index, E/E', and left ventricular mass index (hazard ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-13.1; P<0.05). There is a continuum of cardiac involvement in systemic AL and ATTR amyloidosis. Transmural LGE is determined reliably by PSIR and represents advanced cardiac amyloidosis. The PSIR technique provides incremental information on outcome even after adjustment for known prognostic factors. © 2015 The Authors.

  5. Magnetic damping phenomena in ferromagnetic thin-films and multilayers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Azzawi, S.; Hindmarch, A. T.; Atkinson, D.

    2017-11-01

    Damped ferromagnetic precession is an important mechanism underpinning the magnetisation processes in ferromagnetic materials. In thin-film ferromagnets and ferromagnetic/non-magnetic multilayers, the role of precession and damping can be critical for spintronic device functionality and as a consequence there has been significant research activity. This paper presents a review of damping in ferromagnetic thin-films and multilayers and collates the results of many experimental studies to present a coherent synthesis of the field. The terms that are used to define damping are discussed with the aim of providing consistent definitions for damping phenomena. A description of the theoretical basis of damping is presented from early developments to the latest discussions of damping in ferromagnetic thin-films and multilayers. An overview of the time and frequency domain methods used to study precessional magnetisation behaviour and damping in thin-films and multilayers is also presented. Finally, a review of the experimental observations of magnetic damping in ferromagnetic thin-films and multilayers is presented with the most recent explanations. This brings together the results from many studies and includes the effects of ferromagnetic film thickness, the effects of composition on damping in thin-film ferromagnetic alloys, the influence of non-magnetic dopants in ferromagnetic films and the effects of combining thin-film ferromagnets with various non-magnetic layers in multilayered configurations.

  6. Phase precession through acceleration of local theta rhythm: a biophysical model for the interaction between place cells and local inhibitory neurons.

    PubMed

    Castro, Luísa; Aguiar, Paulo

    2012-08-01

    Phase precession is one of the most well known examples within the temporal coding hypothesis. Here we present a biophysical spiking model for phase precession in hippocampal CA1 which focuses on the interaction between place cells and local inhibitory interneurons. The model's functional block is composed of a place cell (PC) connected with a local inhibitory cell (IC) which is modulated by the population theta rhythm. Both cells receive excitatory inputs from the entorhinal cortex (EC). These inputs are both theta modulated and space modulated. The dynamics of the two neuron types are described by integrate-and-fire models with conductance synapses, and the EC inputs are described using non-homogeneous Poisson processes. Phase precession in our model is caused by increased drive to specific PC/IC pairs when the animal is in their place field. The excitation increases the IC's firing rate, and this modulates the PC's firing rate such that both cells precess relative to theta. Our model implies that phase coding in place cells may not be independent from rate coding. The absence of restrictive connectivity constraints in this model predicts the generation of phase precession in any network with similar architecture and subject to a clocking rhythm, independently of the involvement in spatial tasks.

  7. Ultra-sensitive atomic magnetometer for studying magnetization fields produced by hyperpolarized helium-3

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zou, Sheng; Zhang, Hong; Fang, Jian-cheng, E-mail: fangjiancheng@buaa.edu.cn

    2016-04-14

    An ingenious approach to acquire the absolute magnetization fields produced by polarized atoms has been presented in this paper. The method was based on detection of spin precession signal of the hyperpolarized helium-3 with ultra-sensitive atomic magnetometer of potassium by referring to time-domain analysis. At first, dynamic responses of the mixed spin ensembles in the presence of variant external magnetic fields have been analyzed by referring to the Bloch equation. Subsequently, the relevant equipment was established to achieve the functions of hyperpolarizing helium-3 and detecting the precession of spin-polarized noble gas. By analyzing the transient response of the magnetometer inmore » time domain, we obtained the relevant damping ratio and natural frequency. When the value of damping ratio reached the maximum value of 0.0917, the combined atomic magnetometer was in equilibrium. We draw a conclusion from the steady response: the magnetization fields of the polarized electrons and the hyperpolarized nuclei were corresponding 16.12 nT and 90.74 nT. Under this situation, the nuclear magnetization field could offset disturbing magnetic fields perpendicular to the orientation of the electronic polarization, and it preserved the electronic spin staying in a stable axis. Therefore, the combined magnetometer was particularly attractive for inertial measurements.« less

  8. New limit on Lorentz-invariance- and CPT-violating neutron spin interactions using a free-spin-precession He3-Xe129 comagnetometer.

    PubMed

    Allmendinger, F; Heil, W; Karpuk, S; Kilian, W; Scharth, A; Schmidt, U; Schnabel, A; Sobolev, Yu; Tullney, K

    2014-03-21

    We report on the search for a CPT- and Lorentz-invariance-violating coupling of the He3 and Xe129 nuclear spins (each largely determined by a valence neutron) to posited background tensor fields that permeate the Universe. Our experimental approach is to measure the free precession of nuclear spin polarized He3 and Xe129 atoms in a homogeneous magnetic guiding field of about 400 nT using LTC SQUIDs as low-noise magnetic flux detectors. As the laboratory reference frame rotates with respect to distant stars, we look for a sidereal modulation of the Larmor frequencies of the colocated spin samples. As a result we obtain an upper limit on the equatorial component of the background field interacting with the spin of the bound neutron b(⊥)(n)<8.4 × 10(-34)  GeV (68% C.L.). Our result improves our previous limit (data measured in 2009) by a factor of 30 and the world's best limit by a factor of 4.

  9. Torque-mixing magnetic resonance spectroscopy (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Losby, Joseph; Fani Sani, Fatemeh; Grandmont, Dylan T.; Diao, Zhu; Belov, Miro; Burgess, Jacob A.; Compton, Shawn R.; Hiebert, Wayne K.; Vick, Doug; Mohammad, Kaveh; Salimi, Elham; Bridges, Gregory E.; Thomson, Douglas J.; Freeman, Mark R.

    2016-10-01

    An optomechanical platform for magnetic resonance spectroscopy will be presented. The method relies on frequency mixing of orthogonal RF fields to yield a torque amplitude (arising from the transverse component of a precessing dipole moment, in analogy to magnetic resonance detection by electromagnetic induction) on a miniaturized resonant mechanical torsion sensor. In contrast to induction, the method is fully broadband and allows for simultaneous observation of the equilibrium net magnetic moment alongside the associated magnetization dynamics. To illustrate the method, comprehensive electron spin resonance spectra of a mesoscopic, single-crystal YIG disk at room temperature will be presented, along with situations where torque spectroscopy can offer complimentary information to existing magnetic resonance detection techniques. The authors are very grateful for support from NSERC, CRC, AITF, and NINT. Reference: Science 350, 798 (2015).

  10. Model of inter-cell interference phenomenon in 10 nm magnetic tunnel junction with perpendicular anisotropy array due to oscillatory stray field from neighboring cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ohuchida, Satoshi; Endoh, Tetsuo

    2018-06-01

    In this paper, we propose a new model of inter-cell interference phenomenon in a 10 nm magnetic tunnel junction with perpendicular anisotropy (p-MTJ) array and investigated the interference effect between a program cell and unselected cells due to the oscillatory stray field from neighboring cells by Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert micromagnetic simulation. We found that interference brings about a switching delay in a program cell and excitation of magnetization precession in unselected cells even when no programing current passes through. The origin of interference is ferromagnetic resonance between neighboring cells. During the interference period, the precession frequency of the program cell is 20.8 GHz, which synchronizes with that of the theoretical precession frequency f = γH eff in unselected cells. The disturbance strength of unselected cells decreased to be inversely proportional to the cube of the distance from the program cell, which is in good agreement with the dependence of stray field on the distance from the program cell calculated by the dipole approximation method.

  11. Basic physics of nuclear magnetic resonance.

    PubMed

    Patz, S

    1986-01-01

    This review of basic physics of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) discusses precession of magnetic nuclei in a static external field, introduces the concept of the rotating frame, and describes excitation of nuclei by an RF field. Treats subject of T1 and T2 relaxation from the dual viewpoints of (1) phenomena of relaxation times for both the longitudinal and transverse magnetization and (2) relaxation resulting from local field fluctuations. It describes practical ways in which T1 and T2 are measured (i.e., inversion recovery and spin-echo) and gives the value of the nuclear magnetization in thermodynamic equilibrium with a static external field. It discusses the reduction of NMR signal resulting from saturation. These concepts are related to clinical use with a set of four spin-echo images of a human head.

  12. Can cardiovascular magnetic resonance prompt early cardiovascular/rheumatic treatment in autoimmune rheumatic diseases? Current practice and future perspectives.

    PubMed

    Mavrogeni, Sophie I; Sfikakis, Petros P; Dimitroulas, Theodoros; Koutsogeorgopoulou, Loukia; Katsifis, Gikas; Markousis-Mavrogenis, George; Kolovou, Genovefa; Kitas, George D

    2018-06-01

    Life expectancy in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) remains lower compared to the general population, due to various comoborbidities. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the main contributor to premature mortality. Conventional and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have considerably improved long-term outcomes in ARDs not only by suppressing systemic inflammation but also by lowering CVD burden. Regarding atherosclerotic disease prevention, EULAR has recommended tight disease control accompanied by regular assessment of traditional CVD risk factors and lifestyle changes. However, this approach, although rational and evidence-based, does not account for important issues such as myocardial inflammation and the long asymptomatic period that usually proceeds clinical manifestations of CVD disease in ARDs before or after the diagnosis of systemic disease. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can offer reliable, reproducible and operator independent information regarding myocardial inflammation, ischemia and fibrosis. Some studies suggest a role for CMR in the risk stratification of ARDs and demonstrate that oedema/fibrosis visualisation with CMR may have the potential to inform cardiac and rheumatic treatment modification in ARDs with or without abnormal routine cardiac evaluation. In this review, we discuss how CMR findings could influence anti-rheumatic treatment decisions targeting optimal control of both systemic and myocardial inflammation irrespective of clinical manifestations of cardiac disease. CMR can provide a different approach that is very promising for risk stratification and treatment modification; however, further studies are needed before the inclusion of CMR in the routine evaluation and treatment of patients with ARDs.

  13. The preferred magnetic resonance imaging planes in quantifying visceral adipose tissue and evaluating cardiovascular risk.

    PubMed

    Liu, K H; Chan, Y L; Chan, J C N; Chan, W B; Kong, M O; Poon, M Y

    2005-09-01

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a well-accepted non-invasive method in the quantification of visceral adipose tissue. However, a standard method of measurement has not yet been universally agreed. The objectives of the present study were 2-fold, firstly, to identify the imaging plane in the Chinese population which gives the best correlation with total visceral adipose tissue volume and cardiovascular risk factors; and secondly to compare the correlations between single-slice and multiple-slice approach with cardiovascular risk factors. Thirty-seven Chinese subjects with no known medical history underwent MRI examination for quantifying total visceral adipose tissue volume. The visceral adipose tissue area at five axial imaging levels within abdomen and pelvis were determined. All subjects had blood pressure measured and fasting blood taken for analysis of cardiovascular risk factors. Framingham risk score for each subject was calculated. The imaging plane at the level of 'lower costal margin' (LCM) in both men and women had the highest correlation with total visceral adipose tissue volume (r = 0.97 and 0.99 respectively). The visceral adipose tissue area at specific imaging levels showed higher correlations with various cardiovascular risk factors and Framingham risk score than total visceral adipose tissue volume. The visceral adipose tissue area at 'umbilicus' (UMB) level in men (r = 0.88) and LCM level in women (r = 0.70) showed the best correlation with Framingham risk score. The imaging plane at the level of LCM is preferred for reflecting total visceral adipose tissue volume in Chinese subjects. For investigating the association of cardiovascular risk with visceral adipose tissue in MRI-obesity research, the single-slice approach is superior to the multiple-slice approach, with the level of UMB in men and LCM in women as the preferred imaging planes.

  14. Precessão do jato de 3C120: simulações hidrodinâmicas 3D

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Caproni, A.; de Gouveia dal Pino, E. M.; Abraham, Z.; Raga, A. C.

    2003-08-01

    Observações com técnicas de interferometria com longa linha de base têm mostrado a existência de um jato relativístico com componentes superluminais na região central de 3C 120. Estas componentes são ejetadas em distintas direções no plano do céu e com diferentes velocidades aparentes. Estas características foram interpretadas em trabalhos anteriores como efeitos da precessão do jato relativístico. Neste trabalho, realizamos simulações tri-dimensionais do jato de 3C 120 utilizando os parâmetros de precessão determinados em trabalhos anteriores e variando as características iniciais do jato e meio ambiente, tais como densidade numérica e temperatura. Todas as simulações foram feitas com o código hidrodinâmico YGUAZÚ-A, assumindo-se um jato adiabático descrito por uma equação de estado relativística. Pelo fato de estarmos utilizando um código hidrodinâmico, nós assumimos que a intensidade do campo magnético e a distribuição de partículas, necessários para se calcular a emissão sincrotron, são proporcionais à pressão hidrodinâmica. Comparação entre dois cenários distintos, nos quais o material do jato é ejetado com velocidade constante (jato contínuo) e com velocidade modulada por um padrão sinusoidal no tempo (jato intermitente), é apresentada e discutida. Para jatos que apresentam fenômenos de precessão e intermitência, com amplitude de variação na velocidade de injeção maior que dez por cento da velocidade média de injeção, a hipótese balística, controlada pela intermitencia, é mais provável. Por outro lado, para jatos com precessão mas sem intermitência (ou com amplitude de variabilidade em velocidade mais baixa que no caso anterior), o efeito da precessão na morfologia do jato não é desprezível. Portanto, de um modo geral, ambos efeitos (precessão e movimentos balísticos) devem estar concorrendo para afetar a morfologia dos jatos superluminais.

  15. Employing Extracellular Volume Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Measures of Myocardial Fibrosis to Foster Novel Therapeutics.

    PubMed

    Schelbert, Erik B; Sabbah, Hani N; Butler, Javed; Gheorghiade, Mihai

    2017-06-01

    Quantifying myocardial fibrosis (MF) with myocardial extracellular volume measures acquired during cardiovascular magnetic resonance promises to transform clinical care by advancing pathophysiologic understanding and fostering novel therapeutics. Extracellular volume quantifies MF by measuring the extracellular compartment depicted by the myocardial uptake of contrast relative to plasma. MF is a key domain of dysfunctional but viable myocardium among others (eg, microvascular dysfunction and cardiomyocyte/mitochondrial dysfunction). Although anatomically distinct, these domains may functionally interact. MF represents pathological remodeling in the heart associated with cardiac dysfunction and adverse outcomes likely mediated by interactions with the microvasculature and the cardiomyocyte. Reversal of MF improves key measures of cardiac dysfunction, so reversal of MF represents a likely mechanism for improved outcomes. Instead of characterizing the myocardium as homogenous tissue and using important yet still generic descriptors, such as thickness (hypertrophy) and function (diastolic or systolic), which lack mechanistic specificity, paradigms of cardiac disease have evolved to conceptualize myocardial disease and patient vulnerability based on the extent of disease involving its various compartments. Specifying myocardial compartmental involvement may then implicate cellular/molecular disease pathways for treatment and targeted pharmaceutical development and above all highlight the role of the cardiac-specific pathology in heart failure among myriad other changes in the heart and beyond. The cardiology community now requires phase 2 and 3 clinical trials to examine strategies for the regression/prevention of MF and eventually biomarkers to identify MF without reliance on cardiovascular magnetic resonance. It seems likely that efficacious antifibrotic therapy will improve outcomes, but definitive data are needed. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

  16. Left Ventricular Structure and Risk of Cardiovascular Events: A Framingham Heart Study Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study

    PubMed Central

    Tsao, Connie W; Gona, Philimon N; Salton, Carol J; Chuang, Michael L; Levy, Daniel; Manning, Warren J; O’Donnell, Christopher J

    2015-01-01

    Background Elevated left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and concentric left ventricular (LV) remodeling are related to adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The predictive utility of LV concentric remodeling and LV mass in the prediction of CVD events is not well characterized. Methods and Results Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort members without prevalent CVD (n=1715, 50% men, aged 65±9 years) underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance for LVMI and geometry (2002–2006) and were prospectively followed for incident CVD (myocardial infarction, coronary insufficiency, heart failure, stroke) or CVD death. Over 13 808 person-years of follow-up (median 8.4, range 0.0 to 10.5 years), 85 CVD events occurred. In multivariable-adjusted proportional hazards regression models, each 10-g/m2 increment in LVMI and each 0.1 unit in relative wall thickness was associated with 33% and 59% increased risk for CVD, respectively (P=0.004 and P=0.009, respectively). The association between LV mass/LV end-diastolic volume and incident CVD was borderline significant (P=0.053). Multivariable-adjusted risk reclassification models showed a modest improvement in CVD risk prediction with the incorporation of cardiovascular magnetic resonance LVMI and measures of LV concentricity (C-statistic 0.71 [95% CI 0.65 to 0.78] for the model with traditional risk factors only, improved to 0.74 [95% CI 0.68 to 0.80] for the risk factor model additionally including LVMI and relative wall thickness). Conclusions Among adults free of prevalent CVD in the community, greater LVMI and LV concentric hypertrophy are associated with a marked increase in adverse incident CVD events. The potential benefit of aggressive primary prevention to modify LV mass and geometry in these adults requires further investigation. PMID:26374295

  17. Left Ventricular Structure and Risk of Cardiovascular Events: A Framingham Heart Study Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study.

    PubMed

    Tsao, Connie W; Gona, Philimon N; Salton, Carol J; Chuang, Michael L; Levy, Daniel; Manning, Warren J; O'Donnell, Christopher J

    2015-09-15

    Elevated left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and concentric left ventricular (LV) remodeling are related to adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The predictive utility of LV concentric remodeling and LV mass in the prediction of CVD events is not well characterized. Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort members without prevalent CVD (n=1715, 50% men, aged 65±9 years) underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance for LVMI and geometry (2002-2006) and were prospectively followed for incident CVD (myocardial infarction, coronary insufficiency, heart failure, stroke) or CVD death. Over 13 808 person-years of follow-up (median 8.4, range 0.0 to 10.5 years), 85 CVD events occurred. In multivariable-adjusted proportional hazards regression models, each 10-g/m(2) increment in LVMI and each 0.1 unit in relative wall thickness was associated with 33% and 59% increased risk for CVD, respectively (P=0.004 and P=0.009, respectively). The association between LV mass/LV end-diastolic volume and incident CVD was borderline significant (P=0.053). Multivariable-adjusted risk reclassification models showed a modest improvement in CVD risk prediction with the incorporation of cardiovascular magnetic resonance LVMI and measures of LV concentricity (C-statistic 0.71 [95% CI 0.65 to 0.78] for the model with traditional risk factors only, improved to 0.74 [95% CI 0.68 to 0.80] for the risk factor model additionally including LVMI and relative wall thickness). Among adults free of prevalent CVD in the community, greater LVMI and LV concentric hypertrophy are associated with a marked increase in adverse incident CVD events. The potential benefit of aggressive primary prevention to modify LV mass and geometry in these adults requires further investigation. © 2015 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

  18. Mapping the magnetic and crystal structure in cobalt nanowires

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cantu-Valle, Jesus; Betancourt, Israel; Sanchez, John E.

    2015-07-14

    Using off-axis electron holography under Lorentz microscopy conditions to experimentally determine the magnetization distribution in individual cobalt (Co) nanowires, and scanning precession-electron diffraction to obtain their crystalline orientation phase map, allowed us to directly visualize with high accuracy the effect of crystallographic texture on the magnetization of nanowires. The influence of grain boundaries and disorientations on the magnetic structure is correlated on the basis of micromagnetic analysis in order to establish the detailed relationship between magnetic and crystalline structure. This approach demonstrates the applicability of the method employed and provides further understanding on the effect of crystalline structure on magneticmore » properties at the nanometric scale.« less

  19. Identification of peripheral vessels in oral and maxillofacial regions on magnetic resonance angiography obtained using a balanced steady-state free-precession sequence with a time-spatial labeling inversion pulse and using fresh blood imaging.

    PubMed

    Oda, Masafumi; Tanaka, Tatsurou; Yamashita, Yoshihiro; Kito, Shinji; Wakasugi-Sato, Nao; Matsumoto-Takeda, Shinobu; Nishimura, Shun; Habu, Manabu; Kodama, Masaaki; Uehara, Masataka; Kaneuji, Tsuyoshi; Kokuryo, Shinya; Miyamoto, Ikuya; Yoshiga, Daigo; Seta, Yuji; Tominaga, Kazuhiro; Yoshioka, Izumi; Morimoto, Yasuhiro

    2013-12-01

    To elucidate the characteristics of visualizing thin main peripheral vessels in oral and maxillofacial regions of 3-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using a balanced steady-state free-precession (SSFP) sequence with a time-spatial labeling inversion pulse (time-SLIP) and using fresh blood imaging (FBI). The conspicuity of blood vessels and the characteristics on MRA using SSFP with a time-SLIP was compared with those on MRA using FBI in 20 healthy participants. The conspicuity of the main peripheral arteries was significantly higher on MRA using SSFP with a time-SLIP than on MRA using FBI. MRA scans using SSFP were obtained in all participants, and scans using FBI were obtained in 16 of 20 participants. An electrocardiogram was unnecessary when using SSFP but was necessary when using FBI. MRA obtained using SSFP with a time-SLIP is a useful technique to visualize thin main peripheral arteries in the oral and maxillofacial regions without contrast medium. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Technical Note: MR-visualization of interventional devices using transient field alterations and balanced steady-state free precession imaging.

    PubMed

    Eibofner, Frank; Martirosian, Petros; Würslin, Christian; Graf, Hansjörg; Syha, Roland; Clasen, Stephan

    2015-11-01

    In interventional magnetic resonance imaging, instruments can be equipped with conducting wires for visualization by current application. The potential of sequence triggered application of transient direct currents in balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging is demonstrated. A conductor and a modified catheter were examined in water phantoms and in an ex vivo porcine liver. The current was switched by a trigger pulse in the bSSFP sequence in an interval between radiofrequency pulse and signal acquisition. Magnitude and phase images were recorded. Regions with transient field alterations were evaluated by a postprocessing algorithm. A phase mask was computed and overlaid with the magnitude image. Transient field alterations caused continuous phase shifts, which were separated by the postprocessing algorithm from phase jumps due to persistent field alterations. The overlaid images revealed the position of the conductor. The modified catheter generated visible phase offset in all orientations toward the static magnetic field and could be unambiguously localized in the ex vivo porcine liver. The application of a sequence triggered, direct current in combination with phase imaging allows conspicuous localization of interventional devices with a bSSFP sequence.

  1. Pulsed magnetic field generation suited for low-field unilateral nuclear magnetic resonance systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gaunkar, Neelam Prabhu; Selvaraj, Jayaprakash; Theh, Wei-Shen; Weber, Robert; Mina, Mani

    2018-05-01

    Pulsed magnetic fields can be used to provide instantaneous localized magnetic field variations. In presence of static fields, pulsed field variations are often used to apply torques and in-effect to measure behavior of magnetic moments in different states. In this work, the design and experimental performance of a pulsed magnetic field generator suited for low static field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) applications is presented. One of the challenges of low bias field NMR measurements is low signal to noise ratio due to the comparable nature of the bias field and the pulsed field. Therefore, a circuit is designed to apply pulsed currents through an inductive load, leading to generation of pulsed magnetic fields which can temporarily overpower the effect of the bias field on magnetic moments. The designed circuit will be tuned to operate at the precession frequency of 1H (protons) placed in a bias field produced by permanent magnets. The designed circuit parameters may be tuned to operate under different bias conditions. Therefore, low field NMR measurements can be performed for different bias fields. Circuit simulations were used to determine design parameters, corresponding experimental measurements will be presented in this work.

  2. MRXCAT: Realistic numerical phantoms for cardiovascular magnetic resonance

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Computer simulations are important for validating novel image acquisition and reconstruction strategies. In cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), numerical simulations need to combine anatomical information and the effects of cardiac and/or respiratory motion. To this end, a framework for realistic CMR simulations is proposed and its use for image reconstruction from undersampled data is demonstrated. Methods The extended Cardiac-Torso (XCAT) anatomical phantom framework with various motion options was used as a basis for the numerical phantoms. Different tissue, dynamic contrast and signal models, multiple receiver coils and noise are simulated. Arbitrary trajectories and undersampled acquisition can be selected. The utility of the framework is demonstrated for accelerated cine and first-pass myocardial perfusion imaging using k-t PCA and k-t SPARSE. Results MRXCAT phantoms allow for realistic simulation of CMR including optional cardiac and respiratory motion. Example reconstructions from simulated undersampled k-t parallel imaging demonstrate the feasibility of simulated acquisition and reconstruction using the presented framework. Myocardial blood flow assessment from simulated myocardial perfusion images highlights the suitability of MRXCAT for quantitative post-processing simulation. Conclusion The proposed MRXCAT phantom framework enables versatile and realistic simulations of CMR including breathhold and free-breathing acquisitions. PMID:25204441

  3. Recommendations for cardiovascular magnetic resonance in adults with congenital heart disease from the respective working groups of the European Society of Cardiology

    PubMed Central

    Kilner, Philip J.; Geva, Tal; Kaemmerer, Harald; Trindade, Pedro T.; Schwitter, Juerg; Webb, Gary D.

    2010-01-01

    This paper aims to provide information and explanations regarding the clinically relevant options, strengths, and limitations of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in relation to adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance can provide assessments of anatomical connections, biventricular function, myocardial viability, measurements of flow, angiography, and more, without ionizing radiation. It should be regarded as a necessary facility in a centre specializing in the care of adults with CHD. Also, those using CMR to investigate acquired heart disease should be able to recognize and evaluate previously unsuspected CHD such as septal defects, anomalously connected pulmonary veins, or double-chambered right ventricle. To realize its full potential and to avoid pitfalls, however, CMR of CHD requires training and experience. Appropriate pathophysiological understanding is needed to evaluate cardiovascular function after surgery for tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and after Fontan operations. For these and other complex CHD, CMR should be undertaken by specialists committed to long-term collaboration with the clinicians and surgeons managing the patients. We provide a table of CMR acquisition protocols in relation to CHD categories as a guide towards appropriate use of this uniquely versatile imaging modality. PMID:20067914

  4. Unusual negative permeability of single magnetic nanowire excited by the spin transfer torque effect

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Mangui; Zhou, Wu

    2018-07-01

    Due to the effect of spin transfer torque, negative imaginary parts of permeability (μ″ < 0) are reported in a ferromagnetic nanowire. It is found that negative μ″ values are resulted from the interaction of spin polarized conduction electrons with the spatially non-uniform distributed magnetic moments at both ends of nanowires. The results are well explained from the effect of spin transfer torque on the precession of magnetization under the excitation of both the pulsed magnetic field and static electric field.

  5. MR Fingerprinting Using Fast Imaging with Steady State Precession (FISP) with Spiral Readout

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, Yun; Ma, Dan; Seiberlich, Nicole; Gulani, Vikas; Griswold, Mark A.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose This study explores the possibility of using gradient echo based sequences other than bSSFP in the magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) framework to quantify the relaxation parameters. Methods An MRF method based on a fast imaging with steady state precession (FISP) sequence structure is presented. A dictionary containing possible signal evolutions with physiological range of T1 and T2 was created using the extended phase graph (EPG) formalism according to the acquisition parameters. The proposed method was evaluated in a phantom and a human brain. T1, T2 and proton density were quantified directly from the undersampled data by the pattern recognition algorithm. Results T1 and T2 values from the phantom demonstrate that the results of MRF FISP are in good agreement with the traditional gold-standard methods. T1 and T2 values in brain are within the range of previously reported values. Conclusion MRF FISP enables a fast and accurate quantification of the relaxation parameters, while is immune to the banding artifact of bSSFP due to B0 inhomogeneities, which could improve the ability to use MRF for applications beyond brain imaging. PMID:25491018

  6. Voltage-Driven Magnetization Switching and Spin Pumping in Weyl Semimetals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kurebayashi, Daichi; Nomura, Kentaro

    2016-10-01

    We demonstrate electrical magnetization switching and spin pumping in magnetically doped Weyl semimetals. The Weyl semimetal is a three-dimensional gapless topological material, known to have nontrivial coupling between the charge and the magnetization due to the chiral anomaly. By solving the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation for a multilayer structure of a Weyl semimetal, an insulator and a metal while taking the charge-magnetization coupling into account, magnetization dynamics is analyzed. It is shown that the magnetization dynamics can be driven by the electric voltage. Consequently, switching of the magnetization with a pulsed electric voltage can be achieved, as well as precession motion with an applied oscillating electric voltage. The effect requires only a short voltage pulse and may therefore be energetically favorable for us in spintronics devices compared to conventional spin-transfer torque switching.

  7. System design and verification of the precession electron diffraction technique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Own, Christopher Su-Yan

    2005-07-01

    Bulk structural crystallography is generally a two-part process wherein a rough starting structure model is first derived, then later refined to give an accurate model of the structure. The critical step is the determination of the initial model. As materials problems decrease in length scale, the electron microscope has proven to be a versatile and effective tool for studying many problems. However, study of complex bulk structures by electron diffraction has been hindered by the problem of dynamical diffraction. This phenomenon makes bulk electron diffraction very sensitive to specimen thickness, and expensive equipment such as aberration-corrected scanning transmission microscopes or elaborate methodology such as high resolution imaging combined with diffraction and simulation are often required to generate good starting structures. The precession electron diffraction technique (PED), which has the ability to significantly reduce dynamical effects in diffraction patterns, has shown promise as being a "philosopher's stone" for bulk electron diffraction. However, a comprehensive understanding of its abilities and limitations is necessary before it can be put into widespread use as a standalone technique. This thesis aims to bridge the gaps in understanding and utilizing precession so that practical application might be realized. Two new PED systems have been built, and optimal operating parameters have been elucidated. The role of lens aberrations is described in detail, and an alignment procedure is given that shows how to circumvent aberration in order to obtain high-quality patterns. Multislice simulation is used for investigating the errors inherent in precession, and is also used as a reference for comparison to simple models and to experimental PED data. General trends over a large sampling of parameter space are determined. In particular, we show that the primary reflection intensity errors occur near the transmitted beam and decay with increasing angle and

  8. A precessing jet in the NGC2264G outflow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McCoey, Carolyn; Teixeira, P. S.; Fich, M.; Lada, C. J.

    2007-05-01

    We present new infrared imaging of the NGC 2264 G protostellar outflow region, obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope. A jet in the red (eastern) outflow lobe is clearly detected in all four IRAC bands and, for the first time, is shown to continuously extend over the entire length of the red outflow lobe, as traced by CO observations. The jet also extends to a deeply embedded Class 0 source, VLA2, confirming previous suggestions that it is the driving source of the outflow. The images show that the easternmost part of the jet exhibits what appears to be multiple changes of direction. We consider two possible explanations for the jet morphology: (i) deflection of the jet off the walls of the outflow lobes as proposed by Fich & Lada (1997) and (ii) precession. The jet structure shown in the IRAC images can be largely, although not entirely, explained by a slowly precessing jet (period 8000 yr) that lies mostly on the plane of the sky. In either case it appears that the observed and inferred changes in the jet direction are sufficient to broaden the NGC 2264 G outflow to an extent comparable to that observed in the CO emission. P. S. T. acknowledges support from the scholarship SFRH/BD/13984/2003 awarded by the Fundaçao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (Portugal). Both M. F. and C. M. are supported by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant.

  9. Prognostic Value of Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Cardiac Amyloidosis

    PubMed Central

    Fontana, Marianna; Pica, Silvia; Reant, Patricia; Abdel-Gadir, Amna; Treibel, Thomas A.; Banypersad, Sanjay M.; Maestrini, Viviana; Barcella, William; Rosmini, Stefania; Bulluck, Heerajnarain; Sayed, Rabya H.; Patel, Ketna; Mamhood, Shameem; Bucciarelli-Ducci, Chiara; Whelan, Carol J.; Herrey, Anna S.; Lachmann, Helen J.; Wechalekar, Ashutosh D.; Manisty, Charlotte H.; Schelbert, Eric B.; Kellman, Peter; Gillmore, Julian D.; Hawkins, Philip N.

    2015-01-01

    Background— The prognosis and treatment of the 2 main types of cardiac amyloidosis, immunoglobulin light chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis, are substantially influenced by cardiac involvement. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is a reference standard for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, but its potential for stratifying risk is unknown. Methods and Results— Two hundred fifty prospectively recruited subjects, 122 patients with ATTR amyloid, 9 asymptomatic mutation carriers, and 119 patients with AL amyloidosis, underwent LGE cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Subjects were followed up for a mean of 24±13 months. LGE was performed with phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) and without (magnitude only). These were compared with extracellular volume measured with T1 mapping. PSIR was superior to magnitude-only inversion recovery LGE because PSIR always nulled the tissue (blood or myocardium) with the longest T1 (least gadolinium). LGE was classified into 3 patterns: none, subendocardial, and transmural, which were associated with increasing amyloid burden as defined by extracellular volume (P<0.0001), with transitions from none to subendocardial LGE at an extracellular volume of 0.40 to 0.43 (AL) and 0.39 to 0.40 (ATTR) and to transmural at 0.48 to 0.55 (AL) and 0.47 to 0.59 (ATTR). Sixty-seven patients (27%) died. Transmural LGE predicted death (hazard ratio, 5.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.1–13.7; P<0.0001) and remained independent after adjustment for N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, ejection fraction, stroke volume index, E/E′, and left ventricular mass index (hazard ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–13.1; P<0.05). Conclusions— There is a continuum of cardiac involvement in systemic AL and ATTR amyloidosis. Transmural LGE is determined reliably by PSIR and represents advanced cardiac amyloidosis. The PSIR technique provides incremental information on outcome even after

  10. Single and double acquisition strategies for compensation of artifacts from eddy current and transient oscillation in balanced steady-state free precession.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hyun-Soo; Choi, Seung Hong; Park, Sung-Hong

    2017-07-01

    To develop single and double acquisition methods to compensate for artifacts from eddy currents and transient oscillations in balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) with centric phase-encoding (PE) order for magnetization-prepared bSSFP imaging. A single and four different double acquisition methods were developed and evaluated with Bloch equation simulations, phantom/in vivo experiments, and quantitative analyses. For the single acquisition method, multiple PE groups, each of which was composed of N linearly changing PE lines, were ordered in a pseudocentric manner for optimal contrast and minimal signal fluctuations. Double acquisition methods used complex averaging of two images that had opposite artifact patterns from different acquisition orders or from different numbers of dummy scans. Simulation results showed high sensitivity of eddy-current and transient-oscillation artifacts to off-resonance frequency and PE schemes. The artifacts were reduced with the PE-grouping with N values from 3 to 8, similar to or better than the conventional pairing scheme of N = 2. The proposed double acquisition methods removed the remaining artifacts significantly. The proposed methods conserved detailed structures in magnetization transfer imaging well, compared with the conventional methods. The proposed single and double acquisition methods can be useful for artifact-free magnetization-prepared bSSFP imaging with desired contrast and minimized dummy scans. Magn Reson Med 78:254-263, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

  11. Equatorial Precession Drove Mid-Latitude Changes in ENSO-Scale Variation in the Earliest Miocene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fox, B.; D'Andrea, W. J.; Lee, D. E.; Wilson, G. S.

    2014-12-01

    Foulden Maar is an annually laminated lacustrine diatomite deposit from the South Island of New Zealand. The deposit was laid down over ~100 kyr of the latest Oligocene and earliest Miocene, during the peak and deglaciation phase of the Mi-1 Antarctic glaciation event. At this time, New Zealand was located at approximately the same latitude as today (~45°S). Evidence from organic geochemical proxies (δD, δ13C) and physical properties (density, colour) indicates the presence of an 11-kyr cycle at the site. Although it is known that 11-kyr insolation (half-precession) cycles occur between the Tropics, this cycle is rarely seen in sedimentary archives deposited outside the immediate vicinity of the Equator. Records from Foulden Maar correlate well with the amplitude and phase of the modelled equatorial half-precession cycle for the earliest Miocene. High-resolution (50 µm) colour intensity measurements and lamina thickness measurements both indicate the presence of significant ENSO-like (2-8 year) variation in the Foulden Maar sediments. Early results from targeted lamina thickness measurements suggest that ENSO-band variation is modulated by the 11-kyr cycle, with power in the ENSO band increasing during periods of increased insolation at the Equator. This implies that equatorial half-precession had a significant effect on ENSO-like variation in the early Miocene, and that this effect was felt as far afield as the mid-latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere.

  12. Identifying the Etiology: A Systematic Approach Using Delayed Enhancement Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

    PubMed Central

    Senthilkumar, Annamalai; Majmudar, Maulik D.; Shenoy, Chetan; Kim, Han W.; Kim, Raymond J.

    2009-01-01

    SYNOPSIS In patients with heart failure, treatment and survival are directly related to the etiology. Clinically, as a practical first step, patients are classified as having either ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy and this delineation is usually based on the presence or absence of epicardial coronary artery disease. However, this approach does not account for patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy who also have coronary artery disease, which may be either incidental or partly contributing to myocardial dysfunction (mixed cardiomyopathy). By allowing direct assessment of the myocardium, delayed enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DE-CMR) may aid in addressing these conundrums. In this article we explore how DE-CMR may be helpful in identifying ischemic and nonischemic myopathic processes and detail a systematic approach using this technique to determine the etiology of cardiomyopathy. PMID:19564013

  13. Gas dynamics and mixture formation in swirled flows with precession of air flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tretyakov, V. V.; Sviridenkov, A. A.

    2017-10-01

    The effect of precessing air flow on the processes of mixture formation in the wake of the front winding devices of the combustion chambers is considered. Visual observations have shown that at different times the shape of the atomized jet is highly variable and has signs of precessing motion. The experimental data on the distribution of the velocity and concentration fields of the droplet fuel in the working volume of the flame tube of a typical combustion chamber are obtained. The method of calculating flows consisted in integrating the complete system of Reynolds equations written in Euler variables and closed with the two-parameter model of turbulence k-ε. Calculation of the concentration fields of droplet and vapor fuel is based on the use of models for disintegration into droplets of fuel jets, fragmentation of droplets and analysis of motion and evaporation of individual droplets in the air flow. Comparison of the calculation results with experimental data showed their good agreement.

  14. Nonlocal and local magnetization dynamics excited by an RF magnetic field in magnetic multilayers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moriyama, Takahiro

    A microwave study in spintronic devices has been actively pursued in the past several years due to the fertile physics and potential applications. On one hand, a passive use of microwave can be very helpful to analyze and understand the magnetization dynamics in spintronic devices. Examples include ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) measurements, and various microwave spectrum analyses in ferromagnetic materials. The most important chrematistic parameter for the phenomenological analysis on the magnetization dynamics is, so called, the Gilbert damping constant. In this work, a relatively new measurement technique, a flip-chip FMR measurement, to conduct the ferromagnetic resonance measurements has been developed. The measurement technique is equally comparable to a conventional FMR measurement. The Gilbert damping constants were extracted for single ferromagnetic layer, spin vale structures, and magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). On the other hand, an active use of microwave yields a great potential for interesting phenomena which give new functionalities into spintronic devices. For instance, a spin wave excitation by an rf field can be used to reduce the switching field of a ferromagnet, i.e. microwave assisted magnetization reversal, which could be a potential application in advanced recording media. More interestingly, a precessing magnetization driven by an rf field can generate a pure spin current into a neighboring layer, i.e. spin pumping effect, which is one of the candidates for generating a pure spin current. A ferromagnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) is one of the important devices in spintronics, which is also the key device to investigate the local and nonlocal magnetization dynamics in this work. Therefore, it is also important to develop high quality MTJs. My work starts from the development of MTJ with AlOx and MgO tunnel barriers where it was found it is crucial to find the proper condition for forming a few nanometers thick tunnel barrier. After obtaining

  15. Relative influence of precession and obliquity in the early Holocene: Topographic modulation of subtropical seasonality during the Asian summer monsoon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Chi-Hua; Lee, Shih-Yu; Chiang, John C. H.

    2018-07-01

    On orbital timescales, higher summer insolation is thought to strengthen the continental monsoon while weakening the maritime monsoon in the Northern hemisphere. Through simulations using the Community Earth System Model, we evaluated the relative influence of perihelion precession and high obliquity in the early Holocene during the Asian summer monsoon. The major finding was that precession dominates the atmospheric heating change over the Tibetan Plateau-Himalayas and Maritime Continent, whereas obliquity is responsible for the heating change over the equatorial Indian Ocean. Thus, precession and obliquity can play contrasting roles in driving the monsoons on orbital timescales. In late spring-early summer, interior Asian continental heating drives the South and East Asian monsoons. The broad-scale monsoonal circulation further expands zonally in July-August, corresponding to the development of summer monsoons in West Africa and the subtropical Western North Pacific (WNP) as well as a sizable increase in convection over the equatorial Indian Ocean. Tropical and oceanic heating becomes crucial in late summer. Over South Asia-Indian Ocean (50°E-110°E), the precession maximum intensifies the monsoonal Hadley cell (heating with an inland/highland origin), which is opposite to the meridional circulation change induced by high obliquity (heating with a tropical origin). The existence of the Tibetan Plateau-Himalayas intensifies the precessional impact. During the late-summer phase of the monsoon season, the effect of obliquity on tropical heating can be substantial. In addition to competing with Asian continental heating, obliquity-enhanced heating over the equatorial Indian Ocean also has a Walker-type circulation impact, resulting in suppression of precession-enhanced heating over the Maritime Continent.

