Three-dimensional T1rho-weighted MRI at 1.5 Tesla.

PubMed

Borthakur, Arijitt; Wheaton, Andrew; Charagundla, Sridhar R; Shapiro, Erik M; Regatte, Ravinder R; Akella, Sarma V S; Kneeland, J Bruce; Reddy, Ravinder

2003-06-01

To design and implement a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse sequence capable of performing three-dimensional T(1rho)-weighted MRI on a 1.5-T clinical scanner, and determine the optimal sequence parameters, both theoretically and experimentally, so that the energy deposition by the radiofrequency pulses in the sequence, measured as the specific absorption rate (SAR), does not exceed safety guidelines for imaging human subjects. A three-pulse cluster was pre-encoded to a three-dimensional gradient-echo imaging sequence to create a three-dimensional, T(1rho)-weighted MRI pulse sequence. Imaging experiments were performed on a GE clinical scanner with a custom-built knee-coil. We validated the performance of this sequence by imaging articular cartilage of a bovine patella and comparing T(1rho) values measured by this sequence to those obtained with a previously tested two-dimensional imaging sequence. Using a previously developed model for SAR calculation, the imaging parameters were adjusted such that the energy deposition by the radiofrequency pulses in the sequence did not exceed safety guidelines for imaging human subjects. The actual temperature increase due to the sequence was measured in a phantom by a MRI-based temperature mapping technique. Following these experiments, the performance of this sequence was demonstrated in vivo by obtaining T(1rho)-weighted images of the knee joint of a healthy individual. Calculated T(1rho) of articular cartilage in the specimen was similar for both and three-dimensional and two-dimensional methods (84 +/- 2 msec and 80 +/- 3 msec, respectively). The temperature increase in the phantom resulting from the sequence was 0.015 degrees C, which is well below the established safety guidelines. Images of the human knee joint in vivo demonstrate a clear delineation of cartilage from surrounding tissues. We developed and implemented a three-dimensional T(1rho)-weighted pulse sequence on a 1.5-T clinical scanner. Copyright 2003

Composite iron oxide-Prussian blue nanoparticles for magnetically guided T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and photothermal therapy of tumors.

PubMed

Kale, Shraddha S; Burga, Rachel A; Sweeney, Elizabeth E; Zun, Zungho; Sze, Raymond W; Tuesca, Anthony; Subramony, J Anand; Fernandes, Rohan

2017-01-01

Theranostic nanoparticles offer the potential for mixing and matching disparate diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities within a single nanoparticle for the personalized treatment of diseases. In this article, we present composite iron oxide-gadolinium-containing Prussian blue nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 @GdPB) as a novel theranostic agent for T 1 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors. These particles combine the well-described properties and safety profiles of the constituent Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and gadolinium-containing Prussian blue nanoparticles. The Fe 3 O 4 @GdPB nanoparticles function both as effective MRI contrast agents and PTT agents as determined by characterizing studies performed in vitro and retain their properties in the presence of cells. Importantly, the Fe 3 O 4 @GdPB nanoparticles function as effective MRI contrast agents in vivo by increasing signal:noise ratios in T 1 -weighted scans of tumors and as effective PTT agents in vivo by decreasing tumor growth rates and increasing survival in an animal model of neuroblastoma. These findings demonstrate the potential of the Fe 3 O 4 @GdPB nanoparticles to function as effective theranostic agents.

Composite iron oxide–Prussian blue nanoparticles for magnetically guided T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and photothermal therapy of tumors

PubMed Central

Kale, Shraddha S; Burga, Rachel A; Sweeney, Elizabeth E; Zun, Zungho; Sze, Raymond W; Tuesca, Anthony; Subramony, J Anand; Fernandes, Rohan

2017-01-01

Theranostic nanoparticles offer the potential for mixing and matching disparate diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities within a single nanoparticle for the personalized treatment of diseases. In this article, we present composite iron oxide-gadolinium-containing Prussian blue nanoparticles (Fe3O4@GdPB) as a novel theranostic agent for T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors. These particles combine the well-described properties and safety profiles of the constituent Fe3O4 nanoparticles and gadolinium-containing Prussian blue nanoparticles. The Fe3O4@GdPB nanoparticles function both as effective MRI contrast agents and PTT agents as determined by characterizing studies performed in vitro and retain their properties in the presence of cells. Importantly, the Fe3O4@GdPB nanoparticles function as effective MRI contrast agents in vivo by increasing signal:noise ratios in T1-weighted scans of tumors and as effective PTT agents in vivo by decreasing tumor growth rates and increasing survival in an animal model of neuroblastoma. These findings demonstrate the potential of the Fe3O4@GdPB nanoparticles to function as effective theranostic agents. PMID:28919744

Near-infrared light-activated red-emitting upconverting nanoplatform for T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and photodynamic therapy.

PubMed

Tang, Xiang-Long; Wu, Jun; Lin, Ben-Lan; Cui, Sheng; Liu, Hong-Mei; Yu, Ru-Tong; Shen, Xiao-Dong; Wang, Ting-Wei; Xia, Wei

2018-05-12

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has increasingly become an efficient and attractive cancer treatment modality based on reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can induce tumor death after irradiation with ultraviolet or visible light. Herein, to overcome the limited tissue penetration in traditional PDT, a novel near-infrared (NIR) light-activated NaScF 4 : 40% Yb, 2% Er@CaF 2 upconversion nanoparticle (rUCNP) is successfully designed and synthesized. Chlorin e6, a photosensitizer and a chelating agent for Mn 2+ , is loaded into human serum albumin (HSA) that further conjugates onto rUCNPs. To increase the ability to target glioma tumor, an acyclic Arg-Gly-Asp peptide (cRGDyK) is linked to rUCNPs@HSA(Ce6-Mn). This nanoplatform enables efficient adsorption and conversion of NIR light (980 nm) into bright red emission (660 nm), which can trigger the photosensitizer Ce6-Mn complex for PDT and T 1 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T 1 -weighted MRI) for glioma diagnosis. Our in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that NIR light-activated and glioma tumor-targeted PDT can generate large amounts of intracellular ROS that induce U87 cell apoptosis and suppress glioma tumor growth owing to the deep tissue penetration of irradiated light and excellent tumor-targeting ability. Thus, this nanoplatform holds potential for applications in T 1 -weighted MRI diagnosis and PDT of glioma for antitumor therapy. A near-infrared (NIR) light-activated nanoplatform for photodynamic therapy (PDT) was designed and synthesized. The Red-to-Green (R/G) ratio of NaScF 4 : 40% Yb, 2% Er almost reached 9, a value that was much higher than that of a traditional Yb/Er-codoped upconversion nanoparticle (rUCNP). By depositing a CaF 2 shell, the red-emission intensities of the rUCNPs were seven times strong as that of NaScF 4 : 40% Yb, 2% Er. The enhanced red-emitting rUCNPs could be applied in many fields such as bioimaging, controlled release, and real-time diagnosis. The nanoplatform had a

Comparison of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted FLAIR with BLADE, and spin-echo T1-weighted sequences in intracranial MRI.

PubMed

Alkan, Ozlem; Kizilkiliç, Osman; Yildirim, Tülin; Alibek, Sedat

2009-06-01

We compared periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER, BLADE) MR technique with spin echo (SE) technique for evaluation of artifacts, and detection and delineation of brain lesions. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images with BLADE technique (CE T1W-FLAIR BLADE) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted SE (CE T1W-SE) were performed in 50 patients with intracranial enhancing lesions. These techniques were compared by two neuroradiologists for qualitative analysis of artifacts, lesion detectability, lesion delineation from adjacent structures, and preferred imaging technique; and for quantitative variables, i.e., lesion-to-background and lesion-to-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios. Reader agreement was assessed by kappa statistics. All lesions depicted with the CE T1W-SE were also detected with the CE T1W-FLAIR BLADE technique. Delineation of lesions was better on CE T1W-FLAIR BLADE in the majority of patients. Flow-related artifacts were considerably reduced with CE T1W-FLAIR BLADE. A star-like artifact at the level of the 4(th) ventricle was noted on CE T1W-FLAIR BLADE but not on CE T1W-SE. The lesion-to-background CNR and lesion-to-CSF CNR did not show a statistically significant difference between the two techniques. CE T1W-FLAIR BLADE images were preferred by the observers over the CE T1w-SE images, indicating good interobserver agreement (k = 0.70). CE T1W-FLAIR BLADE technique is superior to CE T1WSE for delineation of lesions and reduction of flow-related artifacts, especially within the posterior fossa, and is preferred by readers. CE T1W-FLAIR BLADE may be an alternative approach to imaging, especially for posterior fossa lesions.

Comparison of axial T1 spin-echo and T1 fat-saturation magnetic resonance imaging techniques in the diagnosis of chondromalacia patellae.

PubMed

Vanarthos, W J; Pope, T L; Monu, J U

1994-12-01

To test the diagnostic value of T1 spin-echo and T1 fat-saturated magnetic resonance images (MRIs), we reviewed axial T1-weighted images with and without fat saturation in 20 patients with clinically suspected chondromalacia of the patella. All scans were obtained on 1.5-MR units. The scans were randomly ordered and reviewed independently at different times by two radiologists without knowledge of the arthroscopy results. The sensitivity of the individual techniques for detecting grade 3 or 4 chondromalacia patellae was 92% for fat-saturated axial T1-weighted images alone, and 67% for axial T1-weighted images without fat saturation. The sensitivity of the combined techniques was 100% for grades 3 and 4 and 90% for all grades (0 to 4). Chondromalacia patellae is diagnosed more accurately by using T1 fat saturation than by using T1 spin-echo images. With a combination of the two techniques, accuracy is 90% to 100%.

A pediatric brain structure atlas from T1-weighted MR images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Zuyao Y.; Parra, Carlos; Ji, Qing; Ogg, Robert J.; Zhang, Yong; Laningham, Fred H.; Reddick, Wilburn E.

2006-03-01

In this paper, we have developed a digital atlas of the pediatric human brain. Human brain atlases, used to visualize spatially complex structures of the brain, are indispensable tools in model-based segmentation and quantitative analysis of brain structures. However, adult brain atlases do not adequately represent the normal maturational patterns of the pediatric brain, and the use of an adult model in pediatric studies may introduce substantial bias. Therefore, we proposed to develop a digital atlas of the pediatric human brain in this study. The atlas was constructed from T1 weighted MR data set of a 9 year old, right-handed girl. Furthermore, we extracted and simplified boundary surfaces of 25 manually defined brain structures (cortical and subcortical) based on surface curvature. Higher curvature surfaces were simplified with more reference points; lower curvature surfaces, with fewer. We constructed a 3D triangular mesh model for each structure by triangulation of the structure's reference points. Kappa statistics (cortical, 0.97; subcortical, 0.91) indicated substantial similarities between the mesh-defined and the original volumes. Our brain atlas and structural mesh models (www.stjude.org/BrainAtlas) can be used to plan treatment, to conduct knowledge and modeldriven segmentation, and to analyze the shapes of brain structures in pediatric patients.

Evaluation of neonatal brain myelination using the T1- and T2-weighted MRI ratio.

PubMed

Soun, Jennifer E; Liu, Michael Z; Cauley, Keith A; Grinband, Jack

2017-09-01

To validate the T1- and T2-weighted (T1w/T2w) MRI ratio technique in evaluating myelin in the neonatal brain. T1w and T2w MR images of 10 term neonates with normal-appearing brain parenchyma were obtained from a single 1.5 Tesla MRI and retrospectively analyzed. T1w/T2w ratio images were created with a postprocessing pipeline and qualitatively compared with standard clinical sequences (T1w, T2w, and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]). Quantitative assessment was also performed to assess the ratio technique in detecting areas of known myelination (e.g., posterior limb of the internal capsule) and very low myelination (e.g., optic radiations) using linear regression analysis and the Michelson Contrast equation, a measure of luminance contrast intensity. The ratio image provided qualitative improvements in the ability to visualize regional variation in myelin content of neonates. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between the ratio intensity values and ADC values in the posterior limb of the internal capsule and the optic radiations (R 2  = 0.96 and P < 0.001). The Michelson Contrast equation showed that contrast differences between these two regions for the ratio images were 1.6 times higher than T1w, 2.6 times higher than T2w, and 1.8 times higher than ADC (all P < 0.001). Finally, the ratio improved visualization of the corticospinal tract, one of the earliest myelinated pathways. The T1w/T2w ratio accentuates contrast between myelinated and less myelinated structures and may enhance our diagnostic ability to detect myelination patterns in the neonatal brain. 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:690-696. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Comparison of Different Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography Techniques in Living Liver Donors Including Gd-EOB-DTPA Enhanced T1-Weighted Sequences

PubMed Central

Kinner, Sonja; Steinweg, Verena; Maderwald, Stefan; Radtke, Arnold; Sotiropoulos, Georgios; Forsting, Michael; Schroeder, Tobias

2014-01-01

Objectives Preoperative evaluation of potential living liver donors (PLLDs) includes the assessment of the biliary anatomy to avoid postoperative complications. Aim of this study was to compare T2-weighted (T2w) and Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced T1-weighted (T1w) magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) techniques in the evaluation of PLLDs. Materials and Methods 30 PLLDs underwent MRC on a 1.5 T Magnetom Avanto (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) using (A) 2D T2w HASTE (Half Fourier Acquisition Single Shot Turbo Spin Echo) fat saturated (fs) in axial plane, (B) 2D T2w HASTE fs thick slices in coronal plane, (C) free breathing 3D T2w TSE (turbo spin echo) RESTORE (high-resolution navigator corrected) plus (D) maximum intensity projections (MIPs), (E) T2w SPACE (sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolutions) plus (F) MIPs and (G) T2w TSE BLADE as well as Gd-EOB-DTPA T1w images without (G) and with (H) inversion recovery. Contrast enhanced CT cholangiography served as reference imaging modality. Two independent reviewers evaluated the biliary tract anatomy on a 5-point scale subjectively and objectively. Data sets were compared using a Mann-Whitney-U-test. Kappa values were also calculated. Results Source images and maximum intensity projections of 3D T2w TSE sequences (RESTORE and SPACE) proved to be best for subjective and objective evaluation directly followed by 2D HASTE sequences. Interobserver variabilities were good to excellent (k = 0.622–0.804). Conclusions 3D T2w sequences are essential for preoperative biliary tract evaluation in potential living liver donors. Furthermore, our results underline the value of different MRCP sequence types for the evaluation of the biliary anatomy in PLLDs including Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced T1w MRC. PMID:25426932

Phase sensitive reconstruction of T1-weighted inversion recovery in the evaluation of the cervical cord lesions in multiple Sclerosis; is it similarly eligible in 1.5 T magnet fields?

PubMed

Shayganfar, A; Sarrami, A H; Fathi, S; Shaygannejad, V; Shamsian, S

2018-04-22

In primary studies with 3 T Magnets, phase sensitive reconstruction of T1-weighted inversion recovery (PSIR) have showed ability to depict the cervical multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions some of which may not be detected by short tau inversion recovery (STIR). Regarding to more availability of 1.5 T MRI, this study was designed to evaluate the eligibility of PSIR in 1.5 T for detection of spinal cord MS lesions. In a study between September 2016 till March 2017 the patients with proven diagnosis of MS enrolled to the study. The standard protocol (sagittal STIR and T2W FSE and axial T2W FSE) as well as sagittal PSIR sequences were performed using a 1.5 T magnet. The images were studied and the lesions were localized and recorded as sharp or faint on each sequence. Of 25 patients (22 females and 3 males, with mean age of 33.5 ± 9.8 years and mean disease duration of 5.4 ± 3.9 years) 69 lesions in STIR, 53 lesions in T2W FSE, 47 lesions in Magnitude reconstruction of PSIR (Magnitude), and 30 lesions in phase sensitive (real) reconstruction PSIR were detected. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed STIR has a statistically significant higher detection rate of the plaques rather than other three sequences. (STIR and T2W FSE, Z = -4.000, p < 0.0001, STIR and Magnitude, Z = -4.690, p < 0.0001, STIR and PSIR, Z = -6.245, p = 0.002) Also, STIR had a statistically significant superiority in the boundary definition of the plaques rather than other three sequences. This study shows that in the setting of a 1.5 T magnet field, STIR significantly has a superiority over both of the PSIR reconstructions (i.e. real and magnitude) for the detection as well as the boundary definition of the cervical cord lesions of MS. These results have a good relevance to clinical practice by using MRI scanners and sequences routinely available, however, it is discrepant with other reports performed by 3 T Magnet fields. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights

Effect of Renal Function on Gadolinium-Related Signal Increases on Unenhanced T1-Weighted Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Cao, Yan; Zhang, Yang; Shih, George; Zhang, Yan; Bohmart, Andrew; Hecht, Elizabeth M; Prince, Martin R

2016-11-01

patients receiving linear GBCA have greater dentate nucleus signal increases on unenhanced T1-weighted images, suggesting that renal function may affect the rate of gadolinium accumulation in the brain after linear GBCA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Stability of polyelectrolyte-coated iron nanoparticles for T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGrath, Andrew J.; Dolan, Ciaran; Cheong, Soshan; Herman, David A. J.; Naysmith, Briar; Zong, Fangrong; Galvosas, Petrik; Farrand, Kathryn J.; Hermans, Ian F.; Brimble, Margaret; Williams, David E.; Jin, Jianyong; Tilley, Richard D.

2017-10-01

Iron nanoparticles are highly-effective magnetic nanoparticles for T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the stability of their magnetic properties is dependent on good protection of the iron core from oxidation in aqueous media. Here we report the synthesis of custom-synthesized phosphonate-grafted polyelectrolytes (PolyM3) of various chain lengths, for efficient coating of iron nanoparticles with a native iron oxide shell. The size of the nanoparticle-polyelectrolyte assemblies was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering, while surface attachment was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Low cytotoxicity was observed for each of the nanoparticle-polyelectrolyte ("Fe-PolyM3") assemblies, with good cell viability (>80%) remaining up to 100 μg mL-1 Fe in HeLa cells. When applied in T2-weighted MRI, corresponding T2 relaxivities (r2) of the Fe-PolyM3 assemblies were found to be dependent on the chain length of the polyelectrolyte. A significant increase in contrast was observed when polyelectrolyte chain length was increased from 6 to 65 repeating units, implying a critical chain length required for stabilization of the α-Fe nanoparticle core.

Can T1 w/T2 w ratio be used as a myelin-specific measure in subcortical structures? Comparisons between FSE-based T1 w/T2 w ratios, GRASE-based T1 w/T2 w ratios and multi-echo GRASE-based myelin water fractions.

PubMed

Uddin, Md Nasir; Figley, Teresa D; Marrie, Ruth Ann; Figley, Chase R

2018-03-01

Given the growing popularity of T 1 -weighted/T 2 -weighted (T 1 w/T 2 w) ratio measurements, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the concordance between T 1 w/T 2 w ratios obtained using conventional fast spin echo (FSE) versus combined gradient and spin echo (GRASE) sequences for T 2 w image acquisition, and to compare the resulting T 1 w/T 2 w ratios with histologically validated myelin water fraction (MWF) measurements in several subcortical brain structures. In order to compare these measurements across a relatively wide range of myelin concentrations, whole-brain T 1 w magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE), T 2 w FSE and three-dimensional multi-echo GRASE data were acquired from 10 participants with multiple sclerosis at 3 T. Then, after high-dimensional, non-linear warping, region of interest (ROI) analyses were performed to compare T 1 w/T 2 w ratios and MWF estimates (across participants and brain regions) in 11 bilateral white matter (WM) and four bilateral subcortical grey matter (SGM) structures extracted from the JHU_MNI_SS 'Eve' atlas. Although the GRASE sequence systematically underestimated T 1 w/T 2 w values compared to the FSE sequence (revealed by Bland-Altman and mountain plots), linear regressions across participants and ROIs revealed consistently high correlations between the two methods (r 2 = 0.62 for all ROIs, r 2 = 0.62 for WM structures and r 2 = 0.73 for SGM structures). However, correlations between either FSE-based or GRASE-based T 1 w/T 2 w ratios and MWFs were extremely low in WM structures (FSE-based, r 2 = 0.000020; GRASE-based, r 2 = 0.0014), low across all ROIs (FSE-based, r 2 = 0.053; GRASE-based, r 2 = 0.029) and moderate in SGM structures (FSE-based, r 2 = 0.20; GRASE-based, r 2 = 0.17). Overall, our findings indicated a high degree of correlation (but not equivalence) between FSE-based and GRASE-based T 1 w/T 2 w ratios, and low correlations between T 1 w/T 2 w ratios and MWFs. This

On the fallacy of quantitative segmentation for T1-weighted MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plassard, Andrew J.; Harrigan, Robert L.; Newton, Allen T.; Rane, Swati; Pallavaram, Srivatsan; D'Haese, Pierre F.; Dawant, Benoit M.; Claassen, Daniel O.; Landman, Bennett A.

2016-03-01

T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) generates contrasts with primary sensitivity to local T1 properties (with lesser T2 and PD contributions). The observed signal intensity is determined by these local properties and the sequence parameters of the acquisition. In common practice, a range of acceptable parameters is used to ensure "similar" contrast across scanners used for any particular study (e.g., the ADNI standard MPRAGE). However, different studies may use different ranges of parameters and report the derived data as simply "T1-weighted". Physics and imaging authors pay strong heed to the specifics of the imaging sequences, but image processing authors have historically been more lax. Herein, we consider three T1-weighted sequences acquired the same underlying protocol (MPRAGE) and vendor (Philips), but "normal study-to-study variation" in parameters. We show that the gray matter/white matter/cerebrospinal fluid contrast is subtly but systemically different between these images and yields systemically different measurements of brain volume. The problem derives from the visually apparent boundary shifts, which would also be seen by a human rater. We present and evaluate two solutions to produce consistent segmentation results across imaging protocols. First, we propose to acquire multiple sequences on a subset of the data and use the multi-modal imaging as atlases to segment target images any of the available sequences. Second (if additional imaging is not available), we propose to synthesize atlases of the target imaging sequence and use the synthesized atlases in place of atlas imaging data. Both approaches significantly improve consistency of target labeling.

Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cholesteatoma Using PROPELLER at 1.5T: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study.