  16. Noninvasive cardiovascular imaging.

    PubMed

    Hartman, Robert J

    2014-01-01

    Over the past 2 decades, use of noninvasive cardiovascular imaging has increased dramatically. This article provides a brief synopsis of the current state of several technologies-- echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and cardiac computed tomography--as well as a glimpse at future possibilities in cardiac imaging.

  17. Voltage control of magnetic monopoles in artificial spin ice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chavez, Andres C.; Barra, Anthony; Carman, Gregory P.

    2018-06-01

    Current research on artificial spin ice (ASI) systems has revealed unique hysteretic memory effects and mobile quasi-particle monopoles controlled by externally applied magnetic fields. Here, we numerically demonstrate a strain-mediated multiferroic approach to locally control the ASI monopoles. The magnetization of individual lattice elements is controlled by applying voltage pulses to the piezoelectric layer resulting in strain-induced magnetic precession timed for 180° reorientation. The model demonstrates localized voltage control to move the magnetic monopoles across lattice sites, in CoFeB, Ni, and FeGa based ASI’s. The switching is achieved at frequencies near ferromagnetic resonance and requires energies below 620 aJ. The results demonstrate that ASI monopoles can be efficiently and locally controlled with a strain-mediated multiferroic approach.

  18. Additive value of 3T cardiovascular magnetic resonance coronary angiography for detecting coronary artery disease.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Lijun; Song, Xiantao; Dong, Li; Li, Jianan; Dou, Ruiyu; Fan, Zhanming; An, Jing; Li, Debiao

    2018-04-30

    The purpose of the work was to evaluate the incremental diagnostic value of free-breathing, contrast-enhanced, whole-heart, 3 T cardiovascular magnetic resonance coronary angiography (CE-MRCA) to stress/rest myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD). Fifty-one patients with suspected CAD underwent a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) examination (CE-MRCA, MPI, and LGE). The additive diagnostic value of MRCA to MPI and LGE was evaluated using invasive x-ray coronary angiography (XA) as the standard for defining functionally significant CAD (≥ 50% stenosis in vessels > 2 mm in diameter). 90.2% (46/51) patients (54.0 ± 11.5 years; 71.7% men) completed CE-MRCA successfully. On per-patient basis, compared to MPI/LGE alone or MPI alone, the addition of MRCA resulted in higher sensitivity (100% vs. 76.5%, p < 0.01), no change in specificity (58.3% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.6), and higher accuracy (89.1% vs 73.9%, p < 0.01) for CAD detection (prevalence = 73.9%). Compared to LGE alone, the addition of CE-MRCA resulted in higher sensitivity (97.1% vs. 41.2%, p < 0.01), inferior specificity (83.3% vs. 91.7%, p = 0.02), and higher diagnostic accuracy (93.5% vs. 54.3%, p < 0.01). The inclusion of successful free-breathing, whole-heart, 3 T CE-MRCA significantly improved the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy as compared to MPI and LGE alone for CAD detection.

  19. Searching for gravitational waves from compact binaries with precessing spins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harry, Ian; Privitera, Stephen; Bohé, Alejandro; Buonanno, Alessandra

    2016-07-01

    Current searches for gravitational waves from compact-object binaries with the LIGO and Virgo observatories employ waveform models with spins aligned (or antialigned) with the orbital angular momentum. Here, we derive a new statistic to search for compact objects carrying generic (precessing) spins. Applying this statistic, we construct banks of both aligned- and generic-spin templates for binary black holes and neutron star-black hole binaries, and compare the effectualness of these banks towards simulated populations of generic-spin systems. We then use these banks in a pipeline analysis of Gaussian noise to measure the increase in background incurred by using generic- instead of aligned-spin banks. Although the generic-spin banks have roughly a factor of ten more templates than the aligned-spin banks, we find an overall improvement in signal recovery at a fixed false-alarm rate for systems with high-mass ratio and highly precessing spins. This gain in sensitivity comes at a small loss of sensitivity (≲4 %) for systems that are already well covered by aligned-spin templates. Since the observation of even a single binary merger with misaligned spins could provide unique astrophysical insights into the formation of these sources, we recommend that the method described here be developed further to mount a viable search for generic-spin binary mergers in LIGO/Virgo data.

  20. Gender differences and normal left ventricular anatomy in an adult population free of hypertension. A cardiovascular magnetic resonance study of the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort.

    PubMed

    Salton, Carol J; Chuang, Michael L; O'Donnell, Christopher J; Kupka, Michelle J; Larson, Martin G; Kissinger, Kraig V; Edelman, Robert R; Levy, Daniel; Manning, Warren J

    2002-03-20

    We sought to derive gender-specific cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) reference values for normative left ventricular (LV) anatomy and function in a healthy adult population of clinically relevant age. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly applied in the clinical setting, but age-relevant, gender-specific normative values are currently unavailable. A representative sample of 318 Framingham Heart Study (FHS) Offspring participants free of clinically overt cardiovascular disease underwent CMR examination to determine LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume (EDV and ESV, respectively), mass, ejection fraction (EF) and linear dimensions (wall thickness, cavity length). Subjects with a clinical history of hypertension or those with a systolic blood pressure > or =140 mm Hg or diastolic pressure > or =90 mm Hg at any FHS cycle examination were excluded, leaving 142 subjects (63 men, 79 women; age 57 +/- 9 years). All volumetric (EDV, ESV, mass) and unidimensional measures were significantly greater (p < 0.001) in men than in women and remained greater (p < 0.02) after adjustment for subject height. Volumetric measures were greater (p < 0.001) in men than in women after adjustment for body surface area (BSA), but there were increased linear dimensions in women after adjustment for BSA. In particular, end-diastolic dimension indexed to BSA was greater in women (p < 0.001) than in men. There were no gender differences in global LVEF (men = 0.69; women = 0.70). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance measures of LV volumes, mass and linear dimensions differ significantly according to gender and body size. This study provides gender-specific normal CMR reference values, uniquely derived from a population-based sample of persons free of cardiovascular disease and clinical hypertension. These data may serve as a reference to identify LV pathology in the adult population.

  1. Gadolinium enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance in Anderson-Fabry disease. Evidence for a disease specific abnormality of the myocardial interstitium.

    PubMed

    Moon, James C C; Sachdev, Bhavesh; Elkington, Andrew G; McKenna, William J; Mehta, Atul; Pennell, Dudley J; Leed, Philip J; Elliott, Perry M

    2003-12-01

    Anderson-Fabry Disease (AFD), an X-linked disorder of sphingolipid metabolism, is a cause of idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy but the mechanism of hypertrophy is poorly understood. Gadolinium enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance can detect focal myocardial fibrosis. We hypothesised that hyperenhancement would be present in AFD. Eighteen males (mean 43+/-14 years) and eight female heterozygotes (mean 48+/-12 years) with AFD underwent cine and late gadolinium cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Nine male (50%) had myocardial hyperenhancement ranging from 3.4% to 20.6% (mean 7.7+/-5.7%) of total myocardium; in males, percentage hyperenhancement related to LV mass index (r=0.78, P=0.0002) but not to ejection fraction or left ventricular volumes. Lesser hyperenhancement was also found in four (50%) heterozygous females (mean 4.6%). In 12 (92%) patients with abnormal gadolinium uptake, hyperenhancement occurred in the basal infero-lateral wall where, unlike myocardial infarction, it was not sub-endocardial. In two male patients with severe LVH (left ventricular hypertrophy) and systolic impairment there was additional hyperenhancement in other myocardial segments. These observations suggests that myocardial fibrosis occurs in AFD and may contribute to the hypertrophy and the natural history of the disease.

  2. Extra-cardiac findings in cardiovascular magnetic resonance: what the imaging cardiologist needs to know.

    PubMed

    Rodrigues, Jonathan C L; Lyen, Stephen M; Loughborough, William; Amadu, Antonio Matteo; Baritussio, Anna; Dastidar, Amardeep Ghosh; Manghat, Nathan E; Bucciarelli-Ducci, Chiara

    2016-05-09

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an established non-invasive technique to comprehensively assess cardiovascular structure and function in a variety of acquired and inherited cardiac conditions. A significant amount of the neck, thorax and upper abdomen are imaged at the time of routine clinical CMR, particularly in the initial multi-slice axial and coronal images. The discovery of unsuspected disease at the time of imaging has ethical, financial and medico-legal implications. Extra-cardiac findings at the time of CMR are common, can be important and can change clinical management. Certain patient groups undergoing CMR are at particular risk of important extra-cardiac findings as several of the cardiovascular risk factors for atherosclerosis are also risk factors for malignancy. Furthermore, the presence of certain extra-cardiac findings may contribute to the interpretation of the primary cardiac pathology as some cardiac conditions have multi-systemic extra-cardiac involvement. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the type of extra-cardiac findings that may become apparent on CMR, subdivided by anatomical location. We focus on normal variant anatomy that may mimic disease, common incidental extra-cardiac findings and important imaging signs that help distinguish sinister pathology from benign disease. We also aim to provide a framework to the approach and potential further diagnostic work-up of incidental extra-cardiac findings discovered at the time of CMR. However, it is beyond the scope of this review to discuss and determine the clinical significance of extracardiac findings at CMR.

  3. The effects of a 50-Hz magnetic field on the cardiovascular system in rats

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Ling; Wan, Baoquan; Liu, Xingfa; Zhang, Yemao; Lai, Jinsheng; Ruan, Guoran; He, Mengying; Chen, Chen; Wang, Dao Wen

    2016-01-01

    A 50-Hz magnetic field (MF) is a potential health-risk factor. Its effects on the cardiovascular system have not been fully investigated. This study was conducted to explore the effects of long-term exposure to a 50-Hz MF on the cardiovascular system. In the study, an exposure system was constructed, and the distribution of the 50-Hz MF was determined. Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to a 50-Hz MF at 100 μT for 24 weeks, 20 h per day, while another 64 rats were sham exposed. During the exposure, blood pressure was measured every 4 weeks. After 24 weeks, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization and electrocardiography were performed. Moreover, heart and body weight were recorded, and haematoxylin–eosin staining and real-time PCR were conducted. The results showed that compared with the sham group, exposure to a 50-Hz MF did not exert any effects on blood pressure, pulse rate, heart rate or cardiac rhythm. Furthermore, echocardiography and cardiac catheterization showed that there were no significant differences in the cardiac morphology or haemodynamics. In addition, histopathological examination showed that exposure to a 50-Hz MF had no effects on the structure of the heart. Finally, expression of the cardiac hypertrophy–related genes did not show any significant differences between the 50-Hz MF exposure group and the sham group. Taken together, in SD rats, exposure to a 50-Hz/100 μT MF for 24 weeks did not show any obvious effects on the cardiovascular system. PMID:27694282

  4. 21 CFR 870.3690 - Pacemaker test magnet.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Pacemaker test magnet. 870.3690 Section 870.3690...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3690 Pacemaker test magnet. (a) Identification. A pacemaker test magnet is a device used to test an inhibited or triggered type...

  5. 21 CFR 870.3690 - Pacemaker test magnet.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Pacemaker test magnet. 870.3690 Section 870.3690...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3690 Pacemaker test magnet. (a) Identification. A pacemaker test magnet is a device used to test an inhibited or triggered type...

  6. 21 CFR 870.3690 - Pacemaker test magnet.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Pacemaker test magnet. 870.3690 Section 870.3690...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3690 Pacemaker test magnet. (a) Identification. A pacemaker test magnet is a device used to test an inhibited or triggered type...

  7. 21 CFR 870.3690 - Pacemaker test magnet.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Pacemaker test magnet. 870.3690 Section 870.3690...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3690 Pacemaker test magnet. (a) Identification. A pacemaker test magnet is a device used to test an inhibited or triggered type...

  8. A Precessing Jet in the CH Cyg Symbiotic System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karovska, Margarita; Gaetz, Terrance J.; Carilli, Christopher L.; Hack, Warren; Raymond, John C.; Lee, Nicholas P.

    2010-02-01

    Jets have been detected in only a few symbiotic binaries to date, and CH Cyg is one of them. In 2001, a non-relativistic jet was detected in CH Cyg for the first time in X-rays. We carried out coordinated Chandra, Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and VLA observations in 2008 to study the propagation of this jet and its interaction with the circumbinary medium. We detected the jet with Chandra and HST and determined that the apex has expanded to the south from ~300 AU to ~1400 AU, with the shock front propagating with velocity <100 km s-1. The shock front has significantly slowed down since 2001. Unexpectedly, we also discovered a powerful jet in the NE-SW direction, in the X-ray, optical and radio. This jet has a multi-component structure, including an inner jet and a counterjet at ~170 AU, and a SW component ending in several clumps extending out to ~750 AU. The structure of the jet and the curvature of the outer portion of the SW jet suggest an episodically powered precessing jet or a continuous precessing jet with occasional mass ejections or pulses. We carried out detailed spatial mapping of the X-ray emission and correlation with the optical and radio emission. X-ray spectra were extracted from the central source, inner NE counterjet, and the brightest clump at a distance of ~500 AU from the central source. We discuss the initial results of our analyses, including the multi-component spectral fitting of the jet components and of the central source.

  9. A Mechanical Principle for Acquisition of useful Power on a Celestial Body Through Utilisation of its Planetary Precession

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vulkov, K.

    In consequence of the phenomenon of planetary precession there emerges a possibility for acquisition of power through utilisation of the rotary motions in the universe. The idea is to acquire useful power on the working shaft of a properly designed machine installed on a celestial body (planet), at the expense of the motional energy of the latter. Strange as it may appear, this is possible if only the regulation of the machine be brought in line with the parameters of the precession. The principle of action of such a planetary engine, including an energy balance, is put forward in the present paper.

  10. Assessment and significance of left ventricular mass by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Olivotto, Iacopo; Maron, Martin S; Autore, Camillo; Lesser, John R; Rega, Luigi; Casolo, Giancarlo; De Santis, Marcello; Quarta, Giovanni; Nistri, Stefano; Cecchi, Franco; Salton, Carol J; Udelson, James E; Manning, Warren J; Maron, Barry J

    2008-08-12

    Our aim was to assess the distribution and clinical significance of left ventricular (LV) mass in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is defined echocardiographically by unexplained left ventricular wall thickening. Left ventricular mass, quantifiable by modern cardiovascular magnetic resonance techniques, has not been systematically assessed in this disease. In 264 HCM patients (age 43 +/- 18 years; 75% men), LV mass by cardiovascular magnetic resonance was measured, indexed by body surface area, and compared with that in 606 healthy control subjects. The LV mass index in HCM patients significantly exceeded that of control subjects (104 +/- 40 g/m(2) vs. 61 +/- 10 g/m(2) in men and 89 +/- 33 g/m(2) vs. 47 +/- 7 g/m(2) in women; both p < 0.0001). However, values were within the normal range (< or = mean +2 SDs for control subjects) in 56 patients (21%), and only mildly increased (mean +2 to 3 SDs) in 18 (16%). The LV mass index showed a modest relationship to maximal LV thickness (r(2) = 0.38; p < 0.001), and was greater in men (104 +/- 40 g/m(2) vs. 89 +/- 33 g/m(2) in women; p < 0.001) and in patients with resting outflow obstruction (121 +/- 43 g/m(2) vs. 96 +/- 37 g/m(2) in nonobstructives; p < 0.001). During a 2.6 +/- 0.7-year follow-up, markedly increased LV mass index proved more sensitive in predicting outcome (100%, with 39% specificity), whereas maximal wall thickness >30 mm was more specific (90%, with 41% sensitivity). In distinction to prior perceptions, LV mass index was normal in about 20% of patients with definite HCM phenotype. Therefore, increased LV mass is not a requirement for establishing the clinical diagnosis of HCM. The LV mass correlated weakly with maximal wall thickness, and proved more sensitive in predicting outcome.

  11. Assessment of aortic stiffness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis using cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

    PubMed

    Biesbroek, P Stefan; Heslinga, Sjoerd C; van de Ven, Peter M; Peters, Mike J L; Amier, Raquel P; Konings, Thelma C; Maroules, Christopher D; Ayers, Colby; Joshi, Parag H; van der Horst-Bruinsma, Irene E; van Halm, Vokko P; van Rossum, Albert C; Nurmohamed, Michael T; Nijveldt, Robin

    2018-05-12

    To evaluate aortic stiffness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and to assess its association with AS characteristics and left ventricular (LV) remodeling. In this prospective study, 14 consecutive AS patients were each matched to two controls without cardiovascular symptoms or known cardiovascular disease who underwent CMR imaging for the assessment of aortic arch pulse wave velocity (PWV) at 1.5 Tesla. To enhance comparability of the samples, matching was done with replacement resulting in 20 unique controls. Only AS patients with abnormal findings on screening echocardiography were included in this exploratory study. Cine CMR was used to assess LV geometry and systolic function, and late gadolinium enhancement was performed to determine the presence of myocardial hyperenhancement (i.e., fibrosis). Aortic arch PWV was significantly higher in the AS group compared with the control group (median 9.7 m/s, interquartile range [IQR] 7.1 to 11.8 vs. 6.1 m/s, IQR 4.6 to 7.6 m/s; p < 0.001). PWV was positively associated with functional disability as measured by BASFI (R: 0.62; p = 0.018). Three patients (21%) with a non-ischemic pattern of hyperenhancement showed increased PWV (11.7, 12.3, and 16.5 m/s) as compared to the 11 patients without hyperenhancement (9.0 m/s, IQR 6.6 to 10.5 m/s; p = 0.022). PWV was inversely associated with LV ejection fraction (R: - 0.63; p = 0.015), but was not found to be statistically correlated to LV volumes or mass. Aortic arch PWV was increased in our cohort of patients with AS. Higher PWV in the aortic arch was associated with functional disability, the presence of non-ischemic hyperenhancement, and reduced LV systolic function.

  12. New probe of magnetic fields in the prereionization epoch. I. Formalism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Venumadhav, Tejaswi; Oklopčić, Antonija; Gluscevic, Vera; Mishra, Abhilash; Hirata, Christopher M.

    2017-04-01

    We propose a method of measuring extremely weak magnetic fields in the intergalactic medium prior to and during the epoch of cosmic reionization. The method utilizes the Larmor precession of spin-polarized neutral hydrogen in the triplet state of the hyperfine transition. This precession leads to a systematic change in the brightness temperature fluctuations of the 21-cm line from the high-redshift universe, and thus the statistics of these fluctuations encode information about the magnetic field the atoms are immersed in. The method is most suited to probing fields that are coherent on large scales; in this paper, we consider a homogenous magnetic field over the scale of the 21-cm fluctuations. Due to the long lifetime of the triplet state of the 21-cm transition, this technique is naturally sensitive to extremely weak field strengths, of order 10-19 G at a reference redshift of ˜20 (or 10-21 G if scaled to the present day). Therefore, this might open up the possibility of probing primordial magnetic fields just prior to reionization. If the magnetic fields are much stronger, it is still possible to use this method to infer their direction, and place a lower limit on their strength. In this paper (Paper I in a series on this effect), we perform detailed calculations of the microphysics behind this effect, and take into account all the processes that affect the hyperfine transition, including radiative decays, collisions, and optical pumping by Lyman-α photons. We conclude with an analytic formula for the brightness temperature of linear-regime fluctuations in the presence of a magnetic field, and discuss its limiting behavior for weak and strong fields.

  13. Observation of spin superfluidity: YIG magnetic films and beyond

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sonin, Edouard

    2018-03-01

    From topology of the order parameter of the magnon condensate observed in yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) magnetic films one must not expect energetic barriers making spin supercurrents metastable. But we show that some barriers of dynamical origin are possible nevertheless until the gradient of the phase (angle of spin precession) does not exceed the critical value (analog of the Landau critical velocity in superfluids). On the other hand, recently published claims of experimental detection of spin superfluidity in YIG films and antiferromagnets are not justified, and spin superfluidity in magnetically ordered solids has not yet been experimentally confirmed.

  14. Network and intrinsic cellular mechanisms underlying theta phase precession of hippocampal neurons.

    PubMed

    Maurer, Andrew P; McNaughton, Bruce L

    2007-07-01

    Hippocampal 'place cells' systematically shift their phase of firing in relation to the theta rhythm as an animal traverses the 'place field'. These dynamics imply that the neural ensemble begins each theta cycle at a point in its state-space that might 'represent' the current location of the rat, but that the ensemble 'looks ahead' during the rest of the cycle. Phase precession could result from intrinsic cellular dynamics involving interference of two oscillators of different frequencies, or from network interactions, similar to Hebb's 'phase sequence' concept, involving asymmetric synaptic connections. Both models have difficulties accounting for all of the available experimental data, however. A hybrid model, in which the look-ahead phenomenon implied by phase precession originates in superficial entorhinal cortex by some form of interference mechanism and is enhanced in the hippocampus proper by asymmetric synaptic plasticity during sequence encoding, seems to be consistent with available data, but as yet there is no fully satisfactory theoretical account of this phenomenon. This review is part of the INMED/TINS special issue Physiogenic and pathogenic oscillations: the beauty and the beast, based on presentations at the annual INMED/TINS symposium (http://inmednet.com).

  15. Sculpting a Pre-planetary Nebula with a Precessing Jet: IRAS 16342-3814

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sahai, R.; Le Mignant, D.; Sánchez Contreras, C.; Campbell, R. D.; Chaffee, F. H.

    2005-03-01

    We have imaged the bipolar pre-planetary nebula IRAS 16342-3814 with the Keck adaptive optics (AO) system in four near-infrared bands in the 1.6-4.7 μm range. The lobes, which showed smoothly varying brightness distributions in previous optical images taken with the Hubble Space Telescope, have a limb-brightened appearance in the AO images, with a remarkable corkscrew structure inscribed on the lobe walls. A well-collimated, precessing jet with a diameter <~100 AU and a precession period <~50 yr, interacting with ambient circumstellar material, is most likely responsible for the corkscrew structure and the lobes, as indicated by a detailed comparison of our observations with published numerical simulations. The very red colors of the lobes in the near-infrared, coupled with their visibility at optical wavelengths, require that at least half, but not all, of the light of the central star be trapped by a compact circumstellar dust cloud heated to ~600-700 K and reradiated in the infrared. The lobes are thus illuminated both by the infrared light from this dust cloud as well as by the optical light from the central star.

  16. Theta phase precession and phase selectivity: a cognitive device description of neural coding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zalay, Osbert C.; Bardakjian, Berj L.

    2009-06-01

    Information in neural systems is carried by way of phase and rate codes. Neuronal signals are processed through transformative biophysical mechanisms at the cellular and network levels. Neural coding transformations can be represented mathematically in a device called the cognitive rhythm generator (CRG). Incoming signals to the CRG are parsed through a bank of neuronal modes that orchestrate proportional, integrative and derivative transformations associated with neural coding. Mode outputs are then mixed through static nonlinearities to encode (spatio) temporal phase relationships. The static nonlinear outputs feed and modulate a ring device (limit cycle) encoding output dynamics. Small coupled CRG networks were created to investigate coding functionality associated with neuronal phase preference and theta precession in the hippocampus. Phase selectivity was found to be dependent on mode shape and polarity, while phase precession was a product of modal mixing (i.e. changes in the relative contribution or amplitude of mode outputs resulted in shifting phase preference). Nonlinear system identification was implemented to help validate the model and explain response characteristics associated with modal mixing; in particular, principal dynamic modes experimentally derived from a hippocampal neuron were inserted into a CRG and the neuron's dynamic response was successfully cloned. From our results, small CRG networks possessing disynaptic feedforward inhibition in combination with feedforward excitation exhibited frequency-dependent inhibitory-to-excitatory and excitatory-to-inhibitory transitions that were similar to transitions seen in a single CRG with quadratic modal mixing. This suggests nonlinear modal mixing to be a coding manifestation of the effect of network connectivity in shaping system dynamic behavior. We hypothesize that circuits containing disynaptic feedforward inhibition in the nervous system may be candidates for interpreting upstream rate codes to

  17. Additional motional-magnetic-field considerations for electric-dipole-moment experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lamoreaux, S. K.

    1996-06-01

    Electric-dipole-moment experiments based on spin-precession measurements of stored atoms or neutrons are generally considered to be immune from the effects of v×E or motional magnetic fields. This is because the average velocity for such systems is zero. We show here that the fluctuating field associated with the random velocity, heretofore not considered, can in fact lead to sizable systematic effects.

  18. The effects of a 50-Hz magnetic field on the cardiovascular system in rats.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Ling; Wan, Baoquan; Liu, Xingfa; Zhang, Yemao; Lai, Jinsheng; Ruan, Guoran; He, Mengying; Chen, Chen; Wang, Dao Wen

    2016-11-01

    A 50-Hz magnetic field (MF) is a potential health-risk factor. Its effects on the cardiovascular system have not been fully investigated. This study was conducted to explore the effects of long-term exposure to a 50-Hz MF on the cardiovascular system. In the study, an exposure system was constructed, and the distribution of the 50-Hz MF was determined. Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to a 50-Hz MF at 100 μT for 24 weeks, 20 h per day, while another 64 rats were sham exposed. During the exposure, blood pressure was measured every 4 weeks. After 24 weeks, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization and electrocardiography were performed. Moreover, heart and body weight were recorded, and haematoxylin-eosin staining and real-time PCR were conducted. The results showed that compared with the sham group, exposure to a 50-Hz MF did not exert any effects on blood pressure, pulse rate, heart rate or cardiac rhythm. Furthermore, echocardiography and cardiac catheterization showed that there were no significant differences in the cardiac morphology or haemodynamics. In addition, histopathological examination showed that exposure to a 50-Hz MF had no effects on the structure of the heart. Finally, expression of the cardiac hypertrophy-related genes did not show any significant differences between the 50-Hz MF exposure group and the sham group. Taken together, in SD rats, exposure to a 50-Hz/100 μT MF for 24 weeks did not show any obvious effects on the cardiovascular system. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japan Radiation Research Society and Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology.

  19. Diagnostic and prognostic value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in non-ischaemic cardiomyopathies

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) is recognised as a valuable clinical tool which in a single scan setting can assess ventricular volumes and function, myocardial fibrosis, iron loading, flow quantification, tissue characterisation and myocardial perfusion imaging. The advent of CMR using extrinsic and intrinsic contrast-enhanced protocols for tissue characterisation have dramatically changed the non-invasive work-up of patients with suspected or known cardiomyopathy. Although the technique initially focused on the in vivo identification of myocardial necrosis through the late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) technique, recent work highlighted the ability of CMR to provide more detailed in vivo tissue characterisation to help establish a differential diagnosis of the underlying aetiology, to exclude an ischaemic substrate and to provide important prognostic markers. The potential application of CMR in the clinical approach of a patient with suspected non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy is discussed in this review. PMID:22857649

  20. Modeling of nutation-precession: Very long baseline interferometry results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Herring, T. A.; Mathews, P. M.; Buffett, B. A.

    2002-04-01

    Analysis of over 20 years of very long baseline interferometry data (VLBI) yields estimates of the coefficients of the nutation series with standard deviations ranging from 5 microseconds of arc (μas) for the terms with periods <400 days to 38 μas for the longest-period terms. The largest deviations between the VLBI estimates of the amplitudes of terms in the nutation series and the theoretical values from the Mathews-Herring-Buffett (MHB2000) nutation series are 56 +/- 38 μas (associated with two of the 18.6 year nutations). The amplitudes of nutational terms with periods <400 days deviate from the MHB2000 nutation series values at the level standard deviation. The estimated correction to the IAU-1976 precession constant is -2.997 +/- 0.008 mas yr-1 when the coefficients of the MHB2000 nutation series are held fixed and is consistent with that inferred from the MHB2000 nutation theory. The secular change in the obliquity of the ecliptic is estimated to be -0.252 +/- 0.003 mas yr-1. When the coefficients of the largest-amplitude terms in the nutation series are estimated, the precession constant correction and obliquity rate are estimated to be -2.960 +/- 0.030 and -0.237 +/- 0.012 mas yr-1. Significant variations in the freely excited retrograde free core nutation mode are observed over the 20 years. During this time the amplitude has decreased from ~300 +/- 50 μas in the mid-1980s to nearly zero by the year 2000. There is evidence that the amplitude of the mode in now increasing again.

  1. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance physics for clinicians: part II

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    This is the second of two reviews that is intended to cover the essential aspects of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) physics in a way that is understandable and relevant to clinicians using CMR in their daily practice. Starting with the basic pulse sequences and contrast mechanisms described in part I, it briefly discusses further approaches to accelerate image acquisition. It then continues by showing in detail how the contrast behaviour of black blood fast spin echo and bright blood cine gradient echo techniques can be modified by adding rf preparation pulses to derive a number of more specialised pulse sequences. The simplest examples described include T2-weighted oedema imaging, fat suppression and myocardial tagging cine pulse sequences. Two further important derivatives of the gradient echo pulse sequence, obtained by adding preparation pulses, are used in combination with the administration of a gadolinium-based contrast agent for myocardial perfusion imaging and the assessment of myocardial tissue viability using a late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) technique. These two imaging techniques are discussed in more detail, outlining the basic principles of each pulse sequence, the practical steps required to achieve the best results in a clinical setting and, in the case of perfusion, explaining some of the factors that influence current approaches to perfusion image analysis. The key principles of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) are also explained in detail, especially focusing on timing of the acquisition following contrast agent bolus administration, and current approaches to achieving time resolved MRA. Alternative MRA techniques that do not require the use of an endogenous contrast agent are summarised, and the specialised pulse sequence used to image the coronary arteries, using respiratory navigator gating, is described in detail. The article concludes by explaining the principle behind phase contrast imaging techniques

  2. Inter-study reproducibility of cardiovascular magnetic resonance tagging

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background The aim of this study is to determine the test-retest reliability of the measurement of regional myocardial function by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) tagging using spatial modulation of magnetization. Methods Twenty-five participants underwent CMR tagging twice over 12 ± 7 days. To assess the role of slice orientation on strain measurement, two healthy volunteers had a first exam, followed by image acquisition repeated with slices rotated ±15 degrees out of true short axis, followed by a second exam in the true short axis plane. To assess the role of slice location, two healthy volunteers had whole heart tagging. The harmonic phase (HARP) method was used to analyze the tagged images. Peak midwall circumferential strain (Ecc), radial strain (Err), Lambda 1, Lambda 2, and Angle α were determined in basal, mid and apical slices. LV torsion, systolic and early diastolic circumferential strain and torsion rates were also determined. Results LV Ecc and torsion had excellent intra-, interobserver, and inter-study intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC range, 0.7 to 0.9). Err, Lambda 1, Lambda 2 and angle had excellent intra- and interobserver ICC than inter-study ICC. Angle had least inter-study reproducibility. Torsion rates had superior intra-, interobserver, and inter-study reproducibility to strain rates. The measurements of LV Ecc were comparable in all three slices with different short axis orientations (standard deviation of mean Ecc was 0.09, 0.18 and 0.16 at basal, mid and apical slices, respectively). The mean difference in LV Ecc between slices was more pronounced in most of the basal slices compared to the rest of the heart. Conclusions Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of all strain and torsion parameters was excellent. Inter-study reproducibility of CMR tagging by SPAMM varied between different parameters as described in the results above and was superior for Ecc and LV torsion. The variation in LV Ecc

  3. Elementary Analysis of the Special Relativistic Combination of Velocities, Wigner Rotation and Thomas Precession

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    O'Donnell, Kane; Visser, Matt

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to provide an elementary introduction to the qualitative and quantitative results of velocity combination in special relativity, including the Wigner rotation and Thomas precession. We utilize only the most familiar tools of special relativity, in arguments presented at three differing levels: (1) utterly elementary,…

  4. Mitigation of near-band balanced steady-state free precession through-plane flow artifacts using partial dephasing.

    PubMed

    Datta, Anjali; Cheng, Joseph Y; Hargreaves, Brian A; Baron, Corey A; Nishimura, Dwight G

    2018-06-01

    To mitigate artifacts from through-plane flow at the locations of steady-state stopbands in balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) using partial dephasing. A 60° range in the phase accrual during a TR was created over the voxel by slightly unbalancing the slice-select dephaser. The spectral profiles of SSFP with partial dephasing for various constant flow rates and during pulsatile flow were simulated to determine if partial dephasing decreases through-plane flow artifacts originating near SSFP dark bands while maintaining on-resonant signal. Simulations were then validated in a flow phantom. Lastly, phase-cycled SSFP cardiac cine images were acquired with and without partial dephasing in six subjects. Partial dephasing decreased the strength and non-linearity of the dependence of the signal at the stopbands on the through-plane flow rate. It thus mitigated hyper-enhancement from out-of-slice signal contributions and transient-related artifacts caused by variable flow both in the phantom and in vivo. In six volunteers, partial dephasing noticeably decreased artifacts in all of the phase-cycled cardiac cine datasets. Partial dephasing can mitigate the flow artifacts seen at the stopbands in balanced SSFP while maintaining the sequence's desired signal. By mitigating hyper-enhancement and transient-related artifacts originating from the stopbands, partial dephasing facilitates robust multiple-acquisition phase-cycled SSFP in the heart. Magn Reson Med 79:2944-2953, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

  5. The histological basis of late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance in a patient with Anderson-Fabry disease.

    PubMed

    Moon, James C; Sheppard, Mary; Reed, Emma; Lee, Phillip; Elliott, Perry M; Pennell, Dudley J

    2006-01-01

    Anderson-Fabry Disease (AFD) is a storage disease that mimics hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance occurs in approximately 50% of patients in the basal inferolateral LV wall, but how an intracellular storage disease causes focal LGE is unknown. We present a whole-heart histological validation that LGE is caused by focal myocardial collagen scarring. This scarring may be the substrate for electrical re-entry and sudden arrhythmic death. The reasons for this distribution of fibrosis are unclear, but may reflect inhomogeneous left ventricular wall stress.

  6. Cardiac magnetic resonance analysis of right ventricular function: comparison of quantification in the short-axis and 4-chamber planes.

    PubMed

    Souto Bayarri, M; Masip Capdevila, L; Remuiñan Pereira, C; Suárez-Cuenca, J J; Martínez Monzonís, A; Couto Pérez, M I; Carreira Villamor, J M

    2015-01-01

    To compare the methods of right ventricle segmentation in the short-axis and 4-chamber planes in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and to correlate the findings with those of the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) method in echocardiography. We used a 1.5T MRI scanner to study 26 patients with diverse cardiovascular diseases. In all MRI studies, we obtained cine-mode images from the base to the apex in both the short-axis and 4-chamber planes using steady-state free precession sequences and 6mm thick slices. In all patients, we quantified the end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and the ejection fraction of the right ventricle. On the same day as the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study, 14 patients also underwent echocardiography with TAPSE calculation of right ventricular function. No statistically significant differences were found in the volumes and function of the right ventricle calculated using the 2 segmentation methods. The correlation between the volume estimations by the two segmentation methods was excellent (r=0,95); the correlation for the ejection fraction was slightly lower (r=0,8). The correlation between the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging estimate of right ventricular ejection fraction and TAPSE was very low (r=0,2, P<.01). Both ventricular segmentation methods quantify right ventricular function adequately. The correlation with the echocardiographic method is low. Copyright © 2012 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  7. Quantification of Left Ventricular Linear, Areal and Volumetric Dimensions: A Phantom and in Vivo Comparison of 2-D and Real-Time 3-D Echocardiography with Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

    PubMed

    Polte, Christian L; Lagerstrand, Kerstin M; Gao, Sinsia A; Lamm, Carl R; Bech-Hanssen, Odd

    2015-07-01

    Two-dimensional echocardiography and real-time 3-D echocardiography have been reported to underestimate human left ventricular volumes significantly compared with cardiovascular magnetic resonance. We investigated the ability of 2-D echocardiography, real-time 3-D echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance to delineate dimensions of increasing complexity (diameter-area-volume) in a multimodality phantom model and in vivo, with the aim of elucidating the main cause of underestimation. All modalities were able to delineate phantom dimensions with high precision. In vivo, 2-D and real-time 3-D echocardiography underestimated short-axis end-diastolic linear and areal and all left ventricular volumetric dimensions significantly compared with cardiovascular magnetic resonance, but not short-axis end-systolic linear and areal dimensions. Underestimation increased successively from linear to volumetric left ventricular dimensions. When analyzed according to the same principles, 2-D and real-time 3-DE echocardiography provided similar left ventricular volumes. In conclusion, echocardiographic underestimation of left ventricular dimensions is due mainly to inherent technical differences in the ability to differentiate trabeculated from compact myocardium. Identical endocardial border definition criteria are needed to minimize differences between the modalities and to ensure better comparability in clinical practice. Copyright © 2015 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Sculpting a Pre-Planetary Nebula with a Precessing Jet: IRAS 16342-3814

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sahai, R.; Le Mignant, D.; Sanchez Contreras, C.; Campbell, R. D.; Chaffee, F. H.

    2005-01-01

    We have imaged the bipolar pre-planetary nebula IRAS 16342-3814 with the Keck adaptive optics (AO) system in four near-infrared bands in the 1.6-4.7 (micro)m range. The lobes, which showed smoothly varying brightness distributions in previous optical images taken with the Hubble Space Telescope, have a limb-brightened appearance in the AO images, with a remarkable corkscrew structure inscribed on the lobe walls. A well-collimated, precessing jet with a diameter less than or approximately equal to 100 AU and a precession period less than or approximately equal to 50 yr, interacting with ambient circumstellar material, is most likely responsible for the corkscrew structure and the lobes, as indicated by a detailed comparison of our observations with published numerical simulations. The very red colors of the lobes in the near-infrared, coupled with their visibility at optical wavelengths, require that at least half, but not all, of the light of the central star be trapped by a compact circumstellar dust cloud heated to approximately 600-700 K and reradiated in the infrared. The lobes are thus illuminated both by the infrared light from this dust cloud as well as by the optical light from the central star.

  9. Testing the relativistic precession model using low-frequency and kHz quasi-periodic oscillations in neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries with known spin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van Doesburgh, Marieke; van der Klis, Michiel

    2017-03-01

    We analyse all available RXTE data on a sample of 13 low-mass X-ray binaries with known neutron star spin that are not persistent pulsars. We carefully measure the correlations between the centroid frequencies of the quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs). We compare these correlations to the prediction of the relativistic precession model that, due to frame dragging, a QPO will occur at the Lense-Thirring precession frequency νLT of a test-particle orbit whose orbital frequency is the upper kHz QPO frequency νu. Contrary to the most prominent previous studies, we find two different oscillations in the range predicted for νLT that are simultaneously present over a wide range of νu. Additionally, one of the low-frequency noise components evolves into a (third) QPO in the νLT range when νu exceeds 600 Hz. The frequencies of these QPOs all correlate to νu following power laws with indices between 0.4 and 3.3, significantly exceeding the predicted value of 2.0 in 80 per cent of the cases (at 3 to >20σ). Also, there is no evidence that the neutron star spin frequency affects any of these three QPO frequencies, as would be expected for frame dragging. Finally, the observed QPO frequencies tend to be higher than the νLT predicted for reasonable neutron star specific moment of inertia. In the light of recent successes of precession models in black holes, we briefly discuss ways in which such precession can occur in neutron stars at frequencies different from test-particle values and consistent with those observed. A precessing torus geometry and other torques than frame dragging may allow precession to produce the observed frequency correlations, but can only explain one of the three QPOs in the νLT range.

  10. 21 CFR 870.3690 - Pacemaker test magnet.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Pacemaker test magnet. 870.3690 Section 870.3690 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3690 Pacemaker test magnet...

  11. A New Determination of Planetary Precession

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harada, Wataru; Fukushima, Toshio

    2004-01-01

    By using a nonlinear method of harmonic analysis, we have analyzed the motion of two angles, Ω and ɛ, specifying the direction of the Newtonian heliocentric orbital angular momentum of the Earth-Moon barycenter in the latest lunar and planetary ephemeris, DE405, from 1629 to 2169. Here Ω is the longitude of the node of the ecliptic of date with respect to the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF) equator, measured from the ICRF x-axis, while ɛ is the obliquity of the ecliptic of date referred to the ICRF equator. After dropping 86 Fourier terms and four mixed secular terms that were detected, we determined their secular variation in the form of quadratic polynomials as ΩDE405=-0.02109+10.54227t+0.48609t2 and ɛDE405=84,381.40578-46.81972t+0.04817t2 , where the units are arcseconds and t is the time since J2000.0 measured in Julian centuries. This is the latest determination of the planetary precession in the inertial sense and referred to the ICRF.

  12. Novel cardiovascular magnetic resonance oxygenation approaches in understanding pathophysiology of cardiac diseases.

    PubMed

    Sree Raman, Karthigesh; Nucifora, Gaetano; Selvanayagam, Joseph B

    2018-05-01

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) permits accurate phenotyping of many cardiac diseases. CMR's inherent advantages are its non-invasive nature, lack of ionizing radiation and high accuracy and reproducibility. Furthermore, it is able to assess many aspects of cardiac anatomy, structure and function. Specifically, it can characterize myocardial tissue, myocardial function, myocardial mass, myocardial blood flow/perfusion, irreversible and reversible injury, all with a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility. Hence, CMR is a powerful tool in clinical and pre-clinical research. In recent years there have been novel advances in CMR myocardial tissue characterization. Oxygenation-sensitive CMR (OS-CMR) is a novel non-invasive, contrast independent technique that permits direct quantification of myocardial tissue oxygenation, both at rest and during stress. In this review, we will address the principles of the OS-CMR technique, its recent advances and summarize the studies in the effects of oxygenation on cardiac diseases. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

  13. Left Gastric Vein Visualization with Hepatopetal Flow Information in Healthy Subjects Using Non-Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography with Balanced Steady-State Free-Precession Sequence and Time-Spatial Labeling Inversion Pulse.

    PubMed

    Furuta, Akihiro; Isoda, Hiroyoshi; Ohno, Tsuyoshi; Ono, Ayako; Yamashita, Rikiya; Arizono, Shigeki; Kido, Aki; Sakashita, Naotaka; Togashi, Kaori

    2018-01-01

    To selectively visualize the left gastric vein (LGV) with hepatopetal flow information by non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography under a hypothesis that change in the LGV flow direction can predict the development of esophageal varices; and to optimize the acquisition protocol in healthy subjects. Respiratory-gated three-dimensional balanced steady-state free-precession scans were conducted on 31 healthy subjects using two methods (A and B) for visualizing the LGV with hepatopetal flow. In method A, two time-spatial labeling inversion pulses (Time-SLIP) were placed on the whole abdomen and the area from the gastric fornix to the upper body, excluding the LGV area. In method B, nonselective inversion recovery pulse was used and one Time-SLIP was placed on the esophagogastric junction. The detectability and consistency of LGV were evaluated using the two methods and ultrasonography (US). Left gastric veins by method A, B, and US were detected in 30 (97%), 24 (77%), and 23 (74%) subjects, respectively. LGV flow by US was hepatopetal in 22 subjects and stagnant in one subject. All hepatopetal LGVs by US coincided with the visualized vessels in both methods. One subject with non-visualized LGV in method A showed stagnant LGV by US. Hepatopetal LGV could be selectively visualized by method A in healthy subjects.

  14. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-derived Flow Parameters for the Analysis of Cardiovascular Diseases and Drug Development.

    PubMed

    Michael, Dada O; Bamidele, Awojoyogbe O; Adewale, Adesola O; Karem, Boubaker

    2013-01-01

    Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) allows for fast, accurate and noninvasive measurement of fluid flow in restricted and non-restricted media. The results of such measurements may be possible for a very small B 0 field and can be enhanced through detailed examination of generating functions that may arise from polynomial solutions of NMR flow equations in terms of Legendre polynomials and Boubaker polynomials. The generating functions of these polynomials can present an array of interesting possibilities that may be useful for understanding the basic physics of extracting relevant NMR flow information from which various hemodynamic problems can be carefully studied. Specifically, these results may be used to develop effective drugs for cardiovascular-related diseases.

  15. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-derived Flow Parameters for the Analysis of Cardiovascular Diseases and Drug Development

    PubMed Central

    Michael, Dada O.; Bamidele, Awojoyogbe O.; Adewale, Adesola O.; Karem, Boubaker

    2013-01-01

    Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) allows for fast, accurate and noninvasive measurement of fluid flow in restricted and non-restricted media. The results of such measurements may be possible for a very small B0 field and can be enhanced through detailed examination of generating functions that may arise from polynomial solutions of NMR flow equations in terms of Legendre polynomials and Boubaker polynomials. The generating functions of these polynomials can present an array of interesting possibilities that may be useful for understanding the basic physics of extracting relevant NMR flow information from which various hemodynamic problems can be carefully studied. Specifically, these results may be used to develop effective drugs for cardiovascular-related diseases. PMID:25114546

  16. The role of advanced echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the assessment of myocardial function in Marfan syndrome-An update.

    PubMed

    Kiotsekoglou, Anatoli; Moggridge, James C; Child, Anne H; Rask, Peter

    2017-05-01

    Cardiovascular assessment of patients with Marfan syndrome has normally focused on the aortic root and vascular manifestations of the disease due to the high risk of aortic dissection. Although primary myocardial impairment has long been suspected in these patients, the evidence has been controversial. Advanced echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging have proven to be effective, accurate, and more sensitive in the detection of subtle cardiac dysfunction. The application of these techniques to Marfan syndrome over the last 10 years has made significant progress in demonstrating the presence of primary myocardial impairment in these patients, but further work is still required to obtain confirmatory molecular, pathophysiological, and prognostic clinical data. Phenotypic expression of the disease has prognostic value, also suggesting potential effective medical therapy. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  17. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and prognosis in cardiac amyloidosis

    PubMed Central

    Maceira, Alicia M; Prasad, Sanjay K; Hawkins, Philip N; Roughton, Michael; Pennell, Dudley J

    2008-01-01

    Background Cardiac involvement is common in amyloidosis and associated with a variably adverse outcome. We have previously shown that cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can assess deposition of amyloid protein in the myocardial interstitium. In this study we assessed the prognostic value of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and gadolinium kinetics in cardiac amyloidosis in a prospective longitudinal study. Materials and methods The pre-defined study end point was all-cause mortality. We prospectively followed a cohort of 29 patients with proven cardiac amyloidosis. All patients underwent biopsy, 2D-echocardiography and Doppler studies, 123I-SAP scintigraphy, serum NT pro BNP assay, and CMR with a T1 mapping method and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Results Patients with were followed for a median of 623 days (IQ range 221, 1436), during which 17 (58%) patients died. The presence of myocardial LGE by itself was not a significant predictor of mortality. However, death was predicted by gadolinium kinetics, with the 2 minute post-gadolinium intramyocardial T1 difference between subepicardium and subendocardium predicting mortality with 85% accuracy at a threshold value of 23 ms (the lower the difference the worse the prognosis). Intramyocardial T1 gradient was a better predictor of survival than FLC response to chemotherapy (Kaplan Meier analysis P = 0.049) or diastolic function (Kaplan-Meier analysis P = 0.205). Conclusion In cardiac amyloidosis, CMR provides unique information relating to risk of mortality based on gadolinium kinetics which reflects the severity of the cardiac amyloid burden. PMID:19032744

  18. Cardiovascular cine imaging and flow evaluation using Fast Interrupted Steady-State (FISS) magnetic resonance.

    PubMed

    Edelman, Robert R; Serhal, Ali; Pursnani, Amit; Pang, Jianing; Koktzoglou, Ioannis

    2018-02-19

    Existing cine imaging techniques rely on balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) or spoiled gradient-echo readouts, each of which has limitations. For instance, with bSSFP, artifacts occur from rapid through-plane flow and off-resonance effects. We hypothesized that a prototype cine technique, radial fast interrupted steady-state (FISS), could overcome these limitations. The technique was compared with standard cine bSSFP for cardiac function, coronary artery conspicuity, and aortic valve morphology. Given its advantageous properties, we further hypothesized that the cine FISS technique, in combination with arterial spin labeling (ASL), could provide an alternative to phase contrast for visualizing in-plane flow patterns within the aorta and branch vessels. The study was IRB-approved and subjects provided consent. Breath-hold cine FISS and bSSFP were acquired using similar imaging parameters. There was no significant difference in biplane left ventricular ejection fraction or cardiac image quality between the two techniques. Compared with cine bSSFP, cine FISS demonstrated a marked decrease in fat signal which improved conspicuity of the coronary arteries, while suppression of through-plane flow artifact on thin-slice cine FISS images improved visualization of the aortic valve. Banding artifacts in the subcutaneous tissues were reduced. In healthy subjects, dynamic flow patterns were well visualized in the aorta, coronary and renal arteries using cine FISS ASL, even when the slice was substantially thicker than the vessel diameter. Cine FISS demonstrates several benefits for cardiovascular imaging compared with cine bSSFP, including better suppression of fat signal and reduced artifacts from through-plane flow and off-resonance effects. The main drawback is a slight (~ 20%) decrease in temporal resolution. In addition, preliminary results suggest that cine FISS ASL provides a potential alternative to phase contrast techniques for in-plane flow

  19. Lipoprotein(a) in patients with aortic stenosis: Insights from cardiovascular magnetic resonance

    PubMed Central

    Vassiliou, Vassilios S.; Flynn, Paul D.; Raphael, Claire E.; Newsome, Simon; Khan, Tina; Ali, Aamir; Halliday, Brian; Studer Bruengger, Annina; Malley, Tamir; Sharma, Pranev; Selvendran, Subothini; Aggarwal, Nikhil; Sri, Anita; Berry, Helen; Donovan, Jackie; Lam, Willis; Auger, Dominique; Cook, Stuart A.; Pennell, Dudley J.; Prasad, Sanjay K.

    2017-01-01

    Background Aortic stenosis is the most common age-related valvular pathology. Patients with aortic stenosis and myocardial fibrosis have worse outcome but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Lipoprotein(a) is associated with adverse cardiovascular risk and is elevated in patients with aortic stenosis. Although mechanistic pathways could link Lipoprotein(a) with myocardial fibrosis, whether the two are related has not been previously explored. In this study, we investigated whether elevated Lipoprotein(a) was associated with the presence of myocardial replacement fibrosis. Methods A total of 110 patients with mild, moderate and severe aortic stenosis were assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance to identify fibrosis. Mann Whitney U tests were used to assess for evidence of an association between Lp(a) and the presence or absence of myocardial fibrosis and aortic stenosis severity and compared to controls. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis were undertaken to identify possible predictors of Lp(a). Results Thirty-six patients (32.7%) had no LGE enhancement, 38 (34.6%) had midwall enhancement suggestive of midwall fibrosis and 36 (32.7%) patients had subendocardial myocardial fibrosis, typical of infarction. The aortic stenosis patients had higher Lp(a) values than controls, however, there was no significant difference between the Lp(a) level in mild, moderate or severe aortic stenosis. No association was observed between midwall or infarction pattern fibrosis and Lipoprotein(a), in the mild/moderate stenosis (p = 0.91) or severe stenosis patients (p = 0.42). Conclusion There is no evidence to suggest that higher Lipoprotein(a) leads to increased myocardial midwall or infarction pattern fibrosis in patients with aortic stenosis. PMID:28704465

  20. Precession, Nutation and Wobble of the Earth

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dehant, V.; Mathews, P. M.

    2015-04-01

    Covering both astronomical and geophysical perspectives, this book describes changes in the Earth's orientation, specifically precession and nutation, and how they are observed and computed in terms of tidal forcing and models of the Earth's interior. Following an introduction to key concepts and elementary geodetic theory, the book describes how precise measurements of the Earth's orientation are made using observations of extra-galactic radio-sources by Very Long Baseline Interferometry techniques. It demonstrates how models are used to accurately pinpoint the location and orientation of the Earth with reference to the stars and how to determine variations in its rotation speed. A theoretical framework is also presented that describes the role played by the structure and properties of the Earth's deep interior. Incorporating suggestions for future developments in nutation theory for the next generation models, this book is ideal for advanced-level students and researche! rs in solid Earth geophysics, planetary science and astronomy.

  1. Long term effects of cocaine on the heart assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 3T

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Cocaine is an addictive, sympathomimetic drug with potentially lethal effects. The prevalence and features of cocaine cardiotoxicity are not well known. We aimed to assess these effects using a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) protocol in a large group of asymptomatic cocaine users. Methods Consecutive (n = 94, 81 males, 36.6 ±7 years), non-selected, cocaine abusers were recruited and had a medical history, examination, ECG, blood test and CMR. The CMR study included measurement of left and right ventricular (LV, RV) dimensions and ejection fraction (EF), sequences for detection of myocardial oedema and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Images were compared to a cohort of healthy controls. Results Years of regular cocaine use were 13.9 ± 9. When compared to the age-matched healthy cohort, the cocaine abusers had increased LV end-systolic volume, LV mass index and RV end-systolic volume, with decreased LVEF and RVEF. No subject had myocardial oedema, but 30% had myocardial LGE indicating myocardial damage. Conclusions CMR detected cardiovascular disease in 71% of this cohort of consecutive asymptomatic cocaine abusers and mean duration of abuse was related to probability of LV systolic dysfunction. PMID:24758161

  2. Use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the evaluation of a giant right atrial appendage aneurysm: a case report and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Sivakumaran, Lojan; Sayegh, Karl; Mehanna, Emile; Sanchez, Frank W; Fields, Jonathan; Cury, Ricardo

    2017-12-04

    Right atrial appendage aneurysms are rare entities that may have significant clinical consequences. When co-existing with atrial fibrillation, patients are at risk of developing pulmonary or paradoxical systemic emboli. An elderly patient presented to medical attention with symptoms of acute diverticulitis. On abdominal computed tomography, a massively enlarged right atrial appendage aneurysm was discovered incidentally. The aneurysm caused marked compression of the right ventricle and contained an area of hypoenhancement concerning for an intraluminal thrombus. Gadolinium-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed and first-pass perfusion images demonstrated that the area of hypoenhancement was in fact poorly mixing blood. The patient was therefore managed medically. Right atrial appendage aneurysms are infrequently encountered cardiac abnormalities. In the literature, surgery has been offered to patients who are young, symptomatic, or have evidence of thrombotic disease, although whether this practice pattern is associated with superior clinical outcomes is unclear. In the present case, gadolinium-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging was used to exclude the presence of intraluminal thrombus in an elderly patient, which helped orient the patient's treating team towards medical-rather than surgical-therapy.

  3. Overhauser Geomagnetic Sensor Based on the Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Effect for Magnetic Prospecting

    PubMed Central

    Ge, Jian; Dong, Haobin; Liu, Huan; Yuan, Zhiwen; Dong, He; Zhao, Zhizhuo; Liu, Yonghua; Zhu, Jun; Zhang, Haiyang

    2016-01-01

    Based on the dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) effect, an alternative design of an Overhauser geomagnetic sensor is presented that enhances the proton polarization and increases the amplitude of the free induction decay (FID) signal. The short-pulse method is adopted to rotate the enhanced proton magnetization into the plane of precession to create an FID signal. To reduce the negative effect of the powerful electromagnetic interference, the design of the anti-interference of the pick-up coil is studied. Furthermore, the radio frequency polarization method based on the capacitive-loaded coaxial cavity is proposed to improve the quality factor of the resonant circuit. In addition, a special test instrument is designed that enables the simultaneous testing of the classical proton precession and the Overhauser sensor. Overall, comparison experiments with and without the free radical of the Overhauser sensors show that the DNP effect does effectively improve the amplitude and quality of the FID signal, and the magnetic sensitivity, resolution and range reach to 10 pT/Hz1/2@1 Hz, 0.0023 nT and 20–100 μT, respectively. PMID:27258283

  4. Localized and delocalized motion of colloidal particles on a magnetic bubble lattice.

    PubMed

    Tierno, Pietro; Johansen, Tom H; Fischer, Thomas M

    2007-07-20

    We study the motion of paramagnetic colloidal particles placed above magnetic bubble domains of a uniaxial garnet film and driven through the lattice by external magnetic field modulation. An external tunable precessing field propels the particles either in localized orbits around the bubbles or in superdiffusive or ballistic motion through the bubble array. This motion results from the interplay between the driving rotating signal, the viscous drag force and the periodic magnetic energy landscape. We explain the transition in terms of the incommensurability between the transit frequency of the particle through a unit cell and the modulation frequency. Ballistic motion dynamically breaks the symmetry of the array and the phase locked particles follow one of the six crystal directions.

  5. X-Ray Quasi-periodic Oscillations in the Lense–Thirring Precession Model. I. Variability of Relativistic Continuum

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    You, Bei; Bursa, Michal; Życki, Piotr T.

    2018-05-01

    We develop a Monte Carlo code to compute the Compton-scattered X-ray flux arising from a hot inner flow that undergoes Lense–Thirring precession. The hot flow intercepts seed photons from an outer truncated thin disk. A fraction of the Comptonized photons will illuminate the disk, and the reflected/reprocessed photons will contribute to the observed spectrum. The total spectrum, including disk thermal emission, hot flow Comptonization, and disk reflection, is modeled within the framework of general relativity, taking light bending and gravitational redshift into account. The simulations are performed in the context of the Lense–Thirring precession model for the low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations, so the inner flow is assumed to precess, leading to periodic modulation of the emitted radiation. In this work, we concentrate on the energy-dependent X-ray variability of the model and, in particular, on the evolution of the variability during the spectral transition from hard to soft state, which is implemented by the decrease of the truncation radius of the outer disk toward the innermost stable circular orbit. In the hard state, where the Comptonizing flow is geometrically thick, the Comptonization is weakly variable with a fractional variability amplitude of ≤10% in the soft state, where the Comptonizing flow is cooled down and thus becomes geometrically thin, the fractional variability of the Comptonization is highly variable, increasing with photon energy. The fractional variability of the reflection increases with energy, and the reflection emission for low spin is counterintuitively more variable than the one for high spin.

  6. Binary system and jet precession and expansion in G35.20-0.74N

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Beltrán, M. T.; Cesaroni, R.; Moscadelli, L.; Sánchez-Monge, Á.; Hirota, T.; Kumar, M. S. N.

    2016-09-01

    Context. Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of the high-mass star-forming region G35.20-0.74N have revealed the presence of a Keplerian disk in core B rotating about a massive object of 18 M⊙, as computed from the velocity field. The luminosity of such a massive star would be comparable to (or higher than) the luminosity of the whole star-forming region. To solve this problem it has been proposed that core B could harbor a binary system. This could also explain the possible precession of the radio jet associated with this core, which has been suggested by its S-shaped morphology. Aims: We establish the origin of the free-free emission from core B and investigate the existence of a binary system at the center of this massive core and the possible precession of the radio jet. Methods: We carried out VLA continuum observations of G35.20-0.74N at 2 cm in the B configuration and at 1.3 cm and 7 mm in the A and B configurations. The bandwidth at 7 mm covers the CH3OH maser line at 44.069 GHz. Continuum images at 6 and 3.6 cm in the A configuration were obtained from the VLA archive. We also carried out VERA observations of the H2O maser line at 22.235 GHz. Results: The observations have revealed the presence of a binary system of UC/HC Hii regions at the geometrical center of the radio jet in G35.20-0.74N. This binary system, which is associated with a Keplerian rotating disk, consists of two B-type stars of 11 and 6 M⊙. The S-shaped morphology of the radio jet has been successfully explained as being due to precession produced by the binary system. The analysis of the precession of the radio jet has allowed us to better interpret the IR emission in the region, which would be not tracing a wide-angle cavity open by a single outflow with a position angle of ~55°, but two different flows: a precessing one in the NE-SW direction associated with the radio jet, and a second one in an almost E-W direction. Comparison of the radio jet images

  7. Spin-orbit precession along eccentric orbits: Improving the knowledge of self-force corrections and of their effective-one-body counterparts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bini, Donato; Damour, Thibault; Geralico, Andrea

    2018-05-01

    The (first-order) gravitational self-force correction to the spin-orbit precession of a spinning compact body along a slightly eccentric orbit around a Schwarzschild black hole is computed through the ninth post-Newtonian order and to second order in the eccentricity, improving recent results by Kavanagh et al. [Phys. Rev. D 96, 064012 (2017), 10.1103/PhysRevD.96.064012]. We show that our higher-accurate theoretical estimates of the spin precession exhibits an improved agreement with corresponding numerical self-force data. We convert our new theoretical results into its corresponding effective-one-body counterpart, thereby determining several new post-Newtonian terms in the gyrogravitomagnetic ratio gS * .

  8. Review of Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2011

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    There were 83 articles published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (JCMR) in 2011, which is an 11% increase in the number of articles since 2010. The quality of the submissions continues to increase. The editors had been delighted with the 2010 JCMR Impact Factor of 4.33, although this fell modestly to 3.72 for 2011. The impact factor undergoes natural variation according to citation rates of papers in the 2 years following publication, and is significantly influenced by highly cited papers such as official reports. However, we remain very pleased with the progress of the journal's impact over the last 5 years. Our acceptance rate is approximately 25%, and has been falling as the number of articles being submitted has been increasing. In accordance with Open-Access publishing, the JCMR articles go on-line as they are accepted with no collating of the articles into sections or special thematic issues. For this reason, the Editors feel it is useful to summarize the papers for the readership into broad areas of interest or theme, which we feel would be useful, so that areas of interest from the previous year can be reviewed in a single article in relation to each other and other recent JCMR articles [1]. The papers are presented in broad themes and set in context with related literature and previously published JCMR papers to guide continuity of thought in the journal. We hope that you find the open-access system increases wider reading and citation of your papers, and that you will continue to send your quality manuscripts to JCMR for publication. PMID:23158097

  9. Tracking the Pacific Decadal Precession

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anderson, Bruce T.; Furtado, Jason C.; Di Lorenzo, Emanuele; Short Gianotti, Daniel J.

    2017-03-01

    Events of recent years—including extended droughts across California, record fires across western Canada, and destabilization of marine ecosystems—highlight the profound impact of multiannual to decadal-scale climate shifts upon physical, biological, and socioeconomic systems. While previous research has focused on the influence of decadal-scale climate oscillations such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation/Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation, recent research has revealed the presence of a quasi-decadal mode of climate variability that, unlike the quasi-stationary standing wave-like structure of the oscillatory modes, involves a progression of atmospheric pressure anomalies around the North Pacific, which has been termed the Pacific Decadal Precession (PDP). In this paper we develop a set of methods to track the spatial and temporal evolutions of the PDP within historical observations as well as numerical model simulations. In addition, we provide a method that approximates the time evolution of the PDP across the full period of available data for real-time monitoring of the PDP. Through the development of these tracking methods, we hope to provide the community with a consistent framework for future analysis and diagnosis of the PDP's characteristics and underlying processes, thereby avoiding the use of different, and disparate, phenomenological- and mathematical-based indices that can confound our understanding of the PDP and its evolution.

  10. THz-driven demagnetization with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy: towards ultrafast ballistic switching

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Polley, Debanjan; Pancaldi, Matteo; Hudl, Matthias; Vavassori, Paolo; Urazhdin, Sergei; Bonetti, Stefano

    2018-02-01

    We study THz-driven spin dynamics in thin CoPt films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Femtosecond magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements show that demagnetization amplitude of about 1% can be achieved with a peak THz electric field of 300 kV cm-1, and a corresponding peak magnetic field of 0.1 T. The effect is more than an order of magnitude larger than observed in samples with easy-plane anisotropy irradiated with the same field strength. We also utilize finite-element simulations to design a meta-material structure that can enhance the THz magnetic field by more than an order of magnitude, over an area of several tens of square micrometers. Magnetic fields exceeding 1 Tesla, generated in such meta-materials with the available laser-based THz sources, are expected to produce full magnetization reversal via ultrafast ballistic precession driven by the THz radiation. Our results demonstrate the possibility of table-top ultrafast magnetization reversal induced by THz radiation.

  11. Role of late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the risk stratification of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Ismail, Tevfik F; Jabbour, Andrew; Gulati, Ankur; Mallorie, Amy; Raza, Sadaf; Cowling, Thomas E; Das, Bibek; Khwaja, Jahanzaib; Alpendurada, Francisco D; Wage, Ricardo; Roughton, Michael; McKenna, William J; Moon, James C; Varnava, Amanda; Shakespeare, Carl; Cowie, Martin R; Cook, Stuart A; Elliott, Perry; O'Hanlon, Rory; Pennell, Dudley J; Prasad, Sanjay K

    2014-12-01

    Myocardial fibrosis identified by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with adverse cardiovascular events, but its value as an independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD) is unknown. We investigated the role of LGE-CMR in the risk stratification of HCM. We conducted a prospective cohort study in a tertiary referral centre. Consecutive patients with HCM (n=711, median age 56.3 years, IQR 46.7-66.6; 70.0% male) underwent LGE-CMR and were followed for a median 3.5 years. The primary end point was SCD or aborted SCD. Overall, 471 patients (66.2%) had myocardial fibrosis (median 5.9% of left ventricular mass, IQR: 2.2-13.3). Twenty-two (3.1%) reached the primary end point. The extent but not the presence of fibrosis was a significant univariable predictor of the primary end point (HR per 5% LGE: 1.24, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.45; p=0.007 and HR for LGE: 2.69, 95% CI 0.91 to 7.97; p=0.073, respectively). However, on multivariable analysis, only LV-EF remained statistically significant (HR: 0.92, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.95; p<0.001). For the secondary outcome of cardiovascular mortality/aborted SCD, the presence and the amount of fibrosis were significant predictors on univariable but not multivariable analysis after adjusting for LV-EF and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. The amount of myocardial fibrosis was a strong univariable predictor of SCD risk. However, this effect was not maintained after adjusting for LV-EF. Further work is required to elucidate the interrelationship between fibrosis and traditional predictors of outcome in HCM. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

  12. Systemic right ventricular fibrosis detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance is associated with clinical outcome, mainly new-onset atrial arrhythmia, in patients after atrial redirection surgery for transposition of the great arteries.

    PubMed

    Rydman, Riikka; Gatzoulis, Michael A; Ho, Siew Yen; Ernst, Sabine; Swan, Lorna; Li, Wei; Wong, Tom; Sheppard, Mary; McCarthy, Karen P; Roughton, Michael; Kilner, Philip J; Pennell, Dudley J; Babu-Narayan, Sonya V

    2015-05-01

    We hypothesized that fibrosis detected by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance predicts outcomes in patients with transposition of the great arteries post atrial redirection surgery. These patients have a systemic right ventricle (RV) and are at risk of arrhythmia, premature RV failure, and sudden death. Fifty-five patients (aged 27±7 years) underwent LGE cardiovascular magnetic resonance and were followed for a median 7.8 (interquartile range, 3.8-9.6) years in a prospective single-center cohort study. RV LGE was present in 31 (56%) patients. The prespecified composite clinical end point comprised new-onset sustained tachyarrhythmia (atrial/ventricular) or decompensated heart failure admission/transplantation/death. Univariate predictors of the composite end point (n=22 patients; 19 atrial/2 ventricular tachyarrhythmia, 1 death) included RV LGE presence and extent, RV volumes/mass/ejection fraction, right atrial area, peak Vo(2), and age at repair. In bivariate analysis, RV LGE presence was independently associated with the composite end point (hazard ratio, 4.95 [95% confidence interval, 1.60-15.28]; P=0.005), and only percent predicted peak Vo(2) remained significantly associated with cardiac events after controlling for RV LGE (hazard ratio, 0.80 [95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.95]; P=0.009/5%). In 8 of 9 patients with >1 event, atrial tachyarrhythmia, itself a known risk factor for mortality, occurred first. There was agreement between location and extent of RV LGE at in vivo cardiovascular magnetic resonance and histologically documented focal RV fibrosis in an explanted heart. There was RV LGE progression in a different case restudied for clinical indications. Systemic RV LGE is strongly associated with adverse clinical outcome especially arrhythmia in transposition of the great arteries, thus LGE cardiovascular magnetic resonance should be incorporated in risk stratification of these patients. © 2015 American Heart

  13. Prognostic Value of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Suspected Coronary Heart Disease: Long-Term Follow-up of a Prospective, Diagnostic Accuracy Cohort Study.

    PubMed

    Greenwood, John P; Herzog, Bernhard A; Brown, Julia M; Everett, Colin C; Nixon, Jane; Bijsterveld, Petra; Maredia, Neil; Motwani, Manish; Dickinson, Catherine J; Ball, Stephen G; Plein, Sven

    2016-05-10

    There are no prospective, prognostic data comparing cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in the same population of patients with suspected coronary heart disease (CHD). To establish the ability of CMR and SPECT to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Annual follow-up of the CE-MARC (Clinical Evaluation of MAgnetic Resonance imaging in Coronary heart disease) study for a minimum of 5 years for MACEs (cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome, unscheduled revascularization or hospital admission for cardiovascular cause). (Current Controlled Trials registration: ISRCTN77246133). Secondary and tertiary care cardiology services. 752 patients from the CE-MARC study who were being investigated for suspected CHD. Prediction of time to MACE was assessed by using univariable (log-rank test) and multivariable (Cox proportional hazards regression) analysis. 744 (99%) of the 752 recruited patients had complete follow-up. Of 628 who underwent CMR, SPECT, and the reference standard test of X-ray angiography, 104 (16.6%) had at least 1 MACE. Abnormal findings on CMR (hazard ratio, 2.77 [95% CI, 1.85 to 4.16]; P < 0.001) and SPECT (hazard ratio, 1.62 [CI, 1.11 to 2.38; P = 0.014) were both strong and independent predictors of MACE. Only CMR remained a significant predictor after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors, angiography result, or stratification for initial patient treatment. Data are from a single-center observational study (albeit conducted in a high-volume institution for both CMR and SPECT). Five-year follow-up of the CE-MARC study indicates that compared with SPECT, CMR is a stronger predictor of risk for MACEs, independent of cardiovascular risk factors, angiography result, or initial patient treatment. This further supports the role of CMR as an alternative to SPECT for the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected CHD. British Heart Foundation.

  14. Longitudinal and transverse right ventricular function in pulmonary hypertension: cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging study from the ASPIRE registry

    PubMed Central

    Rajaram, Smitha; Capener, Dave; Elliot, Charlie; Condliffe, Robin; Wild, Jim M.; Kiely, David G.

    2015-01-01

    Abstract Right ventricular (RV) function is a strong predictor of outcome in cardiovascular diseases. Two components of RV function, longitudinal and transverse motion, have been investigated in pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, their individual clinical significance remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with transverse and longitudinal RV motion in patients with PH. In 149 treatment-naive patients with PH and 16 patients with suspected PH found to have mean pulmonary arterial pressure of <20 mmHg, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging was performed within 24 hours of right heart catheterization. In patients with PH, fractional longitudinal motion (fractional tricuspid annulus to apex distance [f-TAAD]) was significantly greater than fractional transverse motion (fractional septum to free wall distance [f-SFD]; P = 0.002). In patients without PH, no significant difference between f-SFD and f-TAAD was identified (P = 0.442). Longitudinal RV motion was singularly associated with RV ejection fraction independent of age, invasive hemodynamics, and cardiac magnetic resonance measurements (P = 0.024). In contrast, transverse RV motion was independently associated with left ventricular eccentricity (P = 0.036) in addition to RV ejection fraction (P = 0.014). In conclusion, RV motion is significantly greater in the longitudinal direction in patients with PH, whereas patients without PH have equal contributions of transverse and longitudinal motion. Longitudinal RV motion is primarily associated with global RV pump function in PH. Transverse RV motion not only reflects global pump function but is independently influenced by ventricular interaction in patients with PH. PMID:26401257

  15. Longitudinal and transverse right ventricular function in pulmonary hypertension: cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging study from the ASPIRE registry.

    PubMed

    Swift, Andrew J; Rajaram, Smitha; Capener, Dave; Elliot, Charlie; Condliffe, Robin; Wild, Jim M; Kiely, David G

    2015-09-01

    Right ventricular (RV) function is a strong predictor of outcome in cardiovascular diseases. Two components of RV function, longitudinal and transverse motion, have been investigated in pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, their individual clinical significance remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with transverse and longitudinal RV motion in patients with PH. In 149 treatment-naive patients with PH and 16 patients with suspected PH found to have mean pulmonary arterial pressure of <20 mmHg, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging was performed within 24 hours of right heart catheterization. In patients with PH, fractional longitudinal motion (fractional tricuspid annulus to apex distance [f-TAAD]) was significantly greater than fractional transverse motion (fractional septum to free wall distance [f-SFD]; P = 0.002). In patients without PH, no significant difference between f-SFD and f-TAAD was identified (P = 0.442). Longitudinal RV motion was singularly associated with RV ejection fraction independent of age, invasive hemodynamics, and cardiac magnetic resonance measurements (P = 0.024). In contrast, transverse RV motion was independently associated with left ventricular eccentricity (P = 0.036) in addition to RV ejection fraction (P = 0.014). In conclusion, RV motion is significantly greater in the longitudinal direction in patients with PH, whereas patients without PH have equal contributions of transverse and longitudinal motion. Longitudinal RV motion is primarily associated with global RV pump function in PH. Transverse RV motion not only reflects global pump function but is independently influenced by ventricular interaction in patients with PH.

  16. LDV survey of cavitation and resonance effect on the precessing vortex rope dynamics in the draft tube of Francis turbines

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Favrel, A.; Müller, A.; Landry, C.; Yamamoto, K.; Avellan, F.

    2016-11-01

    The large-scale penetration of the electrical grid by intermittent renewable energy sources requires a continuous operating range extension of hydropower plants. This causes the formation of unfavourable flow patterns in the draft tube of turbines and pump-turbines. At partial load operation, a precessing cavitation vortex rope is formed at the Francis turbine runner outlet, acting as an excitation source for the hydraulic system. In case of resonance, the resulting high-amplitude pressure pulsations can put at risk the stability of the machine and of the electrical grid to which it is connected. It is therefore crucial to understand and accurately simulate the underlying physical mechanisms in such conditions. However, the exact impact of cavitation and hydro-acoustic resonance on the flow velocity fluctuations in the draft tube remains to be established. The flow discharge pulsations expected to occur in the draft tube in resonance conditions have for instance never been verified experimentally. In this study, two-component Laser Doppler Velocimetry is used to investigate the axial and tangential velocity fluctuations at the runner outlet of a reduced scale physical model of a Francis turbine. The investigation is performed for a discharge equal to 64 % of the nominal value and three different pressure levels in the draft tube, including resonance and cavitation-free conditions. Based on the convective pressure fluctuations induced by the vortex precession, the periodical velocity fluctuations over one typical precession period are recovered by phase averaging. The impact of cavitation and hydro-acoustic resonance on both axial and tangential velocity fluctuations in terms of amplitude and phase shift is highlighted for the first time. It is shown that the occurrence of resonance does not have significant effects on the draft tube velocity fields, suggesting that the synchronous axial velocity fluctuations are surprisingly negligible compared to the velocity

  17. High-resolution rock-magnetic variability in shallow marine sediment: a sensitive paleoclimatic metronome

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arai, Kohsaku; Sakai, Hideo; Konishi, Kenji

    1997-05-01

    An outer shelf deposit in central Japan centered on the Olduvai normal polarity event in the reversed Matuyama chron reveals a close correlation of both the magnetic susceptibility and remanent intensity with the sedimentary cyclicities apparent in lithologies and molluscan assemblages. Two sedimentary cycles are characterized by distinctly similar, but double-peaked magnetic cyclicities. The rock-magnetic variability is primarily attributed to the relative abundance of terrigenous magnetic minerals, and the double peak of the variability is characterized by the concentration of finer-grained magnetic minerals. The concentration is suspected to be controlled by both climatic change and shifting proximity of the shoreline as a function of rise and fall of the sea level due to glacio-eustasy. Rock-magnetic study reveals the record of a 21 ka period of orbital precession cycles within the sedimentary cyclicity attributable to a 41 ka period of orbital obliquity forcing.

  18. Designing magnetic droplet soliton nucleation employing spin polarizer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohseni, Morteza; Mohseni, Majid

    2018-04-01

    We show by means of micromagnetic simulations that spin polarizer in nano-contact (NC) spin torque oscillators as the representative of the fixed layer in an orthogonal pseudo-spin valve can be employed to design and to control magnetic droplet soliton nucleation and dynamics. We found that using a tilted spin polarizer layer decreases the droplet nucleation time which is more suitable for high speed applications. However, a tilted spin polarizer increases the nucleation current and decreases the frequency stability of the droplet. Additionally, by driving the magnetization inhomogenously at the NC region, it is found that a tilted spin polarizer reduces the precession angle of the droplet and through an interplay with the Oersted field of the DC current, it breaks the spatial symmetry of the droplet profile. Our findings explore fundamental insight into nano-scale magnetic droplet soliton dynamics with potential tunability parameters for future microwave electronics.

  19. The Gravity Probe B `Niobium bird' experiment: Verifying the data reduction scheme for estimating the relativistic precession of Earth-orbiting gyroscopes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Uemaatsu, Hirohiko; Parkinson, Bradford W.; Lockhart, James M.; Muhlfelder, Barry

    1993-01-01

    Gravity Probe B (GP-B) is a relatively gyroscope experiment begun at Stanford University in 1960 and supported by NASA since 1963. This experiment will check, for the first time, the relativistic precession of an Earth-orbiting gyroscope that was predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, to an accuracy of 1 milliarcsecond per year or better. A drag-free satellite will carry four gyroscopes in a polar orbit to observe their relativistic precession. The primary sensor for measuring the direction of gyroscope spin axis is the SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) magnetometer. The data reduction scheme designed for the GP-B program processes the signal from the SQUID magnetometer and estimates the relativistic precession rates. We formulated the data reduction scheme and designed the Niobium bird experiment to verify the performance of the data reduction scheme experimentally with an actual SQUID magnetometer within the test loop. This paper reports the results from the first phase of the Niobium bird experiment, which used a commercially available SQUID magnetometer as its primary sensor, and adresses the issues they raised. The first phase resulted in a large, temperature-dependent bias drift in the insensitive design and a temperature regulation scheme.

  20. Magnon Bose-Einstein condensation and spin superfluidity.

    PubMed

    Bunkov, Yuriy M; Volovik, Grigory E

    2010-04-28

    Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) is a quantum phenomenon of formation of a collective quantum state in which a macroscopic number of particles occupy the lowest energy state and thus is governed by a single wavefunction. Here we highlight the BEC in a magnetic subsystem--the BEC of magnons, elementary magnetic excitations. The magnon BEC is manifested as the spontaneously emerging state of the precessing spins, in which all spins precess with the same frequency and phase even in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The coherent spin precession was observed first in superfluid (3)He-B and this domain was called the homogeneously precessing domain (HPD). The main feature of the HPD is the induction decay signal, which ranges over many orders of magnitude longer than is prescribed by the inhomogeneity of magnetic field. This means that spins precess not with a local Larmor frequency, but coherently with a common frequency and phase. This BEC can also be created and stabilized by continuous NMR pumping. In this case the NMR frequency plays the role of a magnon chemical potential, which determines the density of the magnon condensate. The interference between two condensates has also been demonstrated. It was shown that HPD exhibits all the properties of spin superfluidity. The main property is the existence of a spin supercurrent. This spin supercurrent flows separately from the mass current. Transfer of magnetization by the spin supercurrent by a distance of more than 1 cm has been observed. Also related phenomena have been observed: the spin current Josephson effect; the phase-slip processes at the critical current; and the spin current vortex--a topological defect which is the analog of a quantized vortex in superfluids and of an Abrikosov vortex in superconductors; and so on. It is important to mention that the spin supercurrent is a magnetic phenomenon, which is not directly related to the mass superfluidity of (3)He: it is the consequence of a specific

  1. The low cost Proton Precession Magnetometer developed at the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mahavarkar, P.; Singh, S.; Labde, S.; Dongre, V.; Patil, A.

    2017-05-01

    Proton magnetometers are the oldest scalar magnetometers. The first commercial units were produced in early 1960s as portable instruments. In continuation airborne instruments appeared with optimized speed of readings and sensitivity, large sensors etc. Later development of Overhauser and optically pumped magnetometers has eliminated Proton magnetometers from airborne surveys. However they remain very popular in various ground surveys and observatories. With this primary purpose of generating the ground based magnetic data, the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) for the last 3 decades have been developing low cost Proton Precession Magnetometers (PPM). Beginning with the 1 nT PPM which has undergone several changes in design, the successor PM7 the advanced version has been successfully developed by the institute and is installed at various observatories of the institute. PM7 records the total field `F' with accuracy of 0.1 nT and a sampling rate of 10 seconds/sample. This article briefly discusses the design and development of this IIG make PM7 and compares the data recorded by this instrument with one of the commercially available Overhauser magnetometer in the world market. The quality of data recorded by PM7 is in excellent agreement with the Overhauser. With the available quality of data generated by this instrument, PM7 is an affordable PPM for scientific institutions, schools and colleges intending to carry out geomagnetic studies. The commercial cost of PM7 is ≈ 20% of the cost of Overhauser available in market.

  2. Theta phase precession of grid and place cell firing in open environments

    PubMed Central

    Jeewajee, A.; Barry, C.; Douchamps, V.; Manson, D.; Lever, C.; Burgess, N.

    2014-01-01

    Place and grid cells in the rodent hippocampal formation tend to fire spikes at successively earlier phases relative to the local field potential theta rhythm as the animal runs through the cell's firing field on a linear track. However, this ‘phase precession’ effect is less well characterized during foraging in two-dimensional open field environments. Here, we mapped runs through the firing fields onto a unit circle to pool data from multiple runs. We asked which of seven behavioural and physiological variables show the best circular–linear correlation with the theta phase of spikes from place cells in hippocampal area CA1 and from grid cells from superficial layers of medial entorhinal cortex. The best correlate was the distance to the firing field peak projected onto the animal's current running direction. This was significantly stronger than other correlates, such as instantaneous firing rate and time-in-field, but similar in strength to correlates with other measures of distance travelled through the firing field. Phase precession was stronger in place cells than grid cells overall, and robust phase precession was seen in traversals through firing field peripheries (although somewhat less than in traversals through the centre), consistent with phase coding of displacement along the current direction. This type of phase coding, of place field distance ahead of or behind the animal, may be useful for allowing calculation of goal directions during navigation. PMID:24366140

  3. Black hole spin from wobbling and rotation of the M87 jet and a sign of a magnetically arrested disc

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sob'yanin, Denis Nikolaevich

    2018-06-01

    New long-term Very Long Baseline Array observations of the well-known jet in the M87 radio galaxy at 43 GHz show that the jet experiences a sideways shift with an approximately 8-10 yr quasi-periodicity. Such jet wobbling can be indicative of a relativistic Lense-Thirring precession resulting from a tilted accretion disc. The wobbling period together with up-to-date kinematic data on jet rotation opens up the possibility for estimating angular momentum of the central supermassive black hole. In the case of a test-particle precession, the specific angular momentum is J/Mc = (2.7 ± 1.5) × 1014 cm, implying moderate dimensionless spin parameters a = 0.5 ± 0.3 and 0.31 ± 0.17 for controversial gas-dynamic and stellar-dynamic black hole masses. However, in the case of a solid-body-like precession, the spin parameter is much smaller for both masses, 0.15 ± 0.05. Rejecting this value on the basis of other independent spin estimations requires the existence of a magnetically arrested disc in M87.