PubMed

Clarke, Sharon E; Mistry, Dipan; AlThubaiti, Talal; Khan, M Naeem; Morris, David; Bance, Manohar

2017-05-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the diffusion-weighted periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) technique in the detection of cholesteatoma at our institution with surgical confirmation in all cases. A retrospective review of 21 consecutive patients who underwent diffusion-weighted PROPELLER magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a 1.5T MRI scanner prior to primary or revision/second-look surgery for suspected cholesteatoma from 2009-2012 was performed. Diffusion-weighted PROPELLER had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 86%, and negative predictive value of 43%. In the 15 patients for whom the presence or absence of cholesteatoma was correctly predicted, there were 2 cases where the reported locations of diffusion restriction did not correspond to the location of the cholesteatoma observed at surgery. On the basis of our retrospective study, we conclude that diffusion-weighted PROPELLER MRI is not sufficiently accurate to replace second look surgery at our institution. Copyright © 2016 Canadian Association of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

T1ρ-weighted Dynamic Glucose-enhanced MR Imaging in the Human Brain.

PubMed

Paech, Daniel; Schuenke, Patrick; Koehler, Christina; Windschuh, Johannes; Mundiyanapurath, Sibu; Bickelhaupt, Sebastian; Bonekamp, David; Bäumer, Philipp; Bachert, Peter; Ladd, Mark E; Bendszus, Martin; Wick, Wolfgang; Unterberg, Andreas; Schlemmer, Heinz-Peter; Zaiss, Moritz; Radbruch, Alexander

2017-12-01

Purpose To evaluate the ability to detect intracerebral regions of increased glucose concentration at T1ρ-weighted dynamic glucose-enhanced (DGE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 7.0 T. Materials and Methods This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board. Nine patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma and four healthy volunteers were included in this study from October 2015 to July 2016. Adiabatically prepared chemical exchange-sensitive spin-lock imaging was performed with a 7.0-T whole-body unit with a temporal resolution of approximately 7 seconds, yielding the time-resolved DGE contrast. T1ρ-weighted DGE MR imaging was performed with injection of 100 mL of 20% d-glucose via the cubital vein. Glucose enhancement, given by the relative signal intensity change at T1ρ-weighted MR imaging (DGEρ), was quantitatively investigated in brain gray matter versus white matter of healthy volunteers and in tumor tissue versus normal-appearing white matter of patients with glioblastoma. The median signal intensities of the assessed brain regions were compared by using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results In healthy volunteers, the median signal intensity in basal ganglia gray matter (DGEρ = 4.59%) was significantly increased compared with that in white matter tissue (DGEρ = 0.65%) (P = .028). In patients, the median signal intensity in the glucose-enhanced tumor region as displayed on T1ρ-weighted DGE images (DGEρ = 2.02%) was significantly higher than that in contralateral normal-appearing white matter (DGEρ = 0.08%) (P < .0001). Conclusion T1ρ-weighted DGE MR imaging in healthy volunteers and patients with newly diagnosed, untreated glioblastoma enabled visualization of brain glucose physiology and pathophysiologically increased glucose uptake and may have the potential to provide information about glucose metabolism in tumor tissue. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Functional magnetic porous silica for T 1-T 2 dual-modal magnetic resonance imaging and pH-responsive drug delivery of basic drugs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ling; Zhang, Run; Guo, Yi; Zhang, Cheng; Zhao, Wei; Xu, Zhiping; Whittaker, Andrew K.

2016-12-01

A smart magnetic-targeting drug carrier γ-Fe2O3@p-silica comprising a γ-Fe2O3 core and porous shell has been prepared and characterized. The particles have a uniform size of about 60 nm, and a porous shell of thickness 3 nm. Abundant hydroxyl groups and a large surface area enabled the γ-Fe2O3@p-silica to be readily loaded with a large payload of the basic model drug rhodamine B (RB) (up to 73 mg g-1). Cytotoxicity assays of the γ-Fe2O3@p-silica particles indicated that the particles were biocompatible and suitable for carrying drugs. It was found that the RB was released rapidly at pH 5.5 but at pH 7.4 the rate and extent of release was greatly attenuated. The particles therefore demonstrate an excellent pH-triggered drug release. In addition, the γ-Fe2O3@p-silica particles could be tracked by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A clear dose-dependent contrast enhancement in both T 1-weighted and T 2-weighted MR images indicated the potential of the γ-Fe2O3@p-silica particles to act as dual-mode T 1 and T 2 MRI contrast agents.

Controlling Magnetism via Transition Metal Exchange in the Series of Intermetallics Eu( T1, T2)5In ( T = Cu, Ag, Au)

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

Mudring, Anja -Verena; Smetana, Volodymyr; Pecharsky, Vitalij K.

Three series of intermetallic compounds Eu( T1, T2) 5In (T = Cu, Ag, Au) have been investigated in full compositional ranges. Single crystals of all compounds have been obtained by self-flux and were analyzed by single X-ray diffraction revealing the representatives to fall into two structure types: CeCu 6 ( oP28, Pnma, a = 8.832(3)–9.121(2) Å, b = 5.306(2)–5.645(1) Å, c = 11.059(4)–11.437(3) Å, V = 518.3(3)–588.9(2) Å 3) and YbMo2Al4 ( t I14, I4/ mmm, a = 5.417(3)–5.508(1) Å, c = 7.139(2)– 7.199(2) Å, V = 276.1(2)–285.8(1) Å 3). The structural preference was found to depend on the cation/anionmore » size ratio, while the positional preference within the CeCu 6 type structure shows an apparent correlation with the anion size. Chemical compression, hence, a change in cell volume, which occurs upon anion substitution appears to be the main driving force for the change of magnetic ordering. While EuAg 5In shows antiferromagnetic behavior at low temperatures, mixing Cu and Au within the same type of structure results in considerable changes in the magnetism. The Eu(Cu,Au) 5In alloys with CeCu 6 structure show complex magnetic behaviors and strong magnetic field-induced spin-reorientation transition with the critical field of the transition being dependent on Cu/Au ratio. The alloys adopting the YbMo 2Al 4 type structure are ferromagnets exhibiting unusually high magnetic moments. The heat capacity of EuAu 2.66Cu 2.34In reveals a double-peak structure evolving with the magnetic field. Furthermore, low-temperature X-ray powder diffraction does not show a structural transition.« less

Controlling Magnetism via Transition Metal Exchange in the Series of Intermetallics Eu( T1, T2)5In ( T = Cu, Ag, Au)

DOE PAGES

Mudring, Anja -Verena; Smetana, Volodymyr; Pecharsky, Vitalij K.; ...

2017-11-24

Three series of intermetallic compounds Eu( T1, T2) 5In (T = Cu, Ag, Au) have been investigated in full compositional ranges. Single crystals of all compounds have been obtained by self-flux and were analyzed by single X-ray diffraction revealing the representatives to fall into two structure types: CeCu 6 ( oP28, Pnma, a = 8.832(3)–9.121(2) Å, b = 5.306(2)–5.645(1) Å, c = 11.059(4)–11.437(3) Å, V = 518.3(3)–588.9(2) Å 3) and YbMo2Al4 ( t I14, I4/ mmm, a = 5.417(3)–5.508(1) Å, c = 7.139(2)– 7.199(2) Å, V = 276.1(2)–285.8(1) Å 3). The structural preference was found to depend on the cation/anionmore » size ratio, while the positional preference within the CeCu 6 type structure shows an apparent correlation with the anion size. Chemical compression, hence, a change in cell volume, which occurs upon anion substitution appears to be the main driving force for the change of magnetic ordering. While EuAg 5In shows antiferromagnetic behavior at low temperatures, mixing Cu and Au within the same type of structure results in considerable changes in the magnetism. The Eu(Cu,Au) 5In alloys with CeCu 6 structure show complex magnetic behaviors and strong magnetic field-induced spin-reorientation transition with the critical field of the transition being dependent on Cu/Au ratio. The alloys adopting the YbMo 2Al 4 type structure are ferromagnets exhibiting unusually high magnetic moments. The heat capacity of EuAu 2.66Cu 2.34In reveals a double-peak structure evolving with the magnetic field. Furthermore, low-temperature X-ray powder diffraction does not show a structural transition.« less

Acute pancreatitis with gradient echo T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

PubMed Central

Tang, Meng Yue; Chen, Tian Wu; Huang, Xiao Hua; Li, Xing Hui; Wang, Si Yue; Liu, Nian

2016-01-01

Background To study gradient recalled echo (GRE) T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI) for normal pancreas and acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods Fifty-one patients without any pancreatic disorders (control group) and 117 patients with AP were recruited. T2* values derived from T2*WI of the pancreas were measured for the two groups. The severity of AP was graded by the magnetic resonance severity index (MRSI) and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Healthy Evaluation II (APACHE II) scoring system. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the T2* values and AP severity. The usefulness of the T2* value for diagnosing AP and the relationship between the T2* values and the severity of AP were analyzed. Results On GRE-T2*WI, the normal pancreas showed a well-marinated and consistently homogeneous isointensity. Edematous AP, as well as the non-necrotic area in necrotizing AP, showed ill-defined but homogeneous signal intensity. AP with pancreatic hemorrhage showed a decreased T2* value and a signal loss on the signal decay curve. The T2* value of pancreas in the AP group was higher than that of the control group (t=−8.20, P<0.05). The T2* value tended to increase along with the increase in MRSI scores but not with the APACHE II scores (P>0.05). AP was associated with a one standard deviation increment in the T2* value (OR =1.37; 95% CI: 1.216–1.532). Conclusions T2*WI demonstrates a few characteristics of the normal pancreas and AP, which could potentially be helpful for detecting hemorrhage, and contributes to diagnosing AP and its severity. PMID:27190768

Detailed T1-Weighted Profiles from the Human Cortex Measured in Vivo at 3 Tesla MRI.

PubMed

Ferguson, Bart; Petridou, Natalia; Fracasso, Alessio; van den Heuvel, Martijn P; Brouwer, Rachel M; Hulshoff Pol, Hilleke E; Kahn, René S; Mandl, René C W

2018-04-01

Studies into cortical thickness in psychiatric diseases based on T1-weighted MRI frequently report on aberrations in the cerebral cortex. Due to limitations in image resolution for studies conducted at conventional MRI field strengths (e.g. 3 Tesla (T)) this information cannot be used to establish which of the cortical layers may be implicated. Here we propose a new analysis method that computes one high-resolution average cortical profile per brain region extracting myeloarchitectural information from T1-weighted MRI scans that are routinely acquired at a conventional field strength. To assess this new method, we acquired standard T1-weighted scans at 3 T and compared them with state-of-the-art ultra-high resolution T1-weighted scans optimised for intracortical myelin contrast acquired at 7 T. Average cortical profiles were computed for seven different brain regions. Besides a qualitative comparison between the 3 T scans, 7 T scans, and results from literature, we tested if the results from dynamic time warping-based clustering are similar for the cortical profiles computed from 7 T and 3 T data. In addition, we quantitatively compared cortical profiles computed for V1, V2 and V7 for both 7 T and 3 T data using a priori information on their relative myelin concentration. Although qualitative comparisons show that at an individual level average profiles computed for 7 T have more pronounced features than 3 T profiles the results from the quantitative analyses suggest that average cortical profiles computed from T1-weighted scans acquired at 3 T indeed contain myeloarchitectural information similar to profiles computed from the scans acquired at 7 T. The proposed method therefore provides a step forward to study cortical myeloarchitecture in vivo at conventional magnetic field strength both in health and disease.

T1 vs. T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging to assess total kidney volume in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

PubMed

van Gastel, Maatje D A; Messchendorp, A Lianne; Kappert, Peter; Kaatee, Merel A; de Jong, Marissa; Renken, Remco J; Ter Horst, Gert J; Mahesh, Shekar V K; Gansevoort, Ron T

2018-05-01

In ADPKD patients total kidney volume (TKV) measurement using MRI is performed to predict rate of disease progression. Historically T1 weighted images (T1) were used, but the methodology of T2 weighted imaging (T2) has evolved. We compared the performance of both sequences. 40 ADPKD patients underwent an abdominal MRI at baseline and follow-up. TKV was measured by manual tracing with Analyze Direct 11.0 software. Three readers established intra- and interreader coefficients of variation (CV). T1 and T2 measured kidney volumes and growth rates were compared with ICC and Bland-Altman analyses. Participants were 49.7 ± 7.0 years of age, 55.0% female, with estimated GFR of 50.1 ± 11.5 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . CVs were low and comparable for T2 and T1 (intrareader: 0.83% [0.48-1.79] vs. 1.15% [0.34-1.77], P = 0.9, interreader: 2.18% [1.59-2.61] vs. 1.69% [1.07-3.87], P = 0.9). TKV was clinically similar, but statistically significantly different between T2 and T1: 1867 [1172-2721] vs. 1932 [1180-2551] mL, respectively (P = 0.006), with a bias of only 0.8% and high agreement (ICC 0.997). Percentage kidney growth during 2.2 ± 0.3 years was similar for T2 and T1 (9.3 ± 10.6% vs. 7.8 ± 9.9%, P = 0.1, respectively), with a bias of 1.5% and high agreement (ICC 0.843). T2 was more often of sufficient quality for volume measurement (86.7% vs. 71.1%, P < 0.001). In patients with ADPKD, measurement of kidney volume and growth rate performs similarly when using T2 compared to T1 weighted images, although T2 performs better on secondary outcome parameters; they are more often of sufficient quality for volume measurement and result in slightly lower intra- and interreader variability.

The interplay of T1- and T2-relaxation on T1-weighted MRI of hMSCs induced by Gd-DOTA-peptides.

PubMed

Cao, Limin; Li, Binbin; Yi, Peiwei; Zhang, Hailu; Dai, Jianwu; Tan, Bo; Deng, Zongwu

2014-04-01

Three Gd-DOTA-peptide complexes with different peptide sequence are synthesized and used as T1 contrast agent to label human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for magnetic resonance imaging study. The peptides include a universal cell penetrating peptide TAT, a linear MSC-specific peptide EM7, and a cyclic MSC-specific peptide CC9. A significant difference in labeling efficacy is observed between the Gd-DOTA-peptides as well as a control Dotarem. All Gd-DOTA-peptides as well as Dotarem induce significant increase in T1 relaxation rate which is in favor of T1-weighted MR imaging. Gd-DOTA-CC9 yields the maximum labeling efficacy but poor T1 contrast enhancement. Gd-DOTA-EM7 yields the minimum labeling efficacy but better T1 contrast enhancement. Gd-DOTA-TAT yields a similar labeling efficacy as Gd-DOTA-CC9 and similar T1 contrast enhancement as Gd-DOTA-EM7. The underlying mechanism that governs T1 contrast enhancement effect is discussed. Our results suggest that T1 contrast enhancement induced by Gd-DOTA-peptides depends not only on the introduced cellular Gd content, but more importantly on the effect that Gd-DOTA-peptides exert on the T1-relaxation and T2-relaxation processes/rates. Both T1 and particularly T2 relaxation rate have to be taken into account to interpret T1 contrast enhancement. In addition, the interpretation has to be based on cellular instead of aqueous longitudinal and transverse relaxivities of Gd-DOTA-peptides. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Disruptive chemical doping in a ferritin-based iron oxide nanoparticle to decrease r2 and enhance detection with T1-weighted MRI.

PubMed

Clavijo Jordan, M Veronica; Beeman, Scott C; Baldelomar, Edwin J; Bennett, Kevin M

2014-01-01

Inorganic doping was used to create flexible, paramagnetic nanoparticle contrast agents for in vivo molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with low transverse relaxivity (r2). Most nanoparticle contrast agents formed from superparamagnetic metal oxides are developed with high r2. While sensitive, they can have limited in vivo detection due to a number of constraints with T2 or T2*-weighted imaging. T1-weighted imaging is often preferred for molecular MRI, but most T1-shortening agents are small chelates with low metal payload or are nanoparticles that also shorten T2 and limit the range of concentrations detectable with T1-weighting. Here we used tungsten and iron deposition to form doped iron oxide crystals inside the apoferritin cavity to form a WFe nanoparticle with a disordered crystal and un-coupled atomic magnetic moments. The atomic magnetic moments were thus localized, resulting in a principally paramagnetic nanoparticle. The WFe nanoparticles had no coercivity or saturation magnetization at 5 K and sweeping up to ± 20,000 Oe, while native ferritin had a coercivity of 3000 Oe and saturation at ± 20,000 Oe. This tungsten-iron crystal paramagnetism resulted in an increased WFe particle longitudinal relaxivity (r1) of 4870 mm(-1) s(-1) and a reduced transverse relaxivity (r2) of 9076 mm(-1) s(-1) compared with native ferritin. The accumulation of the particles was detected with T1-weighted MRI in concentrations from 20 to 400 nm in vivo, both injected in the rat brain and targeted to the rat kidney glomerulus. The WFe apoferritin nanoparticles were not cytotoxic up to 700 nm particle concentrations, making them potentially important for targeted molecular MRI. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pressure tuning of structure, superconductivity, and novel magnetic order in the Ce-underdoped electron-doped cuprate T ' - Pr 1.3 - x La 0.7 Ce x CuO 4 ( x = 0.1 )

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

Guguchia, Z.; Adachi, T.; Shermadini, Z.

High-pressure neutron powder diffraction, muon-spin rotation, and magnetization studies of the structural, magnetic, and the superconducting properties of the Ce-underdoped superconducting (SC) electron-doped cuprate system with the Nd 2 CuO 4 (the so-called T ' ) structure T ' - Pr 1.3 - x La 0.7 Ce x CuO 4 with x = 0.1 are reported. A strong reduction of the in-plane and out-of-plane lattice constants is observed under pressure. However, no indication of any pressure-induced phase transition from T ' to the K 2 NiF 4 (the so-called T) structure is observed up to the maximum applied pressure ofmore » p = 11 GPa. Large and nonlinear increase of the short-range magnetic order temperature T so in T ' - Pr 1.3 - x La 0.7 Ce x CuO 4 ( x = 0.1 ) was observed under pressure. Simultaneous pressure causes a nonlinear decrease of the SC transition temperature T c . All these experiments establish the short-range magnetic order as an intrinsic and competing phase in SC T ' - Pr 1.3 - x La 0.7 Ce x CuO 4 ( x = 0.1 ). The observed pressure effects may be interpreted in terms of the improved nesting conditions through the reduction of the in-plane and out-of-plane lattice constants upon hydrostatic pressure.« less

Magnetic resonance T1 gradient-echo imaging in hepatolithiasis.

PubMed

Safar, F; Kamura, T; Okamuto, K; Sasai, K; Gejyo, F

2005-01-01

We examined the role of magnetic resonance T1-weighted gradient-echo (MRT1-GE) imaging in hepatolithiasis. MRT1-GE, precontrast computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) of 10 patients with hepatolithiasis were compared for their diagnostic accuracies in the detection and localization of intrahepatic calculi. The diagnosis of hepatolithiasis was confirmed by surgery. For localization of the stone, we divided the bile ducts into six areas: right and left hepatic ducts and bile ducts of the lateral, medial, right anterior, and right posterior segments of the liver. Chemical analysis of the stones was performed in eight patients. The total number of segments proved by surgery to contain stones was 18. Although not significantly different, the sensitivity of MRT1-GE was 77.8% (14 of 18 segments), higher than that of MRCP (66.7%, 12 of 18 segments) and that of CT (50%, nine of 18 segments). The sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRCP + MRT1) was significantly higher than that of CT (p < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the result of surgery was significantly affected only by the result of magnetic resonance imaging. On MRT1-GE, all the depicted stones appeared as high-intensity signal areas within the low-intensity bile duct irrespective of their chemical composition. MRT1-GE imaging provides complementary information concerning hepatolithiasis.

High signal intensity of intervertebral calcified disks on T1-weighted MR images resulting from fat content.

PubMed

Malghem, Jacques; Lecouvet, Frédéric E; François, Robert; Vande Berg, Bruno C; Duprez, Thierry; Cosnard, Guy; Maldague, Baudouin E

2005-02-01

To explain a cause of high signal intensity on T1-weighted MR images in calcified intervertebral disks associated with spinal fusion. Magnetic resonance and radiological examinations of 13 patients were reviewed, presenting one or several intervertebral disks showing a high signal intensity on T1-weighted MR images, associated both with the presence of calcifications in the disks and with peripheral fusion of the corresponding spinal segments. Fusion was due to ligament ossifications (n=8), ankylosing spondylitis (n=4), or posterior arthrodesis (n=1). Imaging files included X-rays and T1-weighted MR images in all cases, T2-weighted MR images in 12 cases, MR images with fat signal suppression in 7 cases, and a CT scan in 1 case. Histological study of a calcified disk from an anatomical specimen of an ankylosed lumbar spine resulting from ankylosing spondylitis was examined. The signal intensity of the disks was similar to that of the bone marrow or of perivertebral fat both on T1-weighted MR images and on all sequences, including those with fat signal suppression. In one of these disks, a strongly negative absorption coefficient was focally measured by CT scan, suggesting a fatty content. The histological examination of the ankylosed calcified disk revealed the presence of well-differentiated bone tissue and fatty marrow within the disk. The high signal intensity of some calcified intervertebral disks on T1-weighted MR images can result from the presence of fatty marrow, probably related to a disk ossification process in ankylosed spines.

Crystallographic and magnetic structure of the novel compound ErGe 1.83

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oleksyn, O.; Schobinger-Papamantellos, P.; Ritter, C.; de Groot, C. H.; Buschow, K. H. J.

1997-02-01

The crystal structure and the magnetic ordering of the novel orthorhombic compound ErGe 2-x has been studied by neutron powder diffraction and magnetic measurements. The crystal structure belongs to the DyGe 1.85-type (space group Cmc2 1)·ErGe 2-x ( x = 0.17 (2)) orders antiferromagnetically below TN = 6 K and displays a metamagnetic behaviour. The magnetic cell has the same size as the chemical unit cell ( q = 0 ). The magnetic space group is Cmc2 1 (Sh 36173). At T = 1.5 K the magnetic moments of the two erbium sites have the same ordered magnetic moment values of 7.63 (6) μB/Er and are antiferromagnetically coupled leading to an uniaxial structure along the a direction.

Gadolinium-based nanoparticles for highly efficient T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Eun-Kyung; Kang, Byunghoon; Choi, Yuna; Jang, Eunji; Han, Seungmin; Lee, Kwangyeol; Suh, Jin-Suck; Haam, Seungjoo; Huh, Yong-Min

2014-06-01

We developed Pyrene-Gadolinium (Py-Gd) nanoparticles as pH-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents capable of showing a high-Mr signal in cancer-specific environments, such as acidic conditions. Py-Gd nanoparticles were prepared by coating Py-Gd, which is a complex of gadolinium with pyrenyl molecules, with pyrenyl polyethyleneglycol PEG using a nano-emulsion method. These particles show better longitudinal relaxation time (T1) MR signals in acidic conditions than they do in neutral conditions. Furthermore, the particles exhibit biocompatibility and MR contrast effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies. From these results, we confirm that Py-Gd nanoparticles have the potential to be applied for accurate cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Synthesis of Ferromagnetic Fe0.6 Mn0.4 O Nanoflowers as a New Class of Magnetic Theranostic Platform for In Vivo T1 -T2 Dual-Mode Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy.