  4. Review of Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2012

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    There were 90 articles published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (JCMR) in 2012, which is an 8% increase in the number of articles since 2011. The quality of the submissions continues to increase. The editors are delighted to report that the 2011 JCMR Impact Factor (which is published in June 2012) has risen to 4.44, up from 3.72 for 2010 (as published in June 2011), a 20% increase. The 2011 impact factor means that the JCMR papers that were published in 2009 and 2010 were cited on average 4.44 times in 2011. The impact factor undergoes natural variation according to citation rates of papers in the 2 years following publication, and is significantly influenced by highly cited papers such as official reports. However, the progress of the journal's impact over the last 5 years has been impressive. Our acceptance rate is approximately 25%, and has been falling as the number of articles being submitted has been increasing. In accordance with Open-Access publishing, the JCMR articles go on-line as they are accepted with no collating of the articles into sections or special thematic issues. For this reason, the Editors have felt that it is useful once per calendar year to summarize the papers for the readership into broad areas of interest or theme, so that areas of interest can be reviewed in a single article in relation to each other and other recent JCMR articles. The papers are presented in broad themes and set in context with related literature and previously published JCMR papers to guide continuity of thought in the journal. We hope that you find the open-access system increases wider reading and citation of your papers, and that you will continue to send your quality manuscripts to JCMR for publication. PMID:24006874

  5. Review of Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2014.

    PubMed

    Pennell, D J; Baksi, A J; Prasad, S K; Raphael, C E; Kilner, P J; Mohiaddin, R H; Alpendurada, F; Babu-Narayan, S V; Schneider, J; Firmin, D N

    2015-11-20

    There were 102 articles published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (JCMR) in 2014, which is a 6% decrease on the 109 articles published in 2013. The quality of the submissions continues to increase. The 2013 JCMR Impact Factor (which is published in June 2014) fell to 4.72 from 5.11 for 2012 (as published in June 2013). The 2013 impact factor means that the JCMR papers that were published in 2011 and 2012 were cited on average 4.72 times in 2013. The impact factor undergoes natural variation according to citation rates of papers in the 2 years following publication, and is significantly influenced by highly cited papers such as official reports. However, the progress of the journal's impact over the last 5 years has been impressive. Our acceptance rate is <25% and has been falling because the number of articles being submitted has been increasing. In accordance with Open-Access publishing, the JCMR articles go on-line as they are accepted with no collating of the articles into sections or special thematic issues. For this reason, the Editors have felt that it is useful once per calendar year to summarize the papers for the readership into broad areas of interest or theme, so that areas of interest can be reviewed in a single article in relation to each other and other recent JCMR articles. The papers are presented in broad themes and set in context with related literature and previously published JCMR papers to guide continuity of thought in the journal. We hope that you find the open-access system increases wider reading and citation of your papers, and that you will continue to send your quality papers to JCMR for publication.

  6. Review of Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2013.

    PubMed

    Pennell, Dudley John; Baksi, Arun John; Kilner, Philip John; Mohiaddin, Raad Hashem; Prasad, Sanjay Kumar; Alpendurada, Francisco; Babu-Narayan, Sonya Vidya; Neubauer, Stefan; Firmin, David Nigel

    2014-12-05

    There were 109 articles published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (JCMR) in 2013, which is a 21% increase on the 90 articles published in 2012. The quality of the submissions continues to increase. The editors are delighted to report that the 2012 JCMR Impact Factor (which is published in June 2013) has risen to 5.11, up from 4.44 for 2011 (as published in June 2012), a 15% increase and taking us through the 5 threshold for the first time. The 2012 impact factor means that the JCMR papers that were published in 2010 and 2011 were cited on average 5.11 times in 2012. The impact factor undergoes natural variation according to citation rates of papers in the 2 years following publication, and is significantly influenced by highly cited papers such as official reports. However, the progress of the journal's impact over the last 5 years has been impressive. Our acceptance rate is <25% and has been falling because the number of articles being submitted has been increasing. In accordance with Open-Access publishing, the JCMR articles go on-line as they are accepted with no collating of the articles into sections or special thematic issues. For this reason, the Editors have felt that it is useful once per calendar year to summarize the papers for the readership into broad areas of interest or theme, so that areas of interest can be reviewed in a single article in relation to each other and other recent JCMR articles. The papers are presented in broad themes and set in context with related literature and previously published JCMR papers to guide continuity of thought in the journal. We hope that you find the open-access system increases wider reading and citation of your papers, and that you will continue to send your quality manuscripts to JCMR for publication.

  7. Which cardiovascular magnetic resonance planes and sequences provide accurate measurements of branch pulmonary artery size in children with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction?

    PubMed

    Vijarnsorn, Chodchanok; Rutledge, Jennifer M; Tham, Edythe B; Coe, James Y; Quinonez, Luis; Patton, David J; Noga, Michelle

    2014-02-01

    Children with right ventricular outflow tract obstructive (RVOTO) lesions require precise quantification of pulmonary artery (PA) size for proper management of branch PA stenosis. We aimed to determine which cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) sequences and planes correlated best with cardiac catheterization and surgical measurements of branch PA size. Fifty-five children with RVOTO lesions and biventricular circulation underwent CMR prior to; either cardiac catheterization (n = 30) or surgery (n = 25) within a 6 month time frame. CMR sequences included axial black blood, axial, coronal oblique and sagittal oblique cine balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP), and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with multiplanar reformatting in axial, coronal oblique, sagittal oblique, and cross-sectional planes. Maximal branch PA and stenosis (if present) diameter were measured. Comparisons of PA size on CMR were made to reference methods: (1) catheterization measurements performed in the anteroposterior plane at maximal expansion, and (2) surgical measurement obtained from a maximal diameter sound which could pass through the lumen. The mean differences (Δ) and intra class correlation (ICC) were used to determine agreement between different modalities. CMR branch PA measurements were compared to the corresponding cardiac catheterization measurements in 30 children (7.6 ± 5.6 years). Reformatted MRA showed better agreement for branch PA measurement (ICC > 0.8) than black blood (ICC 0.4-0.6) and cine sequences (ICC 0.6-0.8). Coronal oblique MRA and maximal cross sectional MRA provided the best correlation of right PA (RPA) size with ICC of 0.9 (Δ -0.1 ± 2.1 mm and Δ 0.5 ± 2.1 mm). Maximal cross sectional MRA and sagittal oblique MRA provided the best correlate of left PA (LPA) size (Δ 0.1 ± 2.4 and Δ -0.7 ± 2.4 mm). For stenoses, the best correlations were from coronal oblique MRA of right pulmonary artery (RPA) (Δ -0.2 ± 0.8 mm, ICC 0

  8. Precession technique and electron diffractometry as new tools for crystal structure analysis and chemical bonding determination.

    PubMed

    Avilov, A; Kuligin, K; Nicolopoulos, S; Nickolskiy, M; Boulahya, K; Portillo, J; Lepeshov, G; Sobolev, B; Collette, J P; Martin, N; Robins, A C; Fischione, P

    2007-01-01

    We have developed a new fast electron diffractometer working with high dynamic range and linearity for crystal structure determinations. Electron diffraction (ED) patterns can be scanned serially in front of a Faraday cage detector; the total measurement time for several hundred ED reflections can be tens of seconds having high statistical accuracy for all measured intensities (1-2%). This new tool can be installed to any type of TEM without any column modification and is linked to a specially developed electron beam precession "Spinning Star" system. Precession of the electron beam (Vincent-Midgley technique) reduces dynamical effects allowing also use of accurate intensities for crystal structure analysis. We describe the technical characteristics of this new tool together with the first experimental results. Accurate measurement of electron diffraction intensities by electron diffractometer opens new possibilities not only for revealing unknown structures, but also for electrostatic potential determination and chemical bonding investigation. As an example, we present detailed atomic bonding information of CaF(2) as revealed for the first time by precise electron diffractometry.

  9. Weak-field precession of nano-pillar spin-torque oscillators using MgO-based perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Changxin; Fang, Bin; Wang, Bochong; Zeng, Zhongming

    2018-04-01

    This paper presents a steady auto-oscillation in a spin-torque oscillator using MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with a perpendicular polarizer and a perpendicular free layer. As the injected d.c. current varied from 1.5 to 3.0 mA under a weak magnetic field of 290 Oe, the oscillation frequency decreased from 1.85 to 1.3 GHz, and the integrated power increased from 0.1 to 74 pW. A narrow linewidth down to 7 MHz corresponding to a high Q factor of 220 was achieved at 2.7 mA, which was ascribed to the spatial coherent procession of the free layer magnetization. Moreover, the oscillation frequency was quite sensitive to the applied field, about 3.07 MHz/Oe, indicating the potential applications as a weak magnetic field detector. These results suggested that the MgO-based MTJ with perpendicular magnetic easy axis could be helpful for developing spin-torque oscillators with narrow-linewidth and high sensitive.

  10. The Effects of Theta Precession on Spatial Learning and Simplicial Complex Dynamics in a Topological Model of the Hippocampal Spatial Map

    PubMed Central

    Arai, Mamiko; Brandt, Vicky; Dabaghian, Yuri

    2014-01-01

    Learning arises through the activity of large ensembles of cells, yet most of the data neuroscientists accumulate is at the level of individual neurons; we need models that can bridge this gap. We have taken spatial learning as our starting point, computationally modeling the activity of place cells using methods derived from algebraic topology, especially persistent homology. We previously showed that ensembles of hundreds of place cells could accurately encode topological information about different environments (“learn” the space) within certain values of place cell firing rate, place field size, and cell population; we called this parameter space the learning region. Here we advance the model both technically and conceptually. To make the model more physiological, we explored the effects of theta precession on spatial learning in our virtual ensembles. Theta precession, which is believed to influence learning and memory, did in fact enhance learning in our model, increasing both speed and the size of the learning region. Interestingly, theta precession also increased the number of spurious loops during simplicial complex formation. We next explored how downstream readout neurons might define co-firing by grouping together cells within different windows of time and thereby capturing different degrees of temporal overlap between spike trains. Our model's optimum coactivity window correlates well with experimental data, ranging from ∼150–200 msec. We further studied the relationship between learning time, window width, and theta precession. Our results validate our topological model for spatial learning and open new avenues for connecting data at the level of individual neurons to behavioral outcomes at the neuronal ensemble level. Finally, we analyzed the dynamics of simplicial complex formation and loop transience to propose that the simplicial complex provides a useful working description of the spatial learning process. PMID:24945927

  11. Magnetic resonance angiography: current status and future directions

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    With recent improvement in hardware and software techniques, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has undergone significant changes in technique and approach. The advent of 3.0 T magnets has allowed reduction in exogenous contrast dose without compromising overall image quality. The use of novel intravascular contrast agents substantially increases the image windows and decreases contrast dose. Additionally, the lower risk and cost in non-contrast enhanced (NCE) MRA has sparked renewed interest in these methods. This article discusses the current state of both contrast-enhanced (CE) and NCE-MRA. New CE-MRA methods take advantage of dose reduction at 3.0 T, novel contrast agents, and parallel imaging methods. The risks of gadolinium-based contrast media, and the NCE-MRA methods of time-of-flight, steady-state free precession, and phase contrast are discussed. PMID:21388544

  12. The Hanle effect applied to magnetic field measurements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Leroy, J. L.

    1985-01-01

    The Hanle effect is the modification by a local magnetic field of the polarization due to coherent scattering in spectral lines. It results from the precession of a classical oscillator about the magnetic field direction. The sophisticated quantum-mechanical treatment, which is required to compute the polarization parameters of scattered light, was developed. The main features of the Hanle effect concerning magnetic field measurements are: (1) a good sensitivity within the approximate range 0.1 B gamma rho to 10 B gamma rho where B gamma rho is the field strength yielding a Larmor period equal to the radiative lifetime, (2) there is no Hanle effect for field vectors parallel to the excitating beam, (3) the Hanle effect refers essentially to the linear polarization in a spectral line, (4) various points in the line profile are affected in the same way by change of linear polarization so that polarization parameters can be measured on the integrated line profile.

  13. Jet Precession Driven by a Supermassive Black Hole Binary System in the BL Lac Object PG 1553+113

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Caproni, Anderson; Abraham, Zulema; Motter, Juliana Cristina; Monteiro, Hektor

    2017-12-01

    The recent discovery of a roughly simultaneous periodic variability in the light curves of the BL Lac object PG 1553+113 at several electromagnetic bands represents the first case of such odd behavior reported in the literature. Motivated by this, we analyzed 15 GHz interferometric maps of the parsec-scale radio jet of PG 1553+113 to verify the presence of a possible counterpart of this periodic variability. We used the Cross-entropy statistical technique to obtain the structural parameters of the Gaussian components present in the radio maps of this source. We kinematically identified seven jet components formed coincidentally with flare-like features seen in the γ-ray light curve. From the derived jet component positions in the sky plane and their kinematics (ejection epochs, proper motions, and sky position angles), we modeled their temporal changes in terms of a relativistic jet that is steadily precessing in time. Our results indicate a precession period in the observer’s reference frame of 2.24 ± 0.03 years, compatible with the periodicity detected in the light curves of PG 1553+113. However, the maxima of the jet Doppler boosting factor are systematically delayed relative to the peaks of the main γ-ray flares. We propose two scenarios that could explain this delay, both based on the existence of a supermassive black hole binary system in PG 1553+113. We estimated the characteristics of this putative binary system that also would be responsible for driving the inferred jet precession.

  14. Space and time reconstruction of the precessing vortex core in Francis turbine draft tube by 2D-PIV

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Favrel, A.; Müller, A.; Landry, C.; Yamamoto, K.; Avellan, F.

    2016-11-01

    Francis turbines operating at part load conditions experience the development of a high swirling flow at the runner outlet, giving rise to the development of a cavitation precessing vortex rope in the draft tube. The latter acts as an excitation source for the hydro-mechanical system and may jeopardize the system stability if resonance conditions are met. Although many aspects of the part load issue have been widely studied in the past, the accurate stability analysis of hydro-power plants remains challenging. A better understanding of the vortex rope dynamics in a wide range of operating conditions is an important step towards the prediction and the transposition of the pressure fluctuations from reduced to prototype scale. For this purpose, an investigation of the flow velocity fields at the outlet of a Francis turbine reduced scale physical model operating at part load conditions is performed by means of 2D-PIV in three different horizontal cross-sections of the draft tube cone. The measurements are performed in cavitation-free conditions for three values of discharge factor, comprised between 60% and 81% of the value at the Best Efficiency Point. The present article describes a detailed methodology to properly recover the evolution of the velocity fields during one precession cycle by means of phase averaging. The vortex circulation is computed and the vortex trajectory over one typical precession period is finally recovered for each operating point. It is notably shown that below a given value of the discharge factor, the vortex dynamics abruptly change and loose its periodicity and coherence.

  15. Incorporating reversible and irreversible transverse relaxation effects into Steady State Free Precession (SSFP) signal intensity expressions for fMRI considerations.

    PubMed

    Mulkern, Robert V; Balasubramanian, Mukund; Orbach, Darren B; Mitsouras, Dimitrios; Haker, Steven J

    2013-04-01

    Among the multiple sequences available for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the Steady State Free Precession (SSFP) sequence offers the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per unit time as well as distortion free images not feasible with the more commonly employed single-shot echo planar imaging (EPI) approaches. Signal changes occurring with activation in SSFP sequences reflect underlying changes in both irreversible and reversible transverse relaxation processes. The latter are characterized by changes in the central frequencies and widths of the inherent frequency distribution present within a voxel. In this work, the well-known frequency response of the SSFP signal intensity is generalized to include the widths and central frequencies of some common frequency distributions on SSFP signal intensities. The approach, using a previously unnoted series expansion, allows for a separation of reversible from irreversible transverse relaxation effects on SSFP signal intensity changes. The formalism described here should prove useful for identifying and modeling mechanisms associated with SSFP signal changes accompanying neural activation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Gravity and Magnetic Surveys Over the Santa Rita Fault System, Southeastern Arizona

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hegmann, Mary

    2001-01-01

    Gravity and magnetic surveys were performed in the northeast portion of the Santa Rita Experimental Range, in southeastern Arizona, to identify faults and gain a better understanding of the subsurface geology. A total of 234 gravity stations were established, and numerous magnetic data were collected with portable and truck-mounted proton precession magnetometers. In addition, one line of very low frequency electromagnetic data was collected together with magnetic data. Gravity anomalies are used to identify two normal faults that project northward toward a previously identified fault. The gravity data also confirm the location of a second previously interpreted normal fault. Interpretation of magnetic anomaly data indicates the presence of a higher-susceptibility sedimentary unit located beneath lowersusceptibility surficial sediments. Magnetic anomaly data identify a 1-km-wide negative anomaly east of these faults caused by an unknown source and reveal the high variability of susceptibility in the Tertiary intrusive rocks in the area.

  17. Dynamics of the precessing vortex rope and its interaction with the system at Francis turbines part load operating conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Favrel, A.; Müller, A.; Landry, C.; Gomes, J.; Yamamoto, K.; Avellan, F.

    2017-04-01

    At part load conditions, Francis turbines experience the formation of a cavitation vortex rope at the runner outlet whose precession acts as a pressure excitation source for the hydraulic circuit. This can lead to hydro-acoustic resonances characterized by high pressure pulsations, as well as torque and output power fluctuations. This study highlights the influence of the discharge factor on both the vortex parameters and the pressure excitation source by performing Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and pressure measurements. Moreover, it is shown that the occurrence of hydro-acoustic resonances in cavitation conditions mainly depend on the swirl degree of the flow independently of the speed factor. Empirical laws linking both natural and precession frequencies with the operating parameters of the machine are, then, derived, enabling the prediction of resonance conditions on the complete part load operating range of the turbine.

  18. Field driven magnetic racetrack memory accompanied with the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, June-Seo; Lee, Hyeon-Jun; Hong, Jung-Il; You, Chun-Yeol

    2018-06-01

    The in-plane magnetic field pulse driven domain wall motion on a perpendicularly magnetized nanowire is numerically investigated by performing micromagnetic simulations and magnetic domain wall dynamics are evaluated analytically with one-dimensional collective coordinate models including the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. With the action of the precession torque, the chirality and the magnetic field direction dependent displacements of the magnetic domain walls are clearly observed. In order to move Bloch type and Neel type domain walls, a longitudinal and a transverse in-plane magnetic field pulse are required, respectively. The domain wall type (Bloch or Neel) can easily be determined by the dynamic motion of the domain walls under the applied pulse fields. By applying a temporally asymmetric in-plane field pulse and successive notches in the perpendicularly magnetized nanowire strip line with a proper interval, the concept of racetrack memory based on the synchronous displacements of the chirality dependent multiple domain walls is verified to be feasible. Requirement of multiple domain walls with homogeneous chirality is achieved with the help of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction.

  19. On the subjective acceptance during cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging at 7.0 Tesla.

    PubMed

    Klix, Sabrina; Els, Antje; Paul, Katharina; Graessl, Andreas; Oezerdem, Celal; Weinberger, Oliver; Winter, Lukas; Thalhammer, Christof; Huelnhagen, Till; Rieger, Jan; Mehling, Heidrun; Schulz-Menger, Jeanette; Niendorf, Thoralf

    2015-01-01

    This study examines the subjective acceptance during UHF-CMR in a cohort of healthy volunteers who underwent a cardiac MR examination at 7.0T. Within a period of two-and-a-half years (January 2012 to June 2014) a total of 165 healthy volunteers (41 female, 124 male) without any known history of cardiac disease underwent UHF-CMR. For the assessment of the subjective acceptance a questionnaire was used to examine the participants experience prior, during and after the UHF-CMR examination. For this purpose, subjects were asked to respond to the questionnaire in an exit interview held immediately after the completion of the UHF-CMR examination under supervision of a study nurse to ensure accurate understanding of the questions. All questions were answered with "yes" or "no" including space for additional comments. Transient muscular contraction was documented in 12.7% of the questionnaires. Muscular contraction was reported to occur only during periods of scanning with the magnetic field gradients being rapidly switched. Dizziness during the study was reported by 12.7% of the subjects. Taste of metal was reported by 10.1% of the study population. Light flashes were reported by 3.6% of the entire cohort. 13% of the subjects reported side effects/observations which were not explicitly listed in the questionnaire but covered by the question about other side effects. No severe side effects as vomiting or syncope after scanning occurred. No increase in heart rate was observed during the UHF-CMR exam versus the baseline clinical examination. This study adds to the literature by detailing the subjective acceptance of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging examinations at a magnetic field strength of 7.0T. Cardiac MR examinations at 7.0T are well tolerated by healthy subjects. Broader observational and multi-center studies including patient cohorts with cardiac diseases are required to gain further insights into the subjective acceptance of UHF-CMR examinations.

  20. Intradialytic Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Assess Cardiovascular Responses in a Short-Term Trial of Hemodiafiltration and Hemodialysis

    PubMed Central

    Buchanan, Charlotte; Mohammed, Azharuddin; Cox, Eleanor; Köhler, Katrin; Canaud, Bernard; Taal, Maarten W.; Selby, Nicholas M.; Francis, Susan

    2017-01-01

    Hemodynamic stress during hemodialysis (HD) results in recurrent segmental ischemic injury (myocardial stunning) that drives cumulative cardiac damage. We performed a fully comprehensive study of the cardiovascular effect of dialysis sessions using intradialytic cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the comparative acute effects of standard HD versus hemodiafiltration (HDF) in stable patients. We randomly allocated 12 patients on HD (ages 32–72 years old) to either HD or HDF. Patients were stabilized on a modality for 2 weeks before undergoing serial cardiac MRI assessment during dialysis. Patients then crossed over to the other modality and were rescanned after 2 weeks. Cardiac MRI measurements included cardiac index, stroke volume index, global and regional contractile function (myocardial strain), coronary artery flow, and myocardial perfusion. Patients had mean±SEM ultrafiltration rates of 3.8±2.9 ml/kg per hour during HD and 4.4±2.5 ml/kg per hour during HDF (P=0.29), and both modalities provided a similar degree of cooling. All measures of systolic contractile function fell during HD and HDF, with partial recovery after dialysis. All patients experienced some degree of segmental left ventricular dysfunction, with severity proportional to ultrafiltration rate and BP reduction. Myocardial perfusion decreased significantly during HD and HDF. Treatment modality did not influence any of the cardiovascular responses to dialysis. In conclusion, in this randomized, crossover study, there was no significant difference in the cardiovascular response to HDF or HD with cooled dialysate as assessed with intradialytic MRI. PMID:28122851

  1. Broad band simulation of Gamma Ray Bursts (GRB) prompt emission in presence of an external magnetic field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ziaeepour, Houri; Gardner, Brian

    2011-12-01

    The origin of prompt emission in GRBs is not yet well understood. The simplest and most popular model is Synchrotron Self-Compton (SSC) emission produced by internal shocks inside an ultra-relativistic jet. However, recent observations of a delayed high energy component by the Fermi-LAT instrument have encouraged alternative models. Here we use a recently developed formulation of relativistic shocks for GRBs to simulate light curves and spectra of synchrotron and self-Compton emissions in the framework of internal shock model. This model takes into account the evolution of quantities such as densities of colliding shells, and fraction of kinetic energy transferred to electrons and to induced magnetic field. We also extend this formulation by considering the presence of a precessing external magnetic field. These simulations are very realistic and present significant improvement with respect to previous phenomenological GRB simulations. They reproduce light curves of separate peaks of real GRBs and variety of spectral slopes at E > Epeak observed by the Fermi-LAT instrument. The high energy emission can be explained by synchrotron emission and a subdominant contribution from inverse Compton. We also suggest an explanation for extended tail emission and relate it to the screening of the magnetic field and/or trapping of accelerated electrons in the electromagnetic energy structure of the plasma in the shock front. Spectral slopes of simulated bursts at E << Epeak are consistent with theoretical prediction and at E < Epeak can be flatter if the spectrum of electrons is roughly flat or has a shallow slope at low energies. The observed flat spectra at soft gamma-ray and hard x-ray bands is the evidence that there is a significant contribution at E < Epeak from lower Lorentz factor wing of electron distribution which have a roughly random acceleration rather than being thermal. This means that the state of matter in the jet at the time of ejection is most probably

  2. A Bayesian Approach to Magnetic Moment Determination Using μSR

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Blundell, S. J.; Steele, A. J.; Lancaster, T.; Wright, J. D.; Pratt, F. L.

    A significant challenge in zero-field μSR experiments arises from the uncertainty in the muon site. It is possible to calculate the dipole field (and hence precession frequency v) at any particular site given the magnetic moment μ and magnetic structure. One can also evaluate f(v), the probability distribution function of v assuming that the muon site can be anywhere within the unit cell with equal probability, excluding physically forbidden sites. Since v is obtained from experiment, what we would like to know is g(μjv), the probability density function of μ given the observed v. This can be obtained from our calculated f(v/μ) using Bayes' theorem. We describe an approach to this problem which we have used to extract information about real systems including a low-moment osmate compound, a family of molecular magnets, and an iron-arsenide compound.

  3. Magnetic Field Sensing with Nitrogen-Vacancy Color Centers in Diamond

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-05-01

    8217d from r.haracteristic time of the der.ay enwlop<’. as shown in Figm<’ 1.7(b). For an ensemble of NV centers , inhomogeneities stemming from the...Backgnmnd a initialization detection optical _.J:.D ____. __________ __._n....__ b 350 "E 300 ~ 250 (jj §, 200 Cll Ŕ 150 l!l ~ 100 ~ 50 0...Free Precession Time-r (J.IS) II) ---(ij c .2’ (/) Cll (J c :!l e 0 ::J u: 0 0.5 15 2 Static Magnetic Field B (G) Figurr A. 2

  4. Detection of hydroxyapatite in calcified cardiovascular tissues.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jae Sam; Morrisett, Joel D; Tung, Ching-Hsuan

    2012-10-01

    The objective of this study is to develop a method for selective detection of the calcific (hydroxyapatite) component in human aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro and in calcified cardiovascular tissues ex vivo. This method uses a novel optical molecular imaging contrast dye, Cy-HABP-19, to target calcified cells and tissues. A peptide that mimics the binding affinity of osteocalcin was used to label hydroxyapatite in vitro and ex vivo. Morphological changes in vascular smooth muscle cells were evaluated at an early stage of the mineralization process induced by extrinsic stimuli, osteogenic factors and a magnetic suspension cell culture. Hydroxyapatite components were detected in monolayers of these cells in the presence of osteogenic factors and a magnetic suspension environment. Atherosclerotic plaque contains multiple components including lipidic, fibrotic, thrombotic, and calcific materials. Using optical imaging and the Cy-HABP-19 molecular imaging probe, we demonstrated that hydroxyapatite components could be selectively distinguished from various calcium salts in human aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro and in calcified cardiovascular tissues, carotid endarterectomy samples and aortic valves, ex vivo. Hydroxyapatite deposits in cardiovascular tissues were selectively detected in the early stage of the calcification process using our Cy-HABP-19 probe. This new probe makes it possible to study the earliest events associated with vascular hydroxyapatite deposition at the cellular and molecular levels. This target-selective molecular imaging probe approach holds high potential for revealing early pathophysiological changes, leading to progression, regression, or stabilization of cardiovascular diseases. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Detection of Hydroxyapatite in Calcified Cardiovascular Tissues

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Jae Sam; Morrisett, Joel D.; Tung, Ching-Hsuan

    2012-01-01

    Objective The objective of this study is to develop a method for selective detection of the calcific (hydroxyapatite) component in human aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro and in calcified cardiovascular tissues ex vivo. This method uses a novel optical molecular imaging contrast dye, Cy-HABP-19, to target calcified cells and tissues. Methods A peptide that mimics the binding affinity of osteocalcin was used to label hydroxyapatite in vitro and ex vivo. Morphological changes in vascular smooth muscle cells were evaluated at an early stage of the mineralization process induced by extrinsic stimuli, osteogenic factors and a magnetic suspension cell culture. Hydroxyapatite components were detected in monolayers of these cells in the presence of osteogenic factors and a magnetic suspension environment. Results Atherosclerotic plaque contains multiple components including lipidic, fibrotic, thrombotic, and calcific materials. Using optical imaging and the Cy-HABP-19 molecular imaging probe, we demonstrated that hydroxyapatite components could be selectively distinguished from various calcium salts in human aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro and in calcified cardiovascular tissues, carotid endarterectomy samples and aortic valves, ex vivo. Conclusion Hydroxyapatite deposits in cardiovascular tissues were selectively detected in the early stage of the calcification process using our Cy-HABP-19 probe. This new probe makes it possible to study the earliest events associated with vascular hydroxyapatite deposition at the cellular and molecular levels. This target-selective molecular imaging probe approach holds high potential for revealing early pathophysiological changes, leading to progression, regression, or stabilization of cardiovascular diseases. PMID:22877867

  6. Spin-Precession Organic Magnetic Sensor

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-04-11

    contacts contributed negligibly to the measured noise power. Figure 3 shows a typical linear I -V characteristic. The resistance of the lines ranges...low frequencies (below 1 kHz). Also, the noise power is found to scale as the square of the bias current, I , indicating the noise is due to...simply attributed to the P3HT. 10 Typical I -V characteristics across different pairs of LSMO having P3HT between them are shown in Figure 7. The

  7. Precession of a two-layer Earth: contributions of the core and elasticity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baenas, Tomás; Ferrándiz, José M.; Escapa, Alberto; Getino, Juan; Navarro, Juan F.

    2016-04-01

    The Earth's internal structure contributes to the precession rate in a small but non-negligible amount, given the current accuracy goals demanded by IAG/GGOS to the reference frames, namely 30 μas and 3 μas/yr. These contributions come from a variety of sources. One of those not yet accounted for in current IAU models is associated to the crossed effects of certain nutation-rising terms of a two-layer Earth model; intuitively, it gathers an 'indirect' effect of the core via the NDFW, or FCN, resonance as well as a 'direct' effect arising from terms that account for energy variations depending on the elasticity of the core. Similar order of magnitude reaches the direct effect of the departure of the Earth's rheology from linear elasticity. To compute those effects we work out the problem in a unified way within the Hamiltonian framework developed by Getino and Ferrándiz (2001). It allows a consistent treatment of the problem since all the perturbations are derived from the same tide generating expansion and the crossing effects are rigorously obtained through Hori's canonical perturbation method. The problem admits an asymptotic analytical solution. The Hamiltonian is constructed by considering a two-layer Earth model made up of an anelastic mantle and a fluid core, perturbed by the gravitational action of the Moon and the Sun. The former effects reach some tens of μas/yr in the longitude rate, hence above the target accuracy level. We outline their influence in the estimation of the Earth's dynamical ellipticity, a main parameter factorizing both precession and nutation.

  8. Generation of a spin-polarized electron beam by multipole magnetic fields.

    PubMed

    Karimi, Ebrahim; Grillo, Vincenzo; Boyd, Robert W; Santamato, Enrico

    2014-03-01

    The propagation of an electron beam in the presence of transverse magnetic fields possessing integer topological charges is presented. The spin-magnetic interaction introduces a nonuniform spin precession of the electrons that gains a space-variant geometrical phase in the transverse plane proportional to the field's topological charge, whose handedness depends on the input electron's spin state. A combination of our proposed device with an electron orbital angular momentum sorter can be utilized as a spin-filter of electron beams in a mid-energy range. We examine these two different configurations of a partial spin-filter generator numerically. The results of this analysis could prove useful in the design of an improved electron microscope. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. METHODOLOGICAL NOTES: Rotation of the swing plane of Foucault's pendulum and Thomas spin precession: two sides of one coin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krivoruchenko, Mikhail I.

    2009-08-01

    Using elementary geometric tools, we apply essentially the same methods to derive expressions for the rotation angle of the swing plane of Foucault's pendulum and the rotation angle of the spin of a relativistic particle moving in a circular orbit (the Thomas precession effect).

  10. CMR imaging of edema in myocardial infarction using cine balanced steady-state free precession.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Andreas; Beohar, Nirat; Arumana, Jain Mangalathu; Larose, Eric; Li, Debiao; Friedrich, Matthias G; Dharmakumar, Rohan

    2011-12-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the capabilities of balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) cardiac magnetic resonance imaging as a novel cine imaging approach for characterizing myocardial edema in animals and patients after reperfused myocardial infarction. Current cardiac magnetic resonance methods require 2 separate scans for assessment of myocardial edema and cardiac function. Mini-pigs (n = 13) with experimentally induced reperfused myocardial infarction and patients with reperfused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 26) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance scans on days 2 to 4 post-reperfusion. Cine bSSFP, T2-weighted short TI inversion recovery (T2-STIR), and late gadolinium enhancement were performed at 1.5-T. Cine bSSFP and T2-STIR images were acquired with a body coil to mitigate surface coil bias. Signal, contrast, and the area of edema were compared. Additional patients (n = 10) were analyzed for the effect of microvascular obstruction on bSSFP. A receiver-operator characteristic analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of edema detection. An area of hyperintense bSSFP signal consistent with edema was observed in the infarction zone (contrast-to-noise ratio: 37 ± 13) in all animals and correlated well with the area of late gadolinium enhancement (R = 0.83, p < 0.01). In all patients, T2-STIR and bSSFP images showed regional hyperintensity in the infarction zone. Normalized contrast-to-noise ratios were not different between T2-STIR and bSSFP. On a slice basis, the volumes of hyperintensity on T2-STIR and bSSFP images correlated well (R = 0.86, p < 0.001), and their means were not different. When compared with T2-STIR, bSSFP was positive for edema in 25 of 26 patients (96% sensitivity) and was negative in all controls (100% specificity). All patients with microvascular obstruction showed a significant reduction of signal in the subendocardial infarction zone compared with infarcted epicardial tissue without

  11. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy mimics: role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is commonly used in patients with suspected arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) based on ECG, echocardiogram and Holter. However, various diseases may present with clinical characteristics resembling ARVC causing diagnostic dilemmas. The aim of this study was to explore the role of CMR in the differential diagnosis of patients with suspected ARVC. Methods 657 CMR referrals suspicious for ARVC in a single tertiary referral centre were analysed. Standardized CMR imaging protocols for ARVC were performed. Potential ARVC mimics were grouped into: 1) displacement of the heart, 2) right ventricular overload, and 3) non ARVC-like cardiac scarring. For each, a judgment of clinical impact was made. Results Twenty patients (3.0%) fulfilled imaging ARVC criteria. Thirty (4.6%) had a potential ARVC mimic, of which 25 (3.8%) were considered clinically important: cardiac displacement (n=17), RV overload (n=7) and non-ARVC like myocardial scarring (n=4). One patient had two mimics; one patient had dual pathology with important mimic and ARVC. RV overload and scarring conditions were always thought clinically important whilst the importance of cardiac displacement depended on the degree of displacement from severe (partial absence of pericardium) to epiphenomenon (minor kyphoscoliosis). Conclusions Some patients referred for CMR with suspected ARVC fulfil ARVC imaging criteria (3%) but more have otherwise unrecognised diseases (4.6%) mimicking potentially ARVC. Clinical assessment should reflect this, emphasising the assessment and/or exclusion of potential mimics in parallel with the detection of ARVC major and minor criteria. PMID:23398958

  12. Dobutamine cardiovascular magnetic resonance for the detection of myocardial ischemia with the use of myocardial tagging.

    PubMed

    Kuijpers, Dirkjan; Ho, Kai Yiu J A M; van Dijkman, Paul R M; Vliegenthart, Rozemarijn; Oudkerk, Matthijs

    2003-04-01

    The purpose of this study was to assess the value of high-dose dobutamine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with myocardial tagging for the detection of wall motion abnormalities as a measure of myocardial ischemia in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Two hundred eleven consecutive patients with chest pain underwent dobutamine-CMR 4 days after antianginal medication was stopped. Dobutamine-CMR was performed at rest and during increasing doses of dobutamine. Cine-images were acquired during breath-hold with and without myocardial tagging at 3 short-axis levels. Regional wall motion was assessed in a 16-segment short-axis model. Patients with new wall motion abnormalities (NWMA) were examined by coronary angiography. Dobutamine-CMR was successfully performed in 194 patients. Dobutamine-CMR without tagging detected NWMA in 58 patients, whereas NWMA were detected in 68 patients with tagging (P=0.002, McNemar). Coronary angiography showed coronary artery disease in 65 (96%) of these 68 patients. All but 3 of the 65 patients needed revascularization. In the 112 patients with a negative dobutamine-CMR study, without baseline wall motion abnormalities, the cardiovascular occurrence-free survival rate was 98.2% during the mean follow-up period of 17.3 months (range, 7 to 31). Dobutamine-CMR with myocardial tagging detected more NWMA compared with dobutamine-CMR without tagging and reliably separated patients with a normal life expectancy from those at increased risk of major adverse cardiac events.

  13. Dobutamine stress MRI. Part II. Risk stratification with dobutamine cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patients suspected of myocardial ischemia.

    PubMed

    Kuijpers, Dirkjan; van Dijkman, Paul R M; Janssen, Caroline H C; Vliegenthart, Rozemarijn; Zijlstra, Felix; Oudkerk, Matthijs

    2004-11-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of dobutamine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients suspected of myocardial ischemia. Clinical data and dobutamine-CMR results were analyzed in 299 consecutive patients. Follow-up data were analyzed in categories of risk levels defined by the history of coronary artery disease and presence of rest wall motion abnormalities (RWMA). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) as evaluated end points included cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and clinically indicated coronary revascularization. Follow-up was completed in 214 (99%) patients with a negative dobutamine-CMR study (no signs of inducible myocardial ischemia) with an average of 24 months. The patients with a negative dobutamine-CMR study and RWMA showed a significantly higher annual MACE rate (18%) than the patients without RWMA (0.56%) ( P<0.001). Patients without RWMA showed an annual MACE rate of 2% when they had a history of coronary artery disease and <0.1% without a previous coronary event ( P<0.001). Dobutamine-CMR showed a positive and negative predictive value of 95 and 93%, respectively. The cardiovascular occurrence-free survival rate was 96.2%. In patients suspected of myocardial ischemia, dobutamine-CMR is able to assess risk levels for coronary events with high accuracy.

  14. Flexible theta sequence compression mediated via phase precessing interneurons

    PubMed Central

    Chadwick, Angus; van Rossum, Mark CW; Nolan, Matthew F

    2016-01-01

    Encoding of behavioral episodes as spike sequences during hippocampal theta oscillations provides a neural substrate for computations on events extended across time and space. However, the mechanisms underlying the numerous and diverse experimentally observed properties of theta sequences remain poorly understood. Here we account for theta sequences using a novel model constrained by the septo-hippocampal circuitry. We show that when spontaneously active interneurons integrate spatial signals and theta frequency pacemaker inputs, they generate phase precessing action potentials that can coordinate theta sequences in place cell populations. We reveal novel constraints on sequence generation, predict cellular properties and neural dynamics that characterize sequence compression, identify circuit organization principles for high capacity sequential representation, and show that theta sequences can be used as substrates for association of conditioned stimuli with recent and upcoming events. Our results suggest mechanisms for flexible sequence compression that are suited to associative learning across an animal’s lifespan. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.20349.001 PMID:27929374

  15. Quantification of cardiovascular disease biomarkers via functionalized magnetic beads and on-demand detachable quantum dots

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Hoyoung; Lee, Jong-Wook; Hwang, Mintai P.; Lee, Kwan Hyi

    2013-08-01

    Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a potent cause of mortality in both advanced and developing countries. While soluble CD40L (sCD40L) has been implicated as a correlative factor among CVD patients, methods to quantify sCD40L are not yet well-established. In this paper, we present an ability to separate and quantify sCD40L via a simple immunomagnetic assay. Composed of functionalized magnetic beads conferred with directionality and on-demand detachable quantum dots for subsequent optical analysis, our system utilizes the competitive nature of imidazole and nickel ions for histidine. In essence, we demonstrate the capacity to effectively separate and detect sCD40L within a clinically relevant range that contains the cut-off value for acute coronary disease. While sCD40L was used to conduct this study, we envision the use of our system for the separation and quantification of other biomarkers.

  16. Nonlinear gravitational recoil from the mergers of precessing black-hole binaries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lousto, Carlos O.; Zlochower, Yosef

    2013-04-01

    We present results from an extensive study of 88 precessing, equal-mass black-hole binaries with large spins (83 with intrinsic spins |S→i/mi2| of 0.8 and 5 with intrinsic spins of 0.9), and use these data to model new nonlinear contributions to the gravitational recoil imparted to the merged black hole. We find a new effect, the cross kick, that enhances the recoil for partially aligned binaries beyond the hangup kick effect. This has the consequence of increasing the probabilities of recoils larger than 2000kms-1 by nearly a factor of 2, and consequently, of black holes getting ejected from galaxies, as well as the observation of large differential redshifts/blueshifts in the cores of recently merged galaxies.