PubMed

Liu, Xiao Li; Ng, Cheng Teng; Chandrasekharan, Prashant; Yang, Hai Tao; Zhao, Ling Yun; Peng, Erwin; Lv, Yun Bo; Xiao, Wen; Fang, Jie; Yi, Jia Bao; Zhang, Huan; Chuang, Kai-Hsiang; Bay, Boon Huat; Ding, Jun; Fan, Hai Ming

2016-08-01

Uniform wüstite Fe0.6 Mn0.4 O nanoflowers have been successfully developed as an innovative theranostic agent with T1 -T2 dual-mode magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for diagnostic applications and therapeutic interventions via magnetic hyperthermia. Unlike their antiferromagnetic bulk counterpart, the obtained Fe0.6 Mn0.4 O nanoflowers show unique room-temperature ferromagnetic behavior, probably due to the presence of an exchange coupling effect. Combined with the flower-like morphology, ferromagnetic Fe0.6 Mn0.4 O nanoflowers are demonstrated to possess dual-modal MRI sensitivity, with longitudinal relaxivity r1 and transverse relaxivity r2 as high as 4.9 and 61.2 mm(-1) s(-1) [Fe]+[Mn], respectively. Further in vivo MRI carried out on the mouse orthotopic glioma model revealed gliomas are clearly delineated in both T1 - and T2 -weighted MR images, after administration of the Fe0.6 Mn0.4 O nanoflowers. In addition, the Fe0.6 Mn0.4 O nanoflowers also exhibit excellent magnetic induction heating effects. Both in vitro and in vivo magnetic hyperthermia experimentation has demonstrated that magnetic hyperthermia by using the innovative Fe0.6 Mn0.4 O nanoflowers can induce MCF-7 breast cancer cell apoptosis and a complete tumor regression without appreciable side effects. The results have demonstrated that the innovative Fe0.6 Mn0.4 O nanoflowers can be a new magnetic theranostic platform for in vivo T1 -T2 dual-mode MRI and magnetic thermotherapy, thereby achieving a one-stop diagnosis cum effective therapeutic modality in cancer management. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

T1 weighted brain images at 7 Tesla unbiased for Proton Density, T2* contrast and RF coil receive B1 sensitivity with simultaneous vessel visualization.

PubMed

Van de Moortele, Pierre-François; Auerbach, Edwards J; Olman, Cheryl; Yacoub, Essa; Uğurbil, Kâmil; Moeller, Steen

2009-06-01

At high magnetic field, MR images exhibit large, undesirable signal intensity variations commonly referred to as "intensity field bias". Such inhomogeneities mostly originate from heterogeneous RF coil B(1) profiles and, with no appropriate correction, are further pronounced when utilizing rooted sum of square reconstruction with receive coil arrays. These artifacts can significantly alter whole brain high resolution T(1)-weighted (T(1)w) images that are extensively utilized for clinical diagnosis, for gray/white matter segmentation as well as for coregistration with functional time series. In T(1) weighted 3D-MPRAGE sequences, it is possible to preserve a bulk amount of T(1) contrast through space by using adiabatic inversion RF pulses that are insensitive to transmit B(1) variations above a minimum threshold. However, large intensity variations persist in the images, which are significantly more difficult to address at very high field where RF coil B(1) profiles become more heterogeneous. Another characteristic of T(1)w MPRAGE sequences is their intrinsic sensitivity to Proton Density and T(2)(*) contrast, which cannot be removed with post-processing algorithms utilized to correct for receive coil sensitivity. In this paper, we demonstrate a simple technique capable of producing normalized, high resolution T(1)w 3D-MPRAGE images that are devoid of receive coil sensitivity, Proton Density and T(2)(*) contrast. These images, which are suitable for routinely obtaining whole brain tissue segmentation at 7 T, provide higher T(1) contrast specificity than standard MPRAGE acquisitions. Our results show that removing the Proton Density component can help in identifying small brain structures and that T(2)(*) induced artifacts can be removed from the images. The resulting unbiased T(1)w images can also be used to generate Maximum Intensity Projection angiograms, without additional data acquisition, that are inherently registered with T(1)w structural images. In addition

Structural and magnetic phase transitions in CeCu 6-xT x (T = Ag,Pd)

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

Poudel, Lekhanath N.; De la cruz, Clarina; Payzant, E. Andrew

The structural and the magnetic properties of CeCu 6-xAg x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.85) and CeCu 6-xPd x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) have been studied using neutron diffraction, resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS), x-ray diffraction measurements, and first principles calculations. The structural and magnetic phase diagrams of CeCu 6-xAg x and CeCu 6-xPd x as a function of Ag/Pd composition are reported. The end member, CeCu 6, undergoes a structural phase transition from an orthorhombic ( Pnma) to a monoclinic (P2 1/c) phase at 240 K. In CeCu 6-xAg x, the structural phase transition temperature (T s) decreases linearlymore » with Ag concentration and extrapolates to zero at x S ≈ 0.1. The structural transition in CeCu 6-xPd x remains unperturbed with Pd substitution within the range of our study. The lattice constant b slightly decreases with Ag/Pd doping, whereas a and c increase with an overall increase in the unit cell volume. Both systems, CeCu 6-xAg x and CeCu 6-xPd x, exhibit a magnetic quantum critical point (QCP), at x ≈ 0.2 and x ≈ 0.05, respectively. Near the QCP, long range antiferromagnetic ordering takes place at an incommensurate wave vector (δ 1 0 δ 2), where δ 1 ~ 0.62, δ 2 ~ 0.25, x = 0.125 for CeCu 6-xPd x and δ 1 ~ 0.64, δ 2 ~ 0.3, x = 0.3 for CeCu 6-xAg x. As a result, the magnetic structure consists of an amplitude modulation of the Ce moments which are aligned along the c axis of the orthorhombic unit cell.« less

Structural and magnetic phase transitions in CeCu 6-xT x (T = Ag,Pd)

DOE PAGES

Poudel, Lekhanath N.; De la cruz, Clarina; Payzant, E. Andrew; ...

2015-12-15

The structural and the magnetic properties of CeCu 6-xAg x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.85) and CeCu 6-xPd x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) have been studied using neutron diffraction, resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS), x-ray diffraction measurements, and first principles calculations. The structural and magnetic phase diagrams of CeCu 6-xAg x and CeCu 6-xPd x as a function of Ag/Pd composition are reported. The end member, CeCu 6, undergoes a structural phase transition from an orthorhombic ( Pnma) to a monoclinic (P2 1/c) phase at 240 K. In CeCu 6-xAg x, the structural phase transition temperature (T s) decreases linearlymore » with Ag concentration and extrapolates to zero at x S ≈ 0.1. The structural transition in CeCu 6-xPd x remains unperturbed with Pd substitution within the range of our study. The lattice constant b slightly decreases with Ag/Pd doping, whereas a and c increase with an overall increase in the unit cell volume. Both systems, CeCu 6-xAg x and CeCu 6-xPd x, exhibit a magnetic quantum critical point (QCP), at x ≈ 0.2 and x ≈ 0.05, respectively. Near the QCP, long range antiferromagnetic ordering takes place at an incommensurate wave vector (δ 1 0 δ 2), where δ 1 ~ 0.62, δ 2 ~ 0.25, x = 0.125 for CeCu 6-xPd x and δ 1 ~ 0.64, δ 2 ~ 0.3, x = 0.3 for CeCu 6-xAg x. As a result, the magnetic structure consists of an amplitude modulation of the Ce moments which are aligned along the c axis of the orthorhombic unit cell.« less

T1 weighted Brain Images at 7 Tesla Unbiased for Proton Density, T2* contrast and RF Coil Receive B1 Sensitivity with Simultaneous Vessel Visualization

PubMed Central

Van de Moortele, Pierre-François; Auerbach, Edwards J.; Olman, Cheryl; Yacoub, Essa; Uğurbil, Kâmil; Moeller, Steen

2009-01-01

At high magnetic field, MR images exhibit large, undesirable signal intensity variations commonly referred to as “intensity field bias”. Such inhomogeneities mostly originate from heterogeneous RF coil B1 profiles and, with no appropriate correction, are further pronounced when utilizing rooted sum of square reconstruction with receive coil arrays. These artifacts can significantly alter whole brain high resolution T1-weighted (T1w) images that are extensively utilized for clinical diagnosis, for gray/white matter segmentation as well as for coregistration with functional time series. In T1 weighted 3D-MPRAGE sequences, it is possible to preserve a bulk amount of T1 contrast through space by using adiabatic inversion RF pulses that are insensitive to transmit B1 variations above a minimum threshold. However, large intensity variations persist in the images, which are significantly more difficult to address at very high field where RF coil B1 profiles become more heterogeneous. Another characteristic of T1w MPRAGE sequences is their intrinsic sensitivity to Proton Density and T2* contrast, which cannot be removed with post-processing algorithms utilized to correct for receive coil sensitivity. In this paper, we demonstrate a simple technique capable of producing normalized, high resolution T1w 3D-MPRAGE images that are devoid of receive coil sensitivity, Proton Density and T2* contrast. These images, which are suitable for routinely obtaining whole brain tissue segmentation at 7 Tesla, provide higher T1 contrast specificity than standard MPRAGE acquisitions. Our results show that removing the Proton Density component can help identifying small brain structures and that T2* induced artifacts can be removed from the images. The resulting unbiased T1w images can also be used to generate Maximum Intensity Projection angiograms, without additional data acquisition, that are inherently registered with T1w structural images. In addition, we introduce a simple technique

Inorganic nanoparticle-based T1 and T1/T2 magnetic resonance contrast probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Fengqin; Zhao, Yong Sheng

2012-09-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) yields high spatially resolved contrast with anatomical details for diagnosis, deeper penetration depth and rapid 3D scanning. To improve imaging sensitivity, adding contrast agents accelerates the relaxation rate of water molecules, thereby greatly increasing the contrast between specific issues or organs of interest. Currently, the majority of T1 contrast agents are paramagnetic molecular complexes, typically Gd(iii) chelates. Various nanoparticulate T1 and T1/T2 contrast agents have recently been investigated as novel agents possessing the advantages of both the T1 contrast effect and nanostructural characteristics. In this minireview, we describe the recent progress of these inorganic nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agents. Specifically, we mainly report on Gd and Mn-based inorganic nanoparticles and ultrasmall iron oxide/ferrite nanoparticles.

Optimization of T2-weighted imaging for shoulder magnetic resonance arthrography by synthetic magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Hyun; Lee, Young Han; Hahn, Seok; Yang, Jaemoon; Song, Ho-Taek; Suh, Jin-Suck

2017-01-01

Background Synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows reformatting of various synthetic images by adjustment of scanning parameters such as repetition time (TR) and echo time (TE). Optimized MR images can be reformatted from T1, T2, and proton density (PD) values to achieve maximum tissue contrast between joint fluid and adjacent soft tissue. Purpose To demonstrate the method for optimization of TR and TE by synthetic MRI and to validate the optimized images by comparison with conventional shoulder MR arthrography (MRA) images. Material and Methods Thirty-seven shoulder MRA images acquired by synthetic MRI were retrospectively evaluated for PD, T1, and T2 values at the joint fluid and glenoid labrum. Differences in signal intensity between the fluid and labrum were observed between TR of 500-6000 ms and TE of 80-300 ms in T2-weighted (T2W) images. Conventional T2W and synthetic images were analyzed for diagnostic agreement of supraspinatus tendon abnormalities (kappa statistics) and image quality scores (one-way analysis of variance with post-hoc analysis). Results Optimized mean values of TR and TE were 2724.7 ± 1634.7 and 80.1 ± 0.4, respectively. Diagnostic agreement for supraspinatus tendon abnormalities between conventional and synthetic MR images was excellent (κ = 0.882). The mean image quality score of the joint space in optimized synthetic images was significantly higher compared with those in conventional and synthetic images (2.861 ± 0.351 vs. 2.556 ± 0.607 vs. 2.750 ± 0.439; P < 0.05). Conclusion Synthetic MRI with optimized TR and TE for shoulder MRA enables optimization of soft-tissue contrast.

Structure of chaotic magnetic field lines in IR-T1 tokamak due to ergodic magnetic limiter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadi, S.; Salar Elahi, A.; Ghorannevis, M.

2018-03-01

In this paper we have studied an Ergodic Magnetic Limiter (EML) based chaotic magnetic field for transport control in the edge plasma of IR-T1 tokamak. The resonance created by the EML causes perturbation of the equilibrium field line in tokamak and as a result, the field lines are chaotic in the vicinity of the dimerized island chains. Transport barriers are formed in the chaotic field line and actually observe in tokamak with reverse magnetic shear. We used area-preserving non-twist (and twist) Poincaré maps to describe the formation of transport barriers, which are actually features of Hamiltonian systems. This transport barrier is useful in reducing radial diffusion of the field line and thus improving the plasma confinement.

Non-contrast T1-mapping detects acute myocardial edema with high diagnostic accuracy: a comparison to T2-weighted cardiovascular magnetic resonance

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background T2w-CMR is used widely to assess myocardial edema. Quantitative T1-mapping is also sensitive to changes in free water content. We hypothesized that T1-mapping would have a higher diagnostic performance in detecting acute edema than dark-blood and bright-blood T2w-CMR. Methods We investigated 21 controls (55 ± 13 years) and 21 patients (61 ± 10 years) with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or acute regional myocardial edema without infarction. CMR performed within 7 days included cine, T1-mapping using ShMOLLI, dark-blood T2-STIR, bright-blood ACUT2E and LGE imaging. We analyzed wall motion, myocardial T1 values and T2 signal intensity (SI) ratio relative to both skeletal muscle and remote myocardium. Results All patients had acute cardiac symptoms, increased Troponin I (0.15-36.80 ug/L) and acute wall motion abnormalities but no LGE. T1 was increased in patient segments with abnormal and normal wall motion compared to controls (1113 ± 94 ms, 1029 ± 59 ms and 944 ± 17 ms, respectively; p < 0.001). T2 SI ratio using STIR and ACUT2E was also increased in patient segments with abnormal and normal wall motion compared to controls (all p < 0.02). Receiver operator characteristics analysis showed that T1-mapping had a significantly larger area-under-the-curve (AUC = 0.94) compared to T2-weighted methods, whether the reference ROI was skeletal muscle or remote myocardium (AUC = 0.58-0.89; p < 0.03). A T1 value of greater than 990 ms most optimally differentiated segments affected by edema from normal segments at 1.5 T, with a sensitivity and specificity of 92 %. Conclusions Non-contrast T1-mapping using ShMOLLI is a novel method for objectively detecting myocardial edema with a high diagnostic performance. T1-mapping may serve as a complementary technique to T2-weighted imaging for assessing myocardial edema in ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease, such as quantifying area-at-risk and diagnosing

Gd-doped BNNTs as T2-weighted MRI contrast agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciofani, Gianni; Boni, Adriano; Calucci, Lucia; Forte, Claudia; Gozzi, Alessandro; Mazzolai, Barbara; Mattoli, Virgilio

2013-08-01

This work describes, for the first time, doping of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) with gadolinium (Gd@BNNTs), a stable functionalization that permits non-invasive BNNT tracking via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report the structure, Gd loading, and relaxometric properties in water suspension at 7 T of Gd@BNNTs, and show the behaviour of these nanostructures as promising T2-weighted contrast agents. Finally, we demonstrate their complete biocompatibility in vitro on human neuroblastoma cells, together with their ability to effectively label and affect contrast in MRI images at 7 T.

Intramuscular adipose tissue determined by T1-weighted MRI at 3T primarily reflects extramyocellular lipids.

PubMed

Akima, Hiroshi; Hioki, Maya; Yoshiko, Akito; Koike, Teruhiko; Sakakibara, Hisataka; Takahashi, Hideyuki; Oshida, Yoshiharu

2016-05-01

The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between intramuscular adipose tissue (IntraMAT) content determined by MRI and intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipids (EMCL) determined by (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) or echo intensity determined by B-mode ultrasonography of human skeletal muscles. Thirty young and elderly men and women were included. T1-weighted MRI was taken from the right mid-thigh to measure IntraMAT content of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) using a histogram shape-based thresholding technique. IMCL and EMCL were measured from the VL and BF at the right mid-thigh using (1)H MRS. Ultrasonographic images were taken from the VL and BF of the right mid-thigh to measure echo intensity based on gray-scale level for quantitative analysis. There was a significant correlation between IntraMAT content by MRI and EMCL of the VL and BF (VL, r=0.506, P<0.01; BF, r=0.591, P<0.001) and between echo intensity and EMCL of the VL and BF (VL, r=0.485, P<0.05; BF, r=0.648, P<0.01). IntraMAT content was also significantly correlated with echo intensity of the VL and BF (VL, r=0.404, P<0.05; BF, r=0.493, P<0.01). Our study suggests that IntraMAT content determined by T1-weighted MRI at 3T primarily reflects extramyocellular lipids, not intramyocellular lipids, in human skeletal muscles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SU-F-I-16: Short Breast MRI with High-Resolution T2-Weighted and Dynamic Contrast Enhanced T1-Weighted Images

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

Ma, J; Son, J; Arun, B

Purpose: To develop and demonstrate a short breast (sb) MRI protocol that acquires both T2-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images in approximately ten minutes. Methods: The sb-MRI protocol consists of two novel pulse sequences. The first is a flexible fast spin-echo triple-echo Dixon (FTED) sequence for high-resolution fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging, and the second is a 3D fast dual-echo spoiled gradient sequence (FLEX) for volumetric fat-suppressed T1-weighted imaging before and post contrast agent injection. The flexible FTED sequence replaces each single readout during every echo-spacing period of FSE with three fast-switching bipolar readouts to produce three raw images in a singlemore » acquisition. These three raw images are then post-processed using a Dixon algorithm to generate separate water-only and fat-only images. The FLEX sequence acquires two echoes using dual-echo readout after each RF excitation and the corresponding images are post-processed using a similar Dixon algorithm to yield water-only and fat-only images. The sb-MRI protocol was implemented on a 3T MRI scanner and used for patients who had undergone concurrent clinical MRI for breast cancer screening. Results: With the same scan parameters (eg, spatial coverage, field of view, spatial and temporal resolution) as the clinical protocol, the total scan-time of the sb-MRI protocol (including the localizer, bilateral T2-weighted, and dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images) was 11 minutes. In comparison, the clinical breast MRI protocol took 43 minutes. Uniform fat suppression and high image quality were consistently achieved by sb-MRI. Conclusion: We demonstrated a sb-MRI protocol comprising both T2-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images can be performed in approximately ten minutes. The spatial and temporal resolution of the images easily satisfies the current breast MRI accreditation guidelines by the American College of Radiology. The protocol

Body weight lower limits of fetal postmortem MRI at 1.5 T.

PubMed

Jawad, N; Sebire, N J; Wade, A; Taylor, A M; Chitty, L S; Arthurs, O J

2016-07-01

To evaluate the diagnostic yield of postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PM-MRI) compared with conventional autopsy in fetuses of early gestational age and low body weight. Fetuses of < 31 weeks' gestation that underwent 1.5-T PM-MRI and conventional autopsy were included. The findings of PM-MRI and conventional autopsy were reported blinded to each other. The reports of conventional autopsy and PM-MRI for each organ system (cardiovascular, neurological, abdominal, non-cardiac thoracic and musculoskeletal) were classified as either diagnostic or non-diagnostic. The likelihood of a non-diagnostic examination by PM-MRI was calculated according to fetal gestational age and body weight. Full datasets were examined of 204 fetuses, with mean gestational age of 20.95 ± 3.82 weeks (range, 12.0-30.7 weeks) and body-weight range of 15.9-1872 g. Body weight was the most significant predictor of diagnostic yield of PM-MRI. There was 95% confidence that 90% of fetuses will show diagnostic images by PM-MRI for all five organ systems when fetal body weight is ≥ 535 g, but < 50% of fetuses will have all five systems diagnostic on PM-MRI when body weight is < 122 g. PM-MRI is highly likely to provide adequate diagnostic images for fetuses with a body weight > 500 g. Below this weight, the diagnostic yield of standard 1.5-T PM-MRI decreases significantly. These data should help inform parents and clinicians on the suitability of performing PM-MRI in fetuses with low body weight. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Development of PEGylated KMnF3 nanoparticles as a T1-weighted contrast agent: chemical synthesis, in vivo brain MR imaging, and accounting for high relaxivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhi-Jun; Song, Xiao-Xia; Tang, Qun

2013-05-01

Magnetic nanoparticles consisting of manganese-based T1-weighted contrast agents have rapidly achieved clinical application, however low proton relaxivity impedes further development. In this report, by analyzing nanoparticles' surface oxidation states we propose the possible reason for the low r1 relaxivity of common MnO nanoparticles and develop PEGylated fluoroperovskite KMnF3 nanoparticles as new T1-weighted contrast agents, which exhibit the highest longitudinal relaxivity (r1 = 23.15 mM-1 s-1) among all the reported manganese-based T1-weighted contrast agents. We, for the first time, illustrate a typical example showing that the surface oxidation states of metal ions exposed on the nanoparticles' surfaces are able to influence not only the optical, magnetic, electronic or catalytic properties but also water proton longitudinal relaxivity when applied as an MRI contrast agent. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrate that the PEGylated KMnF3 nanoparticles are free from toxicity. Further in vivo MRI experiments distinctively depict fine anatomical features in brain imaging at a low dose of 5 mg of Mn per kg and possible removal from the kidneys due to their small size and biocompatibility.Magnetic nanoparticles consisting of manganese-based T1-weighted contrast agents have rapidly achieved clinical application, however low proton relaxivity impedes further development. In this report, by analyzing nanoparticles' surface oxidation states we propose the possible reason for the low r1 relaxivity of common MnO nanoparticles and develop PEGylated fluoroperovskite KMnF3 nanoparticles as new T1-weighted contrast agents, which exhibit the highest longitudinal relaxivity (r1 = 23.15 mM-1 s-1) among all the reported manganese-based T1-weighted contrast agents. We, for the first time, illustrate a typical example showing that the surface oxidation states of metal ions exposed on the nanoparticles' surfaces are able to influence not only the optical, magnetic, electronic or

Magnetic phase transitions and magnetic structures in RTxX2, RSn1+xGe1-x and RSn2 compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gil, Alina

2018-02-01

The work presents the review of magnetic properties of the RTxX2, RSn1+xGe1-x and RSn2 compounds. The RTxX2 (where R - rare earth, T - 3d-metal, X - p-electron element: Si, Ge, Sn, and 1 ≥ x > 0) and RSn1+xGe1-x compounds (where x ≈ 0.1) crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal structure of CeNiSi2-type and RSn2 compounds crystallize in ZrSi2-type structure. Both structures are described by the space group Cmcm. The RSn1+xGe1-x compounds seem to be interesting due to the replacement of d-metal to p-electron element. The non-stoichiometric CeNiSi2-type of RTxX2 compounds may be regarded as partially filled ZrSi2-type compounds. The transitions from paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic states are observed at low temperatures and there are lots of variants of magnetic structures ranging from simple collinear to the sine-modulated structures with commensurate or incommensurate propagation vector. The comparison of magnetic properties of these compounds may help to find answers to questions concerning mechanisms of interaction between the magnetic moments.

Growth, electrical, structural, and magnetic properties of half-Heusler CoT i1 -xF exSb

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrington, S. D.; Rice, A. D.; Brown-Heft, T. L.; Bonef, B.; Sharan, A.; McFadden, A. P.; Logan, J. A.; Pendharkar, M.; Feldman, M. M.; Mercan, O.; Petukhov, A. G.; Janotti, A.; Colakerol Arslan, L.; Palmstrøm, C. J.

2018-01-01

Epitaxial thin films of the substitutionally alloyed half-Heusler series CoT i1 -xF exSb were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on InAlAs/InP(001) substrates for concentrations 0.0 ≤x ≤1.0 . The influence of Fe on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties was studied and compared to that expected from density functional theory. The films are epitaxial and single crystalline, as measured by reflection high-energy electron diffraction and x-ray diffraction. Using in situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, only small changes in the valence band are detected for x ≤0.5 . For films with x ≥0.05 , ferromagnetism is observed in SQUID magnetometry with a saturation magnetization that scales linearly with Fe content. A dramatic decrease in the magnetic moment per formula unit occurs when the Fe is substitutionally alloyed on the Co site indicating a strong dependence on the magnetic moment with site occupancy. A crossover from both in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic moments to only in-plane moment occurs for higher concentrations of Fe. Ferromagnetic resonance indicates a transition from weak to strong interaction with a reduction in inhomogeneous broadening as Fe content is increased. Temperature-dependent transport reveals a semiconductor to metal transition with thermally activated behavior for x ≤0.5 . Anomalous Hall effect and large negative magnetoresistance (up to -18.5% at 100 kOe for x =0.3 ) are observed for higher Fe content films. Evidence of superparamagnetism for x =0.3 and 0.2 suggests, for moderate levels of Fe, that demixing of the CoT i1 -xF exSb films into Fe-rich and Fe-deficient regions may be present. Atom probe tomography is used to examine the Fe distribution in an x =0.3 film. Statistical analysis reveals a nonhomogeneous distribution of Fe atoms throughout the film, which is used to explain the observed magnetic and electrical behavior.

Breast cancer detection using double reading of unenhanced MRI including T1-weighted, T2-weighted STIR, and diffusion-weighted imaging: a proof of concept study.

PubMed

Trimboli, Rubina M; Verardi, Nicola; Cartia, Francesco; Carbonaro, Luca A; Sardanelli, Francesco

2014-09-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of unenhanced MRI in detecting breast cancer and to assess the impact of double reading. A total of 116 breasts of 67 women who were 36-89 years old were studied at 1.5 T using an unenhanced protocol including axial T1-weighted gradient-echo, T2-weighted STIR, and echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Two blinded readers (R1 and R2) independently evaluated unenhanced images using the BIRADS scale. A combination of pathology and negative follow-up served as the reference standard. McNemar and kappa statistics were used. Per-breast cancer prevalence was 37 of 116 (32%): 30 of 37 (81%) invasive ductal carcinoma, five of 37 (13%) ductal carcinoma in situ, and two of 37 (6%) invasive lobular carcinoma. Per-breast sensitivity of unenhanced MRI was 29 of 37 (78%) for R1, 28 of 37 (76%) for R2, and 29 of 37 (78%) for double reading. Specificity was 71 of 79 (90%) for both R1 and R2 and 69 of 79 (87%) for double reading. Double reading did not provide a significant increase in sensitivity. Interobserver agreement was almost perfect (Cohen κ = 0.873). An unenhanced breast MRI protocol composed of T1-weighted gradient echo, T2-weighted STIR, and echo-planar DWI enabled breast cancer detection with sensitivity of 76-78% and specificity of 90% without a gain in sensitivity from double reading.

Whole-brain intracranial vessel wall imaging at 3 Tesla using cerebrospinal fluid-attenuated T1-weighted 3D turbo spin echo.

PubMed

Fan, Zhaoyang; Yang, Qi; Deng, Zixin; Li, Yuxia; Bi, Xiaoming; Song, Shlee; Li, Debiao

2017-03-01

Although three-dimensional (3D) turbo spin echo (TSE) with variable flip angles has proven to be useful for intracranial vessel wall imaging, it is associated with inadequate suppression of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) signals and limited spatial coverage at 3 Tesla (T). This work aimed to modify the sequence and develop a protocol to achieve whole-brain, CSF-attenuated T 1 -weighted vessel wall imaging. Nonselective excitation and a flip-down radiofrequency pulse module were incorporated into a commercial 3D TSE sequence. A protocol based on the sequence was designed to achieve T 1 -weighted vessel wall imaging with whole-brain spatial coverage, enhanced CSF-signal suppression, and isotropic 0.5-mm resolution. Human volunteer and pilot patient studies were performed to qualitatively and quantitatively demonstrate the advantages of the sequence. Compared with the original sequence, the modified sequence significantly improved the T 1 -weighted image contrast score (2.07 ± 0.19 versus 3.00 ± 0.00, P = 0.011), vessel wall-to-CSF contrast ratio (0.14 ± 0.16 versus 0.52 ± 0.30, P = 0.007) and contrast-to-noise ratio (1.69 ± 2.18 versus 4.26 ± 2.30, P = 0.022). Significant improvement in vessel wall outer boundary sharpness was observed in several major arterial segments. The new 3D TSE sequence allows for high-quality T 1 -weighted intracranial vessel wall imaging at 3 T. It may potentially aid in depicting small arteries and revealing T 1 -mediated high-signal wall abnormalities. Magn Reson Med 77:1142-1150, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

T1, diffusion tensor, and quantitative magnetization transfer imaging of the hippocampus in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

PubMed

Whittaker, Heather T; Zhu, Shenghua; Di Curzio, Domenico L; Buist, Richard; Li, Xin-Min; Noy, Suzanna; Wiseman, Frances K; Thiessen, Jonathan D; Martin, Melanie

2018-07-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology causes microstructural changes in the brain. These changes, if quantified with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), could be studied for use as an early biomarker for AD. The aim of our study was to determine if T 1 relaxation, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and quantitative magnetization transfer imaging (qMTI) metrics could reveal changes within the hippocampus and surrounding white matter structures in ex vivo transgenic mouse brains overexpressing human amyloid precursor protein with the Swedish mutation. Delineation of hippocampal cell layers using DTI color maps allows more detailed analysis of T 1 -weighted imaging, DTI, and qMTI metrics, compared with segmentation of gross anatomy based on relaxation images, and with analysis of DTI or qMTI metrics alone. These alterations are observed in the absence of robust intracellular Aβ accumulation or plaque deposition as revealed by histology. This work demonstrates that multiparametric quantitative MRI methods are useful for characterizing changes within the hippocampal substructures and surrounding white matter tracts of mouse models of AD. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Optimizing T2-weighted magnetic resonance sequences for surface coil microimaging of the eye with regard to lid, eyeball and head moving artifacts.

PubMed

Obata, Takayuki; Uemura, Koji; Nonaka, Hiroi; Tamura, Mitsuru; Tanada, Shuji; Ikehira, Hiroo

2006-01-01

To acquire high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images, we developed a new blinking artifact reduced pulse (BARP) sequence with a surface coil specialized for microscopic imaging (47 mm in diameter). To reduce eye movement, we ascertained that the subjects' eyes were kept open and fixated to the target in the 1.5-T MR gantry. To reduce motion artifacts from blinking, we inserted rest periods for blinking (1.5 s within every 5 s) during MR scanning (T2-weighted fast spin echo; repetition time, 5 s; echo time, 100 ms; echo train, 11; matrix, 256 x 128; field of view, 5 cm; 1-mm thickness x 30 slices). Three scans (100 s x 3) were performed for each normal subject, and they were added together after automatic adjustment for location to reduce quality loss caused by head motion. T2-weighted MR images were acquired with a high resolution and a high signal-to-noise ratio. Motion artifacts were reduced with BARP, as compared with those with random blinking. Intraocular structures such as the iris and ciliary muscles were clearly visualized. Because the whole eye can be covered with a 1-mm thickness by this method, three-dimensional maps can easily be generated from the obtained images. The application of BARP with a surface coil of the human eye might become a useful and widely adopted procedure for MR microimaging.

Semi-automatic segmentation of myocardium at risk in T2-weighted cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

PubMed

Sjögren, Jane; Ubachs, Joey F A; Engblom, Henrik; Carlsson, Marcus; Arheden, Håkan; Heiberg, Einar

2012-01-31

T2-weighted cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been shown to be a promising technique for determination of ischemic myocardium, referred to as myocardium at risk (MaR), after an acute coronary event. Quantification of MaR in T2-weighted CMR has been proposed to be performed by manual delineation or the threshold methods of two standard deviations from remote (2SD), full width half maximum intensity (FWHM) or Otsu. However, manual delineation is subjective and threshold methods have inherent limitations related to threshold definition and lack of a priori information about cardiac anatomy and physiology. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an automatic segmentation algorithm for quantification of MaR using anatomical a priori information. Forty-seven patients with first-time acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction underwent T2-weighted CMR within 1 week after admission. Endocardial and epicardial borders of the left ventricle, as well as the hyper enhanced MaR regions were manually delineated by experienced observers and used as reference method. A new automatic segmentation algorithm, called Segment MaR, defines the MaR region as the continuous region most probable of being MaR, by estimating the intensities of normal myocardium and MaR with an expectation maximization algorithm and restricting the MaR region by an a priori model of the maximal extent for the user defined culprit artery. The segmentation by Segment MaR was compared against inter observer variability of manual delineation and the threshold methods of 2SD, FWHM and Otsu. MaR was 32.9 ± 10.9% of left ventricular mass (LVM) when assessed by the reference observer and 31.0 ± 8.8% of LVM assessed by Segment MaR. The bias and correlation was, -1.9 ± 6.4% of LVM, R = 0.81 (p < 0.001) for Segment MaR, -2.3 ± 4.9%, R = 0.91 (p < 0.001) for inter observer variability of manual delineation, -7.7 ± 11.4%, R = 0.38 (p = 0.008) for 2SD, -21.0 ± 9.9%, R = 0.41 (p = 0.004) for FWHM, and

Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery BLADE magnetic resonance imaging of the brain: an alternative to spin-echo technique for detection of brain lesions in the unsedated pediatric patient?

PubMed

Alibek, Sedat; Adamietz, Boris; Cavallaro, Alexander; Stemmer, Alto; Anders, Katharina; Kramer, Manuel; Bautz, Werner; Staatz, Gundula

2008-08-01

We compared contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain using different types of data acquisition techniques: periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER, BLADE) imaging versus standard k-space sampling (conventional spin-echo pulse sequence) in the unsedated pediatric patient with focus on artifact reduction, overall image quality, and lesion detectability. Forty-eight pediatric patients (aged 3 months to 18 years) were scanned with a clinical 1.5-T whole body MR scanner. Cross-sectional contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo sequence was compared to a T1-weighted dark-fluid fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) BLADE sequence for qualitative and quantitative criteria (image artifacts, image quality, lesion detectability) by two experienced radiologists. Imaging protocols were matched for imaging parameters. Reader agreement was assessed using the exact Bowker test. BLADE images showed significantly less pulsation and motion artifacts than the standard T1-weighted spin-echo sequence scan. BLADE images showed statistically significant lower signal-to-noise ratio but higher contrast-to-noise ratios with superior gray-white matter contrast. All lesions were demonstrated on FLAIR BLADE imaging, and one false-positive lesion was visible in spin-echo sequence images. BLADE MR imaging at 1.5 T is applicable for central nervous system imaging of the unsedated pediatric patient, reduces motion and pulsation artifacts, and minimizes the need for sedation or general anesthesia without loss of relevant diagnostic information.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging combined with T2-weighted images in the detection of small breast cancer: a single-center multi-observer study.

PubMed

Wu, Lian-Ming; Chen, Jie; Hu, Jiani; Gu, Hai-Yan; Xu, Jian-Rong; Hua, Jia

2014-02-01

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. However, it remains a difficult diagnosis problem to differentiate between benign and malignant breast lesions, especially in small early breast lesions. To assess the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) combined with T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) for small breast cancer characterization. Fifty-eight patients (65 lesions) with a lesion <2 cm in diameter underwent 3.0 Tesla breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including DWI and histological analysis. Three observers with varying experience levels reviewed MRI. The probability of breast cancer in each lesion on MR images was recorded with a 5-point scale. Areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were compared by using the Z test; sensitivity and specificity were determined with the Z test after adjusting for data clustering. AUC of T2WI and DWI (Observer 1, 0.95; Observer 2, 0.91; Observer 3, 0.83) was greater than that of T2WI (Observer 1, 0.80; Observer 2, 0.74; Observer 3, 0.70) for all observers (P < 0.0001 in all comparisons). Sensitivity of T2WI and DWI (Observer 1, 90%; Observer 2, 93%; and Observer 3, 86%) was greater than that of T2WI alone (Observer 1, 76%; Observer 2, 83%; Observer 3, 79%) for all observers (P < 0.0001 in all comparisons). Specificity of T2WI and DWI was greater than that of T2WI alone for observer 1 (89% vs. 72%, P < 0.01) and observer 2 (94% vs. 78%, P < 0.001). DWI combined with T2WI can improve the diagnostic performance of MRI in small breast cancer characterization. It should be considered selectively in the preoperative evaluation of patients with small lesions of the breast.

Structural brain abnormalities in adolescent anorexia nervosa before and after weight recovery and associated hormonal changes.

PubMed

Mainz, Verena; Schulte-Rüther, Martin; Fink, Gereon R; Herpertz-Dahlmann, Beate; Konrad, Kerstin

2012-01-01

The neurobiological mechanisms of structural brain abnormalities in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) remain poorly understood. In particular, little is known about the changes in and the recovery of gray matter (GM) volumes after weight gain and the relation to hormonal normalization in adolescent patients with AN. Nineteen female patients aged 12 to 17 years were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging at the time of admission to the hospital (T1) and after weight recovery (T2). Patients were compared with typically developing girls matched for age and intelligence quotient. Structural brain images were analyzed using a voxel-based morphometric approach. Circulating levels of cortisol and gonadotropins were assessed in blood samples. Compared with controls, patients with AN showed reduced GM in several brain regions along the cortical midline, reaching from the occipital cortex to the medial frontal areas. These GM reductions were mostly reversible at T1. Patients showed a GM increase from T1 to T2 along the cortical midline and in the occipital, temporal, parietal, and frontal lobes. GM increases at T2 correlated inversely with cortisol levels at T1 and positively with weight gain at T2. The strongest associations between regional GM increase and weight gain were found in the cerebellum. In addition, increases in GM volumes at T2 in the thalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala were associated with increases in follicle-stimulating hormone. Our data suggest that brain alterations in adolescents with acute AN are mostly reversible at T1 and that GM recovery in specific brain regions is associated with weight and hormonal normalization.

Whole brain myelin mapping using T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging data

PubMed Central

Ganzetti, Marco; Wenderoth, Nicole; Mantini, Dante

2014-01-01

Despite recent advancements in MR imaging, non-invasive mapping of myelin in the brain still remains an open issue. Here we attempted to provide a potential solution. Specifically, we developed a processing workflow based on T1-w and T2-w MR data to generate an optimized myelin enhanced contrast image. The workflow allows whole brain mapping using the T1-w/T2-w technique, which was originally introduced as a non-invasive method for assessing cortical myelin content. The hallmark of our approach is a retrospective calibration algorithm, applied to bias-corrected T1-w and T2-w images, that relies on image intensities outside the brain. This permits standardizing the intensity histogram of the ratio image, thereby allowing for across-subject statistical analyses. Quantitative comparisons of image histograms within and across different datasets confirmed the effectiveness of our normalization procedure. Not only did the calibrated T1-w/T2-w images exhibit a comparable intensity range, but also the shape of the intensity histograms was largely corresponding. We also assessed the reliability and specificity of the ratio image compared to other MR-based techniques, such as magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), fractional anisotropy (FA), and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR). With respect to these other techniques, T1-w/T2-w had consistently high values, as well as low inter-subject variability, in brain structures where myelin is most abundant. Overall, our results suggested that the T1-w/T2-w technique may be a valid tool supporting the non-invasive mapping of myelin in the brain. Therefore, it might find important applications in the study of brain development, aging and disease. PMID:25228871

Contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery vs. contrast-enhanced spin echo T1-weighted brain imaging.

PubMed

Falzone, Cristian; Rossi, Federica; Calistri, Maurizio; Tranquillo, Massimo; Baroni, Massimo

2008-01-01

In humans, contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging plays an important role in detecting brain disease. The aim of this study was to define the clinical utility of contrast-enhanced FLAIR imaging by comparing the results with those with contrast-enhanced spin echo T1-weighted images (SE T1WI) in animals with different brain disorders. Forty-one dogs and five cats with a clinical suspicion of brain disease and 30 normal animals (25 dogs and five cats) were evaluated using a 0.2 T permanent magnet. Before contrast medium injection, spin echo T1-weighted, SE T1WI, and FLAIR sequences were acquired in three planes. SE T1WI and FLAIR images were also acquired after gadolinium injection. Sensitivity in detecting the number, location, margin, and enhancement pattern and rate were evaluated. No lesions were found in a normal animal. In affected animals, 48 lesions in 34 patients were detected in contrast-enhanced SE T1WI whereas 81 lesions in 44 patients were detected in contrast-enhanced FLAIR images. There was no difference in the characteristics of the margins or enhancement pattern of the detected lesions. The objective enhancement rate, the mean value between lesion-to-white matter ratio and lesion-to-gray matter ratio, although representing an overlap of T1 and T2 effects and not pure contrast medium shortening of T1 relaxation, was better in contrast-enhanced FLAIR images. These results suggest a superiority of contrast-enhanced FLAIR images as compared with contrast-enhanced SE T1WI in detecting enhancing brain lesions.

The role of edema and demyelination in chronic T1 black holes: a quantitative magnetization transfer study.

PubMed

Levesque, Ives; Sled, John G; Narayanan, Sridar; Santos, A Carlos; Brass, Steven D; Francis, Simon J; Arnold, Douglas L; Pike, G Bruce

2005-02-01

To use quantitative magnetization transfer imaging (qMTI) in an investigation of T1-weighted hypointensity observed in clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, which has previously been proposed as a more specific indicator of tissue damage than the more commonly detected T2 hyperintensity. A cross-sectional study of 10 MS patients was performed using qMTI. A total of 60 MTI measurements were collected in each patient at a resolution of 2 x 2 x 7 mm, over a range of saturation pulses. The observed T1 and T2 were also measured. qMT model parameters were estimated using a voxel-by-voxel fit. A total of 65 T2-hyperintense lesions were identified; 53 were also T1 hypointense. In these black holes, the qMTI-derived semisolid pool fraction F correlated negatively with T(1,obs) (r2 = 0.76; P < 0.0001). The water pool absolute size (PDf) showed a weaker correlation with T(1,obs) (positive, r2 = 0.53; P < 0.0001). The magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) showed a similarly strong correlation with F and a weaker correlation with PDf (r2 = 0.18; P < 0.04). T1 increases in chronic black holes strongly correlated with the decline in semisolid pool size, and somewhat less to the confounding effect of edema. MTR was less sensitive than T(1,obs) to liquid pool changes associated with edema. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Low-Molecular-Weight Iron Chelates May Be an Alternative to Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents for T1-weighted Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging.

PubMed

Boehm-Sturm, Philipp; Haeckel, Akvile; Hauptmann, Ralf; Mueller, Susanne; Kuhl, Christiane K; Schellenberger, Eyk A

2018-02-01

Purpose To synthesize two low-molecular-weight iron chelates and compare their T1 contrast effects with those of a commercial gadolinium-based contrast agent for their applicability in dynamic contrast material-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Materials and Methods The animal experiments were approved by the local ethics committee. Two previously described iron (Fe) chelates of pentetic acid (Fe-DTPA) and of trans-cyclohexane diamine tetraacetic acid (Fe-tCDTA) were synthesized with stability constants several orders of magnitude higher than those of gadolinium-based contrast agents. The T1 contrast effects of the two chelates were compared with those of gadopentetate dimeglumine in blood serum phantoms at 1.5 T, 3 T, and 7 T. For in vivo studies, a human breast cancer cell line (MDA-231) was implanted in five mice per group. The dynamic contrast effects of the chelates were compared by performing DCE MR imaging with intravenous application of Fe-DTPA or Fe-tCDTA on day 1 and DCE MR imaging in the same tumors with gadopentetate dimeglumine on day 2. Quantitative DCE maps were generated with software and were compared by means of a one-tailed Pearson correlation test. Results Relaxivities in serum (0.94 T at room temperature) of Fe-tCDTA (r1 = 2.2 mmol -1 · sec -1 , r2 = 2.5 mmol -1 · sec -1 ) and Fe-DTPA (r1 = 0.9 mmol -1 · sec -1 , r2 = 0.9 mmol -1 · sec -1 ) were approximately twofold and fivefold lower, respectively, compared with those of gadopentetate dimeglumine (r1 = 4.1 mmol -1 · sec -1 , r2 = 4.8 mmol -1 · sec -1 ). Used at moderately higher concentrations, however, iron chelates generated similar contrast effects at T1-weighted MR imaging in vitro in serum, in vivo in blood, and for DCE MR imaging of breast cancer xenografts. The volume transfer constant values for Fe-DTPA and Fe-tCDTA in the same tumors correlated well with those observed for gadopentetate dimeglumine (Fe-tCDTA Pearson R, 0.99; P = .0003; Fe-DTPA Pearson R, 0.97; P

Effect of Intensive Statin Therapy on Coronary High-Intensity Plaques Detected by Noncontrast T1-Weighted Imaging: The AQUAMARINE Pilot Study.