  17. Controllable Interfacial Coupling Effects on the Magnetic Dynamic Properties of Perpendicular [Co/Ni]5/Cu/TbCo Composite Thin Films.

    PubMed

    Tang, Minghong; Zhao, Bingcheng; Zhu, Weihua; Zhu, Zhendong; Jin, Q Y; Zhang, Zongzhi

    2018-02-07

    Dynamic magnetic properties in perpendicularly exchange-coupled [Co/Ni] 5 /Cu (t Cu = 0-2 nm)/TbCo structures show strong dependences on the interfacial antiferromagnetic strength J ex , which is controlled by the Cu interlayer thickness. The precession frequency f and effective damping constant α eff of a [Co/Ni] 5 multilayer differ distinctly for parallel (P) and antiparallel (AP) magnetization orientation states. For samples with a thin t Cu , f of the AP state is apparently higher, whereas α eff is lower than that in the P state, owing to the unidirectional exchange bias effect (H EB ) from the TbCo layer. The differences in f and α eff between the two states gradually decrease with increasing t Cu . By using a uniform precession model including an additional H EB term, the field-dependent frequency curves can be well-fitted, and the fitted H EB value is in good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the saturation damping constant α 0 displays a nearly linear correlation with J ex . It decreases significantly with J ex and eventually approaches a constant value of 0.027 at t Cu = 2 nm where J ex vanishes. These results provide a better understanding and effective control of magnetization dynamics in exchange-coupled composite structures for spintronic applications.

  18. The equations of motion of a secularly precessing elliptical orbit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Casotto, S.; Bardella, M.

    2013-01-01

    The equations of motion of a secularly precessing ellipse are developed using time as the independent variable. The equations are useful when integrating numerically the perturbations about a reference trajectory which is subject to secular perturbations in the node, the argument of pericentre and the mean motion. Usually this is done in connection with Encke's method to ensure minimal rectification frequency. Similar equations are already available in the literature, but they are either given based on the true anomaly as the independent variable or in mixed mode with respect to time through the use of a supporting equation to track the anomaly. The equations developed here form a complete and independent set of six equations in time. Reformulations both of Escobal's and Kyner and Bennett's equations are also provided which lead to a more concise form.

  19. Myocardial late gadolinium enhancement in specific cardiomyopathies by cardiovascular magnetic resonance: a preliminary experience.

    PubMed

    Silva, Caterina; Moon, James C; Elkington, Andrew G; John, Anna S; Mohiaddin, Raad H; Pennell, Dudley J

    2007-12-01

    Late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can visualize myocardial interstitial abnormalities. The aim of this study was to assess whether regions of abnormal myocardium can also be visualized by late enhancement gadolinium CMR in the specific cardiomyopathies. A retrospective review of all referrals for gadolinium CMR with specific cardiomyopathy over 20 months. Nine patients with different specific cardiomyopathies were identified. Late enhancement was demonstrated in all patients, with a mean signal intensity of 390 +/- 220% compared with normal regions. The distribution pattern of late enhancement was unlike the subendocardial late enhancement related to coronary territories found in myocardial infarction. The affected areas included papillary muscles (sarcoid), the mid-myocardium (Anderson-Fabry disease, glycogen storage disease, myocarditis, Becker muscular dystrophy) and the global sub-endocardium (systemic sclerosis, Loeffler's endocarditis, amyloid, Churg-Strauss). Focal myocardial late gadolinium enhancement is found in the specific cardiomyopathies, and the pattern is distinct from that seen in infarction. Further systematic studies are warranted to assess whether the pattern and extent of late enhancement may aid diagnosis and prognostic assessment.

  20. Gravity field and solar component of the precession rate and nutation coefficients of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lhotka, C.; Reimond, S.; Souchay, J.; Baur, O.

    2016-02-01

    The aim of this study is first to determine the gravity field of the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and second to derive the solar component of the precession rate and nutation coefficients of the spin-axis of the comet nucleus, I.e. without the direct, usually larger, effect of outgassing. The gravity field and related moments of inertia are obtained from two polyhedra, which are provided by the Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System (OSIRIS) and NAVigation CAMera (NAVCAM) experiments on Rosetta, and are based on the assumption of uniform density for the comet nucleus. We also calculate the forced precession rate as well as the nutation coefficients on the basis of Kinoshita's theory of rotation of the rigid Earth and adapted it to be able to indirectly include the effect of outgassing on the rotational parameters. The second degree denormalized Stokes coefficients of comet 67P/C-G turn out to be (bracketed numbers refer to second shape model) C20 ≃ -6.74 [-7.93] × 10-2, C22 ≃ 2.60 [2.71] × 10-2, consistent with normalized principal moments of inertia A/MR2 ≃ 0.13 [0.11], B/MR2 ≃ 0.23 [0.22], with polar moment c = C/MR2 ≃ 0.25, depending on the choice of the polyhedron model. The obliquity between the rotation axis and the mean orbit normal is ɛ ≃ 52°, and the precession rate only due to solar torques becomes dot{ψ }in [20,30] arcsec yr^{-1}. Oscillations in longitude caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun turn out to be of the order of Δψ ≃ 1 arcmin, and oscillations in obliquity can be estimated to be of the order of Δɛ ≃ 0.5 arcmin.

  1. Extended RF shimming: Sequence‐level parallel transmission optimization applied to steady‐state free precession MRI of the heart

    PubMed Central

    Price, Anthony N.; Padormo, Francesco; Hajnal, Joseph V.; Malik, Shaihan J.

    2017-01-01

    Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at high field presents challenges because of the high specific absorption rate and significant transmit field (B 1 +) inhomogeneities. Parallel transmission MRI offers the ability to correct for both issues at the level of individual radiofrequency (RF) pulses, but must operate within strict hardware and safety constraints. The constraints are themselves affected by sequence parameters, such as the RF pulse duration and TR, meaning that an overall optimal operating point exists for a given sequence. This work seeks to obtain optimal performance by performing a ‘sequence‐level’ optimization in which pulse sequence parameters are included as part of an RF shimming calculation. The method is applied to balanced steady‐state free precession cardiac MRI with the objective of minimizing TR, hence reducing the imaging duration. Results are demonstrated using an eight‐channel parallel transmit system operating at 3 T, with an in vivo study carried out on seven male subjects of varying body mass index (BMI). Compared with single‐channel operation, a mean‐squared‐error shimming approach leads to reduced imaging durations of 32 ± 3% with simultaneous improvement in flip angle homogeneity of 32 ± 8% within the myocardium. PMID:28195684

  2. Extended RF shimming: Sequence-level parallel transmission optimization applied to steady-state free precession MRI of the heart.

    PubMed

    Beqiri, Arian; Price, Anthony N; Padormo, Francesco; Hajnal, Joseph V; Malik, Shaihan J

    2017-06-01

    Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at high field presents challenges because of the high specific absorption rate and significant transmit field (B 1 + ) inhomogeneities. Parallel transmission MRI offers the ability to correct for both issues at the level of individual radiofrequency (RF) pulses, but must operate within strict hardware and safety constraints. The constraints are themselves affected by sequence parameters, such as the RF pulse duration and TR, meaning that an overall optimal operating point exists for a given sequence. This work seeks to obtain optimal performance by performing a 'sequence-level' optimization in which pulse sequence parameters are included as part of an RF shimming calculation. The method is applied to balanced steady-state free precession cardiac MRI with the objective of minimizing TR, hence reducing the imaging duration. Results are demonstrated using an eight-channel parallel transmit system operating at 3 T, with an in vivo study carried out on seven male subjects of varying body mass index (BMI). Compared with single-channel operation, a mean-squared-error shimming approach leads to reduced imaging durations of 32 ± 3% with simultaneous improvement in flip angle homogeneity of 32 ± 8% within the myocardium. © 2017 The Authors. NMR in Biomedicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  3. Field-controlled ultrafast magnetization dynamics in two-dimensional nanoscale ferromagnetic antidot arrays

    PubMed Central

    De, Anulekha; Mondal, Sucheta; Sahoo, Sourav; Barman, Saswati; Otani, Yoshichika; Mitra, Rajib Kumar

    2018-01-01

    Ferromagnetic antidot arrays have emerged as a system of tremendous interest due to their interesting spin configuration and dynamics as well as their potential applications in magnetic storage, memory, logic, communications and sensing devices. Here, we report experimental and numerical investigation of ultrafast magnetization dynamics in a new type of antidot lattice in the form of triangular-shaped Ni80Fe20 antidots arranged in a hexagonal array. Time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect and micromagnetic simulations have been exploited to study the magnetization precession and spin-wave modes of the antidot lattice with varying lattice constant and in-plane orientation of the bias-magnetic field. A remarkable variation in the spin-wave modes with the orientation of in-plane bias magnetic field is found to be associated with the conversion of extended spin-wave modes to quantized ones and vice versa. The lattice constant also influences this variation in spin-wave spectra and spin-wave mode profiles. These observations are important for potential applications of the antidot lattices with triangular holes in future magnonic and spintronic devices. PMID:29719763

  4. Anxiety Sensitivity and Pre-Cessation Smoking Processes: Testing the Independent and Combined Mediating Effects of Negative Affect–Reduction Expectancies and Motives

    PubMed Central

    Farris, Samantha G.; Leventhal, Adam M.; Schmidt, Norman B.; Zvolensky, Michael J.

    2015-01-01

    Objective: Anxiety sensitivity appears to be relevant in understanding the nature of emotional symptoms and disorders associated with smoking. Negative-reinforcement smoking expectancies and motives are implicated as core regulatory processes that may explain, in part, the anxiety sensitivity–smoking interrelations; however, these pathways have received little empirical attention. Method: Participants (N = 471) were adult treatment-seeking daily smokers assessed for a smoking-cessation trial who provided baseline data; 157 participants provided within-treatment (pre-cessation) data. Anxiety sensitivity was examined as a cross-sectional predictor of several baseline smoking processes (nicotine dependence, perceived barriers to cessation, severity of prior withdrawal-related quit problems) and pre-cessation processes including nicotine withdrawal and smoking urges (assessed during 3 weeks before the quit day). Baseline negative-reinforcement smoking expectancies and motives were tested as simultaneous mediators via parallel multiple mediator models. Results: Higher levels of anxiety sensitivity were related to higher levels of nicotine dependence, greater perceived barriers to smoking cessation, more severe withdrawal-related problems during prior quit attempts, and greater average withdrawal before the quit day; effects were indirectly explained by the combination of both mediators. Higher levels of anxiety sensitivity were not directly related to pre-cessation smoking urges but were indirectly related through the independent and combined effects of the mediators. Conclusions: These empirical findings bolster theoretical models of anxiety sensitivity and smoking and identify targets for nicotine dependence etiology research and cessation interventions. PMID:25785807

  5. Comparing flowmeter, aquifer test, and surface nuclear magnetic resonance data in Central Nebraska

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Irons, T.; Abraham, J. D.; Cannia, J. C.; Steele, G.; Hobza, C. M.; Li, Y.; McKenna, J. R.

    2011-12-01

    Traditionally the only means of estimating the hydraulic properties of aquifers has involved drilling boreholes. The logistical and economic requirements of aquifer tests has limited the ability of hydrologists to construct the detailed groundwater models needed for resource management. As such, water policy decisions are often based on sparse aquifer tests combined with geologic interpretation and extrapolation. When dealing with complicated groundwater systems these extrapolations are often not accurate at the scale required to characterize the groundwater system, and additional information is needed to make better informed resource decisions. Surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) is a geophysical technique which allows for non-invasive estimates of hydraulic permeability and transmissivity. Protons in a volume of liquid water form a weak bulk magnetic moment as they align and precess about the earth's magnetic field. This moment is too small to be measured directly but may be observed by tipping it away from equilibrium using radio-frequency pulses oscillating at the same frequency as its precession (the Larmor frequency). After a short tipping pulse, the moment continues to precess around the static field, although at a tipped angle, slowly returning to its equilibrium state. The decay of these spinning magnetic moments can be observed inductively using loops of wire on the surface of the earth. In the simplest experiment a time series is recorded after a single tipping pulse. By varying the strength of the tipping pulse, different regions of the subsurface can be probed. The amplitude of the signal is directly proportional to the amount of water in the investigated volume. The decay rate of the signal is related to pore geometry and interconnectivity and can be used to estimate hydraulic conductivity. However, this relationship cannot be universally defined as it is affected by additional factors including the mineralogy of the host rock and homogeneity of

  6. Contribution of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the evaluation of coronary arteries

    PubMed Central

    Mavrogeni, Sophie; Markousis-Mavrogenis, George; Kolovou, Genovefa

    2014-01-01

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) allows the nonradiating assessment of coronary arteries; to achieve better image quality cardiorespiratory artefacts should be corrected. Coronary MRA (CMRA) at the moment is indicated only for the detection of abnormal coronary origin, coronary artery ectasia and/or aneurysms (class I indication) and coronary bypass grafts (class II indication). CMRA utilisation for coronary artery disease is not yet part of clinical routine. However, the lack of radiation is of special value for the coronary artery evaluation in children and women. CMRA can assess the proximal part of coronary arteries in almost all cases. The best results have been observed in the evaluation of the left anterior descending and the right coronary artery, while the left circumflex, which is located far away from the coil elements, is frequently imaged with reduced quality, compared to the other two. Different studies detected an increase in wall thickness of the coronaries in patients with type I diabetes and abnormal renal function. Additionally, the non-contrast enhanced T1-weighed images detected the presence of thrombus in acute myocardial infarction. New techniques using delayed gadolinium enhanced imaging promise the direct visualization of inflamed plaques in the coronary arteries. The major advantage of CMR is the potential of an integrated protocol offering assessment of coronary artery anatomy, cardiac function, inflammation and stress perfusion-fibrosis in the same study, providing an individualized clinical profile of patients with heart disease. PMID:25349650

  7. Monitoring Orbital Precession of EO-1 Hyperion with Three Atmospheric Correction Models in the Libya-4 PICS

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Neigh, Christopher; McCorkel, Joel; Campbell, Petya; Ong, Laurence; Ly, Vuong; Landis, David; Fry, Stuart; Middleton, Elizabeth

    2016-01-01

    Spaceborne spectrometers require spectral-temporal stability characterization to aid validation of derived data products. EO-1 began orbital precession in 2011 after exhausting onboard fuel resources. In the Libya-4 Pseudo Invariant Calibration Site (PICS) this resulted in a progressive shift from a mean local equatorial crossing time of approx. 10:00 AM in 2011 to approx. 8:30 AM in late 2015. Here, we studied precession impacts to Hyperion surface reflectance products using three atmospheric correction approaches from 2004 to 2015. Combined difference estimates of surface reflectance were < 5% in the visible near infrared (VNIR) and < 10% for most of the shortwave infrared (SWIR). Combined coefficient of variation (CV) estimates in the VNIR ranged from 0.025 ? 0.095, and in the SWIR ranged from 0.025 ? 0.06, excluding bands near atmospheric absorption features. Reflectances produced with different atmospheric models were correlated (R2) in VNIR from 0.25 ? 0.94 and SWIR from 0.12 ? 0.88 (p < 0.01). The uncertainties in all models increased with terrain slope up to 15deg and selecting dune flats could reduce errors. We conclude that these data remain a useful resource over this period.

  8. Phaeochromocytoma found on cardiovascular magnetic resonance in a patient presenting with acute myocarditis: an unusual association.

    PubMed

    Khattak, Sophia; Sim, Iain; Dancy, Luke; Whitelaw, Benjamin; Sado, Dan

    2018-06-08

    Myocarditis is inflammation of the cardiac muscle. The symptoms, signs and basic investigation findings can mimic that of myocardial infarction. The most common cause is infection (most commonly viral). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard non-invasive diagnostic test for potential acute myocarditis as it allows assessment of myocardial oedema and scar. A man aged 25 years was admitted with chest pain, dizziness, headache, palpitations and sweating. His troponin was mildly positive. A CMR was performed which showed mild myocarditis and a right suprarenal mass which was confirmed to be a phaeochromocytoma based on biochemistry and a dedicated imaging workup. Phaeochromocytoma can lead to cardiac involvement in the form of left ventricular dysfunction, or catecholamine-induced myocarditis. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  9. Multifaceted prospects of nanocomposites for cardiovascular grafts and stents

    PubMed Central

    Vellayappan, Muthu Vignesh; Balaji, Arunpandian; Subramanian, Aruna Priyadarshini; John, Agnes Aruna; Jaganathan, Saravana Kumar; Murugesan, Selvakumar; Supriyanto, Eko; Yusof, Mustafa

    2015-01-01

    Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death across the globe. The use of synthetic materials is indispensable in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Major drawbacks related to the use of biomaterials are their mechanical properties and biocompatibility, and these have to be circumvented before promoting the material to the market or clinical setting. Revolutionary advancements in nanotechnology have introduced a novel class of materials called nanocomposites which have superior properties for biomedical applications. Recently, there has been a widespread recognition of the nanocomposites utilizing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, bacterial cellulose, silk fibroin, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes in cardiovascular grafts and stents. The unique characteristics of these nanocomposites have led to the development of a wide range of nanostructured copolymers with appreciably enhanced properties, such as improved mechanical, chemical, and physical characteristics suitable for cardiovascular implants. The incorporation of advanced nanocomposite materials in cardiovascular grafts and stents improves hemocompatibility, enhances antithrombogenicity, improves mechanical and surface properties, and decreases the microbial response to the cardiovascular implants. A thorough attempt is made to summarize the various applications of nanocomposites for cardiovascular graft and stent applications. This review will highlight the recent advances in nanocomposites and also address the need of future research in promoting nanocomposites as plausible candidates in a campaign against cardiovascular disease. PMID:25897223

  10. Possible interpretation of the precession of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gutiérrez, P. J.; Jorda, L.; Gaskell, R. W.; Davidsson, B. J. R.; Capanna, C.; Hviid, S. F.; Keller, H. U.; Maquet, L.; Mottola, S.; Preusker, F.; Scholten, F.; Lara, L. M.; Moreno, F.; Rodrigo, R.; Sierks, H.; Barbieri, C.; Lamy, P.; Koschny, D.; Rickman, H.; Agarwal, J.; A'Hearn, M. F.; Auger, A. T.; Barucci, M. A.; Bertaux, J. L.; Bertini, I.; Cremonese, G.; Da Deppo, V.; Debei, S.; De Cecco, M.; El-Maarry, M. R.; Fornasier, S.; Fulle, M.; Groussin, O.; Gutiérrez-Marques, P.; Güttler, C.; Ip, W. H.; Knollenberg, J.; Kramm, J. R.; Kührt, E.; Küppers, M.; La Forgia, F.; Lazzarin, M.; López-Moreno, J. J.; Magrin, S.; Marchi, S.; Marzari, F.; Naletto, G.; Oklay, N.; Pajola, M.; Pommerol, A.; Sabau, D.; Thomas, N.; Toth, I.; Tubiana, C.; Vincent, J. B.

    2016-05-01

    Context. Data derived from the reconstruction of the nucleus shape of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P) from images of the OSIRIS camera onboard ROSETTA show evidence that the nucleus rotates in complex mode. First, the orientation of the spin axis is not fixed in an inertial reference frame, which suggests a precessing motion around the angular momentum vector with a periodicity of approximately 257 h ± 12 h.Second, periodograms of the right ascension and declination (RA/Dec) coordinates of the body-frame Z axis show a very significant (higher than 99.99%) periodicity at 276 h ± 12 h, different from the rotational period of 12.40 h as previously determined from light-curve analysis. Aims: The main goal is to interpret the data and associated periodicities of the spin axis orientation in space. Methods: We analyzed the spin axis orientation in space and associated periodicities and compared them with solutions of Euler equations under the assumption that the body rotates in torque-free conditions. Statistical tests comparing the observationally derived spin axis orientation with the outcome from simulations were applied to determine the most likely inertia moments, excitation level, and periods. Results: Under the assumption that the body is solid-rigid and rotates in torque-free conditions, the most likely interpretation is that 67P is spinning around the principal axis with the highest inertia moment with a period of about 13 h. At the same time, the comet precesses around the angular momentum vector with a period of about 6.35 h. While the rotating period of such a body would be about 12.4 h, RA/Dec coordinates of the spin axis would have a periodicity of about 270 h as a result of the combination of the two aforementioned motions. Conclusions: The most direct and simple interpretation of the complex rotation of 67P requires a ratio of inertia moments significantly higher than that of a homogeneous body.

  11. The Precession Index and a Nonlinear Energy Balance Climate Model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rubincam, David

    2004-01-01

    A simple nonlinear energy balance climate model yields a precession index-like term in the temperature. Despite its importance in the geologic record, the precession index e sin (Omega)S, where e is the Earth's orbital eccentricity and (Omega)S is the Sun's perigee in the geocentric frame, is not present in the insolation at the top of the atmosphere. Hence there is no one-for-one mapping of 23,000 and 19,000 year periodicities from the insolation to the paleoclimate record; a nonlinear climate model is needed to produce these long periods. A nonlinear energy balance climate model with radiative terms of form T n, where T is surface temperature and n less than 1, does produce e sin (omega)S terms in temperature; the e sin (omega)S terms are called Seversmith psychroterms. Without feedback mechanisms, the model achieves extreme values of 0.64 K at the maximum orbital eccentricity of 0.06, cooling one hemisphere while simultaneously warming the other; the hemisphere over which perihelion occurs is the cooler. In other words, the nonlinear energy balance model produces long-term cooling in the northern hemisphere when the Sun's perihelion is near northern summer solstice and long-term warming in the northern hemisphere when the aphelion is near northern summer solstice. (This behavior is similar to the inertialess gray body which radiates like T 4, but the amplitude is much lower for the energy balance model because of its thermal inertia.) This seemingly paradoxical behavior works against the standard Milankovitch model, which requires cool northern summers (Sun far from Earth in northern summer) to build up northern ice sheets, so that if the standard model is correct it must be more efficient than previously thought. Alternatively, the new mechanism could possibly be dominant and indicate southern hemisphere control of the northern ice sheets, wherein the southern oceans undergo a long-term cooling when the Sun is far from the Earth during northern summer. The cold

  12. Heating of cardiovascular stents in intense radiofrequency magnetic fields.

    PubMed

    Foster, K R; Goldberg, R; Bonsignore, C

    1999-01-01

    We consider the heating of a metal stent in an alternating magnetic field from an induction heating furnace. An approximate theoretical analysis is conducted to estimate the magnetic field strength needed to produce substantial temperature increases. Experiments of stent heating in industrial furnaces are reported, which confirm the model. The results show that magnetic fields inside inductance furnaces are capable of significantly heating stents. However, the fields fall off very quickly with distance and in most locations outside the heating coil, field levels are far too small to produce significant heating. The ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992 limits for human exposure to alternating magnetic fields provide adequate protection against potential excessive heating of the stents.

  13. Gas magnetometer

    DOEpatents

    Walker, Thad Gilbert; Lancor, Brian Robert; Wyllie, Robert

    2016-05-03

    Measurement of a precessional rate of a gas, such as an alkali gas, in a magnetic field is made by promoting a non-uniform precession of the gas in which substantially no net magnetic field affects the gas during a majority of the precession cycle. This allows sensitive gases that would be subject to spin-exchange collision de-phasing to be effectively used for extremely sensitive measurements in the presence of an environmental magnetic field such as the Earth's magnetic field.

  14. Identification and assessment of Anderson-Fabry disease by cardiovascular magnetic resonance noncontrast myocardial T1 mapping.

    PubMed

    Sado, Daniel M; White, Steven K; Piechnik, Stefan K; Banypersad, Sanjay M; Treibel, Thomas; Captur, Gabriella; Fontana, Marianna; Maestrini, Viviana; Flett, Andrew S; Robson, Matthew D; Lachmann, Robin H; Murphy, Elaine; Mehta, Atul; Hughes, Derralynn; Neubauer, Stefan; Elliott, Perry M; Moon, James C

    2013-05-01

    Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is a rare but underdiagnosed intracellular lipid disorder that can cause left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Lipid is known to shorten the magnetic resonance imaging parameter T1. We hypothesized that noncontrast T1 mapping by cardiovascular magnetic resonance would provide a novel and useful measure in this disease with potential to detect early cardiac involvement and distinguish AFD LVH from other causes. Two hundred twenty-seven subjects were studied: patients with AFD (n=44; 55% with LVH), healthy volunteers (n=67; 0% with LVH), patients with hypertension (n=41; 24% with LVH), patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n=34; 100% with LVH), those with severe aortic stenosis (n=21; 81% with LVH), and patients with definite amyloid light-chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis (n=20; 100% with LVH). T1 mapping was performed using the shortened modified Look-Locker inversion sequence on a 1.5-T magnet before gadolinium administration with primary results derived from the basal and midseptum. Compared with health volunteers, septal T1 was lower in AFD and higher in other diseases (AFD versus healthy volunteers versus other patients, 882±47, 968±32, 1018±74 milliseconds; P<0.0001). In patients with LVH (n=105), T1 discriminated completely between AFD and other diseases with no overlap. In AFD, T1 correlated inversely with wall thickness (r=-0.51; P=0.0004) and was abnormal in 40% of subjects who did not have LVH. Segmentally, AFD showed pseudonormalization or elevation of T1 in the left ventricular inferolateral wall, correlating with the presence or absence of late gadolinium enhancement (1001±82 versus 891±38 milliseconds; P<0.0001). Noncontrast T1 mapping shows potential as a unique and powerful measurement in the imaging assessment of LVH and AFD.

  15. SU-E-T-145: Effects of Temporary Tachytherapy Inhibition Magnet On MOSFET Dose Measurements of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) in Radiation Therapy Patients

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    P, Joshi; Salomons, G; Kerr, A

    2014-06-01

    Purpose: To determine the effects of temporary tachytherapy inhibition magnet on MOSFET dose measurements of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) in radiation therapy patients. Methods: Infield and peripheral MOSFET dose measurements with 6MV photon beams were performed to evaluate dose to a CIED in the presence of a doughnut shaped temporary tachytherapy inhibition magnet. Infield measurements were done to quantify the effects of the magnetic field alone and shielding by the magnet. MOSFETs were placed inside a 20×20cm{sup 2} field at a depth of 3cm in the isocentre plane in the presence and absence of the magnet. Peripheral dose measurementsmore » were done to determine the impact of the magnet on dose to the CIED in a clinical setting. These measurements were performed at the centre, under the rim and half way between a 10×10cm{sup 2} field edge and the magnet with MOSFETS placed at the surface, 0.5cm and 1cm depths in the presence and absence of the magnet. Results: Infield measurements showed that effects of magnetic field on the MOSFET readings were within the 2% MOSFET dose measurement uncertainty; a 20% attenuation of dose under the magnet rim was observed. Peripheral dose measurements at the centre of the magnet show an 8% increase in surface dose and a 6% decrease in dose at 1cm depth. Dose under the magnet rim was reduced by approximately 68%, 45% and 25% for MOSFET placed at 0.0, 0.5 and 1.0cm bolus depths, respectively. Conclusions: The magnetic field has an insignificant effect on MOSFET dose measurements. Dose to the central region of CIED represented by centre of the magnet doughnut increases at the surface, and decreases at depths due to low energy scattering contributions from the magnet. Dose under the magnet rim, representing CIED edges, decreased significantly due to shielding.« less

  16. Magnetic resonance separation imaging using a divided inversion recovery technique (DIRT).

    PubMed

    Goldfarb, James W

    2010-04-01

    The divided inversion recovery technique is an MRI separation method based on tissue T(1) relaxation differences. When tissue T(1) relaxation times are longer than the time between inversion pulses in a segmented inversion recovery pulse sequence, longitudinal magnetization does not pass through the null point. Prior to additional inversion pulses, longitudinal magnetization may have an opposite polarity. Spatial displacement of tissues in inversion recovery balanced steady-state free-precession imaging has been shown to be due to this magnetization phase change resulting from incomplete magnetization recovery. In this paper, it is shown how this phase change can be used to provide image separation. A pulse sequence parameter, the time between inversion pulses (T180), can be adjusted to provide water-fat or fluid separation. Example water-fat and fluid separation images of the head, heart, and abdomen are presented. The water-fat separation performance was investigated by comparing image intensities in short-axis divided inversion recovery technique images of the heart. Fat, blood, and fluid signal was suppressed to the background noise level. Additionally, the separation performance was not affected by main magnetic field inhomogeneities.

  17. 21 CFR 870.2800 - Medical magnetic tape recorder.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Medical magnetic tape recorder. 870.2800 Section 870.2800 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Monitoring Devices § 870.2800 Medical...

  18. 21 CFR 870.2800 - Medical magnetic tape recorder.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Medical magnetic tape recorder. 870.2800 Section 870.2800 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Monitoring Devices § 870.2800 Medical...

  19. Hypertensive heart disease versus hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: multi-parametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance discriminators when end-diastolic wall thickness ≥ 15 mm.

    PubMed

    Rodrigues, Jonathan C L; Rohan, Stephen; Ghosh Dastidar, Amardeep; Harries, Iwan; Lawton, Christopher B; Ratcliffe, Laura E; Burchell, Amy E; Hart, Emma C; Hamilton, Mark C K; Paton, Julian F R; Nightingale, Angus K; Manghat, Nathan E

    2017-03-01

    European guidelines state left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic wall thickness (EDWT) ≥15mm suggests hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but distinguishing from hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is challenging. We identify cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) predictors of HHD over HCM when EDWT ≥15mm. 2481 consecutive clinical CMRs between 2014 and 2015 were reviewed. 464 segments from 29 HCM subjects with EDWT ≥15mm but without other cardiac abnormality, hypertension or renal impairment were analyzed. 432 segments from 27 HHD subjects with EDWT ≥15mm but without concomitant cardiac pathology were analyzed. Magnitude and location of maximal EDWT, presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), LV asymmetry (>1.5-fold opposing segment) and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) were measured. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. Significance was defined as p<0.05. HHD and HCM cohorts were age-/gender-matched. HHD had significantly increased indexed LV mass (110±27g/m 2 vs. 91±31g/m 2 , p=0.016) but no difference in site or magnitude of maximal EDWT. Mid-wall LGE was significantly more prevalent in HCM. Elevated indexed LVM, mid-wall LGE and absence of SAM were significant multivariate predictors of HHD, but LV asymmetry was not. Increased indexed LV mass, absence of mid-wall LGE and absence of SAM are better CMR discriminators of HHD from HCM than EDWT ≥15mm. • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is often diagnosed with end-diastolic wall thickness ≥15mm. • Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) can be difficult to distinguish from HCM. • Retrospective case-control study showed that location and magnitude of EDWT are poor discriminators. • Increased left ventricular mass and midwall fibrosis are independent predictors of HHD. • Cardiovascular magnetic resonance parameters facilitate a better discrimination between HHD and HCM.

  20. Guidelines and protocols for cardiovascular magnetic resonance in children and adults with congenital heart disease: SCMR expert consensus group on congenital heart disease

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has taken on an increasingly important role in the diagnostic evaluation and pre-procedural planning for patients with congenital heart disease. This article provides guidelines for the performance of CMR in children and adults with congenital heart disease. The first portion addresses preparation for the examination and safety issues, the second describes the primary techniques used in an examination, and the third provides disease-specific protocols. Variations in practice are highlighted and expert consensus recommendations are provided. Indications and appropriate use criteria for CMR examination are not specifically addressed. PMID:23763839

  1. High Velocity Precessing Jet from the Water Fountain IRAS 18286-0959 Revealed by VLBA Observations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yung, Bosco; Nakashima, J.; Imai, H.; Deguchi, S.; Diamond, P. J.; Kwok, S.

    2011-05-01

    We report the multi-epoch VLBA observations of 22.2GHz water maser emission associated with the "water fountain" star IRAS 18286-0959. The detected maser emission are distributed in the velocity range from -50km/s to 150km/s. The spatial distribution of over 70% of the identified maser features is found to be highly collimated along a spiral jet (namely, jet 1) extended from southeast to northwest direction, and the rest of the features appear to trace another spiral jet (jet 2) with a different orientation. The two jets form a "double-helix" pattern which lies across 200 milliarcseconds (mas). The maser features are reasonably fit by a model consisting of two precessing jets. The velocities of jet 1 and jet 2 are derived to be 138km/s and 99km/s, respectively. The precession period of jet 1 is about 56 years, and for jet 2 it is about 73 years. We propose that the appearance of two jets observed are the result of a single driving source with a significant proper motion. This research was supported by grants from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, the Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research of the University of Hong Kong, Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists from the Ministry 9 of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, and Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from Japan Society for Promotion Science.

  2. Accuracy of right and left ventricular functional assessment by short-axis vs axial cine steady-state free-precession magnetic resonance imaging: intrapatient correlation with main pulmonary artery and ascending aorta phase-contrast flow measurements.

    PubMed

    James, Susan H; Wald, Rachel; Wintersperger, Bernd J; Jimenez-Juan, Laura; Deva, Djeven; Crean, Andrew M; Nguyen, Elsie; Paul, Narinder S; Ley, Sebastian

    2013-08-01

    The left ventricle (LV) is routinely assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by using short-axis orientation; it remains unclear whether the right ventricle (RV) can also be adequately assessed in this orientation or whether dedicated axial orientation is required. We used phase-contrast (PC) flow measurements in the main pulmonary artery (MPA) and the ascending aorta (Aorta) as nonvolumetric standard of reference and compared RV and LV volumes in short-axis and axial orientations. A retrospective analysis identified 30 patients with cardiac MRI data sets. Patients underwent MRI (1.5 T or 3 T), with retrospectively gated cine steady-state free-precession in axial and short-axis orientations. PC flow analyses of MPA and Aorta were used as the reference measure of RV and LV output. There was a high linear correlation between MPA-PC flow and RV-stroke volume (SV) short axis (r = 0.9) and RV-SV axial (r = 0.9). Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean offset of 1.4 mL for RV axial and -2.3 mL for RV-short-axis vs MPA-PC flow. There was a high linear correlation between Aorta-PC flow and LV-SV short-axis (r = 0.9) and LV-SV axial (r = 0.9). Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean offset of 4.8 m for LV short axis and 7.0 mL for LV axial vs Aorta-PC flow. There was no significant difference (P = .6) between short-axis-LV SV and short-axis-RV SV. No significant impact of the slice acquisition orientation for determination of RV and LV stroke volumes was found. Therefore, cardiac magnetic resonance workflow does not need to be extended by an axial data set for patients without complex cardiac disease for assessment of biventricular function and volumes. Copyright © 2013 Canadian Association of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Surface Plasmon-Mediated Nanoscale Localization of Laser-Driven sub-Terahertz Spin Dynamics in Magnetic Dielectrics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chekhov, Alexander L.; Stognij, Alexander I.; Satoh, Takuya; Murzina, Tatiana V.; Razdolski, Ilya; Stupakiewicz, Andrzej

    2018-05-01

    Ultrafast all-optical control of spins with femtosecond laser pulses is one of the hot topics at the crossroads of photonics and magnetism with a direct impact on future magnetic recording. Unveiling light-assisted recording mechanisms for an increase of the bit density beyond the diffraction limit without excessive heating of the recording medium is an open challenge. Here we show that surface plasmon-polaritons in hybrid metal-dielectric structures can provide spatial confinement of the inverse Faraday effect, mediating the excitation of localized coherent spin precession with 0.41 THz frequency. We demonstrate a two orders of magnitude enhancement of the excitation efficiency at the surface plasmon resonance within the 100 nm layer in dielectric garnet. Our findings broaden the horizons of ultrafast spin-plasmonics and open pathways towards non-thermal opto-magnetic recording at the nano-scale.

  4. Myocardial tagging by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance: evolution of techniques--pulse sequences, analysis algorithms, and applications

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) tagging has been established as an essential technique for measuring regional myocardial function. It allows quantification of local intramyocardial motion measures, e.g. strain and strain rate. The invention of CMR tagging came in the late eighties, where the technique allowed for the first time for visualizing transmural myocardial movement without having to implant physical markers. This new idea opened the door for a series of developments and improvements that continue up to the present time. Different tagging techniques are currently available that are more extensive, improved, and sophisticated than they were twenty years ago. Each of these techniques has different versions for improved resolution, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), scan time, anatomical coverage, three-dimensional capability, and image quality. The tagging techniques covered in this article can be broadly divided into two main categories: 1) Basic techniques, which include magnetization saturation, spatial modulation of magnetization (SPAMM), delay alternating with nutations for tailored excitation (DANTE), and complementary SPAMM (CSPAMM); and 2) Advanced techniques, which include harmonic phase (HARP), displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE), and strain encoding (SENC). Although most of these techniques were developed by separate groups and evolved from different backgrounds, they are in fact closely related to each other, and they can be interpreted from more than one perspective. Some of these techniques even followed parallel paths of developments, as illustrated in the article. As each technique has its own advantages, some efforts have been made to combine different techniques together for improved image quality or composite information acquisition. In this review, different developments in pulse sequences and related image processing techniques are described along with the necessities that led to their invention, which makes this

  5. Minimizing Environmental Magnetic Field Sources for nEDM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brinson, Alex; Filippone, Bradley; Slutsky, Simon; Osthelder, Charles

    2017-09-01

    Measurement of the neutron's Electric Dipole Moment (nEDM) could potentially explain the Baryon Asymmetry Problem, and would suggest plausible extensions to the Standard Model. We will attempt to detect the nEDM by measuring the electric-field-dependent neutron precession frequency, which is highly sensitive to magnetic field gradients. In order to produce fields with sufficiently low gradients for our experiment, we eliminate environmental effects by offsetting the ambient field with a Field Compensation System (FCS), then magnetically shielding the reduced field with a Mu-Metal cylinder. We discovered that the strongest environmental effect in our lab came from iron rebar embedded in the floor beneath the proposed experiment location. The large extent and strength of the floor's magnetization made the effect too large to offset with the FCS, forcing us to relocate our apparatus. The floor's magnetic field was mapped with a Hall probe in order to determine the most viable experiment locations. A 3-axis Fluxgate magnetometer was then used to determine the floor field's drop-off and shape at these locations, and a final apparatus position was determined which minimized the floor's effect such that it could be effectively offset and shielded by our experiment. Caltech SFP Office.

  6. Autonomous spacecraft attitude control using magnetic torquing only

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Musser, Keith L.; Ebert, Ward L.

    1989-01-01

    Magnetic torquing of spacecraft has been an important mechanism for attitude control since the earliest satellites were launched. Typically a magnetic control system has been used for precession/nutation damping for gravity-gradient stabilized satellites, momentum dumping for systems equipped with reaction wheels, or momentum-axis pointing for spinning and momentum-biased spacecraft. Although within the small satellite community there has always been interest in expensive, light-weight, and low-power attitude control systems, completely magnetic control systems have not been used for autonomous three-axis stabilized spacecraft due to the large computational requirements involved. As increasingly more powerful microprocessors have become available, this has become less of an impediment. These facts have motivated consideration of the all-magnetic attitude control system presented here. The problem of controlling spacecraft attitude using only magnetic torquing is cast into the form of the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), resulting in a linear feedback control law. Since the geomagnetic field along a satellite trajectory is not constant, the system equations are time varying. As a result, the optimal feedback gains are time-varying. Orbit geometry is exploited to treat feedback gains as a function of position rather than time, making feasible the onboard solution of the optimal control problem. In simulations performed to date, the control laws have shown themselves to be fairly robust and a good candidate for an onboard attitude control system.

  7. On the perihelion precession as a Machian effect

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Eby, P. B.

    1977-01-01

    A Lagrangian is constructed which gives Newtonian gravity in the lowest-order approximation in an isotropic universe and also predicts the correct advance of the perihelion with the proper choice of a constant governing the ratio of inertial to gravitational mass. The situation considered is that of a test particle orbiting a central body with external mass at rest and distributed isotropically at large distances from the central body. In the theory developed, the perihelion advance is due to a small contribution to the test-particle inertial mass by the central attracting body rather than to a failure of the inverse-square law of attraction. Some interesting Machian features of this theory are that: (1) the local value of the gravitational constant is determined by the mass distribution of the external matter; (2) the orbits are fixed, and the perihelion advances unambiguously with respect to the external-mass distribution; (3) there are no vestiges of absolute space; (4) the perihelion precession arises from the inertial interaction of the test particle with the central mass; (5) the local rest mass is really determined by the mass distribution of the rest of the universe; and (6) a limited form of the equivalence principle is inherent in one of the equations.