PubMed

Noguchi, Teruo; Tanaka, Atsushi; Kawasaki, Tomohiro; Goto, Yoichi; Morita, Yoshiaki; Asaumi, Yasuhide; Nakao, Kazuhiro; Fujiwara, Reiko; Nishimura, Kunihiro; Miyamoto, Yoshihiro; Ishihara, Masaharu; Ogawa, Hisao; Koga, Nobuhiko; Narula, Jagat; Yasuda, Satoshi

2015-07-21

Coronary high-intensity plaques detected by noncontrast T1-weighted imaging may represent plaque instability. High-intensity plaques can be quantitatively assessed by a plaque-to-myocardium signal-intensity ratio (PMR). This pilot, hypothesis-generating study sought to investigate whether intensive statin therapy would lower PMR. Prospective serial noncontrast T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography angiography were performed in 48 patients with coronary artery disease at baseline and after 12 months of intensive pitavastatin treatment with a target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level <80 mg/dl. The control group consisted of coronary artery disease patients not treated with statins that were matched by propensity scoring (n = 48). The primary endpoint was the 12-month change in PMR. Changes in computed tomography angiography parameters and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were analyzed. In the statin group, 12 months of statin therapy significantly improved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (125 to 70 mg/dl; p < 0.001), PMR (1.38 to 1.11, an 18.9% reduction; p < 0.001), low-attenuation plaque volume, and the percentage of total atheroma volume on computed tomography. In the control group, the PMR increased significantly (from 1.22 to 1.49, a 19.2% increase; p < 0.001). Changes in PMR were correlated with changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.533; p < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.347; p < 0.001), percentage of atheroma volume (r = 0.477; p < 0.001), and percentage of low-attenuation plaque volume (r = 0.416; p < 0.001). Statin treatment significantly reduced the PMR of high-intensity plaques. Noncontrast T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging could become a useful technique for repeated quantitative assessment of plaque composition. (Attempts at Plaque Vulnerability Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Noncontrast T1-weighted Technique [AQUAMARINE

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of LaTMg and CeTMg (T = Pd, Pt, Au)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibson, B. J.; Das, A.; Kremer, R. K.; Hoffmann, R.-D.; Pöttgen, R.

2002-05-01

The title compounds were prepared from the elements by reactions in sealed tantalum tubes in a water-cooled sample chamber of a high-frequency furnace. They crystallize with the ZrNiAl-type structure, space group P bar 6 2m. The structures of the cerium compounds were refined from single-crystal x-ray diffraction data: a = 767.3(1) pm, c = 410.37(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0324, 521 F2-values for CePdMg; a = 755.02(7) pm, c = 413.82(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0393, 514 F2-values for CePtMg; and a = 774.1(3) pm, c = 421.6(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0355, 395 F2-values for CeAuMg, with 14 variables for each refinement. The palladium compound shows a small homogeneity range: CePd1+xMg1-x. The structures contain two crystallographically different transition metal sites T1 and T2 which are located in tri-capped trigonal prisms: [T1 Mg6Ce3] and [T2 Ce6Mg3]. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements reveal long-range magnetic ordering at 2.1(2) K for CePdMg, 3.6(2) K for CePtMg, and 2.0(2) K for CeAuMg. Curie-Weiss behaviour at higher temperatures shows that the cerium ions are in the 3+ oxidation state. The isotypic LaTMg compounds are Pauli paramagnetic down to lowest temperatures (T = 0.3 K). All the compounds, RETMg (RE = La, Ce; T = Pd, Pt, Au) show metallic behaviour.

High-Quality T2-Weighted 4-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Radiation Therapy Applications

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

Du, Dongsu; Caruthers, Shelton D.; Glide-Hurst, Carri

2015-06-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to improve triggering efficiency of the prospective respiratory amplitude-triggered 4-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (4DMRI) method and to develop a 4DMRI imaging protocol that could offer T2 weighting for better tumor visualization, good spatial coverage and spatial resolution, and respiratory motion sampling within a reasonable amount of time for radiation therapy applications. Methods and Materials: The respiratory state splitting (RSS) and multi-shot acquisition (MSA) methods were analytically compared and validated in a simulation study by using the respiratory signals from 10 healthy human subjects. The RSS method was more effective in improving triggering efficiency.more » It was implemented in prospective respiratory amplitude-triggered 4DMRI. 4DMRI image datasets were acquired from 5 healthy human subjects. Liver motion was estimated using the acquired 4DMRI image datasets. Results: The simulation study showed the RSS method was more effective for improving triggering efficiency than the MSA method. The average reductions in 4DMRI acquisition times were 36% and 10% for the RSS and MSA methods, respectively. The human subject study showed that T2-weighted 4DMRI with 10 respiratory states, 60 slices at a spatial resolution of 1.5 × 1.5 × 3.0 mm{sup 3} could be acquired in 9 to 18 minutes, depending on the individual's breath pattern. Based on the acquired 4DMRI image datasets, the ranges of peak-to-peak liver displacements among 5 human subjects were 9.0 to 12.9 mm, 2.5 to 3.9 mm, and 0.5 to 2.3 mm in superior-inferior, anterior-posterior, and left-right directions, respectively. Conclusions: We demonstrated that with the RSS method, it was feasible to acquire high-quality T2-weighted 4DMRI within a reasonable amount of time for radiation therapy applications.« less

T1-weighted in vivo human whole brain MRI dataset with an ultrahigh isotropic resolution of 250 μm.

PubMed

Lüsebrink, Falk; Sciarra, Alessandro; Mattern, Hendrik; Yakupov, Renat; Speck, Oliver

2017-03-14

We present an ultrahigh resolution in vivo human brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dataset. It consists of T 1 -weighted whole brain anatomical data acquired at 7 Tesla with a nominal isotropic resolution of 250 μm of a single young healthy Caucasian subject and was recorded using prospective motion correction. The raw data amounts to approximately 1.2 TB and was acquired in eight hours total scan time. The resolution of this dataset is far beyond any previously published in vivo structural whole brain dataset. Its potential use is to build an in vivo MR brain atlas. Methods for image reconstruction and image restoration can be improved as the raw data is made available. Pre-processing and segmentation procedures can possibly be enhanced for high magnetic field strength and ultrahigh resolution data. Furthermore, potential resolution induced changes in quantitative data analysis can be assessed, e.g., cortical thickness or volumetric measures, as high quality images with an isotropic resolution of 1 and 0.5 mm of the same subject are included in the repository as well.

T1-weighted in vivo human whole brain MRI dataset with an ultrahigh isotropic resolution of 250 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lüsebrink, Falk; Sciarra, Alessandro; Mattern, Hendrik; Yakupov, Renat; Speck, Oliver

2017-03-01

We present an ultrahigh resolution in vivo human brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dataset. It consists of T1-weighted whole brain anatomical data acquired at 7 Tesla with a nominal isotropic resolution of 250 μm of a single young healthy Caucasian subject and was recorded using prospective motion correction. The raw data amounts to approximately 1.2 TB and was acquired in eight hours total scan time. The resolution of this dataset is far beyond any previously published in vivo structural whole brain dataset. Its potential use is to build an in vivo MR brain atlas. Methods for image reconstruction and image restoration can be improved as the raw data is made available. Pre-processing and segmentation procedures can possibly be enhanced for high magnetic field strength and ultrahigh resolution data. Furthermore, potential resolution induced changes in quantitative data analysis can be assessed, e.g., cortical thickness or volumetric measures, as high quality images with an isotropic resolution of 1 and 0.5 mm of the same subject are included in the repository as well.

Closed-form expressions for flip angle variation that maximize total signal in T1-weighted rapid gradient echo MRI.

PubMed

Drobnitzky, Matthias; Klose, Uwe

2017-03-01

Magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (MPRAGE) sequences are commonly employed for T1-weighted structural brain imaging. Following a contrast preparation radiofrequency (RF) pulse, the data acquisition proceeds under nonequilibrium conditions of the relaxing longitudinal magnetization. Variation of the flip angle can be used to maximize total available signal. Simulated annealing or greedy algorithms have so far been published to numerically solve this problem, with signal-to-noise ratios optimized for clinical imaging scenarios by adhering to a predefined shape of the signal evolution. We propose an unconstrained optimization of the MPRAGE experiment that employs techniques from resource allocation theory. A new dynamic programming solution is introduced that yields closed-form expressions for optimal flip angle variation. Flip angle series are proposed that maximize total transverse magnetization (Mxy) for a range of physiologic T1 values. A 3D MPRAGE sequence is modified to allow for a controlled variation of the excitation angle. Experiments employing a T1 contrast phantom are performed at 3T. 1D acquisitions without phase encoding permit measurement of the temporal development of Mxy. Image mean signal and standard deviation for reference flip angle trains are compared in 2D measurements. Signal profiles at sharp phantom edges are acquired to access image blurring related to nonuniform Mxy development. A novel closed-form expression for flip angle variation is found that constitutes the optimal policy to reach maximum total signal. It numerically equals previously published results of other authors when evaluated under their simplifying assumptions. Longitudinal magnetization (Mz) is exhaustively used without causing abrupt changes in the measured MR signal, which is a prerequisite for artifact free images. Phantom experiments at 3T verify the expected benefit for total accumulated k-space signal when compared with published flip angle series. Describing

Density‐weighted concentric circle trajectories for high resolution brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 7T

PubMed Central

Hingerl, Lukas; Moser, Philipp; Považan, Michal; Hangel, Gilbert; Heckova, Eva; Gruber, Stephan; Trattnig, Siegfried; Strasser, Bernhard

2017-01-01

Purpose Full‐slice magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at ≥7 T is especially vulnerable to lipid contaminations arising from regions close to the skull. This contamination can be mitigated by improving the point spread function via higher spatial resolution sampling and k‐space filtering, but this prolongs scan times and reduces the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) efficiency. Currently applied parallel imaging methods accelerate magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging scans at 7T, but increase lipid artifacts and lower SNR‐efficiency further. In this study, we propose an SNR‐efficient spatial‐spectral sampling scheme using concentric circle echo planar trajectories (CONCEPT), which was adapted to intrinsically acquire a Hamming‐weighted k‐space, thus termed density‐weighted‐CONCEPT. This minimizes voxel bleeding, while preserving an optimal SNR. Theory and Methods Trajectories were theoretically derived and verified in phantoms as well as in the human brain via measurements of five volunteers (single‐slice, field‐of‐view 220 × 220 mm2, matrix 64 × 64, scan time 6 min) with free induction decay magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. Density‐weighted‐CONCEPT was compared to (a) the originally proposed CONCEPT with equidistant circles (here termed e‐CONCEPT), (b) elliptical phase‐encoding, and (c) 5‐fold Controlled Aliasing In Parallel Imaging Results IN Higher Acceleration accelerated elliptical phase‐encoding. Results By intrinsically sampling a Hamming‐weighted k‐space, density‐weighted‐CONCEPT removed Gibbs‐ringing artifacts and had in vivo +9.5%, +24.4%, and +39.7% higher SNR than e‐CONCEPT, elliptical phase‐encoding, and the Controlled Aliasing In Parallel Imaging Results IN Higher Acceleration accelerated elliptical phase‐encoding (all P < 0.05), respectively, which lead to improved metabolic maps. Conclusion Density‐weighted‐CONCEPT provides clinically attractive full‐slice high�

Nature's engineering: Giant magnetic exchange bias > 1T in a natural mineral

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEnroe, S. A.; Carter-Stiglitz, B.; Harrison, R. J.; Robinson, P.; McCammon, C.

2006-12-01

Magnetic exchange bias is a phenomenon whereby the hysteresis loop of a "soft" magnetic phase is shifted along the applied field axis by an amount of exchange due to interaction with a "hard" magnetic phase. Exchange bias is the subject of intense experimental and theoretical investigation because of its widespread technological applications and recent advances in manipulating nanoscale materials. Understanding the physical origin of exchange bias has been hampered, by the general uncertainty in the crystal and magnetic structure of the interface between hard and soft phases. Here we discuss a natural sample that has one of the largest exchange biases ever reported, nearly 1 Tesla (T) in a 1.5 T field and is the first documented example of exchange bias of this magnitude in a natural mineral. We demonstrate that exchange bias in this system is due to the interaction between coherently intergrown magnetic phases, formed through a natural process of phase separation during slow cooling. These extreme properties are found in a sample of titanohematite (15- 19 percent Ti-substitution ) from the 1 Gyr metamorphic rocks of the Modum district, south Norway. Low temperature magnetic measurements demonstrate the nature of the giant exchange bias. Transmission electron microscopy, electron microprobe analyses combined with Mossbauer measurements, at room and low temperature, are used to identify the interacting phases. The titanohematite contain ilmenite lamellae which are mostly sub-unit cell size. Fe-rutile is also present as an intergrowth phase.

RGD-functionalized ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles for targeted T1-weighted MR imaging of gliomas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Yu; Yang, Jia; Yan, Yu; Li, Jingchao; Shen, Mingwu; Zhang, Guixiang; Mignani, Serge; Shi, Xiangyang

2015-08-01

We report a convenient approach to prepare ultrasmall Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with an arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) peptide for in vitro and in vivo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of gliomas. In our work, stable sodium citrate-stabilized Fe3O4 NPs were prepared by a solvothermal route. Then, the carboxylated Fe3O4 NPs stabilized with sodium citrate were conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-linked RGD. The formed ultrasmall RGD-functionalized nanoprobe (Fe3O4-PEG-RGD) was fully characterized using different techniques. We show that these Fe3O4-PEG-RGD particles with a size of 2.7 nm are water-dispersible, stable, cytocompatible and hemocompatible in a given concentration range, and display targeting specificity to glioma cells overexpressing αvβ3 integrin in vitro. With the relatively high r1 relaxivity (r1 = 1.4 mM-1 s-1), the Fe3O4-PEG-RGD particles can be used as an efficient nanoprobe for targeted T1-weighted positive MR imaging of glioma cells in vitro and the xenografted tumor model in vivo via an active RGD-mediated targeting pathway. The developed RGD-functionalized Fe3O4 NPs may hold great promise to be used as a nanoprobe for targeted T1-weighted MR imaging of different αvβ3 integrin-overexpressing cancer cells or biological systems.We report a convenient approach to prepare ultrasmall Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with an arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) peptide for in vitro and in vivo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of gliomas. In our work, stable sodium citrate-stabilized Fe3O4 NPs were prepared by a solvothermal route. Then, the carboxylated Fe3O4 NPs stabilized with sodium citrate were conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-linked RGD. The formed ultrasmall RGD-functionalized nanoprobe (Fe3O4-PEG-RGD) was fully characterized using different techniques. We show that these Fe3O4-PEG-RGD particles with a size of 2.7 nm are water-dispersible, stable, cytocompatible and hemocompatible in a given concentration

T2-weighted four dimensional magnetic resonance imaging with result-driven phase sorting

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

Liu, Yilin; Yin, Fang-Fang; Cai, Jing, E-mail: jing.cai@duke.edu

2015-08-15

involved in an IRB-approved study to investigate the feasibility of this technique. Results: 4D data acquisition completeness (C{sub p}) increases as NR increases in an inverse-exponential fashion (C{sub p} = 100 − 99 × exp(−0.18 × N{sub R}), when N{sub B} = 6, fitted using 29 patients’ data). The N{sub R} required for 4D-MRI reconstruction (defined as achieving 95% completeness, C{sub p} = 95%, N{sub R} = N{sub R,95}) is proportional to N{sub B} (N{sub R,95} ∼ 2.86 × N{sub B}, r = 1.0), but independent of N{sub S} and P{sub 0}. Simulated XCAT 4D-MRI showed a clear pattern of respiratory motion. Tumor motion trajectories measured on 4D-MRI were comparable to the average input signal, with a mean relative amplitude error of 2.7% ± 2.9%. Reconstructed 4D-MRI for healthy volunteers illustrated clear respiratory motion on three orthogonal planes, with minimal image artifacts. The artifacts were presumably caused by breathing irregularity and incompleteness of data acquisition (95% acquired only). The mean relative amplitude error between critical structure trajectory and average breathing curve for 12 healthy volunteers is 2.5 ± 0.3 mm in superior–inferior direction. Conclusions: A novel T2-weighted retrospective phase sorting 4D-MRI technique has been developed and successfully applied on digital phantom and healthy volunteers.« less

Detection of the index tumour and tumour volume in prostate cancer using T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone.

PubMed

Rud, Erik; Klotz, Dagmar; Rennesund, Kristin; Baco, Eduard; Berge, Viktor; Lien, Diep; Svindland, Aud; Lundeby, Eskild; Berg, Rolf E; Eri, Lars M; Eggesbø, Heidi B

2014-12-01

To examine the performance of T2-weighted (T2W) and diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting the index tumour in patients with prostate cancer and to examine the agreement between MRI and histology when assessing tumour volume (TV) and overall tumour burden. The study included 199 consecutive patients with biopsy confirmed prostate cancer randomised to MRI before radical prostatectomy from December 2009 to July 2012. MRI-detected tumours (MRTs) were ranked from 1 to 3 according to decreasing volume and were compared with histologically detected tumours (HTs) ranked from 1 to 3, with HT 1 = index tumour. Whole-mount section histology was used as a reference standard. The TVs of true-positive MRTs (MRTVs 1-3) were compared with the TVs found by histology (HTVs 1-3). All tumours were registered on a 30-sector map and by classifying each sector as positive/negative, the rate of true-positive and -negative sectors was calculated. The detection rate for the HT 1 (index tumour) was 92%; HT 2, 45%; and HT 3, 37%. The MRTV 1-3 vs the HTV 1-3 were 2.8 mL vs 4.0 mL (index tumour, P < 0.001), 1.0 mL vs 0.9 mL (tumour 2, P = 0.413), and 0.6 mL vs 0.5 mL (tumour 3, P = 0.492). The rate of true-positive and -negative sectors was 50% and 88%, κ = 0.39. A combination of T2W and DW MRI detects the index tumour in 92% of cases, although MRI underestimates both TV and tumour burden compared with histology. © 2014 The Authors. BJU International © 2014 BJU International.

SU-E-J-157: Improving the Quality of T2-Weighted 4D Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Clinical Evaluation

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

Du, D; Mutic, S; Hu, Y

2014-06-01

Purpose: To develop an imaging technique that enables us to acquire T2- weighted 4D Magnetic Resonance Imaging (4DMRI) with sufficient spatial coverage, temporal resolution and spatial resolution for clinical evaluation. Methods: T2-weighed 4DMRI images were acquired from a healthy volunteer using a respiratory amplitude triggered T2-weighted Turbo Spin Echo sequence. 10 respiratory states were used to equally sample the respiratory range based on amplitude (0%, 20%i, 40%i, 60%i, 80%i, 100%, 80%e, 60%e, 40%e and 20%e). To avoid frequent scanning halts, a methodology was devised that split 10 respiratory states into two packages in an interleaved manner and packages were acquiredmore » separately. Sixty 3mm sagittal slices at 1.5mm in-plane spatial resolution were acquired to offer good spatial coverage and reasonable spatial resolution. The in-plane field of view was 375mm × 260mm with nominal scan time of 3 minutes 42 seconds. Acquired 2D images at the same respiratory state were combined to form the 3D image set corresponding to that respiratory state and reconstructed in the coronal view to evaluate whether all slices were at the same respiratory state. 3D image sets of 10 respiratory states represented a complete 4D MRI image set. Results: T2-weighted 4DMRI image were acquired in 10 minutes which was within clinical acceptable range. Qualitatively, the acquired MRI images had good image quality for delineation purposes. There were no abrupt position changes in reconstructed coronal images which confirmed that all sagittal slices were in the same respiratory state. Conclusion: We demonstrated it was feasible to acquire T2-weighted 4DMRI image set within a practical amount of time (10 minutes) that had good temporal resolution (10 respiratory states), spatial resolution (1.5mm × 1.5mm × 3.0mm) and spatial coverage (60 slices) for future clinical evaluation.« less

Magnetic structure in Mn1 -xCoxGe compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altynbaev, E.; Siegfried, S.-A.; Strauß, P.; Menzel, D.; Heinemann, A.; Fomicheva, L.; Tsvyashchenko, A.; Grigoriev, S.

2018-04-01

The magnetic system of the pseudobinary compound Mn1 -xCoxGe has been studied using small-angle neutron scattering and susceptibility measurements. It is found that Mn1 -xCoxGe orders magnetically at low temperatures in the whole concentration range of x ∈[0 /0.9 ] . Four different states of the magnetic structure have been found at low temperatures: the long-range-ordered (LRO) short-period helical magnetic structure at x 1≈0.25 , with helical wave vector ks≃2 nm-1 ; the short-range-ordered (SRO) short-period helical magnetic structure at xc 1≤x ≤xc 2≈0.45 ; the long-period helical magnetic structure at xc 21 nm-1 ; and the ferromagneticlike structure at x ≈0.9 .

Molecular Imaging of Tumors Using a Quantitative T1 Mapping Technique via Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PubMed Central

Herrmann, Kelsey; Johansen, Mette L.; Craig, Sonya E.; Vincent, Jason; Howell, Michael; Gao, Ying; Lu, Lan; Erokwu, Bernadette; Agnes, Richard S.; Lu, Zheng-Rong; Pokorski, Jonathan K.; Basilion, James; Gulani, Vikas; Griswold, Mark; Flask, Chris; Brady-Kalnay, Susann M.

2015-01-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with molecular imaging agents would allow for the specific localization of brain tumors. Prior studies using T1-weighted MR imaging demonstrated that the SBK2-Tris-(Gd-DOTA)3 molecular imaging agent labeled heterotopic xenograft models of brain tumors more intensely than non-specific contrast agents using conventional T1-weighted imaging techniques. In this study, we used a dynamic quantitative T1 mapping strategy to more objectively compare intra-tumoral retention of the SBK2-Tris-(Gd-DOTA)3 agent over time in comparison to non-targeted control agents. Our results demonstrate that the targeted SBK2-Tris-(Gd-DOTA)3 agent, a scrambled-Tris-(Gd-DOTA)3 control agent, and the non-specific clinical contrast agent Optimark™ all enhanced flank tumors of human glioma cells with similar maximal changes on T1 mapping. However, the retention of the agents differs. The non-specific agents show significant recovery within 20 min by an increase in T1 while the specific agent SBK2-Tris-(Gd-DOTA)3 is retained in the tumors and shows little recovery over 60 min. The retention effect is demonstrated by percent change in T1 values and slope calculations as well as by calculations of gadolinium concentration in tumor compared to muscle. Quantitative T1 mapping demonstrates the superior binding and retention in tumors of the SBK2-Tris-(Gd-DOTA)3 agent over time compared to the non-specific contrast agent currently in clinical use. PMID:26435847

Effect of low refocusing angle in T1-weighted spin echo and fast spin echo MRI on low-contrast detectability: a comparative phantom study at 1.5 and 3 Tesla.