  8. The Prevalence of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Hyperintensity in Migraine Patients and Its Association with Migraine Headache Characteristics and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

    PubMed Central

    Toghae, Mansoureh; Rahimian, Elham; Abdollahi, Mohammad; Shoar, Saeed; Naderan, Mohammad

    2015-01-01

    Objectives To determine the frequency of hyperintense foci in migraine patients and the relationship with migraine headache characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods Ninety patients with migraine headache (70 without aura and 20 with aura) were enrolled and interviewed. Information on their headache (severity, frequency, and mean disease duration) and other related data was obtained by completing a clinical checklist. Subsequently, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and each patient was then evaluated for hyperintense lesions. Results Of the 90 patients, 29 (32%) had silent hyperintense lesions on their MRI. The mean age of the patients with hyperintense foci was 41 years while those with no lesions was 33 years (p<0.010). Supratentorial hyperintense lesions represented the majority of lesions in the patients (n=46, 63%). Moreover, 56.3% of the lesions (n=41) were located within the right hemisphere. Cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, serum cholesterol, oral contraceptive pills use, and body mass index (BMI) were not significantly different in these two groups (p>0.050). The lesions were found significantly more frequently in the patients who experienced chronic migraine (p=0.032). Conclusion Our study adds weight to the theory that disease duration has a key role in the formation of hyperintense brain lesions. Certain cardiovascular risk factors such as sex, smoking, serum cholesterol, and BMI, do not affect the presence or absence of such lesions, suggesting that the relationship between migraine and these lesions may be directly due to the effects of migraine itself. PMID:26171127

  9. On the unique structure of the magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dolginov, Sh. SH.

    1993-01-01

    The magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune, which have comparable dipole, quadrupole, and octupole harmonics, are unique in the present-day solar system, but they resemble the geomagnetic field at the epochs of excursions and reversals known from paleomagnetic data. The precession dynamo model, in which the dominant role in the generation of the planetary magnetic fields is played by external gravitational forces, allows us to propose two scenarios for the formation of the unique topology of the magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune. In the first case, tidal flows in the 'oceans' of these two planets extend down to the depths where the matter has a noticeable electric conductivity and velocity. A hydromagnetic interaction of the moving conducting fluid with the planetary magnetic field outside the generation region results in the deformation of the field and the deceleration of the motion under the action of the radial magnetic field. In the second case, the deformation of the field facilitates drastic changes in cyclonic cells within the generation region causing instabilities that result in a multi-polar field structure, excursions, and inversions. This paper considers this problem in greater detail by using the Neptune-Triton system as an example.

  10. Crossover phenomena in the critical range near magnetic ordering transition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Köbler, U.

    2018-05-01

    Among the most important issues of Renormalization Group (RG) theory are crossover events and relevant (or non-relevant) interactions. These terms are unknown to atomistic theories but they will be decisive for future field theories of magnetism. In this experimental study the importance of these terms for the critical dynamics above and below magnetic ordering transition is demonstrated on account of new analyses of published data. When crossover events are overlooked and critical data are fitted by a single power function of temperature over a temperature range including a crossover event, imprecise critical exponents result. The rather unsystematic and floating critical exponents reported in literature seem largely to be due to this problem. It is shown that for appropriate data analyses critical exponents are obtained that are to a good approximation rational numbers. In fact, rational critical exponents can be expected when spin dynamics is controlled by the bosons of the continuous magnetic medium (Goldstone bosons). The bosons are essentially magnetic dipole radiation generated by the precessing spins. As a result of the here performed data analyses, critical exponents for the magnetic order parameter of β = 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 and 1/6 are obtained. For the critical paramagnetic susceptibility the exponents are γ = 1 and γ = 4/3.

  11. Investigation of the Possibility of Using Nuclear Magnetic Spin Alignment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dent, William V., Jr.

    1998-01-01

    The goal of the program to investigate a "Gasdynamic fusion propulsion system for space exploration" is to develop a fusion propulsion system for a manned mission to the planet mars. A study using Deuterium and Tritium atoms are currently in progress. When these atoms under-go fusion, the resulting neutrons and alpha particles are emitted in random directions (isotropically). The probable direction of emission is equal for all directions, thus resulting in wasted energy, massive shielding and cooling requirements, and serious problems with the physics of achieving fusion. If the nuclear magnetic spin moments of the deuterium and tritium nuclei could be precisely aligned at the moment of fusion, the stream of emitted neutrons could be directed out the rear of the spacecraft for thrust and the alpha particles directed forward into an electromagnet ot produce electricity to continue operating the fusion engine. The following supporting topics are discussed: nuclear magnetic moments and spin precession in magnetic field, nuclear spin quantum mechanics, kinematics of nuclear reactions, and angular distribution of particles.

  12. Discretization of the total magnetic field by the nuclear spin bath in fluorine-doped ZnSe.

    PubMed

    Zhukov, E A; Kirstein, E; Kopteva, N E; Heisterkamp, F; Yugova, I A; Korenev, V L; Yakovlev, D R; Pawlis, A; Bayer, M; Greilich, A

    2018-05-16

    The coherent spin dynamics of fluorine donor-bound electrons in ZnSe induced by pulsed optical excitation is studied in a perpendicular applied magnetic field. The Larmor precession frequency serves as a measure for the total magnetic field exerted onto the electron spins and, surprisingly, does not increase linearly with the applied field, but shows a step-like behavior with pronounced plateaus, given by multiples of the laser repetition rate. This discretization occurs by a feedback mechanism in which the electron spins polarize the nuclear spins, which in turn generate a local Overhauser field adjusting the total magnetic field accordingly. Varying the optical excitation power, we can control the plateaus, in agreement with our theoretical model. From this model, we trace the observed discretization to the optically induced Stark field, which causes the dynamic nuclear polarization.

  13. Revisiting the Potential of Alternating Repetition Time Balanced Steady-State Free Precession Imaging of the Abdomen at 3 T.

    PubMed

    Gurney-Champion, Oliver J; Nederveen, Aart J; Klaassen, Remy; Engelbrecht, Marc R; Bel, Arjan; van Laarhoven, Hanneke W M; Stoker, Jaap; Goncalves, Sonia I

    2016-09-01

    The aim was to investigate the value of optimized 3-dimensional alternating repetition time balanced steady-state free precession (ATR-SSFP), as an alternative to conventional segmented balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) with fat suppression prepulse (FS-bSSFP), in single breath-hold abdominal magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T. Bloch simulations were performed to determine the optimal flip angle (FA = 1-90 degrees) and τ (1-3) with respect to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between abdominal organs for ATR-SSFP. These were corroborated by phantom measurements for different T1/T2 values (5-47) as well as in a healthy volunteer. In addition, fat suppression efficiency was studied using phantom and volunteer measurements. The effect of resolution on image quality was studied in a healthy volunteer. Using the optimal settings, ATR-SSFP images as well as FS-bSSFP images were obtained in 15 pancreatic cancer patients. For 10 structures of interest, the signal ratio with respect to the pancreas was computed and compared between both sequences. Finally, 10 items on image quality (fat suppression, artifacts, and sharpness) and tissue conspicuity (ducts, vessels, and duodenum) were scored by 2 abdominal radiologists for both image sequences. The results of simulations, phantom measurements, and volunteer measurements showed that, considering scan time, fat suppression, and clinical relevance, the ideal settings for ATR-SSFP were as follows: τ = 3; TR1 = 3.46 milliseconds; radiofrequency phase cycling 0, 180, 180, 0 degrees; and FA = 13-16 degrees (highest SNR) and 24-26 degrees (highest CNR). The optimized feasible additional settings implemented for patient scans were FA = 18 degrees and resolution = 1.4 × 1.4 × 1.4 mm. In patients, the signal ratios of both ATR-SSFP and FS-bSSFP were comparable and had a T2-like contrast behavior, although more accentuated in ATR-SSFP. The ATR-SSFP scored significantly higher than FS-bSSFP for 9

  14. The variations in eccentricity and apse precession rate of a narrow ring perturbed by a close satellite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Borderies, N.; Goldreich, P.; Tremaine, S.

    1983-01-01

    The first-order perturbations of orbital eccentricity and apse precession rate for the case of a narrow ring, due to a close satellite whose orbit is also eccentric, are described by means of a Hamiltonian. The present treatment covers cases in which the satellite crosses the ring, and the level curves of the Hamiltonian are displayed for several parameter values. The results obtained are applied to the interaction of Saturn's F ring with its inner shepherd satellite.

  15. One second vector and scalar magnetic measurements at the low-latitude Choutuppal (CPL) magnetic observatory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Phani Chandrasekhar, Nelapatla; Potharaju, Sai Vijay Kumar; Arora, Kusumita; Shakar Rao Kasuba, Chandra; Rakhlin, Leonid; Tymoshyn, Sergey; Merenyi, Laszlo; Chilukuri, Anusha; Bulusu, Jayashree; Khomutov, Sergey

    2017-12-01

    One second measurements of the geomagnetic field variations, which meet INTERMAGNET quality and transmission specifications, require very special conditions to be maintained at the observatories over sustained periods of time, which pose serious challenges for the operators, particularly when infrastructural and environmental conditions are far from ideal. This work presents the progressive steps, which led to the successful setup of such measurements at the new magnetic observatory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in the Choutuppal (CPL) campus, Hyderabad (HYB), India. The 1 s magnetic measurements in trial mode commenced in 2015 using the newly developed observatory-grade 1 s fluxgate magnetometer, GEOMAG-02MO, from Research Centre GEOMAGNET (GM), Ukraine, and the Overhauser proton precession magnetometer, GSM-90F1, along with the data acquisition system, Magrec-4B from Mingeo, Hungary. Iterative tuning of the setup led to the generation of good quality data from 2016 onward. The processes of commissioning this setup in low-latitude conditions, with the aim of producing 1 s definitive data, and the characteristics of the data from this new instrument are presented here.

  16. Evaluation of aortic valve stenosis using cardiovascular magnetic resonance: comparison of an original semiautomated analysis of phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance with Doppler echocardiography.

    PubMed

    Defrance, Carine; Bollache, Emilie; Kachenoura, Nadjia; Perdrix, Ludivine; Hrynchyshyn, Nataliya; Bruguière, Eric; Redheuil, Alban; Diebold, Benoit; Mousseaux, Elie

    2012-09-01

    Accurate quantification of aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is needed for relevant management decisions. However, transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) remains inconclusive in a significant number of patients. Previous studies demonstrated the usefulness of phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance (PC-CMR) in noninvasive AVS evaluation. We hypothesized that semiautomated analysis of aortic hemodynamics from PC-CMR might provide reproducible and accurate evaluation of aortic valve area (AVA), aortic velocities, and gradients in agreement with TTE. We studied 53 AVS patients (AVA(TTE)=0.87±0.44 cm(2)) and 21 controls (AVA(TTE)=2.96±0.59 cm(2)) who had TTE and PC-CMR of aortic valve and left ventricular outflow tract on the same day. PC-CMR data analysis included left ventricular outflow tract and aortic valve segmentation, and extraction of velocities, gradients, and flow rates. Three AVA measures were performed: AVA(CMR1) based on Hakki formula, AVA(CMR2) based on continuity equation, AVA(CMR3) simplified continuity equation=left ventricular outflow tract peak flow rate/aortic peak velocity. Our analysis was reproducible, as reflected by low interoperator variability (<4.56±4.40%). Comparison of PC-CMR and TTE aortic peak velocities and mean gradients resulted in good agreement (r=0.92 with mean bias=-29±62 cm/s and r=0.86 with mean bias=-12±15 mm Hg, respectively). Although good agreement was found between TTE and continuity equation-based CMR-AVA (r>0.94 and mean bias=-0.01±0.38 cm(2) for AVA(CMR2), -0.09±0.28 cm(2) for AVA(CMR3)), AVA(CMR1) values were lower than AVA(TTE) especially for higher AVA (mean bias=-0.45±0.52 cm(2)). Besides, ability of PC-CMR to detect severe AVS, defined by TTE, provided the best results for continuity equation-based methods (accuracy >94%). Our PC-CMR semiautomated AVS evaluation provided reproducible measurements that accurately detected severe AVS and were in good agreement with TTE.

  17. Monitoring Orbital Precession of EO-1 Hyperion With Three Atmospheric Correction Models in the Libya-4 PICS

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Neigh, Christopher S. R.; McCorkel, Joel; Campbell, Petya K. E.; Ong, Lawrence; Ly, Vuong; Landis, David; Middleton, Elizabeth M.

    2016-01-01

    Spaceborne spectrometers require spectral-temporal stability characterization to aid in validation of derived data products. Earth Observation 1 (EO-1) began orbital precession in 2011 after exhausting onboard fuel resources. In the Libya-4 pseudo-invariant calibration site (PICS), this resulted in a progressive shift from a mean local equatorial crossing time of approximately10:00 A.M. in 2011 to approximately 8:30 A.M. in late 2015. Here, we studied precession impacts to Hyperion surface reflectance products using three atmospheric correction approaches from 2004 to 2015. Combined difference estimates of surface reflectance were less than 5 percent in the visible near infrared (VNIR) and less than 10 percent for most of the shortwave infrared (SWIR). Combined coefficient of variation estimates in the VNIR ranged from 0.025 to 0.095, and in the SWIR it ranged from 0.025 to 0.06, excluding bands near atmospheric absorption features. Reflectances produced with different atmospheric models were correlated (R squared) in VNIR from 0.25 to 0.94 and in SWIR from 0.12 to 0.88 (p value (calculated probability) less than 0.01). The uncertainties in all the models increased with a terrain slope up to 15 degrees and selecting dune flats could reduce errors. We conclude that these data remain a valuable resource over this period for sensor intercalibration despite orbital decay.

  18. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Bochong; Kubota, Hitoshi, E-mail: hit-kubota@aist.go.jp; Yakushiji, Kay

    The dependence on diameter of the emission power in MgO-based nano-pillar spin torque oscillators (STOs) was systematically investigated. A maximum emission power of over 2.5 μW was obtained around 300 nm in diameter, which is the largest reported to date among the out-of-plane precession STOs. By analyzing physical quantities, precession cone angle of the free-layer magnetization was evaluated. In the diameter range below 300 nm, the increase in power was mainly due to the increase of the injected current. The power decrease above 300 nm is possibly attributed to the decrease in the averaged precession cone angle, suggesting spatial phase difference of magnetization precession.more » This study provides the method for estimating the optimum STO diameter, which is of great importance in practical use.« less

  19. Jetted Tidal Disruption Gone MAD: Case of Dynamically Important Magnetic Field Near the Black Hole in Sw J1644+57

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tchekhovskoy, Alexander; Metzger, B.; Giannios, D.; Kelley, L. Z.

    2013-04-01

    It is likely that the unusual gamma-ray/X-ray/radio transient Swift J1644+57 was produced by a collimated relativistic jet formed in the aftermath of a tidal disruption (TD) of a star by a massive black hole (BH). Some of the properties of the event are, however, difficult to explain within the TD scenario: (1) extreme flaring and `plateau' shape of the gamma-ray/X-ray light curve during the first 10 days after the gamma-ray trigger; (2) unexpected rebrightening of the forward shock radio emission months after trigger; (3) no obvious evidence for jet precession, despite misalignment typically expected between the angular momentum of the accretion disk and BH; (4) recent abrupt shut-off in jet X-ray emission after 1.5 years. Here we show that all of these seemingly disparate mysteries are naturally resolved by one assumption: the presence of strong magnetic flux Phi threading the BH. Initially, Phi is weak relative to high fall-back mass accretion rate, Mdot, and the disk and jets precess about the BH axis = our line of sight. As Mdot drops, Phi becomes dynamically important and leads to a magnetically-arrested disk (MAD). MAD naturally aligns disk and jet axis along the BH spin axis, but only after a violent rearrangement phase (jet wobbling). This explains the erratic light curve at early times and the lack of precession at later times. We use our model for Swift J1644+57 to constrain BH and disrupted star properties, finding that a solar-mass main sequence star disrupted by a relatively low mass, 10^5-10^6 Msun, BH is consistent with the data, while a WD disruption (though still possible) is disfavored. The magnetic flux required to power Swift J1644+57 is too large to be supplied by the star itself, but it could be collected from a quiescent `fossil' accretion disk present in the galactic nucleus prior to the TD. The presence (lack of) of such a fossil disk could be a deciding factor in what TD events are accompanied by powerful jets.

  20. Ferromagnetic linewidth measurements employing electrodynamic model of the magnetic plasmon resonance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krupka, Jerzy; Aleshkevych, Pavlo; Salski, Bartlomiej; Kopyt, Pawel

    2018-02-01

    The mode of uniform precession, or Kittel mode, in a magnetized ferromagnetic sphere, has recently been proven to be the magnetic plasmon resonance. In this paper we show how to apply the electrodynamic model of the magnetic plasmon resonance for accurate measurements of the ferromagnetic resonance linewidth ΔH. Two measurement methods are presented. The first one employs Q-factor measurements of the magnetic plasmon resonance coupled to the resonance of an empty metallic cavity. Such coupled modes are known as magnon-polariton modes, i.e. hybridized modes between the collective spin excitation and the cavity excitation. The second one employs direct Q-factor measurements of the magnetic plasmon resonance in a filter setup with two orthogonal semi-loops used for coupling. Q-factor measurements are performed employing a vector network analyser. The methods presented in this paper allow one to extend the measurement range of the ferromagnetic resonance linewidth ΔH well beyond the limits of the commonly used measurement standards in terms of the size of the samples and the lowest measurable linewidths. Samples that can be measured with the newly proposed methods may have larger size as compared to the size of samples that were used in the standard methods restricted by the limits of perturbation theory.

  1. Stochastic Magnetization Dynamics In Patterned Nanostructures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rowlands, Graham E.

    This dissertation details the study of magnetization dynamics in nanoscale magnetic heterostructures. In particular, a spin polarized direct current may be used to drive a single layer's magnetization away from its equilibrium orientation onto strongly non-linear precessional trajectories that are highly susceptible to thermal fluctuations. Through magnetoresistance with an additional ferromagnetic layer in the structure, these oscillations generate microwave frequency voltage oscillations that can be read off electrically. I demonstrate a time-domain experimental method which enables the reconstruction of the statistical ensemble of trajectories taken by the magnetization in such a layer. This method provides greater insight into the dynamics than is attainable with frequency domain analysis. I subsequently demonstrate how an analytical method based on a Fokker-Planck description of the oscillator's effective energy coordinate may be used to reproduce these same ensemble distributions, thereby facilitating a direct comparison to experiment. Furthermore, this analytical approach may be extended to produce accurate predictions for the spectral properties of these oscillations. I present two additional studies of devices constructed to make use of this non-equilibrium spin-torque. The first device is a candidate memory element which provides a non-volatile replacement for current RAM technologies. Its magnetization is switched between two stable orientations by spin-polarized currents originating from a pair of orthogonally oriented magnetic layers. This polarizer configuration reduces the switching time to approximately 100ps from the nanoseconds required with use of a single in-plane polarizer. The second device is a spin torque oscillator employing two counter-precessing magnetic layers which produce voltage oscillations through their mutual magnetoresistance at the sum of the frequencies of the individual layers. This system exhibits a strong dependence on the

  2. ALICE—An advanced reflectometer for static and dynamic experiments in magnetism at synchrotron radiation facilities

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Abrudan, R.; Helmholtz-Zentrum-Berlin for Materials and Energy, 12489 Berlin; Brüssing, F.

    2015-06-15

    We report on significant developments of a high vacuum reflectometer (diffractometer) and spectrometer for soft x-ray synchrotron experiments which allows conducting a wide range of static and dynamic experiments. Although the chamber named ALICE was designed for the analysis of magnetic hetero- and nanostructures via resonant magnetic x-ray scattering, the instrument is not limited to this technique. The versatility of the instrument was testified by a series of pilot experiments. Static measurements involve the possibility to use scattering and spectroscopy synchrotron based techniques (photon-in photon-out, photon-in electron-out, and coherent scattering). Dynamic experiments require either laser or magnetic field pulses tomore » excite the spin system followed by x-ray probe in the time domain from nano- to femtosecond delay times. In this temporal range, the demagnetization/remagnetization dynamics and magnetization precession in a number of magnetic materials (metals, alloys, and magnetic multilayers) can be probed in an element specific manner. We demonstrate here the capabilities of the system to host a variety of experiments, featuring ALICE as one of the most versatile and demanded instruments at the Helmholtz Center in Berlin-BESSY II synchrotron center in Berlin, Germany.« less

  3. “How many times must a man look up before he can really see the sky?” Rheumatic cardiovascular disease in the era of multimodality imaging

    PubMed Central

    Mavrogeni, Sophie I; Markousis-Mavrogenis, George; Heutemann, David; van Wijk, Kees; Reiber, Hans J; Kolovou, Genovefa

    2015-01-01

    Cardiovascular involvement in rheumatic diseases (RD) is the result of various pathophysiologic mechanisms including inflammation, accelerated atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, due to micro- or macro-vascular lesions and fibrosis. Noninvasive cardiovascular imaging, including echocardiography, nuclear techniques, cardiovascular computed tomography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance, represents the main diagnostic tool for early, non-invasive diagnosis of heart disease in RD. However, in the era of multimodality imaging and financial crisis there is an imperative need for rational use of imaging techniques in order to obtain the maximum benefit at the lowest possible cost for the health insurance system. The oligo-asymptomatic cardiovascular presentation and the high cardiovascular mortality of RD necessitate a reliable and reproducible diagnostic approach to catch early cardiovascular involvement. Echocardiography remains the routine cornerstone of cardiovascular evaluation. However, a normal echocardiogram can not always exclude cardiac involvement and/or identify heart disease acuity and pathophysiology. Therefore, cardiovascular magnetic resonance is a necessary adjunct complementary to echocardiography, especially in new onset heart failure and when there are conflicting data from clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluation of RD patients. PMID:26413486

  4. CONSTRAINING THE STRING GAUGE FIELD BY GALAXY ROTATION CURVES AND PERIHELION PRECESSION OF PLANETS

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cheung, Yeuk-Kwan E.; Xu Feng, E-mail: cheung@nju.edu.cn

    2013-09-01

    We discuss a cosmological model in which the string gauge field coupled universally to matter gives rise to an extra centripetal force and will have observable signatures on cosmological and astronomical observations. Several tests are performed using data including galaxy rotation curves of 22 spiral galaxies of varied luminosities and sizes and perihelion precessions of planets in the solar system. The rotation curves of the same group of galaxies are independently fit using a dark matter model with the generalized Navarro-Frenk-White (NFW) profile and the string model. A remarkable fit of galaxy rotation curves is achieved using the one-parameter stringmore » model as compared to the three-parameter dark matter model with the NFW profile. The average {chi}{sup 2} value of the NFW fit is 9% better than that of the string model at a price of two more free parameters. Furthermore, from the string model, we can give a dynamical explanation for the phenomenological Tully-Fisher relation. We are able to derive a relation between field strength, galaxy size, and luminosity, which can be verified with data from the 22 galaxies. To further test the hypothesis of the universal existence of the string gauge field, we apply our string model to the solar system. Constraint on the magnitude of the string field in the solar system is deduced from the current ranges for any anomalous perihelion precession of planets allowed by the latest observations. The field distribution resembles a dipole field originating from the Sun. The string field strength deduced from the solar system observations is of a similar magnitude as the field strength needed to sustain the rotational speed of the Sun inside the Milky Way. This hypothesis can be tested further by future observations with higher precision.« less

  5. Constraining the String Gauge Field by Galaxy Rotation Curves and Perihelion Precession of Planets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheung, Yeuk-Kwan E.; Xu, Feng

    2013-09-01

    We discuss a cosmological model in which the string gauge field coupled universally to matter gives rise to an extra centripetal force and will have observable signatures on cosmological and astronomical observations. Several tests are performed using data including galaxy rotation curves of 22 spiral galaxies of varied luminosities and sizes and perihelion precessions of planets in the solar system. The rotation curves of the same group of galaxies are independently fit using a dark matter model with the generalized Navarro-Frenk-White (NFW) profile and the string model. A remarkable fit of galaxy rotation curves is achieved using the one-parameter string model as compared to the three-parameter dark matter model with the NFW profile. The average χ2 value of the NFW fit is 9% better than that of the string model at a price of two more free parameters. Furthermore, from the string model, we can give a dynamical explanation for the phenomenological Tully-Fisher relation. We are able to derive a relation between field strength, galaxy size, and luminosity, which can be verified with data from the 22 galaxies. To further test the hypothesis of the universal existence of the string gauge field, we apply our string model to the solar system. Constraint on the magnitude of the string field in the solar system is deduced from the current ranges for any anomalous perihelion precession of planets allowed by the latest observations. The field distribution resembles a dipole field originating from the Sun. The string field strength deduced from the solar system observations is of a similar magnitude as the field strength needed to sustain the rotational speed of the Sun inside the Milky Way. This hypothesis can be tested further by future observations with higher precision.

  6. Right and Left Ventricular Function and Mass in Male Elite Master Athletes: A Controlled Contrast-Enhanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study.

    PubMed

    Bohm, Philipp; Schneider, Günther; Linneweber, Lutz; Rentzsch, Axel; Krämer, Nadine; Abdul-Khaliq, Hashim; Kindermann, Wilfried; Meyer, Tim; Scharhag, Jürgen

    2016-05-17

    It is under debate whether the cumulative effects of intensive endurance exercise induce chronic cardiac damage, mainly involving the right heart. The aim of this study was to examine the cardiac structure and function in long-term elite master endurance athletes with special focus on the right ventricle by contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Thirty-three healthy white competitive elite male master endurance athletes (age range, 30-60 years) with a training history of 29±8 years, and 33 white control subjects pair-matched for age, height, and weight underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography including tissue-Doppler imaging and speckle tracking, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Indexed left ventricular mass and right ventricular mass (left ventricular mass/body surface area, 96±13 and 62±10 g/m(2); P<0.001; right ventricular mass/body surface area, 36±7 and 24±5 g/m(2); P<0.001) and indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume and right ventricular end-diastolic volume (left ventricular end-diastolic volume/body surface area, 104±13 and 69±18 mL/m(2); P<0.001; right ventricular end-diastolic volume/body surface area, 110±22 and 66±16 mL/m(2); P<0.001) were significantly increased in athletes in comparison with control subjects. Right ventricular ejection fraction did not differ between athletes and control subjects (52±8 and 54±6%; P=0.26). Pathological late enhancement was detected in 1 athlete. No correlations were found for left ventricular and right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitive troponin was negative in all subjects. Based on our results, chronic right ventricular damage in elite endurance master athletes with lifelong high training volumes seems to be unlikely. Thus, the hypothesis of an exercise-induced arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy has to be questioned. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  7. Attraction, merger, reflection, and annihilation in magnetic droplet soliton scattering

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maiden, M. D.; Bookman, L. D.; Hoefer, M. A.

    2014-05-01

    The interaction behaviors of solitons are defining characteristics of these nonlinear, coherent structures. Due to recent experimental observations, thin ferromagnetic films offer a promising medium in which to study the scattering properties of two-dimensional magnetic droplet solitons, particle-like, precessing dipoles. Here, a rich set of two-droplet interaction behaviors are classified through micromagnetic simulations. Repulsive and attractive interaction dynamics are generically determined by the relative phase and speeds of the two droplets and can be classified into four types: (1) merger into a breather bound state, (2) counterpropagation trapped along the axis of symmetry, (3) reflection, and (4) violent droplet annihilation into spin wave radiation and a breather. Utilizing a nonlinear method of images, it is demonstrated that these dynamics describe repulsive/attractive scattering of a single droplet off of a magnetic boundary with pinned/free spin boundary conditions, respectively. These results explain the mechanism by which propagating and stationary droplets can be stabilized in a confined ferromagnet.

  8. A magnetic gradient induced force in NMR restricted diffusion experiments

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ghadirian, Bahman; Stait-Gardner, Tim; Castillo, Reynaldo

    2014-03-28

    We predict that the phase cancellation of a precessing magnetisation field carried by a diffusing species in a bounded geometry under certain nuclear magnetic resonance pulsed magnetic field gradient sequences results in a small force over typically micrometre length scales. Our calculations reveal that the total magnetisation energy in a pore under the influence of a pulsed gradient will be distance-dependent thus resulting in a force acting on the boundary. It is shown that this effect of the magnetisation of diffusing particles will appear as either an attractive or repulsive force depending on the geometry of the pore and magneticmore » properties of the material. A detailed analysis is performed for the case of a pulsed gradient spin-echo experiment on parallel planes. It is shown that the force decays exponentially in terms of the spin-spin relaxation. The proof is based on classical electrodynamics. An application of this effect to soft matter is suggested.« less

  9. Ultrahigh-resolution imaging of the human brain with phase-cycled balanced steady-state free precession at 7 T.

    PubMed

    Zeineh, Michael M; Parekh, Mansi B; Zaharchuk, Greg; Su, Jason H; Rosenberg, Jarrett; Fischbein, Nancy J; Rutt, Brian K

    2014-05-01

    The objectives of this study were to acquire ultra-high resolution images of the brain using balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) at 7 T and to identify the potential utility of this sequence. Eight volunteers participated in this study after providing informed consent. Each volunteer was scanned with 8 phase cycles of bSSFP at 0.4-mm isotropic resolution using 0.5 number of excitations and 2-dimensional parallel acceleration of 1.75 × 1.75. Each phase cycle required 5 minutes of scanning, with pauses between the phase cycles allowing short periods of rest. The individual phase cycles were aligned and then averaged. The same volunteers underwent scanning using 3-dimensional (3D) multiecho gradient recalled echo at 0.8-mm isotropic resolution, 3D Cube T2 at 0.7-mm isotropic resolution, and thin-section coronal oblique T2-weighted fast spin echo at 0.22 × 0.22 × 2.0-mm resolution for comparison. Two neuroradiologists assessed image quality and potential research and clinical utility. The volunteers generally tolerated the scan sessions well, and composite high-resolution bSSFP images were produced for each volunteer. Rater analysis demonstrated that bSSFP had a superior 3D visualization of the microarchitecture of the hippocampus, very good contrast to delineate the borders of the subthalamic nucleus, and relatively good B1 homogeneity throughout. In addition to an excellent visualization of the cerebellum, subtle details of the brain and skull base anatomy were also easier to identify on the bSSFP images, including the line of Gennari, membrane of Liliequist, and cranial nerves. Balanced steady-state free precession had a strong iron contrast similar to or better than the comparison sequences. However, cortical gray-white contrast was significantly better with Cube T2 and T2-weighted fast spin echo. Balanced steady-state free precession can facilitate ultrahigh-resolution imaging of the brain. Although total imaging times are long, the individually short

  10. Magnetic resonance imaging of placenta accreta

    PubMed Central

    Varghese, Binoj; Singh, Navdeep; George, Regi A.N; Gilvaz, Sareena

    2013-01-01

    Placenta accreta (PA) is a severe pregnancy complication which occurs when the chorionic villi (CV) invade the myometrium abnormally. Optimal management requires accurate prenatal diagnosis. Ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the modalities for prenatal diagnosis of PA, although USG remains the primary investigation of choice. MRI is a complementary technique and reserved for further characterization when USG is inconclusive or incomplete. Breath-hold T2-weighted half-Fourier rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) and balanced steady-state free precession imaging in the three orthogonal planes is the key MRI technique. Markedly heterogeneous placenta, thick intraplacental dark bands on half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE), and disorganized abnormal intraplacental vascularity are the cardinal MRI features of PA. MRI is less reliable in differentiating between different degrees of placental invasion, especially between accreta vera and increta. PMID:24604945

  11. Surface Plasmon-Mediated Nanoscale Localization of Laser-Driven sub-Terahertz Spin Dynamics in Magnetic Dielectrics.

    PubMed

    Chekhov, Alexander L; Stognij, Alexander I; Satoh, Takuya; Murzina, Tatiana V; Razdolski, Ilya; Stupakiewicz, Andrzej

    2018-05-09

    We report spatial localization of the effective magnetic field generated via the inverse Faraday effect employing surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at Au/garnet interface. Analyzing both numerically and analytically the electric field of the SPPs at this interface, we corroborate our study with a proof-of-concept experiment showing efficient SPP-driven excitation of coherent spin precession with 0.41 THz frequency. We argue that the subdiffractional confinement of the SPP electric field enables strong spatial localization of the SPP-mediated excitation of spin dynamics. We demonstrate two orders of magnitude enhancement of the excitation efficiency at the surface plasmon resonance within a 100 nm layer of a dielectric garnet. Our findings broaden the horizons of ultrafast spin-plasmonics and open pathways toward nonthermal opto-magnetic recording on the nanoscale.

  12. Top 100 cited articles in cardiovascular magnetic resonance: a bibliometric analysis.

    PubMed

    Khan, Muhammad Shahzeb; Ullah, Waqas; Riaz, Irbaz Bin; Bhulani, Nizar; Manning, Warren J; Tridandapani, Srini; Khosa, Faisal

    2016-11-21

    With limited health care resources, bibliometric studies can help guide researchers and research funding agencies towards areas where reallocation or increase in research activity is warranted. Bibliometric analyses have been published in many specialties and sub-specialties but our literature search did not reveal a bibliometric analysis on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR). The main objective of the study was to identify the trends of the top 100 cited articles on CMR research. Web of Science (WOS) search was used to create a database of all English language scientific journals. This search was then cross-referenced with a similar search term query of Scopus® to identify articles that may have been missed on the initial search. Articles were ranked by citation count and screened by two independent reviewers. Citations for the top 100 articles ranged from 178 to 1925 with a median of 319.5. Only 17 articles were cited more than 500 times, and the vast majority (n = 72) were cited between 200-499 times. More than half of the articles (n = 52) were from the United States of America, and more than one quarter (n = 21) from the United Kingdom. More than four fifth (n = 86) of the articles were published between the time period 2000-2014 with only 1 article published before 1990. Circulation and Journal of the American College of Cardiology made up more than half (n = 62) of the list. We found 10 authors who had greater than 5 publications in the list. Our study provides an insight on the characteristics and quality of the most highly cited CMR literature, and a list of the most influential references related to CMR.

  13. Spin Current through a Quantum Dot in the Presence of an Oscillating Magnetic Field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Ping; Xue, Qi-Kun; Xie, X. C.

    2003-11-01

    Nonequilibrium spin transport through an interacting quantum dot is analyzed. The coherent spin oscillations in the dot provide a generating source for spin current. In the interacting regime, the Kondo effect is influenced in a significant way by the presence of the processing magnetic field. In particular, when the precession frequency is tuned to resonance between spin-up and spin-down states of the dot, Kondo singularity for each spin splits into a superposition of two resonance peaks. The Kondo-type cotunneling contribution is manifested by a large enhancement of the pumped spin current in the strong coupling low temperature regime.

  14. Unenhanced respiratory-gated magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of renal artery in hypertensive patients using true fast imaging with steady-state precession technique compared with contrast-enhanced MRA.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Weisheng; Lin, Jiang; Wang, Shaowu; Lv, Peng; Wang, Lili; Liu, Hao; Chen, Caizhong; Zeng, Mengsu

    2014-01-01

    This study was aimed to evaluate the accuracy of "True Fast Imaging with Steady-State Precession" (TrueFISP) MR angiography (MRA) for diagnosis of renal arterial stenosis (RAS) in hypertensive patients. Twenty-two patients underwent both TrueFISP MRA and contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) on a 1.5-T MR imager. Volume of main renal arteries, length of maximal visible renal arteries, number of visualized branches, stenotic grade, and subjective quality were compared. Paired 2-tailed Student t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were applied to evaluate the significance of these variables. Volume of main renal arteries, length of maximal visible renal arteries, and number of branches indicated no significant difference between the 2 techniques (P > 0.05). Stenotic degree of 10 RAS was greater on CE-MRA than on TrueFISP MRA. Qualitative scores from TrueFISP MRA were higher than those from CE-MRA (P < 0.05). TrueFISP MRA is a reliable and accurate method for evaluating RAS.

  15. Cardiovascular imaging environment: will the future be cloud-based?

    PubMed

    Kawel-Boehm, Nadine; Bluemke, David A

    2017-07-01

    In cardiovascular CT and MR imaging large datasets have to be stored, post-processed, analyzed and distributed. Beside basic assessment of volume and function in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging e.g., more sophisticated quantitative analysis is requested requiring specific software. Several institutions cannot afford various types of software and provide expertise to perform sophisticated analysis. Areas covered: Various cloud services exist related to data storage and analysis specifically for cardiovascular CT and MR imaging. Instead of on-site data storage, cloud providers offer flexible storage services on a pay-per-use basis. To avoid purchase and maintenance of specialized software for cardiovascular image analysis, e.g. to assess myocardial iron overload, MR 4D flow and fractional flow reserve, evaluation can be performed with cloud based software by the consumer or complete analysis is performed by the cloud provider. However, challenges to widespread implementation of cloud services include regulatory issues regarding patient privacy and data security. Expert commentary: If patient privacy and data security is guaranteed cloud imaging is a valuable option to cope with storage of large image datasets and offer sophisticated cardiovascular image analysis for institutions of all sizes.

  16. Spatial information outflow from the hippocampal circuit: distributed spatial coding and phase precession in the subiculum.

    PubMed

    Kim, Steve M; Ganguli, Surya; Frank, Loren M

    2012-08-22

    Hippocampal place cells convey spatial information through a combination of spatially selective firing and theta phase precession. The way in which this information influences regions like the subiculum that receive input from the hippocampus remains unclear. The subiculum receives direct inputs from area CA1 of the hippocampus and sends divergent output projections to many other parts of the brain, so we examined the firing patterns of rat subicular neurons. We found a substantial transformation in the subicular code for space from sparse to dense firing rate representations along a proximal-distal anatomical gradient: neurons in the proximal subiculum are more similar to canonical, sparsely firing hippocampal place cells, whereas neurons in the distal subiculum have higher firing rates and more distributed spatial firing patterns. Using information theory, we found that the more distributed spatial representation in the subiculum carries, on average, more information about spatial location and context than the sparse spatial representation in CA1. Remarkably, despite the disparate firing rate properties of subicular neurons, we found that neurons at all proximal-distal locations exhibit robust theta phase precession, with similar spiking oscillation frequencies as neurons in area CA1. Our findings suggest that the subiculum is specialized to compress sparse hippocampal spatial codes into highly informative distributed codes suitable for efficient communication to other brain regions. Moreover, despite this substantial compression, the subiculum maintains finer scale temporal properties that may allow it to participate in oscillatory phase coding and spike timing-dependent plasticity in coordination with other regions of the hippocampal circuit.

  17. Quantitative analysis of cardiovascular MR images.

    PubMed

    van der Geest, R J; de Roos, A; van der Wall, E E; Reiber, J H

    1997-06-01

    The diagnosis of cardiovascular disease requires the precise assessment of both morphology and function. Nearly all aspects of cardiovascular function and flow can be quantified nowadays with fast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques. Conventional and breath-hold cine MR imaging allow the precise and highly reproducible assessment of global and regional left ventricular function. During the same examination, velocity encoded cine (VEC) MR imaging provides measurements of blood flow in the heart and great vessels. Quantitative image analysis often still relies on manual tracing of contours in the images. Reliable automated or semi-automated image analysis software would be very helpful to overcome the limitations associated with the manual and tedious processing of the images. Recent progress in MR imaging of the coronary arteries and myocardial perfusion imaging with contrast media, along with the further development of faster imaging sequences, suggest that MR imaging could evolve into a single technique ('one stop shop') for the evaluation of many aspects of heart disease. As a result, it is very likely that the need for automated image segmentation and analysis software algorithms will further increase. In this paper the developments directed towards the automated image analysis and semi-automated contour detection for cardiovascular MR imaging are presented.

  18. Coherent spin transport through a 350 micron thick silicon wafer.

    PubMed

    Huang, Biqin; Monsma, Douwe J; Appelbaum, Ian

    2007-10-26

    We use all-electrical methods to inject, transport, and detect spin-polarized electrons vertically through a 350-micron-thick undoped single-crystal silicon wafer. Spin precession measurements in a perpendicular magnetic field at different accelerating electric fields reveal high spin coherence with at least 13pi precession angles. The magnetic-field spacing of precession extrema are used to determine the injector-to-detector electron transit time. These transit time values are associated with output magnetocurrent changes (from in-plane spin-valve measurements), which are proportional to final spin polarization. Fitting the results to a simple exponential spin-decay model yields a conduction electron spin lifetime (T1) lower bound in silicon of over 500 ns at 60 K.

  19. Force on an electric/magnetic dipole and classical approach to spin-orbit coupling in hydrogen-like atoms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kholmetskii, A. L.; Missevitch, O. V.; Yarman, T.

    2017-09-01

    We carry out the classical analysis of spin-orbit coupling in hydrogen-like atoms, using the modern expressions for the force and energy of an electric/magnetic dipole in an electromagnetic field. We disclose a novel physical meaning of this effect and show that for a laboratory observer the energy of spin-orbit interaction is represented solely by the mechanical energy of the spinning electron (considered as a gyroscope) due to the Thomas precession of its spin. Concurrently we disclose some errors in the old and new publications on this subject.

  20. MR arthrography of the hip: diagnostic performance and image quality of 3D-steady state free precession versus 2D turbo spin echo sequences.

    PubMed

    Kraus, Mareen Sarah; Notohamiprodjo, Mike; Partovi, Sasan; Sobieh, Ahmed; Baur-Melnyk, Andrea; Hausdorf, Joerg; Grosse, Ulrich

    2018-06-01

    To retrospectively compare the diagnostic performance of isotropic 3D steady-state free precession (3D-SSFP) sequences with 2D turbo spin-echo proton density-weighted fat-saturated (2D-TSE-PD fs) images in hip magnetic resonance arthrography; arthroscopy was a standard of reference. Eighty-one patients with suspected labral tears who underwent hip MR arthrography (3-T scanner) were included. 2D-TSE-PD fs sequences were acquired in three planes and a singular sagittal 3D-SSFP. Labral tears, cartilage pathology and bone marrow were independently assessed by two blinded radiologists using a 5-point Likert scale. Accuracy was determined in 39 patients using invasive arthroscopy. Diagnostic confidence of labral and cartilaginous pathologies based on image quality was rated higher for 3D-SSFP (4.5 ± 0.8; 4.35 ± 0.7; p < 0.0001), but inferior for bone marrow pathology (3.9 ± 0.7; 4.0 ± 0.7; p < 0.0001). In the arthroscopy patients, similar sensitivity (85.9%) but higher specificity (74.4vs.42.9%) and higher positive and negative predictive values were found in 3D-SSFP of labral and cartilage pathologies. 3D-SSFP in hip magnetic resonance arthrography offers increased accuracy in detecting labral and cartilage pathologies compared with 2D-TSE-PD, while reducing the acquisition time. A drawback of 3D-SSFP was the inferior diagnostic confidence for bone marrow evaluation; thus, 3D-SSFP should be combined with conventional 2D-TSE sequences.

  1. Translating Metabolomics to Cardiovascular Biomarkers

    PubMed Central

    Senn, Todd; Hazen, Stanley L.; Tang, W. H. Wilson

    2012-01-01

    Metabolomics is the systematic study of the unique chemical fingerprints of small-molecules, or metabolite profiles, that are related to a variety of cellular metabolic processes in a cell, organ, or organism. While mRNA gene expression data and proteomic analyses do not tell the whole story of what might be happening in a cell, metabolic profiling provides direct and indirect physiologic insights that can potentially be detectable in a wide range of biospecimens. Although not specific to cardiac conditions, translating metabolomics to cardiovascular biomarkers has followed the traditional path of biomarker discovery from identification and confirmation to clinical validation and bedside testing. With technological advances in metabolomic tools (such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry) and more sophisticated bioinformatics and analytical techniques, the ability to measure low-molecular-weight metabolites in biospecimens provides a unique insight into established and novel metabolic pathways. Systemic metabolomics may provide physiologic understanding of cardiovascular disease states beyond traditional profiling, and may involve descriptions of metabolic responses of an individual or population to therapeutic interventions or environmental exposures. PMID:22824112

  2. Normal values for myocardial deformation within the right heart measured by feature-tracking cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.

    PubMed

    Liu, Boyang; Dardeer, Ahmed M; Moody, William E; Edwards, Nicola C; Hudsmith, Lucy E; Steeds, Richard P

    2018-02-01

    Reproducible and repeatable assessment of right heart function is vital for monitoring congenital and acquired heart disease. There is increasing evidence for the additional value of myocardial deformation (strain and strain rate) in determining prognosis. This study aims to determine the reproducibility of deformation analyses in the right heart using cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (FT-CMR); and to establish normal ranges within an adult population. A cohort of 100 healthy subjects containing 10 males and 10 females from each decade of life between the ages of 20 and 70 without known congenital or acquired cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia or renal, hepatic, haematologic and systemic inflammatory disorders underwent FT-CMR assessment of right ventricular (RV) and right atrial (RA) myocardial strain and strain rate. RV longitudinal strain (Ell) was -21.9±3.24% (FW+S Ell) and -24.2±3.59% (FW-Ell). Peak systolic strain rate (S') was -1.45±0.39s -1 (FW+S) and -1.54±0.41s -1 (FW). Early diastolic strain rate (E') was 1.04±0.26s -1 (FW+S) and 1.04±0.33s -1 (FW). Late diastolic strain rate (A') was 0.94±0.33s -1 (FW+S) and 1.08±0.33s -1 (FW). RA peak strain was -21.1±3.76%. The intra- and inter-observer ICC for RV Ell (FW+S) was 0.92 and 0.80 respectively, while for RA peak strain was 0.92 and 0.89 respectively. Normal values of RV & RA deformation for healthy individuals using FT-CMR are provided with good RV Ell and RA peak strain reproducibility. Strain rate suffered from sub-optimal reproducibility and may not be satisfactory for clinical use. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. The magnetic particle in a box: Analytic and micromagnetic analysis of probe-localized spin wave modes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Adur, Rohan, E-mail: adur@physics.osu.edu; Du, Chunhui; Manuilov, Sergei A.

    2015-05-07

    The dipole field from a probe magnet can be used to localize a discrete spectrum of standing spin wave modes in a continuous ferromagnetic thin film without lithographic modification to the film. Obtaining the resonance field for a localized mode is not trivial due to the effect of the confined and inhomogeneous magnetization precession. We compare the results of micromagnetic and analytic methods to find the resonance field of localized modes in a ferromagnetic thin film, and investigate the accuracy of these methods by comparing with a numerical minimization technique that assumes Bessel function modes with pinned boundary conditions. Wemore » find that the micromagnetic technique, while computationally more intensive, reveals that the true magnetization profiles of localized modes are similar to Bessel functions with gradually decaying dynamic magnetization at the mode edges. We also find that an analytic solution, which is simple to implement and computationally much faster than other methods, accurately describes the resonance field of localized modes when exchange fields are negligible, and demonstrating the accessibility of localized mode analysis.« less

  4. Echocardiography in the Era of Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Shah, Benoy Nalin

    2013-01-01

    Echocardiography remains the most frequently performed cardiac imaging investigation and is an invaluable tool for detailed and accurate evaluation of cardiac structure and function. Echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and cardiovascular-computed tomography comprise the subspeciality of cardiovascular imaging, and these techniques are often used together for a multimodality, comprehensive assessment of a number of cardiac diseases. This paper provides the general cardiologist and physician with an overview of state-of-the-art modern echocardiography, summarising established indications as well as highlighting advances in stress echocardiography, three-dimensional echocardiography, deformation imaging, and contrast echocardiography. Strengths and limitations of echocardiography are discussed as well as the growing role of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in the guidance of structural heart interventions in the cardiac catheter laboratory. PMID:23878804

  5. Book Review: Precession, Nutation, and Wobble of the Earth

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sterken, Christiaan; Dehant, V.; Mathews, P. M.

    2016-10-01

    This great book describes and explains observational and computational aspects of three apparently tiny changes in the Earth's motion and orientation, viz., precession, nutation, and wobble. The three introductory chapters of this book present fundamental definitions, elementary geodetic theory, and celestial/terrestrial reference systems - including transformations between reference frames. The next chapter on observational techniques describes the principle of accurate measurements of the orientation of the Earth's axis, as obtained from measurements of extra-galactic radio sources using Very Long Baseline Interferometry and GPS observations. Chapter 5 handles precession and nutation of the rigid Earth (i.e., a celestial body that cannot, by definition, deform) and the subsequent chapter takes deformation into consideration, viz., the effect of a centrifugal force caused by a constant-rate rotation that causes the Earth's shape and structure to become ellipsoidal. Deformations caused by external solar-system bodies are discussed in terms of deformability parameters. The next three chapters handle additional complex deviations: non-rigid Earth and more general Earth models, anelastic Earth parameters, and the effects of the fluid layers (i.e., ocean and atmosphere) on Earth rotation. Chapter 10 complements Chapter 7 with refinements that take into account diverse small effects such as the effect of a thermal conductive layer at the top of the core, Core Mantle and Inner Boundary coupling effects on nutation, electromagnetic coupling, and so-called topographic coupling. Chapter 11 covers comparison of observation and theory, and tells us that the present-date precision of the nutation theory is at the level of milliarcseconds in the time domain, and of a tenth of a microsecond in the frequency domain (with some exceptions). This chapter is followed by a 25-page chapter of definitions of equator, equinox, celestial intermediate pole and origin, stellar angle

  6. Spin dynamics of random Ising chain in coexisting transverse and longitudinal magnetic fields

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Zhong-Qiang; Jiang, Su-Rong; Kong, Xiang-Mu; Xu, Yu-Liang

    2017-05-01

    The dynamics of the random Ising spin chain in coexisting transverse and longitudinal magnetic fields is studied by the recursion method. Both the spin autocorrelation function and its spectral density are investigated by numerical calculations. It is found that system's dynamical behaviors depend on the deviation σJ of the random exchange coupling between nearest-neighbor spins and the ratio rlt of the longitudinal and the transverse fields: (i) For rlt = 0, the system undergoes two crossovers from N independent spins precessing about the transverse magnetic field to a collective-mode behavior, and then to a central-peak behavior as σJ increases. (ii) For rlt ≠ 0, the system may exhibit a coexistence behavior of a collective-mode one and a central-peak one. When σJ is small (or large enough), system undergoes a crossover from a coexistence behavior (or a disordered behavior) to a central-peak behavior as rlt increases. (iii) Increasing σJ depresses effects of both the transverse and the longitudinal magnetic fields. (iv) Quantum random Ising chain in coexisting magnetic fields may exhibit under-damping and critical-damping characteristics simultaneously. These results indicate that changing the external magnetic fields may control and manipulate the dynamics of the random Ising chain.

  7. Deformation-Induced Precession of a Robot Moving on Curved Space

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Shengkai; Aydin, Yasemin; Lofaro, Olivia; Rieser, Jennifer; Goldman, Daniel

    Previous studies have demonstrated that passive particles rolling on a deformed surface can mimic aspects of general relativity [Ford et al, AJP, 2015]. However, these systems are dissipative. To explore steady-state dynamics, we study the movement of a self-propelled robot car on a large deformable elastic membrane: a spandex sheet stretched over a metal frame with a diameter of 2.5 m. Two wheels in the rear of the car are differentially-driven by a DC motor, and a caster in the front helps maintain directional stability; in the absence of curvature the car drives straight. A linear actuator attached below the membrane allows for controlled deformation at the center of the membrane. We find that closed elliptic orbits occur when the membrane is highly depressed ( 10 cm). However, when the center is only slightly indented, the elliptical orbits precess at a rate depending on the orbit shape and the depression. Remarkably, this dynamic is well described by the Schwarzschild metric solution, typically used to describe the effects of gravity on bodies orbiting a massive object. Experiments with multiple cars reveal complex interactions that are mediated through car-induced deformations of the membrane.

  8. Polarized-neutron investigation of magnetic ordering and spin dynamics in BaCo2(AsO4)2 frustrated honeycomb-lattice magnet.

    PubMed

    Regnault, L-P; Boullier, C; Lorenzo, J E

    2018-01-01

    The magnetic properties of the cobaltite BaCo 2 (AsO 4 ) 2 , a good realization of the quasi two-dimensional frustrated honeycomb-lattice system with strong planar anisotropy, have been reinvestigated by means of spherical neutron polarimetry with CRYOPAD. From accurate measurements of polarization matrices both on elastic and inelastic contributions as a function of the scattering vector Q , we have been able to determine the low-temperature magnetic structure of BaCo 2 (AsO 4 ) 2 and reveal its puzzling in-plane spin dynamics. Surprisingly, the ground-state structure (described by an incommensurate propagation vector [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) appears to be a quasi-collinear structure, and not a simple helix, as previously determined. In addition, our results have revealed the existence of a non-negligible out-of-plane moment component [Formula: see text]/Co 2+ , representing about 10% of the in-plane component, as demonstrated by the presence of finite off-diagonal elements [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of the polarization matrix, both on elastic and inelastic magnetic contributions. Despite a clear evidence of the existence of a slightly inelastic contribution of structural origin superimposed to the magnetic excitations at the scattering vectors [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (energy transfer [Formula: see text] meV), no strong inelastic nuclear-magnetic interference terms could be detected so far, meaning that the nuclear and magnetic degrees of freedom have very weak cross-correlations. The strong inelastic [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] matrix elements can be understood by assuming that the magnetic excitations in BaCo 2 (AsO 4 ) 2 are spin waves associated with trivial anisotropic precessions of the magnetic moments involved in the canted incommensurate structure.

  9. EARTH, MOON, SUN, AND CV ACCRETION DISKS

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Montgomery, M. M.

    2009-11-01

    Net tidal torque by the secondary on a misaligned accretion disk, like the net tidal torque by the Moon and the Sun on the equatorial bulge of the spinning and tilted Earth, is suggested by others to be a source to retrograde precession in non-magnetic, accreting cataclysmic variable (CV) dwarf novae (DN) systems that show negative superhumps in their light curves. We investigate this idea in this work. We generate a generic theoretical expression for retrograde precession in spinning disks that are misaligned with the orbital plane. Our generic theoretical expression matches that which describes the retrograde precession of Earths'more » equinoxes. By making appropriate assumptions, we reduce our generic theoretical expression to those generated by others, or to those used by others, to describe retrograde precession in protostellar, protoplanetary, X-ray binary, non-magnetic CV DN, quasar, and black hole systems. We find that spinning, tilted CV DN systems cannot be described by a precessing ring or by a precessing rigid disk. We find that differential rotation and effects on the disk by the accretion stream must be addressed. Our analysis indicates that the best description of a retrogradely precessing spinning, tilted, CV DN accretion disk is a differentially rotating, tilted disk with an attached rotating, tilted ring located near the innermost disk annuli. In agreement with the observations and numerical simulations by others, we find that our numerically simulated CV DN accretion disks retrogradely precess as a unit. Our final, reduced expression for retrograde precession agrees well with our numerical simulation results and with selective observational systems that seem to have main-sequence secondaries. Our results suggest that a major source to retrograde precession is tidal torques like that by the Moon and the Sun on the Earth. In addition, these tidal torques should be common to a variety of systems where one member is spinning and tilted, regardless

  10. Ideal Cardiovascular Health, Cardiovascular Remodeling, and Heart Failure in Blacks: The Jackson Heart Study.

    PubMed

    Spahillari, Aferdita; Talegawkar, Sameera; Correa, Adolfo; Carr, J Jeffrey; Terry, James G; Lima, João; Freedman, Jane E; Das, Saumya; Kociol, Robb; de Ferranti, Sarah; Mohebali, Donya; Mwasongwe, Stanford; Tucker, Katherine L; Murthy, Venkatesh L; Shah, Ravi V

    2017-02-01

    The lifetime risk of heart failure (HF) is higher in the black population than in other racial groups in the United States. We measured the Life's Simple 7 ideal cardiovascular health metrics in 4195 blacks in the JHS (Jackson Heart Study; 2000-2004). We evaluated the association of Simple 7 metrics with incident HF and left ventricular structure and function by cardiac magnetic resonance (n=1188). Mean age at baseline was 54.4 years (65% women). Relative to 0 to 2 Simple 7 factors, blacks with 3 factors had 47% lower incident HF risk (hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.73; P <0.0001); and those with ≥4 factors had 61% lower HF risk (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.24-0.64; P =0.0002). Higher blood pressure (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.28-4.20; P =0.005), physical inactivity (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.07-2.55; P =0.02), smoking (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.43-2.91; P <0.0001), and impaired glucose control (HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.34-2.29; P <0.0001) were associated with incident HF. The age-/sex-adjusted population attributable risk for these Simple 7 metrics combined was 37.1%. Achievement of ideal blood pressure, ideal body mass index, ideal glucose control, and nonsmoking was associated with less likelihood of adverse cardiac remodeling by cardiac magnetic resonance. Cardiovascular risk factors in midlife (specifically elevated blood pressure, physical inactivity, smoking, and poor glucose control) are associated with incident HF in blacks and represent targets for intensified HF prevention. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

  11. Optical investigation of domain resonances in magnetic garnet films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bahlmann, N.; Gerhardt, R.; Dötsch, H.

    1996-08-01

    Magnetic garnet films of composition (Y,Bi) 3(Fe,Al) 5O 12 are grown by liquid phase epitaxy on [111] oriented substrates of Gd 3Ga 5O 12. Lattices of parallel stripe domains are stabilized by a static induction applied in the film plane. The two branches DR ± of the domain resonance and the domain wall resonance DWR are excited by microwave magnetic fields in the frequency range up to 6 GHz. Light passing the stripe domain lattice parallel to the film normal is modulated at the excitation frequency. A modulation bandwidth of more than 2 GHz is observed. The resonances can be calculated with high accuracy by a hybridization model, if the quality factor Q of the film exceeds 0.5. For Q < 0.5 a simple approximation is used to describe the superposition of the DR + and DR - resonances. The superposition model predicts two stability states of the resonance DR + which are observed experimentally. From the optical measurements precession angles of the resonance DR - of nearly 6° and wall oscillation amplitudes up to 25 nm are derived.

  12. Interventional-Cardiovascular MR: Role of the Interventional MR Technologist

    PubMed Central

    Mazal, Jonathan R; Rogers, Toby; Schenke, William H; Faranesh, Anthony Z; Hansen, Michael; O’Brien, Kendall; Ratnayaka, Kanishka; Lederman, Robert J

    2016-01-01

    Background Interventional-cardiovascular magnetic resonance (iCMR) is a promising clinical tool for adults and children who need a comprehensive hemodynamic catheterization of the heart. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided cardiac catheterization offers radiation-free examination with increased soft tissue contrast and unconstrained imaging planes for catheter guidance. The interventional MR technologist plays an important role in the care of patients undergoing such procedures. It is therefore helpful for technologists to under-stand the unique iCMR preprocedural preparation, procedural and imaging workflows, and management of emergencies. The authors report their team’s experience from the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and a collaborating pediatric site. PMID:26721838

  13. Electronic properties of quasi one-dimensional quantum wire models under equal coupling strength superpositions of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions in the presence of an in-plane magnetic field

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Papp, E.; Micu, C.; Racolta, D.

    In this paper one deals with the theoretical derivation of energy bands and of related wavefunctions characterizing quasi 1D semiconductor heterostructures, such as InAs quantum wire models. Such models get characterized this time by equal coupling strength superpositions of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions of dimensionless magnitude a under the influence of in-plane magnetic fields of magnitude B. We found that the orientations of the field can be selected by virtue of symmetry requirements. For this purpose one resorts to spin conservations, but alternative conditions providing sensible simplifications of the energy-band formula can be reasonably accounted for. Besides the wavenumbermore » k relying on the 1D electron, one deals with the spin-like s=±1 factors in the front of the square root term of the energy. Having obtained the spinorial wavefunction, opens the way to the derivation of spin precession effects. For this purpose one resorts to the projections of the wavenumber operator on complementary spin states. Such projections are responsible for related displacements proceeding along the Ox-axis. This results in a 2D rotation matrix providing both the precession angle as well as the precession axis.« less

  14. Precession-paced thermocline water temperature changes in response to upwelling conditions off southern Sumatra over the past 300,000 years

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xingxing; Jian, Zhimin; Lückge, Andreas; Wang, Yue; Dang, Haowen; Mohtadi, Mahyar

    2018-07-01

    Modern variations of sea surface temperature (SST) and thermocline water temperature (TWT) off southern Sumatra are responding to local upwelling conditions which are controlled by the Australian-Indonesian winter monsoon. The relationships between SST, TWT and upwelling during the past glacial-interglacial cycles are less clearly understood. In this study, SST and TWT variabilities over the past 300 kyr are reconstructed by using foraminiferal Mg/Ca-paleothermometry in sediment core SO139-74 KL off southern Sumatra (6°32.6‧S, 103°50‧E; 1690 m water depth). Whereas SST shows a clear glacial-interglacial cycle, TWT displays a predominant cycle at the precession band. Generally, the TWT record varies with total organic carbon content, revealing that similar to today, TWT and upwelling intensity off southern Sumatra vary in concert during the past 300 kyr. The lack of glacial-interglacial variability in the TWT suggests a limited role of glacial boundary conditions, such as changing sea level and ice volume, on the upwelling intensity in this region. The vertical gradients of upper water δ18O and temperature at this site also reveal precessional cyclicity. Our model simulation of air-sea interaction further supports the low TWTs during periods of enhanced upwelling and precession minimum.

  15. Angular velocity of gravitational radiation from precessing binaries and the corotating frame

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boyle, Michael

    2013-05-01

    This paper defines an angular velocity for time-dependent functions on the sphere and applies it to gravitational waveforms from compact binaries. Because it is geometrically meaningful and has a clear physical motivation, the angular velocity is uniquely useful in helping to solve an important—and largely ignored—problem in models of compact binaries: the inverse problem of deducing the physical parameters of a system from the gravitational waves alone. It is also used to define the corotating frame of the waveform. When decomposed in this frame, the waveform has no rotational dynamics and is therefore as slowly evolving as possible. The resulting simplifications lead to straightforward methods for accurately comparing waveforms and constructing hybrids. As formulated in this paper, the methods can be applied robustly to both precessing and nonprecessing waveforms, providing a clear, comprehensive, and consistent framework for waveform analysis. Explicit implementations of all these methods are provided in accompanying computer code.

  16. Investigating relativity using lunar laser ranging - Geodetic precession and the Nordtvedt effect

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dickey, J. O.; Newhall, X. X.; Williams, J. G.

    1989-01-01

    The emplacement of retroreflectors on the moon by Apollo astronauts and the Russian Lunakhod spacecraft marked the inception of lunar laser ranging (LLR) and provided a natural laboratory for the study of general relativity. Continuing acquisition of increasingly accurate LLR data has provided enhanced sensitivity to general relativity parameters. Two relativistic effects are investigated in this paper: (1) the Nordtvedt effect, yielding a test of the strong equivalence principle, would appear as a distortion of the geocentric lunar orbit in the direction of the sun. The inclusion of recent LLR data limits the size of any such effect to 3 + or - 4 cm. The sensitivities to the various PPN quantities are also highlighted. (2) the geodetic precession of the lunar perigee is predicted by general relativity as a consequence of the motion of the earth-moon system about the sun; its theoretical magnitude is 19.2 mas/yr. Analysis presented here confirms this value and determines this quality to a 2 percent level.

  17. Left ventricular hypertrophy: The relationship between the electrocardiogram and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.

    PubMed

    Bacharova, Ljuba; Ugander, Martin

    2014-11-01

    Conventional assessment of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) using the electrocardiogram (ECG), for example, by the Sokolow-Lyon, Romhilt-Estes or Cornell criteria, have relied on assessing changes in the amplitude and/or duration of the QRS complex of the ECG to quantify LV mass. ECG measures of LV mass have typically been validated by imaging with echocardiography or cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). However, LVH can be the result of diverse etiologies, and LVH is also characterized by pathological changes in myocardial tissue characteristics on the genetic, molecular, cellular, and tissue level beyond a pure increase in the number of otherwise normal cardiomyocytes. For example, slowed conduction velocity through the myocardium, which can be due to diffuse myocardial fibrosis, has been shown to be an important determinant of conventional ECG LVH criteria regardless of LV mass. Myocardial tissue characterization by CMR has emerged to not only quantify LV mass, but also detect and quantify the extent and severity of focal or diffuse myocardial fibrosis, edema, inflammation, myocarditis, fatty replacement, myocardial disarray, and myocardial deposition of amyloid proteins (amyloidosis), glycolipids (Fabry disease), or iron (siderosis). This can be undertaken using CMR techniques including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T1 mapping, T2 mapping, T2* mapping, extracellular volume fraction (ECV) mapping, fat/water-weighted imaging, and diffusion tensor CMR. This review presents an overview of current and emerging concepts regarding the diagnostic possibilities of both ECG and CMR for LVH in an attempt to narrow gaps in our knowledge regarding the ECG diagnosis of LVH. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. Feasibility and Diagnostic Value of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Acute Ischemic Stroke of Undetermined Origin.

    PubMed

    Haeusler, Karl Georg; Wollboldt, Christian; Bentheim, Laura Zu; Herm, Juliane; Jäger, Sebastian; Kunze, Claudia; Eberle, Holger-Carsten; Deluigi, Claudia Christina; Bruder, Oliver; Malsch, Carolin; Heuschmann, Peter U; Endres, Matthias; Audebert, Heinrich J; Morguet, Andreas J; Jensen, Christoph; Fiebach, Jochen B

    2017-05-01

    Etiology of acute ischemic stroke remains undetermined (cryptogenic) in about 25% of patients after state-of-the-art diagnostic work-up. One-hundred and three patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-proven acute ischemic stroke of undetermined origin were prospectively enrolled and underwent 3-T cardiac MRI and magnetic resonance angiography of the aortic arch in addition to state-of-the-art diagnostic work-up, including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). We analyzed the feasibility, diagnostic accuracy, and added value of cardiovascular MRI (cvMRI) compared with TEE for detecting sources of stroke. Overall, 102 (99.0%) ischemic stroke patients (median 63 years [interquartile range, 53-72], 24% female, median NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score on admission 2 [interquartile range, 1-4]) underwent cvMRI and TEE in hospital; 89 (86.4%) patients completed the cvMRI examination. In 93 cryptogenic stroke patients, a high-risk embolic source was found in 9 (8.7%) patients by cvMRI and in 11 (11.8%) patients by echocardiography, respectively. cvMRI and echocardiography findings were consistent in 80 (86.0%) patients, resulting in a degree of agreement of κ=0.24. In 82 patients with cryptogenic stroke according to routine work-up, including TEE, cvMRI identified stroke etiology in additional 5 (6.1%) patients. Late gadolinium enhancement consistent with previous myocardial infarction was found in 13 (14.6%) out of 89 stroke patients completing cvMRI. Only 2 of these 13 patients had known coronary artery disease. Our study demonstrated that cvMRI was feasible in the vast majority of included patients with acute ischemic stroke. The diagnostic information of cvMRI seems to be complementary to TEE but is not replacing echocardiography after acute ischemic stroke. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01917955. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

  19. Possible signature of the magnetic fields related to quasi-periodic oscillations observed in microquasars

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kološ, Martin; Tursunov, Arman; Stuchlík, Zdeněk

    2017-12-01

    The study of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) of X-ray flux observed in the stellar-mass black hole binaries can provide a powerful tool for testing of the phenomena occurring in the strong gravity regime. Magnetized versions of the standard geodesic models of QPOs can explain the observationally fixed data from the three microquasars. We perform a successful fitting of the HF QPOs observed for three microquasars, GRS 1915+105, XTE 1550-564 and GRO 1655-40, containing black holes, for magnetized versions of both epicyclic resonance and relativistic precession models and discuss the corresponding constraints of parameters of the model, which are the mass and spin of the black hole and the parameter related to the external magnetic field. The estimated magnetic field intensity strongly depends on the type of objects giving the observed HF QPOs. It can be as small as 10^{-5} G if electron oscillatory motion is relevant, but it can be by many orders higher for protons or ions (0.02-1 G), or even higher for charged dust or such exotic objects as lighting balls, etc. On the other hand, if we know by any means the magnetic field intensity, our model implies strong limit on the character of the oscillating matter, namely its specific charge.

  20. Assessing exercise cardiac reserve using real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

    PubMed

    Le, Thu-Thao; Bryant, Jennifer Ann; Ting, Alicia Er; Ho, Pei Yi; Su, Boyang; Teo, Raymond Choon Chye; Gan, Julian Siong-Jin; Chung, Yiu-Cho; O'Regan, Declan P; Cook, Stuart A; Chin, Calvin Woon-Loong

    2017-01-23

    Exercise cardiovascular magnetic resonance (ExCMR) has great potential for clinical use but its development has been limited by a lack of compatible equipment and robust real-time imaging techniques. We developed an exCMR protocol using an in-scanner cycle ergometer and assessed its performance in differentiating athletes from non-athletes. Free-breathing real-time CMR (1.5T Aera, Siemens) was performed in 11 athletes (5 males; median age 29 [IQR: 28-39] years) and 16 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (7 males; median age 26 [interquartile range (IQR): 25-33] years). All participants underwent an in-scanner exercise protocol on a CMR compatible cycle ergometer (Lode BV, the Netherlands), with an initial workload of 25W followed by 25W-increment every minute. In 20 individuals, exercise capacity was also evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Scan-rescan reproducibility was assessed in 10 individuals, at least 7 days apart. The exCMR protocol demonstrated excellent scan-rescan (cardiac index (CI): 0.2 ± 0.5L/min/m 2 ) and inter-observer (ventricular volumes: 1.2 ± 5.3mL) reproducibility. CI derived from exCMR and CPET had excellent correlation (r = 0.83, p < 0.001) and agreement (1.7 ± 1.8L/min/m 2 ). Despite similar values at rest (P = 0.87), athletes had increased exercise CI compared to healthy individuals (at peak exercise: 12.2 [IQR: 10.2-13.5] L/min/m 2 versus 8.9 [IQR: 7.5-10.1] L/min/m 2 , respectively; P < 0.001). Peak exercise CI, where image acquisition lasted 13-17 s, outperformed that at rest (c-statistics = 0.95 [95% confidence interval: 0.87-1.00] versus 0.48 [95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.72], respectively; P < 0.0001 for comparison) in differentiating athletes from healthy volunteers; and had similar performance as VO 2max (c-statistics = 0.84 [95% confidence interval = 0.62-1.00]; P = 0.29 for comparison). We have developed a novel in-scanner exCMR protocol using real-time CMR that is highly reproducible. It may now be

  1. Functional valve assessment: the emerging role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

    PubMed

    Shah, Dipan J

    2010-01-01

    The prevalence of valvular heart disease is increasing along with the life span of the population. In assessing individuals with valve disease, echocardiography is the primary imaging modality used by clinicians both for initial assessment and for longitudinal evaluation. Information regarding valve morphology and function, cardiac chamber size, wall thickness, ventricular function, and estimates of pulmonary artery pressures can be readily obtained and integrated to formulate an assessment of valve disease severity. In some instances, body habitus or the presence of coexisting lung disease may result in suboptimal acoustic windows on echocardiography, which may lead to technically difficult studies. Additionally, in some patients, information from clinical history and physical examination or other diagnostic tests may be discordant with echocardiographic findings. In these instances, there is a significant clinical role for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). The diagnostic capabilities of CMR have increased substantially over the past 20 years due to hardware and software advances. Today, CMR has a number of unique advantages over other imaging modalities - primarily, it provides a view of the entire heart without limitations from inadequate imaging windows or body habitus. Furthermore, CMR can obtain imaging data in any imaging plane prescribed by the scan operator, which makes it ideal for accurate investigation of all cardiac valves - aortic, mitral, pulmonic, and tricuspid. In addition, CMR for valve assessment is noninvasive, free of ionizing radiation, and in most instances does not require contrast administration. Since a comprehensive review of the role of CMR in all valve lesions is beyond the scope of this article, we will focus on the most common valvular indication for performance of clinical CMR techniques and an overview of selected validation and reproducibility studies. The objectives of a comprehensive CMR study for evaluating mitral

  2. Precessionally driven dynamos in ellipsoidal geometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ernst-Hullermann, J.; Harder, H.; Hansen, U.

    2013-12-01

    Precession was suggested as an alternative driving mechanism for Earth's and planetary magnetic fields by Bullard in 1949. Recent estimates of the thermal and electrical conductivity of Earth's core even show that the energy budget for buoyancy driven dynamos might be very tight. Therefore it seems worth to consider precession at least as an additional if not the only source of energy for the geodynamo. We are going to investigate precessionally driven dynamos by the use of a Finite Volume code. As precession drives a flow only due to the movement of the boundaries the shape of the container is essential for the character of the flow. In planets, it is much more effective to drive a precessional flow by the pressure differences induced by the topography of the precessing body rather than by viscous coupling to the walls. Numerical simulations are the only method offering the possibility to investigate the influence of the topography since laboratory experiments normally are constrained by the predetermined geometry of the vessel. We discuss how ellipticity of the planets can be included in our simulations by the use of a non-orthogonal grid. We will show that even laminar precession-driven flows are capable to generate a magnetic field. Most of the magnetic energy of this dynamos resides in the outer viscous boundary layer. While at lower Ekman number the kinematic dynamos also have magnetic fields located in the bulk, these diminish in the full magneto-hydrodynamic case. The laminar dynamos may not scale to Earth-like parameters. Nevertheless, with our new method we have the possibility to explore the parameter space much more systematically.

  3. Mediterranean (Annually?) Laminated Sediments of Miocene to Pleistocene age; a Study of Seasonal Variability During Precession Minima.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huiskamp, F. P.; Hilgen, F. J.; Lourens, L. J.

    2001-05-01

    Laminated sediments are increasingly sought as an excellent archive of paleo-environmental change at a very high temporal resolution comparable to that of ice cores, tree rings and corals. They are found in widely different settings ranging from lacustrine and shallow to deep marine depositional environments. Laminated sediments dominantly reflect the annual cycle, but they can also have a daily or interannual origin or record episodic events such as storm floods. In the Mediterranean Neogene the most conspicuous type of sedimentary cycles is the alternation of homogeneous marls and brown to black coloured, often well-laminated beds enriched in organic carbon, termed sapropels. Sapropels are not distributed evenly or randomly in the stratigraphic succession but display characteristic cycle patterns which reflect the influence of the three orbital parameters (precession, obliquity, and eccentricity). Individual sapropels are related to precession minima and sapropel clusters to eccentricity maxima. Besides sapropels, several other types of laminites are found throughout the Mediterranean. We intend to study diatomites and diatomitic sapropels of Messinian to Pleistocene age which are present in several land sections in Southern Italy. Initial research focuses on the description and classification of laminations found in two Late Pliocene sapropels from the Vrica section of southern Italy. They may provide considerable insight into the biological and sedimentation responses to climate forcing at times of maximum seasonal contrast (i.e. precession minima). In this respect, it is of crucial importance to determine whether the laminations are of annual origin. At a later stage research will also focus on diatomites of various ages in order to compare the different types of laminations present. Such laminated sapropels and diatomites may be used as an excellent geochronometer to detect multi-annual to centennial periodicities in the Mediterranean paleoclimate. Image

  4. Coherent Raman detected electron spin resonance spectroscopy of metalloproteins: linking electron spin resonance and magnetic circular dichroism.

    PubMed

    Bingham, Stephen J; Wolverson, Daniel; Thomson, Andrew J

    2008-12-01

    The simultaneous excitation of paramagnetic molecules with optical (laser) and microwave radiation in the presence of a magnetic field can cause an amplitude, or phase, modulation of the transmitted light at the microwave frequency. The detection of this modulation indicates the presence of coupled optical and ESR transitions. The phenomenon can be viewed as a coherent Raman effect or, in most cases, as a microwave frequency modulation of the magnetic circular dichroism by the precessing magnetization. By allowing the optical and magnetic properties of a transition metal ion centre to be correlated, it becomes possible to deconvolute the overlapping optical or ESR spectra of multiple centres in a protein or of multiple chemical forms of a particular centre. The same correlation capability also allows the relative orientation of the magnetic and optical anisotropies of each species to be measured, even when the species cannot be obtained in a crystalline form. Such measurements provide constraints on electronic structure calculations. The capabilities of the method are illustrated by data from the dimeric mixed-valence Cu(A) centre of nitrous oxide reductase (N(2)OR) from Paracoccus pantotrophus.

  5. Cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in childhood obesity: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.

    PubMed

    Jing, Linyuan; Binkley, Cassi M; Suever, Jonathan D; Umasankar, Nivedita; Haggerty, Christopher M; Rich, Jennifer; Wehner, Gregory J; Hamlet, Sean M; Powell, David K; Radulescu, Aurelia; Kirchner, H Lester; Epstein, Frederick H; Fornwalt, Brandon K

    2016-05-11

    Obesity affects nearly one in five children and is associated with increased risk of premature death. Obesity-related heart disease contributes to premature death. We aimed to use cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to comprehensively characterize the changes in cardiac geometry and function in obese children. Forty-one obese/overweight (age 12 ± 3 years, 56 % female) and 29 healthy weight children (age 14 ± 3 years, 41 % female) underwent CMR, including both standard cine imaging and displacement encoded imaging, for a complete assessment of left ventricular (LV) structure and function. After adjusting for age, LV mass index was 23 % greater (27 ± 4 g/m(2.7) vs 22 ± 3 g/m(2.7), p <0.001) and the LV myocardium was 10 % thicker (5.6 ± 0.8 mm vs 5.1 ± 0.8 mm, p <0.001) in the obese/overweight children. This evidence of cardiac remodeling was present in obese children as young as age 8. Twenty four percent of obese/overweight children had concentric hypertrophy, 59 % had normal geometry and 17 % had either eccentric hypertrophy or concentric remodeling. LV mass index, thickness, ejection fraction and peak longitudinal and circumferential strains all correlated with epicardial adipose tissue after adjusting for height and gender (all p <0.05). Peak longitudinal and circumferential strains showed a significant relationship with the type of LV remodeling, and were most impaired in children with concentric hypertrophy (p <0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Obese children show evidence of significant cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, which begins as young as age 8. Obese children with concentric hypertrophy and impaired strain may represent a particularly high risk subgroup that demands further investigation.

  6. Potential applications of microtesla magnetic resonance imaging detected using a superconducting quantum interference device

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Myers, Whittier Ryan

    This dissertation describes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of protons performed in a precession field of 132 muT. In order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a pulsed 40-300 mT magnetic field prepolarizes the sample spins and an untuned second-order superconducting gradiometer coupled to a low transition temperature superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) detects the subsequent 5.6-kHz spin precession. Imaging sequences including multiple echoes and partial Fourier reconstruction are developed. Calculating the SNR of prepolarized SQUID-detected MRI shows that three-dimensional Fourier imaging yields higher SNR than slice-selection imaging. An experimentally demonstrated field-cycling pulse sequence and post-processing algorithm mitigate image artifacts caused by concomitant gradients in low-field MRI. The magnetic field noise of SQUID untuned detection is compared to the noise of SQUID tuned detection, conventional Faraday detection, and the Nyquist noise generated by conducting biological samples. A second-generation microtesla MRI system employing a low-noise SQUID is constructed to increase SNR. A 2.4-m cubic, eddy-current shield with 6-mm thick aluminum walls encloses the experiment to attenuate external noise. The measured noise is 0.75 fT Hz 1/2 referred to the bottom gradiometer loop. Solenoids wound from 30-strand braided wire to decrease Nyquist noise and cooled by either liquid nitrogen or water polarize the spins. Copper wire coils wound on wooden supports produce the imaging magnetic fields and field gradients. Water phantom images with 0.8 x 0.8 x 10 mm3 resolution have a SNR of 6. Three-dimensional 1.6 x 1.9 x 14 mm3 images of bell peppers and 3 x 3 x 26 mm3 in vivo images of the human arm are presented. Since contrast based on the transverse spin relaxation rate (T1 ) is enhanced at low magnetic fields, microtesla MRI could potentially be used for tumor imaging. The measured T1 of ex vivo normal and cancerous prostate tissue

  7. Production of pulsed ultra slow muons and first /μSR experiments on thin metallic and magnetic films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Träger, K.; Breitrück, A.; Trigo, M. Diaz; Grossmann, A.; Jungmann, K.; Merkel, J.; Meyer, V.; Neumayer, P.; Pachl, B.; zu Putlitz, G.; Santra, R.; William, L.; Allodi, G.; Bucci, C.; Renzi, R. De; Galli, F.; Guidi, G.; Shiroka, T.; Eaton, G. H.; King, P. J. C.; Scott, C. A.; Williams, G. W.; Roduner, E.; Scheuermann, R.; Charlton, M. C.; Donnelly, P.; Pareti, L.; Turilli, G.

    2000-08-01

    At ISIS, RAL (UK) we have produced a pulsed ultra-slow muon beam (E≲20 eV) and performed the first μSR experiments. Thanks to the pulsed feature, the implantation time is automatically determined and, by adjusting the final muon energy between ∼8 keV and 20 eV, depth slicing experiments are possible down to monolayers distances. We report slicing experiments across a 20 nm copper film on quartz substrate with evidence for a 2 nm copper oxide surface layer. A preliminary experiment on a hexagonal cobalt film suggests the existence of muon precession in the local magnetic field.

  8. Spectrum and clinical significance of systolic function and myocardial fibrosis assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Olivotto, Iacopo; Maron, Barry J; Appelbaum, Evan; Harrigan, Caitlin J; Salton, Carol; Gibson, C Michael; Udelson, James E; O'Donnell, Christopher; Lesser, John R; Manning, Warren J; Maron, Martin S

    2010-07-15

    In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the clinical significance attributable to the broad range of left ventricular (LV) systolic function, assessed as the ejection fraction (EF), is incompletely resolved. We evaluated the EF using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in a large cohort of patients with HCM with respect to the clinical status and evidence of left ventricular remodeling with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). CMR imaging was performed in 310 consecutive patients, aged 42 +/- 17 years. The EF in patients with HCM was 71 +/- 10% (range 28% to 89%), exceeding that of 606 healthy controls without cardiovascular disease (66 +/- 5%, p <0.001). LGE reflecting LV remodeling showed an independent, inverse relation to the EF (B-0.69, 95% confidence interval -0.86 to -0.52; p <0.001) and was greatest in patients with an EF <50%, in whom it constituted a median value of 29% of the LV volume (interquartile range 16% to 40%). However, the substantial subgroup with low-normal EF values of 50% to 65% (n = 45; 15% of the whole cohort), who were mostly asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic (37 or 82% with New York Heart Association functional class I to II), showed substantial LGE (median 5% of LV volume, interquartile range 2% to 10%). This overlapped with the subgroup with systolic dysfunction and significantly exceeded that of patients with an EF of 66% to 75% and >75% (median 2% of the LV volume, interquartile range 1.5% to 4%; p <0.01). In conclusion, in a large cohort of patients with HCM, a subset of patients with low-normal EF values (50% to 65%) was identified by contrast-enhanced CMR imaging as having substantial degrees of LGE, suggesting a transition phase, potentially heralding advanced LV remodeling and systolic dysfunction, with implications for clinical surveillance and management. Copyright (c) 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  9. Spin dynamics of paramagnetic centers with anisotropic g tensor and spin of ½

    PubMed Central

    Maryasov, Alexander G.