PubMed

Sarkar, Subhendra N; Mangosing, Jason L; Sarkar, Pooja R

2013-01-01

MRI tissue contrast is not well preserved at high field. In this work, we used a phantom with known, intrinsic contrast (3.6%) for model tissue pairs to test the effects of low angle refocusing pulses and magnetization transfer from adjacent slices on intrinsic contrast at 1.5 and 3 Tesla. Only T1-weighted spin echo sequences were tested since for such sequences the contrast loss, tissue heating, and image quality degradation at high fields seem to present significant diagnostic and quality issues. We hypothesized that the sources of contrast loss could be attributed to low refocusing angles that do not fulfill the Hahn spin echo conditions or to magnetization transfer effects from adjacent slices in multislice imaging. At 1.5 T the measured contrast was 3.6% for 180° refocusing pulses and 2% for 120° pulses, while at 3 T, it was 4% for 180° and only 1% for 120° refocusing pulses. There was no significant difference between single slice and multislice imaging suggesting little or no role played by magnetization transfer in the phantom chosen. Hence, one may conclude that low angle refocusing pulses not fulfilling the Hahn spin echo conditions are primarily responsible for significant deterioration of T1-weighted spin echo image contrast in high-field MRI.

GRE T2∗-Weighted MRI: Principles and Clinical Applications

PubMed Central

Tang, Meng Yue; Chen, Tian Wu; Zhang, Xiao Ming; Huang, Xiao Hua

2014-01-01

The sequence of a multiecho gradient recalled echo (GRE) T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI) is a relatively new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. In contrast to T2 relaxation, which acquires a spin echo signal, T2* relaxation acquires a gradient echo signal. The sequence of a GRE T2*WI requires high uniformity of the magnetic field. GRE T2*WI can detect the smallest changes in uniformity in the magnetic field and can improve the rate of small lesion detection. In addition, the T2* value can indirectly reflect changes in tissue biochemical components. Moreover, it can be used for the early diagnosis and quantitative diagnosis of some diseases. This paper reviews the principles and clinical applications as well as the advantages and disadvantages of GRE T2*WI. PMID:24987676

Development of PEGylated KMnF3 nanoparticles as a T1-weighted contrast agent: chemical synthesis, in vivo brain MR imaging, and accounting for high relaxivity.

PubMed

Liu, Zhi-jun; Song, Xiao-xia; Tang, Qun

2013-06-07

Magnetic nanoparticles consisting of manganese-based T1-weighted contrast agents have rapidly achieved clinical application, however low proton relaxivity impedes further development. In this report, by analyzing nanoparticles' surface oxidation states we propose the possible reason for the low r1 relaxivity of common MnO nanoparticles and develop PEGylated fluoroperovskite KMnF3 nanoparticles as new T1-weighted contrast agents, which exhibit the highest longitudinal relaxivity (r1 = 23.15 mM(-1) s(-1)) among all the reported manganese-based T1-weighted contrast agents. We, for the first time, illustrate a typical example showing that the surface oxidation states of metal ions exposed on the nanoparticles' surfaces are able to influence not only the optical, magnetic, electronic or catalytic properties but also water proton longitudinal relaxivity when applied as an MRI contrast agent. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrate that the PEGylated KMnF3 nanoparticles are free from toxicity. Further in vivo MRI experiments distinctively depict fine anatomical features in brain imaging at a low dose of 5 mg of Mn per kg and possible removal from the kidneys due to their small size and biocompatibility.

Europium-doped gadolinium sulfide nanoparticles as a dual-mode imaging agent for T1-weighted MR and photoluminescence imaging.

PubMed

Jung, Jongjin; Kim, Mi Ae; Cho, Jee-Hyun; Lee, Seung Jae; Yang, Ilseung; Cho, Janggeun; Kim, Seong Keun; Lee, Chulhyun; Park, Joung Kyu

2012-08-01

We present a facile synthesis of europium-doped gadolinium sulfide (GdS:Eu(3+)) opto-magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) via sonochemistry. Their photoluminescence and strong paramagnetic properties enable these NPs to be utilized as an in vitro cell imaging and in vivo T(1)-weighted MR imaging probe. The GdS:Eu(3+) NPs have a prominent longitudinal (r(1)) relaxivity value, which is a critical parameter for T(1)-weighted MR imaging. Here, we showed not only their strong positive contrast effect to blood vessels and organs of mice, but also blood half-life and biodistribution including clearance from organs, in order to assess the GdS:Eu(3+) NPs as a competent nanocrystal-based T(1) contrast agent. We further showed confocal images of breast cancer cells containing GdS:Eu(3+) NPs to evaluate as a photoluminescence probe. Dual-mode imaging capability obtained from the GdS:Eu(3+) NPs will allow target-oriented cellular imaging as well as the resulting disease-specific MR imaging. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional functional magnetic resonance imaging of human brain on a clinical 1.5-T scanner.

PubMed Central

van Gelderen, P; Ramsey, N F; Liu, G; Duyn, J H; Frank, J A; Weinberger, D R; Moonen, C T

1995-01-01

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a tool for mapping brain function that utilizes neuronal activity-induced changes in blood oxygenation. An efficient three-dimensional fMRI method is presented for imaging brain activity on conventional, widely available, 1.5-T scanners, without additional hardware. This approach uses large magnetic susceptibility weighting based on the echo-shifting principle combined with multiple gradient echoes per excitation. Motor stimulation, induced by self-paced finger tapping, reliably produced significant signal increase in the hand region of the contralateral primary motor cortex in every subject tested. Images Fig. 2 Fig. 3 PMID:7624341

T1-Weighted MR imaging of liver tumor by gadolinium-encapsulated glycol chitosan nanoparticles without non-specific toxicity in normal tissues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Na, Jin Hee; Lee, Sangmin; Koo, Heebeom; Han, Hyounkoo; Lee, Kyung Eun; Han, Seung Jin; Choi, Seung Hong; Kim, Hyuncheol; Lee, Seulki; Kwon, Ick Chan; Choi, Kuiwon; Kim, Kwangmeyung

2016-05-01

Herein, we have synthesized Gd(iii)-encapsulated glycol chitosan nanoparticles (Gd(iii)-CNPs) for tumor-targeted T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The T1 contrast agent, Gd(iii), was successfully encapsulated into 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA)-modified CNPs to form stable Gd(iii)-encapsulated CNPs (Gd(iii)-CNPs) with an average particle size of approximately 280 nm. The stable nanoparticle structure of Gd(iii)-CNPs is beneficial for liver tumor accumulation by the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect. Moreover, the amine groups on the surface of Gd(iii)-CNPs could be protonated and could induce fast cellular uptake at acidic pH in tumor tissue. To assay the tumor-targeting ability of Cy5.5-labeled Gd(iii)-CNPs, near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging and MR imaging were used in a liver tumor model as well as a subcutaneous tumor model. Cy5.5-labeled Gd(iii)-CNPs generated highly intense fluorescence and T1 MR signals in tumor tissues after intravenous injection, while DOTAREM®, the commercialized control MR contrast agent, showed very low tumor-targeting efficiency on MR images. Furthermore, damaged tissues were found in the livers and kidneys of mice injected with DOTAREM®, but there were no obvious adverse effects with Gd(iii)-CNPs. Taken together, these results demonstrate the superiority of Gd(iii)-CNPs as a tumor-targeting T1 MR agent.Herein, we have synthesized Gd(iii)-encapsulated glycol chitosan nanoparticles (Gd(iii)-CNPs) for tumor-targeted T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The T1 contrast agent, Gd(iii), was successfully encapsulated into 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA)-modified CNPs to form stable Gd(iii)-encapsulated CNPs (Gd(iii)-CNPs) with an average particle size of approximately 280 nm. The stable nanoparticle structure of Gd(iii)-CNPs is beneficial for liver tumor accumulation by the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect. Moreover, the

Fat suppression at three-dimensional T1-weighted MR imaging of the hands: Dixon method versus CHESS technique.

PubMed

Kirchgesner, T; Perlepe, V; Michoux, N; Larbi, A; Vande Berg, B

2018-01-01

To compare the effectiveness of fat suppression and the image quality of the Dixon method with those of the chemical shift-selective (CHESS) technique in hands of normal subjects at non-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted MR imaging. Both hands of 14 healthy volunteers were imaged with 3D fast spoiled gradient echo (FSPGR) T1-weighted Dixon, 3D FSPGR T1-weighted CHESS and 3D T1-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) CHESS sequences in a 1.5T MR scanner. Three radiologists scored the effectiveness of fat suppression in bone marrow (EFS BM ) and soft tissues (EFS ST ) in 20 joints per subject. One radiologist measured the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in 10 bones per subject. Statistical analysis used two-way ANOVA with random effects (P<0.0083), paired t-test (P<0.05) and observed agreement to assess differences in effectiveness of fat suppression, differences in SNR and interobserver agreement. EFS BM was statistically significantly higher for the 3D FSPGR T1-weighted Dixon than for the 3D FSPGR T1-weighted CHESS sequence and the 3D FSE T1-weighted CHESS sequence (P<0.0001). EFS ST was statistically significantly higher for the 3D FSPGR T1-weighted Dixon than for the 3D FSPGR T1-weighted CHESS sequence (P<0.0011) and for the 3D FSE T1-weighted CHESS sequence in the axial plane (P=0.0028). Mean SNR was statistically significantly higher for 3D FSPGR T1-weighted Dixon sequence than for 3D FSPGR T1-weighted CHESS and 3D FSE T1-weighted CHESS sequences (P<0.0001). The Dixon method yields more effective fat suppression and higher SNR than the CHESS technique at 3D T1-weighted MR imaging of the hands. Copyright © 2017 Éditions françaises de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Fast T2*-weighted MRI of the prostate at 3 Tesla.

PubMed

Hardman, Rulon L; El-Merhi, Fadi; Jung, Adam J; Ware, Steve; Thompson, Ian M; Friel, Harry T; Peng, Qi

2011-04-01

To describe a rapid T2*-weighted (T2*W), three-dimensional (3D) echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence and its application in mapping local magnetic susceptibility variations in 3 Tesla (T) prostate MRI. To compare the sensitivity of T2*W EPI with routinely used T1-weighted turbo-spin echo sequence (T1W TSE) in detecting hemorrhage and the implications on sequences sensitive to field inhomogeneities such as MR spectroscopy (MRS). B(0) susceptibility weighted mapping was performed using a 3D EPI sequence featuring a 2D spatial excitation pulse with gradients of spiral k-space trajectory. A series of 11 subjects were imaged using 3T MRI and combination endorectal (ER) and six-channel phased array cardiac coils. T1W TSE and T2*W EPI sequences were analyzed quantitatively for hemorrhage contrast. Point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS MRS) was performed and data quality was analyzed. Two types of susceptibility variation were identified: hemorrhagic and nonhemorrhagic T2*W-positive areas. Post-biopsy hemorrhage lesions showed on average five times greater contrast on the T2*W images than T1W TSE images. Six nonhemorrhage regions of severe susceptibility artifact were apparent on the T2*W images that were not seen on standard T1W or T2W images. All nonhemorrhagic susceptibility artifact regions demonstrated compromised spectral quality on 3D MRS. The fast T2*W EPI sequence identifies hemorrhagic and nonhemorrhagic areas of susceptibility variation that may be helpful in prostate MRI planning at 3.0T. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Discrimination of benign and malignant lymph nodes at 7.0T compared to 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging using ultrasmall particles of iron oxide: a feasibility preclinical study.

PubMed

Kinner, Sonja; Maderwald, Stefan; Albert, Juliane; Parohl, Nina; Corot, Claire; Robert, Philippe; Baba, Hideo A; Barkhausen, Jörg

2013-12-01

To investigate the feasibility and performance of 7T magnetic resonance imaging compared to 1.5T imaging to discriminate benign (normal and inflammatory changed) from tumor-bearing lymph nodes in rabbits using ultrasmall particles of iron oxide (USPIO)-based contrast agents. Six New Zealand White rabbits were inoculated with either complete Freund's adjuvant cell suspension (n = 3) to induce reactively enlarged lymph nodes or with VX2 tumor cells to produce metastatic lymph nodes (n = 3). Image acquisition was performed before and 24 hours after bolus injection of an USPIO contrast agent at 1.5T and afterward at 7T using T1-weighted and T2*-weighted sequences. Sensitivities, specificities, and negative and positive predictive values for the detection of lymph node metastases were calculated for both field strengths with histopathology serving as reference standard. Sizes of lymph nodes with no, inflammatory, and malignant changes were compared using a Mann-Whitney U-test. All 24 lymph nodes were detected at 1.5T as well as at 7T. At 1.5T, sensitivity amounted to 0.67, while specificity reached a value of 1. At the higher field strength (7T), imaging was able to reach sensitivity and specificity values of 1. No statistical differences were detected concerning lymph node sizes. Magnetic resonance lymphography with USPIO contrast agents allows for differentiation of normal and reactively enlarged lymph nodes compared to metastatic nodes. First experiments at 7T show promising results compared to 1.5T, which have to be evaluated in further trials. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of bilayer manganite La1.38Sr1.62Mn2O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yu-E.; Xie, Yunfei; Xu, Lisha; Hu, Dazhi; Ma, Chunlan; Ling, Langsheng; Tong, Wei; Pi, Li; Zhang, Yuheng; Fan, Jiyu

2018-04-01

In this study, we investigated the structural, magnetic phase transition, and magnetocaloric properties of bilayer perovskite manganite La1.38Sr1.62Mn2O7 based on X-ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance, and temperature-/magnetic field-dependent magnetization measurements. The structural characterization results showed the prepared sample had a tetragonal structure with the space group I4/mmm. The Curie temperature was determined as 114 K in the magnetization studies and a second-order paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition was confirmed by the Arrott plot, which showed that the slopes were positive for all the curves. According to the variation in the electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum, we detected obvious electronic phase separation across a broad temperature range from 220 to 80 K in this magnetic material, thereby indicating that the paramagnetic and ferromagnetic phases coexist above as well as below the Curie temperature. Based on a plot of the isothermal magnetization versus the magnetic applied field, we deduced the maximum magnetic entropy change, which only reached 1.89 J/kg.K under an applied magnetic field of 7.0 T. These theoretical investigations indicated that in addition to the magnetoelastic couplings and electron interaction, electronic phase separation and anisotropic exchange interactions also affect the magnetic entropy changes in this bilayer manganite.

Differentiating Laryngeal Carcinomas from Precursor Lesions by Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 3.0 T: A Preliminary Study

PubMed Central

Shang, De-Sheng; Ruan, Ling-Xiang; Zhou, Shui-Hong; Bao, Yang-Yang; Cheng, Ke-Jia; Wang, Qin-Ying

2013-01-01

Background Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) has been introduced in head and neck cancers. Due to limitations in the performance of laryngeal DWI, including the complex anatomical structure of the larynx leading to susceptibility effects, the value of DWI in differentiating benign from malignant laryngeal lesions has largely been ignored. We assessed whether a threshold for the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was useful in differentiating preoperative laryngeal carcinomas from precursor lesions by turbo spin-echo (TSE) DWI and 3.0-T magnetic resonance. Methods We evaluated DWI and the ADC value in 33 pathologically proven laryngeal carcinomas and 17 precancerous lesions. Results The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 81.8%, 64.7%, 76.0% by laryngostroboscopy, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of conventional magnetic resonance imaging were 90.9%, 76.5%, 86.0%, respectively. Qualitative DWI analysis produced sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values of 100.0, 88.2, and 96.0%, respectively. The ADC values were lower for patients with laryngeal carcinoma (mean 1.195±0.32×10−3 mm2/s) versus those with laryngeal precancerous lesions (mean 1.780±0.32×10−3 mm2/s; P<0.001). ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.956 and the optimum threshold for the ADC was 1.455×10−3 mm2/s, resulting in a sensitivity of 94.1%, a specificity of 90.9%, and an accuracy of 92.9%. Conclusions Despite some limitations, including the small number of laryngeal carcinomas included, DWI may detect changes in tumor size and shape before they are visible by laryngostroboscopy. The ADC values were lower for patients with laryngeal carcinoma than for those with laryngeal precancerous lesions. The proposed cutoff for the ADC may help distinguish laryngeal carcinomas from laryngeal precancerous lesions. PMID:23874693

Electronic Structure and Magnetic Phase Transition in Helicoidal Fe1 - x Co x Si Ferromagnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Povzner, A. A.; Volkov, A. G.; Nogovitsyna, T. A.

2018-02-01

LSDA + U + SO calculations of the electronic structure of helicoidal Fe1 - x Co x Si ferromagnets within the virtual crystal approximation have been supplemented with the consideration of the Dzyaloshinski-Moriya interaction and ferromagnetic fluctuations of the spin density of collective d electrons with the Hubbard interactions at Fe and Co atoms randomly distributed over sites. The magnetic-state equation in the developed model describes helicoidal ferromagnetism and its disappearance accompanied by the occurrence of a maximum of uniform magnetic susceptibility at temperature T C and chiral fluctuations of the local magnetization at T > T C . The reasons why the magnetic contribution to the specific heat at the magnetic phase transition changes monotonically and the volume coefficient of thermal expansion (VCTE) at low temperatures is negative and has a wide minimum near T C have been investigated. It is shown that the VCTE changes sign when passing to the paramagnetic state (at temperature T S ).

Structural and magnetic phase transitions near optimal superconductivity in BaFe 2(As 1-xP x) 2

DOE PAGES

Hu, Ding; Lu, Xingye; Zhang, Wenliang; ...

2015-04-17

In this study, we use nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution x-ray and neutron scattering to study structural and magnetic phase transitions in phosphorus-doped BaFe 2(As 1-xP x) 2. Thus, previous transport, NMR, specific heat, and magnetic penetration depth measurements have provided compelling evidence for the presence of a quantum critical point (QCP) near optimal superconductivity at x = 0.3. However, we show that the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic structural (T s) and paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic (AF, T N) transitions in BaFe 2(As 1-xP x) 2 are always coupled and approach to T N ≈ T s ≥ T c (≈ 29 K) formore » x = 0.29 before vanishing abruptly for x ≥ 0.3. These results suggest that AF order in BaFe 2(As 1-xP x) 2 disappears in a weakly first order fashion near optimal superconductivity, much like the electron-doped iron pnictides with an avoided QCP.« less

High-resolution heavily T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of the pituitary stalk in children with ectopic neurohypophysis.

PubMed

El Sanharawi, Imane; Tzarouchi, Loukia; Cardoen, Liesbeth; Martinerie, Laetitia; Leger, Juliane; Carel, Jean-Claude; Elmaleh-Berges, Monique; Alison, Marianne

2017-05-01

In anterior pituitary deficiency, patients with non visible pituitary stalk have more often multiple deficiencies and persistent deficiency than patients with visible pituitary stalk. To compare the diagnostic value of a high-resolution heavily T2-weighted sequence to 1.5-mm-thick unenhanced and contrast-enhanced sagittal T1-weighted sequences to assess the presence of the pituitary stalk in children with ectopic posterior pituitary gland. We retrospectively evaluated the MRI data of 14 children diagnosed with ectopic posterior pituitary gland between 2010 and 2014. We evaluated the presence of a pituitary stalk using a sagittal high-resolution heavily T2-weighted sequence and a 1.5-mm sagittal T1-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence before and after contrast medium administration. A pituitary stalk was present on at least one of the sequences in 10 of the 14 children (71%). T2-weighted sequence depicted the pituitary stalk in all 10 children, whereas the 1.5-mm-thick T1-weighted sequence depicted 2/10 (20%) before contrast injection and 8/10 (80%) after contrast injection (P=0.007). Compared with 1.5-mm-thick contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences, high-resolution heavily T2-weighted sequence demonstrates better sensitivity in detecting the pituitary stalk in children with ectopic posterior pituitary gland, suggesting that contrast injection is unnecessary to assess the presence of a pituitary stalk in this setting.

Magnetic structure and magnetocalorics of GdPO 4

DOE PAGES

Palacios, E.; Rodriguez-Velamazsn, J. A.; Evangelisti, Marco; ...

2014-12-12

The magnetic ordering structure of GdPO 4 is determined at T = 60 mK by diffraction of hot neutrons with wavelength = 0.4696 Å. It corresponds to a non-collinear antiferromagnetic arrangement of the Gd moments with propagation vector k = (1/2, 0, 1/2). This arrangement is found to minimize the dipole-dipole interaction and the crystal field anisotropy energy, the magnetic superexchange being much smaller. The intensity of the magnetic reflections decreases with increasing temperature and vanishes at T ≈ 0.8 K, in agreement with the magnetic ordering temperature T N = 0.77 K, as reported in previous works based onmore » heat capacity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The magnetocaloric parameters have been determined from heat capacity data at constant applied fields up to 7 T, as well as from isothermal magnetization data. Lastly, the magnetocaloric effect, for a field change ΔB = 0 – 7T, reaches –ΔS T = 375.8mJ / cm 3K –1 at T = 2.1 K, largely exceeding the maximum values reported to date for Gd-based magnetic refrigerants.« less

A review of technical aspects of T1-weighted dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in human brain tumors.

PubMed

Bergamino, M; Bonzano, L; Levrero, F; Mancardi, G L; Roccatagliata, L

2014-09-01

In the last few years, several imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography, have been used to investigate the degree of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in patients with neurological diseases including multiple sclerosis, ischemic stroke, and brain tumors. One promising MRI method for assessing the BBB permeability of patients with neurological diseases in vivo is T1-weighted dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI. Here we review the technical issues involved in DCE-MRI in the study of human brain tumors. In the first part of this paper, theoretical models for the DCE-MRI analysis will be described, including the Toft-Kety models, the adiabatic approximation to the tissue homogeneity model and the two-compartment exchange model. These models can be used to estimate important kinetic parameters related to BBB permeability. In the second part of this paper, details of the data acquisition, issues related to the arterial input function, and procedures for DCE-MRI image analysis are illustrated. Copyright © 2014 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is magnetic resonance spectroscopy capable of detecting metabolic abnormalities in neurofibromatosis type 1 that are not revealed in brain parenchyma of normal appearance?