    2012-01-01

    The influence of g tensor anisotropy on spin dynamics of paramagnetic centers having real or effective spin of 1/2 is studied. The g anisotropy affects both the excitation and the detection of EPR signals, producing noticeable differences between conventional continuous-wave (cw) EPR and pulsed EPR spectra. The magnitudes and directions of the spin and magnetic moment vectors are generally not proportional to each other, but are related to each other through the g tensor. The equilibrium magnetic moment direction is generally parallel to neither the magnetic field nor the spin quantization axis due to the g anisotropy. After excitation with short microwave pulses, the spin vector precesses around its quantization axis, in a plane that is generally not perpendicular to the applied magnetic field. Paradoxically, the magnetic moment vector precesses around its equilibrium direction in a plane exactly perpendicular to the external magnetic field. In the general case, the oscillating part of the magnetic moment is elliptically polarized and the direction of precession is determined by the sign of the g tensor determinant (g tensor signature). Conventional pulsed and cw EPR spectrometers do not allow determination of the g tensor signature or the ellipticity of the magnetic moment trajectory. It is generally impossible to set a uniform spin turning angle for simple pulses in an unoriented or ‘powder’ sample when g tensor anisotropy is significant. PMID:22743542

  10. Spin dynamics of paramagnetic centers with anisotropic g tensor and spin of 1/2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maryasov, Alexander G.; Bowman, Michael K.

    2012-08-01

    The influence of g tensor anisotropy on spin dynamics of paramagnetic centers having real or effective spin of 1/2 is studied. The g anisotropy affects both the excitation and the detection of EPR signals, producing noticeable differences between conventional continuous-wave (cw) EPR and pulsed EPR spectra. The magnitudes and directions of the spin and magnetic moment vectors are generally not proportional to each other, but are related to each other through the g tensor. The equilibrium magnetic moment direction is generally parallel to neither the magnetic field nor the spin quantization axis due to the g anisotropy. After excitation with short microwave pulses, the spin vector precesses around its quantization axis, in a plane that is generally not perpendicular to the applied magnetic field. Paradoxically, the magnetic moment vector precesses around its equilibrium direction in a plane exactly perpendicular to the external magnetic field. In the general case, the oscillating part of the magnetic moment is elliptically polarized and the direction of precession is determined by the sign of the g tensor determinant (g tensor signature). Conventional pulsed and cw EPR spectrometers do not allow determination of the g tensor signature or the ellipticity of the magnetic moment trajectory. It is generally impossible to set a uniform spin turning angle for simple pulses in an unoriented or 'powder' sample when g tensor anisotropy is significant.

  11. Multi-second magnetic coherence in a single domain spinor Bose–Einstein condensate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Palacios, Silvana; Coop, Simon; Gomez, Pau; Vanderbruggen, Thomas; Natali Martinez de Escobar, Y.; Jasperse, Martijn; Mitchell, Morgan W.

    2018-05-01

    We describe a compact, robust and versatile system for studying the macroscopic spin dynamics in a spinor Bose–Einstein condensate. Condensates of {}87{Rb} are produced by all-optical evaporation in a 1560 nm optical dipole trap, using a non-standard loading sequence that employs an ancillary 1529 nm beam for partial compensation of the strong differential light-shift induced by the dipole trap itself. We use near-resonant Faraday rotation probing to non-destructively track the condensate magnetization, and demonstrate few-Larmor-cycle tracking with no detectable degradation of the spin polarization. In the ferromagnetic F = 1 ground state, we observe the spin orientation between atoms in the condensate is preserved, such that they precess all together like one large spin in the presence of a magnetic field. We characterize this dynamics in terms of the single-shot magnetic coherence times {{ \\mathcal T }}1 and {{ \\mathcal T }}2* , and observe them to be of several seconds, limited only by the residence time of the atoms in the trap. At the densities used, this residence is restricted only by one-body losses set by the vacuum conditions.

  12. Influence of environmental tobacco smoke on morphology and functions of cardiovascular system assessed using diagnostic imaging.

    PubMed

    Gać, Paweł; Poręba, Małgorzata; Pawlas, Krystyna; Sobieszczańska, Małgorzata; Poręba, Rafał

    Exposure to tobacco smoke is a significant problem of environmental medicine. Tobacco smoke contains over one thousand identified chemicals including numerous toxicants. Cardiovascular system diseases are the major cause of general mortality. The recent development of diagnostic imaging provided methods which enable faster and more precise diagnosis of numerous diseases, also those of cardiovascular system. This paper reviews the most significant scientific research concerning relationship between environmental exposure to tobacco smoke and the morphology and function of cardiovascular system carried out using diagnostic imaging methods, i.e. ultrasonography, angiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In the forthcoming future, the studies using current diagnostic imaging methods should contribute to the reliable documentation, followed by the wide-spreading knowledge of the harmful impact of the environmental tobacco smoke exposure on the cardiovascular system.

  13. Cardiovascular Deconditioning

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Charles, John B.; Fritsch-Yelle, Janice M.; Whitson, Peggy A.; Wood, Margie L.; Brown, Troy E.; Fortner, G. William

    1999-01-01

    Spaceflight causes adaptive changes in cardiovascular function that may deleteriously affect crew health and safety. Over the last three decades, symptoms of cardiovascular changes have ranged from postflight orthostatic tachycardia and decreased exercise capacity to serious cardiac rhythm disturbances during extravehicular activities (EVA). The most documented symptom of cardiovascular dysfunction, postflight orthostatic intolerance, has affected a significant percentage of U.S. Space Shuttle astronauts. Problems of cardiovascular dysfunction associated with spaceflight are a concern to NASA. This has been particularly true during Shuttle flights where the primary concern is the crew's physical health, including the pilot's ability to land the Orbiter, and the crew's ability to quickly egress and move to safety should a dangerous condition arise. The study of astronauts during Shuttle activities is inherently more difficult than most human research. Consequently, sample sizes have been small and results have lacked consistency. Before the Extended Duration Orbiter Medical Project (EDOMP), there was a lack of normative data on changes in cardiovascular parameters during and after spaceflight. The EDOMP for the first time allowed studies on a large enough number of subjects to overcome some of these problems. There were three primary goals of the Cardiovascular EDOMP studies. The first was to establish, through descriptive studies, a normative data base of cardiovascular changes attributable to spaceflight. The second goal was to determine mechanisms of cardiovascular changes resulting from spaceflight (particularly orthostatic hypotension and cardiac rhythm disturbances). The third was to evaluate possible countermeasures. The Cardiovascular EDOMP studies involved parallel descriptive, mechanistic, and countermeasure evaluations.

  14. Advancing Cardiovascular, Neurovascular, and Renal Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Small Rodents Using Cryogenic Radiofrequency Coil Technology

    PubMed Central

    Niendorf, Thoralf; Pohlmann, Andreas; Reimann, Henning M.; Waiczies, Helmar; Peper, Eva; Huelnhagen, Till; Seeliger, Erdmann; Schreiber, Adrian; Kettritz, Ralph; Strobel, Klaus; Ku, Min-Chi; Waiczies, Sonia

    2015-01-01

    Research in pathologies of the brain, heart and kidney have gained immensely from the plethora of studies that have helped shape new methods in magnetic resonance (MR) for characterizing preclinical disease models. Methodical probing into preclinical animal models by MR is invaluable since it allows a careful interpretation and extrapolation of data derived from these models to human disease. In this review we will focus on the applications of cryogenic radiofrequency (RF) coils in small animal MR as a means of boosting image quality (e.g., by supporting MR microscopy) and making data acquisition more efficient (e.g., by reducing measuring time); both being important constituents for thorough investigational studies on animal models of disease. This review attempts to make the (bio)medical imaging, molecular medicine, and pharmaceutical communities aware of this productive ferment and its outstanding significance for anatomical and functional MR in small rodents. The goal is to inspire a more intense interdisciplinary collaboration across the fields to further advance and progress non-invasive MR methods that ultimately support thorough (patho)physiological characterization of animal disease models. In this review, current and potential future applications for the RF coil technology in cardiovascular, neurovascular, and renal disease will be discussed. PMID:26617515

  15. Electron spin polarization in realistic trajectories around the magnetic node of two counter-propagating, circularly polarized, ultra-intense lasers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Del Sorbo, D.; Seipt, D.; Thomas, A. G. R.; Ridgers, C. P.

    2018-06-01

    It has recently been suggested that two counter-propagating, circularly polarized, ultra-intense lasers can induce a strong electron spin polarization at the magnetic node of the electromagnetic field that they setup (Del Sorbo et al 2017 Phys. Rev. A 96 043407). We confirm these results by considering a more sophisticated description that integrates over realistic trajectories. The electron dynamics is weakly affected by the variation of power radiated due to the spin polarization. The degree of spin polarization differs by approximately 5% if considering electrons initially at rest or already in a circular orbit. The instability of trajectories at the magnetic node induces a spin precession associated with the electron migration that establishes an upper temporal limit to the polarization of the electron population of about one laser period.

  16. Important advances in technology and unique applications related to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

    PubMed

    Ghosn, Mohamad G; Shah, Dipan J

    2014-01-01

    Cardiac magnetic resonance has become a well-established imaging modality and is considered the gold standard for myocardial tissue viability assessment and ventricular volumes quantification. Recent technological hardware and software advancements in magnetic resonance imaging technology have allowed the development of new methods that can improve clinical cardiovascular diagnosis and prognosis. The advent of a new generation of higher magnetic field scanners can be beneficial to various clinical applications. Also, the development of faster acquisition techniques have allowed mapping of the magnetic relaxation properties T1, T2, and T2* in the myocardium that can be used to quantify myocardial diffuse fibrosis, determine the presence of edema or inflammation, and measure iron within the myocardium, respectively. Another recent major advancement in CMR has been the introduction of three-dimension (3D) phase contrast imaging, also known as 4D flow. The following review discusses key advances in cardiac magnetic resonance technology and their potential to improve clinical cardiovascular diagnosis and outcomes.

  17. Psoriasis and cardiovascular risk. Assessment by different cardiovascular risk scores.

    PubMed

    Fernández-Torres, R; Pita-Fernández, S; Fonseca, E

    2013-12-01

    Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, very few studies determine cardiovascular risk by means of Framingham risk score or other indices more appropriate for countries with lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. To determine multiple cardiovascular risk scores in psoriasis patients, the relation between cardiovascular risk and psoriasis features and to compare our results with those in the literature. We assessed demographic data, smoking status, psoriasis features, blood pressure and analytical data. Cardiovascular risk was determined by means of Framingham, SCORE, DORICA and REGICOR scores. A total of 395 patients (59.7% men and 40.3% women) aged 18-86 years were included. The proportion of patients at intermediate and high risk of suffering a major cardiovascular event in the next 10 years was 30.5% and 11.4%, respectively, based on Framingham risk score; 26.9% and 2.2% according to DORICA and 6.8% and 0% using REGICOR score. According to the SCORE index, 22.1% of patients had a high risk of death due to a cardiovascular event over the next 10 years. Cardiovascular risk was not related to psoriasis characteristics, except for the Framingham index, with higher risk in patients with more severe psoriasis (P = 0.032). A considerable proportion of patients had intermediate or high cardiovascular risk, without relevant relationship with psoriasis characteristics and treatment schedules. Therefore, systematic evaluation of cardiovascular risk scores in all psoriasis patients could be useful to identify those with increased cardiovascular risk, subsidiary of lifestyle changes or therapeutic interventions. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2012 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

  18. Bridging the gap between measurements and modelling: a cardiovascular functional avatar.

    PubMed

    Casas, Belén; Lantz, Jonas; Viola, Federica; Cedersund, Gunnar; Bolger, Ann F; Carlhäll, Carl-Johan; Karlsson, Matts; Ebbers, Tino

    2017-07-24

    Lumped parameter models of the cardiovascular system have the potential to assist researchers and clinicians to better understand cardiovascular function. The value of such models increases when they are subject specific. However, most approaches to personalize lumped parameter models have thus far required invasive measurements or fall short of being subject specific due to a lack of the necessary clinical data. Here, we propose an approach to personalize parameters in a model of the heart and the systemic circulation using exclusively non-invasive measurements. The personalized model is created using flow data from four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging and cuff pressure measurements in the brachial artery. We term this personalized model the cardiovascular avatar. In our proof-of-concept study, we evaluated the capability of the avatar to reproduce pressures and flows in a group of eight healthy subjects. Both quantitatively and qualitatively, the model-based results agreed well with the pressure and flow measurements obtained in vivo for each subject. This non-invasive and personalized approach can synthesize medical data into clinically relevant indicators of cardiovascular function, and estimate hemodynamic variables that cannot be assessed directly from clinical measurements.

  19. Review of Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (JCMR) 2015-2016 and transition of the JCMR office to Boston.

    PubMed

    Manning, Warren J

    2017-12-28

    The Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (JCMR) is the official publication of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR). In 2016, the JCMR published 93 manuscripts, including 80 research papers, 6 reviews, 5 technical notes, 1 protocol, and 1 case report. The number of manuscripts published was similar to 2015 though with a 12% increase in manuscript submissions to an all-time high of 369. This reflects a decrease in the overall acceptance rate to <25% (excluding solicited reviews). The quality of submissions to JCMR continues to be high. The 2016 JCMR Impact Factor (which is published in June 2016 by Thomson Reuters) was steady at 5.601 (vs. 5.71 for 2015; as published in June 2016), which is the second highest impact factor ever recorded for JCMR. The 2016 impact factor means that the JCMR papers that were published in 2014 and 2015 were on-average cited 5.71 times in 2016.In accordance with Open-Access publishing of Biomed Central, the JCMR articles are published on-line in the order that they are accepted with no collating of the articles into sections or special thematic issues. For this reason, over the years, the Editors have felt that it is useful to annually summarize the publications into broad areas of interest or themes, so that readers can view areas of interest in a single article in relation to each other and other recent JCMR articles. The papers are presented in broad themes with previously published JCMR papers to guide continuity of thought in the journal. In addition, I have elected to open this publication with information for the readership regarding the transition of the JCMR editorial office to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston and the editorial process.Though there is an author publication charge (APC) associated with open-access to cover the publisher's expenses, this format provides a much wider distribution/availability of the author's work and greater manuscript citation. For SCMR members, there is

  20. Spin-Torque Diode Effect in Magnetic Tunnel Junctions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suzuki, Yoshishige

    2007-03-01

    Spin-injection magnetization switching (SIMS) technique [1] made it possible to control magnetization by a direct current. A discovery of spontaneous rf oscillation from CPP-GMR nano-pillars and a real time observation of the switching process have revealed essential amplification function of a precession in the magnetic nano-pillars under a direct current [2]. Beside of those progresses, developments of giant tunneling magneto-resistive (GTMR) effect using an MgO barrier [3] made it possible to utilize a very large resistance change according to the magnetization switching. In this talk, several attempts to utilize interplay between spin-torque and giant-TMR effect will be presented referring to a ``spin-torque diode effect'' [4] and other properties such like rf noise control and possible signal amplification using magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). [1] J. C. Slonczewski, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 159, L1 (1996) , L. Berger, Phys. Rev. B 54, 9353 (1996), and E. B. Myers, et al., Science 285, 867 (1999). [2] S. I. Kiselev et al., Nature 425, 380 (2003), I. N. Krivorotov et al., Science, 307, 228 (2005). [3] W. Wulfhekel, et al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 78, 509--511 (2001), M. Bowen, et al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 79, 1655--1657 (2001), J. Faure-Vincent, et al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 82, 4507--4509 (2003), S. Yuasa, et al., Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. Part 2, 43, L588 (2004), S. Yuasa, et al., Nature Mat. 3, 868 (2004), S. S. P. Parkin et al., Nature Mat. 3, 862 (2004), and D. D. Djayaprawira et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 86, 092502 (2005). [4] A. A. Tulapurkar, et al., Nature, 438, 339 (2005).

  1. On the changes of IAU 2000 nutation theory stemming from IAU 2006 precession theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Escapa, A.; Getino, J.; Ferrándiz, J. M.; Baenas, T.

    2014-12-01

    The adoption of IAU 2006 precession theory (Capitaine et al. 2003) introduced some small changes in IAU 2000A nutation theory, relevant at the mircroarcsecond level. These adjustments were derived in Capitaine et al. (2005) and are currently considered in international standards like, for example, IERS Conventions (2010) or in the Explanatory Supplement to the Astronomical Almanac (2013). We reexamine the issue, working out the induced modifications due to a change in the value of the obliquity of the ecliptic and to the secular variation of the Earth dynamical flattening. In particular, within the framework of the Hamiltonian theory of the rotation of the Earth we derive analytical expressions of those changes for the motion of the figure axis. These expressions and their corresponding numerical contributions will be compared with those obtained in Capitaine et al. (2005).

  2. Fundamental frequencies and resonances from eccentric and precessing binary black hole inspirals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lewis, Adam G. M.; Zimmerman, Aaron; Pfeiffer, Harald P.

    2017-06-01

    Binary black holes which are both eccentric and undergo precession remain unexplored in numerical simulations. We present simulations of such systems which cover about 50 orbits at comparatively high mass ratios 5 and 7. The configurations correspond to the generic motion of a nonspinning body in a Kerr spacetime, and are chosen to study the transition from finite mass-ratio inspirals to point particle motion in Kerr. We develop techniques to extract analogs of the three fundamental frequencies of Kerr geodesics, compare our frequencies to those of Kerr, and show that the differences are consistent with self-force corrections entering at first order in mass ratio. This analysis also locates orbital resonances where the ratios of our frequencies take rational values. At the considered mass ratios, the binaries pass through resonances in one to two resonant cycles, and we find no discernible effects on the orbital evolution. We also compute the decay of eccentricity during the inspiral and find good agreement with the leading order post-Newtonian prediction.

  3. Electric-field assisted spin torque nano-oscillator and binary frequency shift keying modulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xiangli; Chen, Hao-Hsuan; Zhang, Zongzhi; Liu, Yaowen

    2018-04-01

    Electric-controlled magnetization precession introduces technologically relevant possibility for developing spin torque nano-oscillators (STNO) with potential applications in microwave emission. Using the perpendicularly magnetized magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), we show that the magnetization oscillation frequency can be tuned by the co-action of electric field and spin polarized current. The dynamical phase diagram of MTJ-based STNO is analytically predicted through coordinate transformation from the laboratory frame to the rotation frame, by which the nonstationary out-of-plane magnetization precession process is therefore transformed into the stationary process in the rotation frame. Furthermore, using this STNO as a microwave source, we numerically demonstrate that the bit signal can be transmitted by a binary frequency shift keying (BFSK) modulation technique. The BFSK scheme shows good modulation features with no transient state.

  4. Reducing orbital eccentricity of precessing black-hole binaries

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Buonanno, Alessandra; Taracchini, Andrea; Kidder, Lawrence E.

    2011-05-15

    Building initial conditions for generic binary black-hole evolutions which are not affected by initial spurious eccentricity remains a challenge for numerical-relativity simulations. This problem can be overcome by applying an eccentricity-removal procedure which consists of evolving the binary black hole for a couple of orbits, estimating the resulting eccentricity, and then restarting the simulation with corrected initial conditions. The presence of spins can complicate this procedure. As predicted by post-Newtonian theory, spin-spin interactions and precession prevent the binary from moving along an adiabatic sequence of spherical orbits, inducing oscillations in the radial separation and in the orbital frequency. For single-spinmore » binary black holes these oscillations are a direct consequence of monopole-quadrupole interactions. However, spin-induced oscillations occur at approximately twice the orbital frequency, and therefore can be distinguished and disentangled from the initial spurious eccentricity which occurs at approximately the orbital frequency. Taking this into account, we develop a new eccentricity-removal procedure based on the derivative of the orbital frequency and find that it is rather successful in reducing the eccentricity measured in the orbital frequency to values less than 10{sup -4} when moderate spins are present. We test this new procedure using numerical-relativity simulations of binary black holes with mass ratios 1.5 and 3, spin magnitude 0.5, and various spin orientations. The numerical simulations exhibit spin-induced oscillations in the dynamics at approximately twice the orbital frequency. Oscillations of similar frequency are also visible in the gravitational-wave phase and frequency of the dominant l=2, m=2 mode.« less

  5. Presence of Late Gadolinium Enhancement by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Among Patients With Suspected Cardiac Sarcoidosis Is Associated With Adverse Cardiovascular Prognosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    PubMed

    Hulten, Edward; Agarwal, Vikram; Cahill, Michael; Cole, Geoff; Vita, Tomas; Parrish, Scott; Bittencourt, Marcio Sommer; Murthy, Venkatesh L; Kwong, Raymond; Di Carli, Marcelo F; Blankstein, Ron

    2016-09-01

    Individuals with cardiac sarcoidosis have an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia and death. Several small cohort studies have evaluated the ability of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict adverse cardiovascular events. However, studies have yielded inconsistent results, and some analyses were underpowered. Therefore, we sought to systematically review and perform meta-analysis of the prognostic value of cardiac MRI for patients with known or suspected cardiac sarcoidosis. We systematically searched for cohort studies of patients with known sarcoidosis with suspected cardiac involvement who underwent cardiac MRI with LGE with at least 12 months of either prospective or retrospective follow-up data regarding post-MRI adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We identified 7 studies of 694 subjects (mean age 53; 42% men).One hundred and ninety-nine patients (29%) were LGE positive. All-cause mortality occurred in 19 LGE-positive versus 17 LGE-negative subjects (annualized incidence, 3.1% versus 0.6%). The pooled relative risk was 3.38 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-10.7; P=0.04). Cardiovascular mortality occurred in 10 LGE-positive versus 2 LGE-negative subjects (annualized incidence, 1.9% versus 0.3%; relative risk 10.7 [95% confidence interval, 1.34-86.3]; P=0.03). Ventricular arrhythmia occurred in 41 LGE-positive versus 0 LGE-negative subjects (annualized incidence, 5.9% versus 0%; relative risk 19.5 [95% confidence interval, 2.68-143]; P=0.003). A combined end point of death or ventricular arrhythmia occurred in 64 LGE-positive versus 18 LGE-negative subjects (annualized incidence, 8.8% versus 0.6%; relative risk 6.20 [95% confidence interval, 2.47-15.6]; P<0.001). There was no significant heterogeneity for any outcomes. LGE is associated with future cardiovascular death and ventricular arrhythmia among patients referred to MRI for known or suspected cardiac sarcoidosis. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  6. Magnetization strucrure of thermal vent on island arc from vector magnetic anomlies using AUV

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Isezaki, N.; Matsuo, J.; Sayanagi, K.

    2012-04-01

    The geomagnetic anomaly measured by a scalar magnetometer,such as a proton precession magnetometer cannot be defined its direction, then it does not satisfy the Laplace's equation. Therefore physical formula describing the relation between magnetic field and magnetization cannot be established.Because the difference between results obtained from scalar data and from vector data is very significant, we must use vector magnetic field data for magnetization analyses to get the more reliable and exact solutions. The development program of fundamental tools for exploration of deep seabed resources started with the financial support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology (MEXT) in 2008 and will end in 2012. In this project, we are developing magnetic exploration tools for seabed resources using AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) and other deep-towed vehicles to measure not the scalar magnetic field but the vector magnetic field in order to estimate magnetization structure below the sea-floor exactly and precisely. We conducted AUV magnetic survey in 2010 at the thermal area called Hakurei deposit in the Bayonnaise submarine caldera at the southern end of Izu island arc, about 400km south of Tokyo. We analyzed the observed vector magnetic fields to get the vector magnetic anomaly Fields using the method of Isezaki(1984). We inverted these vector magnetic anomaly fields to magnetization structure. CONCLUSIONS 1.The scalar magnetic field TIA (Total Intensity Anomaly) has no physical formula describing the relation between M (Magnetization) and TIA because TIA does not satisfy the Laplace's equation. Then it is impossible to estimate M from TIA. 2.Anlyses of M using TIA have been done so far under assumption TIA=PTA (Projected Total Anomay on MF (Main Geomagnetic Field)), however, which caused the analysis error due to ɛT= TIA - PTA . 3.We succeeded to measure the vector magnetic anomaly fields using AUV despite the severe magnetic noises

  7. Spin-orbit torque-driven magnetization switching in 2D-topological insulator heterostructure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Soleimani, Maryam; Jalili, Seifollah; Mahfouzi, Farzad; Kioussis, Nicholas

    2017-02-01

    Charge pumping and spin-orbit torque (SOT) are two reciprocal phenomena widely studied in ferromagnet (FM)/topological insulator (TI) heterostructures. However, the SOT and its corresponding switching phase diagram for a FM island in proximity to a two-dimensional topological insulator (2DTI) has not been explored yet. We have addressed these features, using the recently developed adiabatic expansion of time-dependent nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) in the presence of both precessing magnetization and bias voltage. We have calculated the angular and spatial dependence of different components of the SOT on the FM island. We determined the switching phase diagram of the FM for different orientations of the easy axis. The results can be used as a guideline for the future experiments on such systems.

  8. Precipitate statistics in an Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy from scanning precession electron diffraction data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sunde, J. K.; Paulsen, Ø.; Wenner, S.; Holmestad, R.

    2017-09-01

    The key microstructural feature providing strength to age-hardenable Al alloys is nanoscale precipitates. Alloy development requires a reliable statistical assessment of these precipitates, in order to link the microstructure with material properties. Here, it is demonstrated that scanning precession electron diffraction combined with computational analysis enable the semi-automated extraction of precipitate statistics in an Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy. Among the main findings is the precipitate number density, which agrees well with a conventional method based on manual counting and measurements. By virtue of its data analysis objectivity, our methodology is therefore seen as an advantageous alternative to existing routines, offering reproducibility and efficiency in alloy statistics. Additional results include improved qualitative information on phase distributions. The developed procedure is generic and applicable to any material containing nanoscale precipitates.

  9. Major adverse events and atrial tachycardia in Ebstein’s anomaly predicted by cardiovascular magnetic resonance

    PubMed Central

    Rydman, Riikka; Shiina, Yumi; Diller, Gerhard-Paul; Niwa, Koichiro; Li, Wei; Uemura, Hideki; Uebing, Anselm; Barbero, Umberto; Bouzas, Beatriz; Ernst, Sabine; Wong, Tom; Pennell, Dudley J; Gatzoulis, Michael A; Babu-Narayan, Sonya V

    2018-01-01

    Objectives Patients with Ebstein’s anomaly of the tricuspid valve (EA) are at risk of tachyarrhythmia, congestive heart failure and sudden cardiac death. We sought to determine the value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for predicting these outcomes. Methods Seventy-nine consecutive adult patients (aged 37±15 years) with unrepaired EA underwent CMR and were followed prospectively for a median 3.4 (range 0.4–10.9) years for clinical outcomes, namely major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs: sustained ventricular tachycardia/heart failure hospital admission/cardiac transplantation/death) and first-onset atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT). Results CMR-derived variables associated with MACE (n=6) were right ventricular (RV) or left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.168 to 3.623, p=0.012 and HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.348 to 4.082, p=0.003, respectively), LV stroke volume index (HR 2.82, 95% CI 1.212 to 7.092, p=0.028) and cardiac index (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.366, p=0.037); all remained significant when tested solely for mortality. History of AT (HR 11.16, 95% CI 1.30 to 95.81, p=0.028) and New York Heart Association class >2 (HR 7.66, 95% CI 1.54 to 38.20, p=0.013) were also associated with MACE; AT preceded all but one MACE, suggesting its potential role as an early marker of adverse outcome (p=0.011). CMR variables associated with first-onset AT (n=17; 21.5%) included RVEF (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.103 to 2.160, p=0.011), total R/L volume index (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.32, p=0.002), RV/LV end diastolic volume ratio (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.10, p=0.005) and apical septal leaflet displacement/total LV septal length (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.07, p=0.041); the latter two combined enhanced risk prediction (HR 6.12, 95% CI 1.67 to 22.56, p=0.007). Conclusion CMR-derived indices carry prognostic information regarding MACE and first-onset AT among adults with unrepaired EA. CMR may be included in the periodic surveillance of these patients

  10. Shimming of a Magnet for Calibration of NMR Probes for the Muon g-2 Experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bielajew, Rachel

    2013-10-01

    The Muon g-2 Experiment at Fermilab aims to measure the anomalous magnetic moment aμ ≡ (g-2)/2 of the muon to the precision of 0.14 parts per million. This experimental value of aμ can then be compared to the similarly precise theoretical predictions of the Standard Model in order to test the completeness of the model. The value of aμ is extracted from muons precessing in a magnetic field. The magnetic field will be measured with a set of 400 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) probes, which have the ability to measure the field to a precision of tens of parts per billion. Before the Muon g-2 Experiment can take place, new NMR probes must be designed, built, and tested using a 1.45 Tesla test magnet at the University of Washington Center for Experimental Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics (CENPA). In order to achieve a significant signal from NMR probes, the magnetic field in which the probes are immersed must be extremely uniform. The existing magnet at CENPA has an approximately linear gradient in magnetic field of about 1 Gauss per centimeter in the smoothest direction. A pair of adjacent square Helmholtz coils was designed and built to create a linear gradient in order to cancel the existing gradient. The length of the NMR signals improved with the implementation of the coils. The results of the addition of the coils to the magnet on the signals from the NMR probes will be presented.

  11. Controlling the spins angular momentum in ferromagnets with sequences of picosecond acoustic pulses.

    PubMed

    Kim, Ji-Wan; Vomir, Mircea; Bigot, Jean-Yves

    2015-02-17

    Controlling the angular momentum of spins with very short external perturbations is a key issue in modern magnetism. For example it allows manipulating the magnetization for recording purposes or for inducing high frequency spin torque oscillations. Towards that purpose it is essential to modify and control the angular momentum of the magnetization which precesses around the resultant effective magnetic field. That can be achieved with very short external magnetic field pulses or using intrinsically coupled magnetic structures, resulting in a transfer of spin torque. Here we show that using picosecond acoustic pulses is a versatile and efficient way of controlling the spin angular momentum in ferromagnets. Two or three acoustic pulses, generated by femtosecond laser pulses, allow suppressing or enhancing the magnetic precession at any arbitrary time by precisely controlling the delays and amplitudes of the optical pulses. A formal analogy with a two dimensional pendulum allows us explaining the complex trajectory of the magnetic vector perturbed by the acoustic pulses.

  12. The Role of Orbital Forcing in the Early-Middle Pleistocene Transition: Continuing the Precession Verses Obliquity Debate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maslin, M. A.; Brierley, C. M.

    2015-12-01

    The Early-Middle Pleistocene Transition (EMPT) is the term used to describe the prolongation and intensification of glacial-interglacial climate cycles that initiated after 900,000 years ago. During the transition glacial-interglacial cycles shift from lasting 41,000 years to an average of 100,000 years. The structure of these glacial-interglacial cycles shifts from smooth to more abrupt 'saw-toothed' like transitions. In fact we argue there is shift from a bimodal climate to a tripartite climate system (see Figure). Despite eccentricity having by far the weakest influence on insolation received at the Earth's surface of any of the orbital parameters; it is often assumed to be the primary driver of the post-EMPT 100,000 years climate cycles because of the similarity in duration. The traditional solution to this is to call for a highly nonlinear response by the global climate system to eccentricity. This 'eccentricity myth' is due to an artefact of spectral analysis which means that the last 8 glacial-interglacial average out at about 100,000 years in length despite ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 years. With the realisation that eccentricity is not the major driving force a debate has emerged as to whether precession or obliquity controlled the timing of the most recent glacial-interglacial cycles. Some argue that post-EMPT deglaciations occurred every four or five precessional cycle while others argue it is every second or third obliquity cycle. We review these current theories and suggest that though phase-locking between orbital forcing and global ice volume may occur and seem to primarily driven by the timing of precession; the chaotic nature of the climate system response means the relationship is not consistent through the last 900,000 years.

  13. Quantification of atrial dynamics using cardiovascular magnetic resonance: inter-study reproducibility.

    PubMed

    Kowallick, Johannes T; Morton, Geraint; Lamata, Pablo; Jogiya, Roy; Kutty, Shelby; Hasenfuß, Gerd; Lotz, Joachim; Nagel, Eike; Chiribiri, Amedeo; Schuster, Andreas

    2015-05-17

    Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) offers quantification of phasic atrial functions based on volumetric assessment and more recently, on CMR feature tracking (CMR-FT) quantitative strain and strain rate (SR) deformation imaging. Inter-study reproducibility is a key requirement for longitudinal studies but has not been defined for CMR-based quantification of left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) dynamics. Long-axis 2- and 4-chamber cine images were acquired at 9:00 (Exam A), 9:30 (Exam B) and 14:00 (Exam C) in 16 healthy volunteers. LA and RA reservoir, conduit and contractile booster pump functions were quantified by volumetric indexes as derived from fractional volume changes and by strain and SR as derived from CMR-FT. Exam A and B were compared to assess the inter-study reproducibility. Morning and afternoon scans were compared to address possible diurnal variation of atrial function. Inter-study reproducibility was within acceptable limits for all LA and RA volumetric, strain and SR parameters. Inter-study reproducibility was better for volumetric indexes and strain than for SR parameters and better for LA than for RA dynamics. For the LA, reservoir function showed the best reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.94-0.97, coefficient of variation (CoV) 4.5-8.2%), followed by conduit (ICC 0.78-0.97, CoV 8.2-18.5%) and booster pump function (ICC 0.71-0.95, CoV 18.3-22.7). Similarly, for the RA, reproducibility was best for reservoir function (ICC 0.76-0.96, CoV 7.5-24.0%) followed by conduit (ICC 0.67-0.91, CoV 13.9-35.9) and booster pump function (ICC 0.73-0.90, CoV 19.4-32.3). Atrial dynamics were not measurably affected by diurnal variation between morning and afternoon scans. Inter-study reproducibility for CMR-based derivation of LA and RA functions is acceptable using either volumetric, strain or SR parameters with LA function showing higher reproducibility than RA function assessment. Amongst the different functional components

  14. 2014 Korean Guidelines for Appropriate Utilization of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Joint Report of the Korean Society of Cardiology and the Korean Society of Radiology

    PubMed Central

    Yoon, Yeonyee E.; Hong, Yoo Jin; Kim, Hyung-Kwan; Kim, Jeong A; Na, Jin Oh; Yang, Dong Hyun

    2014-01-01

    Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is now widely used in several fields of cardiovascular disease assessment due to recent technical developments. CMR can give physicians information that cannot be found with other imaging modalities. However, there is no guideline which is suitable for Korean people for the use of CMR. Therefore, we have prepared a Korean guideline for the appropriate utilization of CMR to guide Korean physicians, imaging specialists, medical associates and patients to improve the overall medical system performances. By addressing CMR usage and creating these guidelines we hope to contribute towards the promotion of public health. This guideline is a joint report of the Korean Society of Cardiology and the Korean Society of Radiology. PMID:25469078

  15. 2014 Korean Guidelines for Appropriate Utilization of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Joint Report of the Korean Society of Cardiology and the Korean Society of Radiology

    PubMed Central

    Yoon, Yeonyee E.; Hong, Yoo Jin; Kim, Hyung-Kwan; Kim, Jeong A; Na, Jin Oh; Yang, Dong Hyun

    2014-01-01

    Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is now widely used in several fields of cardiovascular disease assessment due to recent technical developments. CMR can give physicians information that cannot be found with other imaging modalities. However, there is no guideline which is suitable for Korean people for the use of CMR. Therefore, we have prepared a Korean guideline for the appropriate utilization of CMR to guide Korean physicians, imaging specialists, medical associates and patients to improve the overall medical system performances. By addressing CMR usage and creating these guidelines we hope to contribute towards the promotion of public health. This guideline is a joint report of the Korean Society of Cardiology and the Korean Society of Radiology. PMID:25469139

  16. Non-equilibrium dynamic reversal of in-plane ferromagnetic elliptical disk

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, June-Seo; Hwang, Hee-Kyeong; You, Chun-Yeol

    2018-01-01

    The ultrafast switching mechanism of an in-plane magnetized elliptical magnetic disk by applying dynamic out-of-plane magnetic field pulses is investigated by performing micromagnetic simulations. For the in-plane magnetized nanostructures, the out-of-plane magnetic field is able to rotate the direction of magnetization when the precession torque overcomes the shape anisotropy of the system. This type magnetization reversal is one of non-equilibrium dynamic within a certain transition time util the precession torque is equivalent to the damping torque. By controlling the rise time or fall times of dynamic out-of-plane field pulses, the transition time can be also successively tuned and then an ultrafast switching of an elliptical magnetic nano-disk is clearly achieved by controlling the precessional torque. As another reversal approach, sinusoidal magnetic fields in gigahertz range are applied to the system. Consequently, the thresholds of switching fields are drastically decreased. We also reveal that the ferromagnetic resonance frequencies at the center and the edge of the elliptical disk are most important for microwave sinusoidal out-of-plane magnetic field induced magnetization reversal.

  17. In-situ Indentation and Correlated Precession Electron Diffraction Analysis of a Polycrystalline Cu Thin Film

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Qianying; Thompson, Gregory B.

    2018-04-01

    In-situ TEM nanoindentation of a polycrystalline Cu film was cross-correlated with precession electron diffraction (PED) to quantify the microstructural evolution. The use of PED is shown to clearly reveal features, such as grain size, that are easily masked by diffraction contrast created by the deformation. Using PED, the accompanying grain refinement and change in texture as well as the preservation of specific grain boundary structures, including a ∑3 boundary, under the indent impression were quantified. The nucleation of dislocations, evident in low-angle grain boundary formations, was also observed under the indent. PED quantification of texture gradients created by the indentation process linked well to bend contours observed in the bright-field images. Finally, PED enabled generating a local orientation spread map that gave an approximate estimation of the spatial distribution of strain created by the indentation impression.

  18. Response of Gravity, Magnetic, and Geoelectrical Resistivity Methods on Ngeni Southern Blitar Mineralization Zone

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sunaryo

    2018-03-01

    The research with entitle response of gravity, magnetic, and geoelectrical resistivity methods on Ngeni Southern Blitar mineralization zone has been done. This study aims to find the response of several geophysical methods of gravity, magnetic, and geoelectrical resistivity in an integrated manner. Gravity data acquisition was acquired 224 data which covers the whole region of Blitar district by using Gravity Meter La Coste & Romberg Model “G”, and magnetic data acquisition were acquired 195 data which covers the southern Blitar district only by using Proton Precession Magnetometer G-856. Meanwhile geoelectrical resistivity data only done in Ngeni village which is the location of phyropilite mining with the composition content of Fe, Si, Ca, S, Cu, and Mn by using ABEM Terrameter SAS 300C. Gravity data processing was performed to obtain the Bouguer anomaly value, which included unit conversion, tidal correction, drift correction, correction of tie point, base station correction, free air correction, and Bouguer correction. Magnetic data processing has been done by some corrections i.e daily, drift, and IGRF(International Geomagnetic Refference Field) to obtain the total magnetic anomaly. From gravity data processing has been obtained the simple Bouguer anomaly value in range from -10mGal until 115mGal. From this data processing has been obtained the total magnetic anomaly value in range from -650nT until 800nT. Meanwhile from geoelectrical resistivity 3.03Ωm until 11249.91 Ωm. There is a correlation between gravity anomaly, magnetic anomaly, and geoelectrical resistivity anomaly that are associated with deep anomaly, middle anomaly, and shallow anomaly.

  19. HIV and Cardiovascular Disease

    MedlinePlus

    ... Select a Language: Fact Sheet 652 HIV and Cardiovascular Disease HIV AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE WHY SHOULD PEOPLE WITH HIV CARE ABOUT CVD? ... OF CVD? WHAT ABOUT CHANGING MEDICATIONS? HIV AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes a group of problems ...

  20. ECG-based gating in ultra high field cardiovascular magnetic resonance using an independent component analysis approach.

    PubMed

    Krug, Johannes W; Rose, Georg; Clifford, Gari D; Oster, Julien

    2013-11-19

    In Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR), the synchronization of image acquisition with heart motion is performed in clinical practice by processing the electrocardiogram (ECG). The ECG-based synchronization is well established for MR scanners with magnetic fields up to 3 T. However, this technique is prone to errors in ultra high field environments, e.g. in 7 T MR scanners as used in research applications. The high magnetic fields cause severe magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects which disturb the ECG signal. Image synchronization is thus less reliable and yields artefacts in CMR images. A strategy based on Independent Component Analysis (ICA) was pursued in this work to enhance the ECG contribution and attenuate the MHD effect. ICA was applied to 12-lead ECG signals recorded inside a 7 T MR scanner. An automatic source identification procedure was proposed to identify an independent component (IC) dominated by the ECG signal. The identified IC was then used for detecting the R-peaks. The presented ICA-based method was compared to other R-peak detection methods using 1) the raw ECG signal, 2) the raw vectorcardiogram (VCG), 3) the state-of-the-art gating technique based on the VCG, 4) an updated version of the VCG-based approach and 5) the ICA of the VCG. ECG signals from eight volunteers were recorded inside the MR scanner. Recordings with an overall length of 87 min accounting for 5457 QRS complexes were available for the analysis. The records were divided into a training and a test dataset. In terms of R-peak detection within the test dataset, the proposed ICA-based algorithm achieved a detection performance with an average sensitivity (Se) of 99.2%, a positive predictive value (+P) of 99.1%, with an average trigger delay and jitter of 5.8 ms and 5.0 ms, respectively. Long term stability of the demixing matrix was shown based on two measurements of the same subject, each being separated by one year, whereas an averaged detection performance of Se = 99.4% and +P