PubMed

Rodrigues, Antonio Carlos Pondé; Ferraz-Filho, José Roberto Lopes; Torres, Ulysses S; da Rocha, Antônio José; Muniz, Marcos Pontes; Souza, Antônio Soares; Goloni-Bertollo, Eny Maria; Pavarino, Érika Cristina

2015-03-01

Results of magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies in normal-appearing brain and in non-neoplastic brain lesions in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) have been discrepant. We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to analyze the metabolic patterns in the basal ganglia of patients with NF1 and examine their correlation with focal hyperintense lesions in T2-weighted images (T2-weighted hyperintensities). We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy data of 42 individuals with NF1 (18 with and 24 without T2- weighted hyperintensities) and 25 controls matched for gender and age. A single-voxel technique was employed by manually placing a region of interest with a uniform size over a predetermined anatomical region including the globus pallidum and putamen (capsulolenticular region). We further analyzed the ratios of choline/creatine, N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/creatine, and myoinositol/creatine metabolites and the occurrence of T2-weighted hyperintensities in these regions in individuals with NF1. There was a significant difference between the NF1 and control groups with regard to the mean values of myoinositol/creatine and choline/creatine, with higher metabolite values observed in the NF1 group (P < 0.001). Only the myoinositol/creatine ratio was able to discriminate between NF1 subgroups with and without T2-weighted hyperintensities. For the NAA/creatine ratio, there was no significant difference between the NF1 and the control groups. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy allows the characterization of tissue abnormalities not demonstrable in the structural images of individuals with NF1 through choline and myoinositol metabolite analysis. Yet the preserved NAA values argue against demyelination and axonal degeneration occurring in the region, suggesting instead a functional neuronal stability. Taken in association with the findings of lack of clinical manifestations and the known transient nature of T2-weighted hyperintensities in NF1 as demonstrated by other

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of uterine cervical cancer.

PubMed

Liu, Ying; Bai, Renju; Sun, Haoran; Liu, Haidong; Wang, Dehua

2009-01-01

To determine the feasibility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (DWI) of uterine cervical cancer and to investigate whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of cervical cancer differ from those of normal cervix and whether they could indicate the histologic type and the pathologic grade of tumor. Forty-two female patients with histopathologically proven uterine cervical cancer and 15 female patients with uterine leiomyomas underwent preoperative MR examinations using a 1.5-T clinical scanner (GE 1.5T Twin-Speed Infinity with Excite II scanner; GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wis). Scanning sequences included T2-weighted fast spin-echo imaging, T2-weighted fast spin-echo with fat suppression imaging, T1-weighted spin-echo imaging, and DWI with diffusion factors of 0 and 1000 s/mm2. Parameters evaluated consisted of ADC values of uterine cervical cancer and normal cervix. Histologic specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The cellular densities of 32 uterine cervical cancers were calculated, which were regarded as the ratio of the total area of tumor cell nuclei divided by the area of sample image. Apparent diffusion coefficient value was statistically different (P = 0.000) between normal and cancerous tissue in the uterine cervix; the former one was (mean [SD], 1.50 [0.16]) x 10(-3) mm2/s, and the latter one was (0.88 [0.15]) x 10(-3) mm2/s. Apparent diffusion coefficient value of squamous carcinoma was statistically lower than that of adenocarcinoma (P = 0.040). The ADC value of uterine cervical cancer correlated negatively with cellular density (r = -0.711, P = 0.000) and the grading of tumor (r = -0.778, P = 0.000). Diffusion-weighted MR imaging has a potential ability to differentiate between normal and cancerous tissue in the uterine cervix, and it can indicate the histologic type of uterine cervical cancer as well. The ADC value of uterine cervical cancer represents tumor cellular density, thus providing a new method for

Magnetic structure of rare-earth dodecaborides

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

Siemensmeyer, K.; Flachbart, K.; Gabani, S.

2006-09-15

We have investigated the magnetic structure of HoB{sub 12}, ErB{sub 12} and TmB{sub 12} by neutron diffraction on isotopically enriched single-crystalline samples. Results in zero field as well as in magnetic field up to 5T reveal modulated incommensurate magnetic structures in these compounds. The basic reflections can be indexed with q=(1/2+/-{delta}, 1/2+/-{delta}, 1/2+/-{delta}), where {delta}=0.035 both for HoB{sub 12} and TmB{sub 12} and with q=(3/2+/-{delta}, 1/2+/-{delta}, 1/2+/-{delta}), where {delta}=0.035, for ErB{sub 12}. In an applied magnetic field, new phases are observed. The complex magnetic structure of these materials seems to result from the interplay between the RKKY and dipole-dipole interaction.more » The role of frustration due to the fcc symmetry of dodecaborides and the crystalline electric field effect is also considered.« less

High-resolution T2-weighted cervical cancer imaging: a feasibility study on ultra-high-field 7.0-T MRI with an endorectal monopole antenna.

PubMed

Hoogendam, Jacob P; Kalleveen, Irene M L; de Castro, Catalina S Arteaga; Raaijmakers, Alexander J E; Verheijen, René H M; van den Bosch, Maurice A A J; Klomp, Dennis W J; Zweemer, Ronald P; Veldhuis, Wouter B

2017-03-01

We studied the feasibility of high-resolution T 2 -weighted cervical cancer imaging on an ultra-high-field 7.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system using an endorectal antenna of 4.7-mm thickness. A feasibility study on 20 stage IB1-IIB cervical cancer patients was conducted. All underwent pre-treatment 1.5-T MRI. At 7.0-T MRI, an external transmit/receive array with seven dipole antennae and a single endorectal monopole receive antenna were used. Discomfort levels were assessed. Following individualised phase-based B 1 + shimming, T 2 -weighted turbo spin echo sequences were completed. Patients had stage IB1 (n = 9), IB2 (n = 4), IIA1 (n = 1) or IIB (n = 6) cervical cancer. Discomfort (ten-point scale) was minimal at placement and removal of the endorectal antenna with a median score of 1 (range, 0-5) and 0 (range, 0-2) respectively. Its use did not result in adverse events or pre-term session discontinuation. To demonstrate feasibility, T 2 -weighted acquisitions from 7.0-T MRI are presented in comparison to 1.5-T MRI. Artefacts on 7.0-T MRI were due to motion, locally destructive B 1 interference, excessive B 1 under the external antennae and SENSE reconstruction. High-resolution T 2 -weighted 7.0-T MRI of stage IB1-IIB cervical cancer is feasible. The addition of an endorectal antenna is well tolerated by patients. • High resolution T 2 -weighted 7.0-T MRI of the inner female pelvis is challenging • We demonstrate a feasible approach for T 2 -weighted 7.0-T MRI of cervical cancer • An endorectal monopole receive antenna is well tolerated by participants • The endorectal antenna did not lead to adverse events or session discontinuation.

Magnetic properties of Gd T2Zn20 (T =Fe , Co) investigated by x-ray diffraction and spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mardegan, J. R. L.; Francoual, S.; Fabbris, G.; Veiga, L. S. I.; Strempfer, J.; Haskel, D.; Ribeiro, R. A.; Avila, M. A.; Giles, C.

2016-01-01

We investigate the magnetic and electronic properties of the Gd T2Zn20 (T =Fe and Co) compounds using x-ray resonant magnetic scattering (XRMS), x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). The XRMS measurements reveal that GdCo2Zn20 has a commensurate antiferromagnetic spin structure with a magnetic propagation vector τ ⃗=(1/2 ,1/2 ,1/2 ) below the Néel temperature (TN˜ 5.7 K). Only the Gd ions carry a magnetic moment forming an antiferromagnetic structure with magnetic representation Γ6. For the ferromagnetic GdFe2Zn20 compound, an extensive investigation was performed at low temperature and under magnetic field using XANES and XMCD. A strong XMCD signal of about 12.5 % and 9.7 % is observed below the Curie temperature (TC˜85 K ) at the Gd L2 and L3 edges, respectively. In addition, a small magnetic signal of about 0.06 % of the jump is recorded at the Zn K edge, suggesting that the Zn 4 p states are spin polarized by the Gd 5 d extended orbitals.

SU-F-R-35: Repeatability of Texture Features in T1- and T2-Weighted MR Images

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

Mahon, R; Weiss, E; Karki, K

Purpose: To evaluate repeatability of lung tumor texture features from inspiration/expiration MR image pairs for potential use in patient specific care models and applications. Repeatability is a desirable and necessary characteristic of features included in such models. Methods: T1-weighted Volumetric Interpolation Breath-Hold Examination (VIBE) and/or T2-weighted MRI scans were acquired for 15 patients with non-small cell lung cancer before and during radiotherapy for a total of 32 and 34 same session inspiration-expiration breath-hold image pairs respectively. Bias correction was applied to the VIBE (VIBE-BC) and T2-weighted (T2-BC) images. Fifty-nine texture features at five wavelet decomposition ratios were extracted from themore » delineated primary tumor including: histogram(HIST), gray level co-occurrence matrix(GLCM), gray level run length matrix(GLRLM), gray level size zone matrix(GLSZM), and neighborhood gray tone different matrix (NGTDM) based features. Repeatability of the texture features for VIBE, VIBE-BC, T2-weighted, and T2-BC image pairs was evaluated by the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) between corresponding image pairs, with a value greater than 0.90 indicating repeatability. Results: For the VIBE image pairs, the percentage of repeatable texture features by wavelet ratio was between 20% and 24% of the 59 extracted features; the T2-weighted image pairs exhibited repeatability in the range of 44–49%. The percentage dropped to 10–20% for the VIBE-BC images, and 12–14% for the T2-BC images. In addition, five texture features were found to be repeatable in all four image sets including two GLRLM, two GLZSM, and one NGTDN features. No single texture feature category was repeatable among all three image types; however, certain categories performed more consistently on a per image type basis. Conclusion: We identified repeatable texture features on T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans. These texture features should be further investigated

In vivo magnetization transfer and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging detects thrombus composition in a mouse model of deep vein thrombosis.

PubMed

Phinikaridou, Alkystis; Andia, Marcelo E; Saha, Prakash; Modarai, Bijan; Smith, Alberto; Botnar, René M

2013-05-01

Deep vein thrombosis remains a major health problem necessitating accurate diagnosis. Thrombolysis is associated with significant morbidity and is effective only for the treatment of unorganized thrombus. We tested the feasibility of in vivo magnetization transfer (MT) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to detect thrombus organization in a murine model of deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis was induced in the inferior vena cava of male BALB/C mice. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after thrombus induction using MT, diffusion-weighted, inversion-recovery, and T1-mapping protocols. Delayed enhancement and T1 mapping were repeated 2 hours after injection of a fibrin contrast agent. Finally, excised thrombi were used for histology. We found that MT and diffusion-weighted imaging can detect histological changes associated with thrombus aging. MT rate (MTR) maps and percentage of MT rate (%MTR) allowed visualization and quantification of the thrombus protein content, respectively. The %MTR increased with thrombus organization and was significantly higher at days 14, 21, and 28 after thrombus induction (days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28: %MTR=2483±451, 2079±1210, 7029±2490, 10 295±4356, 32 994±25 449; PANOVA<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the %MTR and the histological protein content of the thrombus (r=0.70; P<0.05). The apparent diffusion coefficient was lower in erythrocyte-rich and collagen-rich thrombus (0.72±0.10 and 0.69±0.05 [×10(-3) mm(2)/s]). Thrombus at days 7 and 14 had the highest apparent diffusion coefficient values (0.95±0.09 and 1.10±0.18 [×10(-3) mm(2)/s]). MT and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences are promising for the staging of thrombus composition and could be useful in guiding medical intervention.

Local T1-T2 distribution measurements in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vashaee, S.; Li, M.; Newling, B.; MacMillan, B.; Marica, F.; Kwak, H. T.; Gao, J.; Al-harbi, A. M.; Balcom, B. J.

2018-02-01

A novel slice-selective T1-T2 measurement is proposed to measure spatially resolved T1-T2 distributions. An adiabatic inversion pulse is employed for slice-selection. The slice-selective pulse is able to select a quasi-rectangular slice, on the order of 1 mm, at an arbitrary position within the sample. The method does not employ conventional selective excitation in which selective excitation is often accomplished by rotation of the longitudinal magnetization in the slice of interest into the transverse plane, but rather a subtraction based on CPMG data acquired with and without adiabatic inversion slice selection. T1 weighting is introduced during recovery from the inversion associated with slice selection. The local T1-T2 distributions measured are of similar quality to bulk T1-T2 measurements. The new method can be employed to characterize oil-water mixtures and other fluids in porous media. The method is beneficial when a coarse spatial distribution of the components is of interest.

Long-Time Variation of Magnetic Structure in (Pr xLa 1-x)Co 2Si 2: Coexistence of Slow and Fast Processes in Magnetic Phase Transition

DOE PAGES

Motoya, Kiyoichiro; Hagihala, Masato; Shigeoka, Toru; ...

2017-03-14

In this paper, long-time variations of the magnetic structure in PrCo 2Si 2 and (Pr 0.98La 0.02)Co 2Si 2 were studied by magnetization and time-resolved neutron scattering measurements. The amplitudes of magnetic Bragg peaks showed marked time variations after cooling or heating across the magnetic transition temperature T 1 between two different antiferromagnetic phases. However, the amplitude of the time variation decreased rapidly with increasing distance from T 1. Finally, we analyzed the results on the basis of a phase transition model that includes the coexistence of fast and slow processes.

Diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted MR imaging for colorectal liver metastases detection in a rat model at 7 T: a comparative study using histological examination as reference.

PubMed

Wagner, Mathilde; Maggiori, Léon; Ronot, Maxime; Paradis, Valérie; Vilgrain, Valérie; Panis, Yves; Van Beers, Bernard E

2013-08-01

To compare diffusion-weighted (DW) and T2-weighted MR imaging in detecting colorectal liver metastases in a rat model, using histological examination as a reference method. Eighteen rats had four liver injections of colon cancer cells. MR examinations at 7 T included FSE-T2-weighted imaging and SE-DW MR imaging (b = 0, 20 and 150 s/mm(2)) and were analysed by two independent readers. Histological examination was performed on 0.4-mm slices. McNemar's test was used to compare the sensitivities and the Wilcoxon matched pairs test to compare the average number of false-positives per rat. One hundred and sixty-six liver metastases were identified on histological examination. The sensitivity in detecting liver metastases was significantly higher on DW MR than on T2-weighted images (99/166 (60 %) (reader 1) and 92/166 (55 %) (reader 2) versus 77/166 (46 %), P ≤ 0.001), without an increase in false-positives per rat (P = 0.773/P = 0.850). After stratification according to metastasis diameter, DW MR imaging had a significantly higher sensitivity than T2-weighted imaging only for metastases with a diameter (0.6-1.2 mm) similar to that of the spatial resolution of MR imaging in the current study. This MR study with histological correlations shows the higher sensitivity of DW relative to T2-weighted imaging at 7 T for detecting liver metastases, especially small ones. • Diffusion weighted (DW) sequences are increasingly used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). • DW has higher sensitivity for liver metastases than T2-weighted imaging at 7 T. • This increase in sensitivity is especially marked for small liver metastasis detection. • This higher sensitivity is confirmed in an animal model with histological correlation. • DW imaging has the potential for earlier diagnosis of small liver metastases.

Magnetic properties and crystal structure of RENiA1 and UniA1 hydrides.

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

Bordallo, H. N.; Drulis, H.; Havela, L.

1999-08-11

RENiAl (RE = rare-earth metal) and UNiAl compounds crystallizing in the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type structure (space group P{bar 6}2m) can absorb up to 2 and 3 hydrogen (deuterium) atoms per formula unit, respectively. Hydrogenation leads to a notable lattice expansion and modification of magnetic properties. However, the impact of hydrogenation on magnetism is the opposite for 4f- and 5f-materials: TN(T{sub c})is lowered in the case of rare-earth hydrides, while for UNiAlH(D){sub x} it increases by an order of magnitude. Here we present results of magnetic and structure studies performed of these compounds, focusing on the correlation between magnetic and structural variationsmore » and discussing possible reasons of the striking difference in effect of hydrogenation on rare-earth and actinide intermetallics.« less

Simultaneous T1 and T2 Brain Relaxometry in Asymptomatic Volunteers using Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting.

PubMed

Badve, Chaitra; Yu, Alice; Rogers, Matthew; Ma, Dan; Liu, Yiying; Schluchter, Mark; Sunshine, Jeffrey; Griswold, Mark; Gulani, Vikas

2015-12-01

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a method of image acquisition that produces multiple MR parametric maps from a single scan. Here, we describe the normal range and progression of MRF-derived relaxometry values with age in healthy individuals. 56 normal volunteers (ages 11-71 years, M:F 24:32) were scanned. Regions of interest were drawn on T 1 and T 2 maps in 38 areas, including lobar and deep white matter, deep gray nuclei, thalami and posterior fossa structures. Relaxometry differences were assessed using a forward stepwise selection of a baseline model including either gender, age, or both, where variables were included if they contributed significantly (p<0.05). Additionally, differences in regional anatomy, including comparisons between hemispheres and between anatomical subcomponents, were assessed by paired t-tests. Using this protocol, MRF-derived T 1 and T 2 in frontal WM regions were found to increase in with age, while occipital and temporal regions remained relatively stable. Deep gray nuclei, including substantia nigra, were found to have age-related decreases in relaxometry. Gender differences were observed in T 1 and T 2 of temporal regions, cerebellum and pons. Males were also found to have more rapid age-related changes in frontal and parietal WM. Regional differences were identified between hemispheres, between genu and splenium of corpus callosum, and between posteromedial and anterolateral thalami. In conclusion, MRF quantification can measure relaxometry trends in healthy individuals that are in agreement with current understanding of neuroanatomy and neurobiology, and has the ability to uncover additional patterns that have not yet been explored.

Simultaneous T1 and T2 Brain Relaxometry in Asymptomatic Volunteers using Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting

PubMed Central

Badve, Chaitra; Yu, Alice; Rogers, Matthew; Ma, Dan; Liu, Yiying; Schluchter, Mark; Sunshine, Jeffrey; Griswold, Mark; Gulani, Vikas

2016-01-01

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a method of image acquisition that produces multiple MR parametric maps from a single scan. Here, we describe the normal range and progression of MRF-derived relaxometry values with age in healthy individuals. 56 normal volunteers (ages 11-71 years, M:F 24:32) were scanned. Regions of interest were drawn on T1 and T2 maps in 38 areas, including lobar and deep white matter, deep gray nuclei, thalami and posterior fossa structures. Relaxometry differences were assessed using a forward stepwise selection of a baseline model including either gender, age, or both, where variables were included if they contributed significantly (p<0.05). Additionally, differences in regional anatomy, including comparisons between hemispheres and between anatomical subcomponents, were assessed by paired t-tests. Using this protocol, MRF-derived T1 and T2 in frontal WM regions were found to increase in with age, while occipital and temporal regions remained relatively stable. Deep gray nuclei, including substantia nigra, were found to have age-related decreases in relaxometry. Gender differences were observed in T1 and T2 of temporal regions, cerebellum and pons. Males were also found to have more rapid age-related changes in frontal and parietal WM. Regional differences were identified between hemispheres, between genu and splenium of corpus callosum, and between posteromedial and anterolateral thalami. In conclusion, MRF quantification can measure relaxometry trends in healthy individuals that are in agreement with current understanding of neuroanatomy and neurobiology, and has the ability to uncover additional patterns that have not yet been explored. PMID:26824078

Normalization of white matter intensity on T1-weighted images of patients with acquired central nervous system demyelination.

PubMed

Ghassemi, Rezwan; Brown, Robert; Narayanan, Sridar; Banwell, Brenda; Nakamura, Kunio; Arnold, Douglas L

2015-01-01

Intensity variation between magnetic resonance images (MRI) hinders comparison of tissue intensity distributions in multicenter MRI studies of brain diseases. The available intensity normalization techniques generally work well in healthy subjects but not in the presence of pathologies that affect tissue intensity. One such disease is multiple sclerosis (MS), which is associated with lesions that prominently affect white matter (WM). To develop a T1-weighted (T1w) image intensity normalization method that is independent of WM intensity, and to quantitatively evaluate its performance. We calculated median intensity of grey matter and intraconal orbital fat on T1w images. Using these two reference tissue intensities we calculated a linear normalization function and applied this to the T1w images to produce normalized T1w (NT1) images. We assessed performance of our normalization method for interscanner, interprotocol, and longitudinal normalization variability, and calculated the utility of the normalization method for lesion analyses in clinical trials. Statistical modeling showed marked decreases in T1w intensity differences after normalization (P < .0001). We developed a WM-independent T1w MRI normalization method and tested its performance. This method is suitable for longitudinal multicenter clinical studies for the assessment of the recovery or progression of disease affecting WM. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Neuroimaging.

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting using echo-planar imaging: Joint quantification of T1 and T2∗ relaxation times.

PubMed

Rieger, Benedikt; Zimmer, Fabian; Zapp, Jascha; Weingärtner, Sebastian; Schad, Lothar R

2017-11-01

To develop an implementation of the magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) paradigm for quantitative imaging using echo-planar imaging (EPI) for simultaneous assessment of T 1 and T2∗. The proposed MRF method (MRF-EPI) is based on the acquisition of 160 gradient-spoiled EPI images with rapid, parallel-imaging accelerated, Cartesian readout and a measurement time of 10 s per slice. Contrast variation is induced using an initial inversion pulse, and varying the flip angles, echo times, and repetition times throughout the sequence. Joint quantification of T 1 and T2∗ is performed using dictionary matching with integrated B1+ correction. The quantification accuracy of the method was validated in phantom scans and in vivo in 6 healthy subjects. Joint T 1 and T2∗ parameter maps acquired with MRF-EPI in phantoms are in good agreement with reference measurements, showing deviations under 5% and 4% for T 1 and T2∗, respectively. In vivo baseline images were visually free of artifacts. In vivo relaxation times are in good agreement with gold-standard techniques (deviation T 1 : 4 ± 2%, T2∗: 4 ± 5%). The visual quality was comparable to the in vivo gold standard, despite substantially shortened scan times. The proposed MRF-EPI method provides fast and accurate T 1 and T2∗ quantification. This approach offers a rapid supplement to the non-Cartesian MRF portfolio, with potentially increased usability and robustness. Magn Reson Med 78:1724-1733, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

[Parametrial infiltration of cervix carcinoma: diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted SE sequences at 1.5 tesla].

PubMed

Scheidler, J; Heuck, A; Wencke, K; Kimmig, R; Müller-Lisse, U; Reiser, M

1997-04-01

To determine whether contrast-enhanced and fat-suppressed sequences contribute to the MR imaging diagnosis of parametrial invasion. 21 patients with carcinoma of the cervix were prospectively examined with a phased-array coil and a 1.5T MR-scanner using the following sequences: transverse T2-weighted turbo spin echo (T2-TSE), T1-weighted spin echo (T1-SE) and fat suppressed T1-weighted SE sequences before and after Gd-DTPA. The sequences were evaluated separately for the presence of parametrial invasion. Image quality and diagnostic confidence were classified on a scale of 0-10 (nondiagnostic-excellent). Findings were compared to the results of the pathohistological examination. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were highest for T2-TSE sequences (100%, 79% and 86%, respectively). Contrast-enhanced T1-SE sequences with fat-suppression (71%, 79%, and 76%) showed no improvement compared to T2-TSE. Unenhanced fat-suppressed T1-SE (100%, 30%, and 56%) and unenhanced T1-SE (100%, 7%, and 38%) as well as contrast-enhanced T1-SE (86%, 20%, and 47%) were significantly worse than T2-TSE. With similar image quality (p < 0.05) diagnostic confidence was higher on T2-TSE than on any of the other sequences (p < 0.001). Considering the cost-effectiveness of the examination, for the MR diagnosis of parametrial invasion the use of fat-suppressed contrast-enhanced sequences can be abandoned in favour of T2-weighted TSE sequences.

Texture features on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: new potential biomarkers for prostate cancer aggressiveness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vignati, A.; Mazzetti, S.; Giannini, V.; Russo, F.; Bollito, E.; Porpiglia, F.; Stasi, M.; Regge, D.

2015-04-01

To explore contrast (C) and homogeneity (H) gray-level co-occurrence matrix texture features on T2-weighted (T2w) Magnetic Resonance (MR) images and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps for predicting prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness, and to compare them with traditional ADC metrics for differentiating low- from intermediate/high-grade PCas. The local Ethics Committee approved this prospective study of 93 patients (median age, 65 years), who underwent 1.5 T multiparametric endorectal MR imaging before prostatectomy. Clinically significant (volume ≥0.5 ml) peripheral tumours were outlined on histological sections, contoured on T2w and ADC images, and their pathological Gleason Score (pGS) was recorded. C, H, and traditional ADC metrics (mean, median, 10th and 25th percentile) were calculated on the largest lesion slice, and correlated with the pGS through the Spearman correlation coefficient. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) assessed how parameters differentiate pGS = 6 from pGS ≥ 7. The dataset included 49 clinically significant PCas with a balanced distribution of pGS. The Spearman ρ and AUC values on ADC were: -0.489, 0.823 (mean) -0.522, 0.821 (median) -0.569, 0.854 (10th percentile) -0.556, 0.854 (25th percentile) -0.386, 0.871 (C); 0.533, 0.923 (H); while on T2w they were: -0.654, 0.945 (C); 0.645, 0.962 (H). AUC of H on ADC and T2w, and C on T2w were significantly higher than that of the mean ADC (p = 0.05). H and C calculated on T2w images outperform ADC parameters in correlating with pGS and differentiating low- from intermediate/high-risk PCas, supporting the role of T2w MR imaging in assessing PCa biological aggressiveness.

Diagnostic Utility of Contrast-enhanced 3D T1-weighted Imaging in Acute Cerebral Infarction Associated with Graves Disease.

PubMed

Gon, Yasufumi; Sakaguchi, Manabu; Oyama, Naoki; Mochizuki, Hideki

2017-02-01

Graves disease is rarely complicated with cerebrovascular steno-occlusive diseases. Previous studies have suggested several hypotheses for this occurrence, including excess thyroid hormone, which stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn causes an abnormal hemodynamic response with consequent atherosclerotic changes, and antithyroid antibodies cause local vascular inflammation in patients with Graves disease. However, radiological findings of vasculitis in patients with Graves disease and cerebral infarction remain less known. We report the case of a 30-year-old Japanese woman with acute cerebral infarction due to vasculitis associated with Graves disease. She was admitted to our hospital with a 4-day history of intermittent transient dysarthria and limb shaking of the left leg when standing. Three weeks before admission, she went to a local hospital because of general malaise and was diagnosed with Graves disease. Neurological examination revealed paralytic dysarthria, left central facial nerve palsy, and left hemiparesis (manual muscle testing, 4 of 5). Blood examinations showed hyperthyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone ≤.010 µU/mL; free T3 ≥25.0 pg/mL; free T4 ≥8.0 ng/dL) and elevation of antithyroid antibody levels (thyroid peroxidase antibody, 87 IU/mL). The vessel wall of the right internal carotid artery was markedly enhanced on contrast-enhanced three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, suggesting vasculitis. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed right internal carotid artery occlusion after the branching ophthalmic artery. Arterial stenosis due to vasculitis was considered the cause of hemodynamic ischemic stroke. Vessel wall imaging such as high-resolution contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging seems useful for assessing the underlying mechanism of stroke in patients with Graves disease. Copyright © 2017 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic performance of dark-blood T2-weighted CMR for evaluation of acute myocardial injury.

PubMed

Srichai, Monvadi B; Lim, Ruth P; Lath, Narayan; Babb, James; Axel, Leon; Kim, Daniel

2013-01-01

We compared the image quality and diagnostic performance of 2 fat-suppression methods for black-blood T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE), which are as follows: (a) short T1 inversion recovery (STIR; FSE-STIR) and (b) spectral adiabatic inversion recovery (SPAIR; FSE-SPAIR), for detection of acute myocardial injury. Edema-sensitive T2-weighted FSE cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is useful in detecting acute myocardial injury but may experience reduced myocardial signal and signal dropout. The SPAIR pulse aims to eliminate artifacts associated with the STIR pulse. A total of 65 consecutive patients referred for CMR evaluation of myocardial structure and function underwent FSE-STIR and FSE-SPAIR, in addition to cine and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) CMR. T2-weighted FSE images were independently evaluated by 2 readers for image quality and artifacts (Likert scale of 1-5; best-worst) and presence of increased myocardial signal suggestive of edema. In addition, clinical CMR interpretation, incorporating all CMR sequences available, was recorded for comparison. Diagnostic performance of each T2-weighted sequence was measured using recent (<30 days) troponin elevation greater than 2 times the upper limit of normal as the reference standard for acute myocardial injury. Of the 65 patients, there were 21 (32%) with acute myocardial injury. Image quality and artifact scores were significantly better with FSE-SPAIR compared with FSE-STIR (2.15 vs 2.68, P < 0.01; 2.62 vs 3.05, P < 0.01, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for acute myocardial injury were as follows: 29%, 93%, 67%, and 73% for FSE-SPAIR; 38%, 91%, 67%, and 75% for FSE-STIR; 71%, 98%, 94%, and 88% for clinical interpretation including LGE, T2, and wall motion. There was a statistically significant difference in sensitivity between the clinical interpretation and each of the T2-weighted sequences but not between each T2-weighted sequence

Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging for bladder cancer: fused high b value diffusion-weighted imaging and T2-weighted imaging helps evaluate depth of invasion.

PubMed

Lee, Minsu; Shin, Su-Jin; Oh, Young Taik; Jung, Dae Chul; Cho, Nam Hoon; Choi, Young Deuk; Park, Sung Yoon

2017-09-01

To investigate the utility of fused high b value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) for evaluating depth of invasion in bladder cancer. We included 62 patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgically confirmed urothelial carcinoma in the urinary bladder. An experienced genitourinary radiologist analysed the depth of invasion (T stage <2 or ≥2) using T2WI, DWI, T2WI plus DWI, and fused DWI and T2WI (fusion MRI). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy were investigated. Area under the curve (AUC) was analysed to identify T stage ≥2. The rate of patients with surgically confirmed T stage ≥2 was 41.9% (26/62). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were 50.0%, 55.6%, 44.8%, 60.6% and 53.2%, respectively, with T2WI; 57.7%, 77.8%, 65.2%, 71.8% and 69.4%, respectively, with DWI; 65.4%, 80.6%, 70.8%, 76.3% and 74.2%, respectively, with T2WI plus DWI and 80.8%, 77.8%, 72.4%, 84.9% and 79.0%, respectively, with fusion MRI. AUC was 0.528 with T2WI, 0.677 with DWI, 0.730 with T2WI plus DWI and 0.793 with fusion MRI for T stage ≥2. Fused high b value DWI and T2WI may be a promising non-contrast MRI technique for assessing depth of invasion in bladder cancer. • Accuracy of fusion MRI was 79.0% for T stage ≥2 in bladder cancer. • AUC of fusion MRI was 0.793 for T stage ≥2 in bladder cancer. • Diagnostic performance of fusion MRI was comparable with T2WI plus DWI. • As a non-contrast MRI technique, fusion MRI is useful for bladder cancer.

Parametric techniques for characterizing myocardial tissue by magnetic resonance imaging (part 1): T1 mapping.

PubMed

Perea Palazón, R J; Ortiz Pérez, J T; Prat González, S; de Caralt Robira, T M; Cibeira López, M T; Solé Arqués, M

2016-01-01

The development of myocardial fibrosis is a common process in the appearance of ventricular dysfunction in many heart diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to accurately evaluate the structure and function of the heart, and its role in the macroscopic characterization of myocardial fibrosis by late enhancement techniques has been widely validated clinically. Recent studies have demonstrated that T1-mapping techniques can quantify diffuse myocardial fibrosis and the expansion of the myocardial extracellular space in absolute terms. However, further studies are necessary to validate the usefulness of this technique in the early detection of tissue remodeling at a time when implementing early treatment would improve a patient's prognosis. This article reviews the state of the art for T1 mapping of the myocardium, its clinical applications, and its limitations. Copyright © 2016 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

3D T2-weighted and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced 3D T1-weighted MR cholangiography for evaluation of biliary anatomy in living liver donors.

PubMed

Cai, Larry; Yeh, Benjamin M; Westphalen, Antonio C; Roberts, John; Wang, Zhen J

2017-03-01

To investigate whether the addition of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced 3D T1-weighted MR cholangiography (T1w-MRC) to 3D T2-weighted MRC (T2w-MRC) improves the confidence and diagnostic accuracy of biliary anatomy in living liver donors. Two abdominal radiologists retrospectively and independently reviewed pre-operative MR studies in 58 consecutive living liver donors. The second-order bile duct visualization on T1w- and T2w-MRC images was rated on a 4-point scale. The readers also independently recorded the biliary anatomy and their diagnostic confidence using (1) combined T1w- and T2w-MRC, and (2) T2w-MRC. In the 23 right lobe donors, the biliary anatomy at imaging and the imaging-predicted number of duct orifices at surgery were compared to intra-operative findings. T1w-MRC had a higher proportion of excellent visualization than T2w-MRC, 66% vs. 45% for reader 1 and 60% vs. 31% for reader 2. The median confidence score for biliary anatomy diagnosis was significantly higher with combined T1w- and T2w-MRC than T2w-MRC alone for both readers (Reader 1: 3 vs. 2, p < 0.001; Reader 2: 3 vs. 1, p < 0.001). Compared to intra-operative findings, the accuracy of imaging-predicted number of duct orifices using combined T1w-and T2w-MRC was significantly higher than that using T2w-MRC alone (p = 0.034 for reader 1, p = 0.0082 for reader 2). The addition of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced 3D T1w-MRC to 3D T2w-MRC improves second-order bile duct visualization and increases the confidence in biliary anatomy diagnosis and the accuracy in the imaging-predicted number of duct orifices acquired during right lobe harvesting.

Breast Lesions: Diagnosis Using Diffusion Weighted Imaging at 1.5T and 3.0T-Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Shi, Ruo-Yang; Yao, Qiu-Ying; Wu, Lian-Ming; Xu, Jian-Rong

2018-06-01

We compared the diagnostic performance of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) acquired with 1.5T and 3.0T magnetic resonance (MR) units in differentiating malignant breast lesions from benign ones. A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Embase databases was performed for studies reported from January 1, 2000 to February 19, 2016. The quality of the included studies was assessed. Statistical analysis included pooling of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and assessing data inhomogeneity and publication bias. A total of 61 studies were included after a full-text review. These included 4778 patients and 5205 breast lesions. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88%-92%) and 86% (95% CI, 82%-89%), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 53 (95% CI, 37-74). For breast cancer versus benign lesions, the area under the curve was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92-0.96). For the 44 studies that used a 1.5T MR unit, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 91% (95% CI, 89%-92%) and 86% (95% CI, 81%-90%), respectively. For the 17 studies that used a 3.0T MR unit, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 88% (95% CI, 83%-91%) and 84% (95% CI, 0.78-0.89), respectively. Publication bias and significant heterogeneity were observed; however, no threshold was found among the 61 studies. No significant difference was found in the sensitivity or specificity between the subgroups. The results of the comparison between the subgroups that had used either a 1.5T or 3.0T MR unit suggest that the diagnostic accuracy for breast cancer compared with benign lesions is not significantly different. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Magnetic resonance characteristics and susceptibility weighted imaging of the brain in gadolinium encephalopathy.

PubMed

Samardzic, Dejan; Thamburaj, Krishnamoorthy

2015-01-01

To report the brain imaging features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in inadvertent intrathecal gadolinium administration. A 67-year-old female with gadolinium encephalopathy from inadvertent high dose intrathecal gadolinium administration during an epidural steroid injection was studied with multisequence 3T MRI. T1-weighted imaging shows pseudo-T2 appearance with diffusion of gadolinium into the brain parenchyma, olivary bodies, and membranous labyrinth. Nulling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) signal is absent on fluid attenuation recovery (FLAIR). Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) demonstrates features similar to subarachnoid hemorrhage. CT may demonstrate a pseudo-cerebral edema pattern given the high attenuation characteristics of gadolinium. Intrathecal gadolinium demonstrates characteristic imaging features on MRI of the brain and may mimic subarachnoid hemorrhage on susceptibility-weighted imaging. Identifying high dose gadolinium within the CSF spaces on MRI is essential to avoid diagnostic and therapeutic errors. Copyright © 2013 by the American Society of Neuroimaging.

Accounting for the Confound of Meninges in Segmenting Entorhinal and Perirhinal Cortices in T1-Weighted MRI.

PubMed

Xie, Long; Wisse, Laura E M; Das, Sandhitsu R; Wang, Hongzhi; Wolk, David A; Manjón, Jose V; Yushkevich, Paul A

2016-10-01

Quantification of medial temporal lobe (MTL) cortices, including entorhinal cortex (ERC) and perirhinal cortex (PRC), from in vivo MRI is desirable for studying the human memory system as well as in early diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease. However, ERC and PRC are commonly over-segmented in T1-weighted (T1w) MRI because of the adjacent meninges that have similar intensity to gray matter in T1 contrast. This introduces errors in the quantification and could potentially confound imaging studies of ERC/PRC. In this paper, we propose to segment MTL cortices along with the adjacent meninges in T1w MRI using an established multi-atlas segmentation framework together with super-resolution technique. Experimental results comparing the proposed pipeline with existing pipelines support the notion that a large portion of meninges is segmented as gray matter by existing algorithms but not by our algorithm. Cross-validation experiments demonstrate promising segmentation accuracy. Further, agreement between the volume and thickness measures from the proposed pipeline and those from the manual segmentations increase dramatically as a result of accounting for the confound of meninges. Evaluated in the context of group discrimination between patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and normal controls, the proposed pipeline generates more biologically plausible results and improves the statistical power in discriminating groups in absolute terms comparing to other techniques using T1w MRI. Although the performance of the proposed pipeline is inferior to that using T2-weighted MRI, which is optimized to image MTL sub-structures, the proposed pipeline could still provide important utilities in analyzing many existing large datasets that only have T1w MRI available.

In Vivo Magnetization Transfer and Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Detects Thrombus Composition in a Mouse Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis

PubMed Central

Saha, Prakash; Modarai, Bijan; Smith, Alberto; Botnar, René M.

2014-01-01

Background Deep vein thrombosis remains a major health problem necessitating accurate diagnosis. Thrombolysis is associated with significant morbidity and is effective only for the treatment of unorganized thrombus. We tested the feasibility of in vivo magnetization transfer (MT) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to detect thrombus organization in a murine model of deep vein thrombosis. Methods and Results Deep vein thrombosis was induced in the inferior vena cava of male BALB/C mice. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after thrombus induction using MT, diffusion-weighted, inversion-recovery, and T1-mapping protocols. Delayed enhancement and T1 mapping were repeated 2 hours after injection of a fibrin contrast agent. Finally, excised thrombi were used for histology. We found that MT and diffusion-weighted imaging can detect histological changes associated with thrombus aging. MT rate (MTR) maps and percentage of MT rate (%MTR) allowed visualization and quantification of the thrombus protein content, respectively. The %MTR increased with thrombus organization and was significantly higher at days 14, 21, and 28 after thrombus induction (days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28: %MTR=2483±451, 2079±1210, 7029±2490, 10 295±4356, 32 994±25 449; Panova<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the %MTR and the histological protein content of the thrombus (r=0.70; P<0.05). The apparent diffusion coefficient was lower in erythrocyte-rich and collagen-rich thrombus (0.72±0.10 and 0.69±0.05 [×10−3 mm2/s]). Thrombus at days 7 and 14 had the highest apparent diffusion coefficient values (0.95±0.09 and 1.10±0.18 [×10−3 mm2/s]). Conclusions MT and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences are promising for the staging of thrombus composition and could be useful in guiding medical intervention. PMID:23564561

Characteristics of magnetic clouds/magnetic-cloud-like structures during the years 1995-2003

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, C. C.; Lepping, R.

Using nine years of solar wind plasma and magnetic field data we investigated the characteristics of both magnetic clouds MCs and magnetic cloud like structures MCLs during 1995-2003 A MCL structure is an event which was identified by an automatic scheme Lepping et al 2005 with the same criteria as for a MC but is not identifiable as a flux rope by using the MC Burlaga 1981 fitting model developed by Lepping et al 1990 The average occurrence rate is sim 9 5 for MCs and sim 13 6 for MCLs per year for the overall period of interest and there were 82 MCs and 122 MCLs identified during this period The characteristics of MCs and MCL structures are as follows 1 The averaged duration Dt of MCs is 21 1 hour which is 40 longer than MCLs Dt 15 hrs 2 The averaged Bz min minimum Bz found in MC MCL is -10 2 nT for MCs and -6 nT for MCLs 3 The averaged Dst min minimum Dst caused by MC MCL is -82 nT for MCs and -37 nT for MCLs 4 The average of the solar wind velocity is 453 km s for MCs and 413 km s for MCLs 5 The average of the thermal speed is 24 6 km s for MCs and 27 7 km s for MCLs 6 The average of the magnetic field intensity is 12 7 nT for MCs and 9 8 nT for MCLs and 7 The average of the solar wind density is 9 4 cm -3 for MCs and 6 3 cm -3 for MCLs The longer duration more intense magnetic field and higher solar wind speed and denisty of MCs compared to those of the MCLs might be the major reason for generally causing geomagnetic storms with higher

Contrasting weight changes with LY2605541, a novel long-acting insulin, and insulin glargine despite similar improved glycaemic control in T1DM and T2DM.

PubMed

Jacober, S J; Rosenstock, J; Bergenstal, R M; Prince, M J; Qu, Y; Beals, J M

2014-04-01

The basal insulin analogue LY2605541, a PEGylated insulin lispro with prolonged duration of action, was previously shown to be associated with modest weight loss in Phase 2, randomized, open-label trials in type 2 (N=288) and type 1 (N=137) diabetes mellitus (T2DM and T1DM), compared with modest weight gain with insulin glargine. Exploratory analyses were conducted to further characterize these findings. Pearson correlations between change in body weight and other variables were calculated. Continuous variables were analysed using a mixed linear model with repeated measurements. Proportions of subjects with weight loss were analysed using Fisher's exact test for T2DM and Nagelkerke's method for T1DM. Weight loss was more common in LY2605541-treated patients than in patients treated with insulin glargine (T2DM: 56.9 vs. 40.2%, p=0.011; T1DM: 66.1 vs. 40.3%, p<0.001). More LY2605541-treated patients experienced ≥5% weight loss compared to patients treated with glargine (T2DM: 4.8 vs. 0%, p=0.033; T1DM: 11.9 vs. 0.8%, p<0.001). In both the T1DM and T2DM studies, weight change did not correlate with baseline body mass index (BMI), or change in HDL-cholesterol in either treatment group. No consistent correlations were found across both studies between weight change and any of the variables assessed; however, weight change was significantly correlated with hypoglycaemia rate in glargine-treated T2DM patients. In two Phase 2 trials, improved glycaemic control with long-acting basal insulin analogue LY2605541 is associated with weight loss in previously insulin-treated patients. This weight change is independent of baseline BMI or hypoglycaemia.

Reticular Appearance on Gadolinium-enhanced T1- and Diffusion-weighted MRI, and Low Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values in Microcystic Meningioma Cysts.

PubMed

Terada, Yukinori; Toda, Hiroki; Okumura, Ryosuke; Ikeda, Naokado; Yuba, Yoshiaki; Katayama, Toshiro; Iwasaki, Koichi

2018-03-01

Microcystic meningioma, a rare meningioma subtype, can present diagnostic difficulty. We aimed to investigate the historadiological properties of microcystic meningioma using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) analysis. We retrospectively analyzed conventional MRI and DWI results of six microcystic meningioma cases by examining their appearance and determining their apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. The ADC values of the intratumoral components were normalized with ADC values of the cerebrospinal fluid in the lateral ventricle (ADC ratios). As cystic formations are frequently associated with microcystic meningiomas, their MRI characteristics were compared with the imaging data from 11 cystic meningiomas of non-microcystic subtypes. We found that cysts in microcystic meningioma tended to have a reticular appearance on DWI, as they did on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted imaging. Additionally, these reticular cysts had significantly lower ADC ratios than microcystic non-reticular and non-microcystic cysts. These DWI characteristics likely reflect the histological properties of microcystic meningioma. A reticular appearance on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI and DWI, and cyst formation with relatively low ADC values can be diagnostic markers of microcystic meningiomas.

Repeatability of magnetic resonance fingerprinting T1 and T2 estimates assessed using the ISMRM/NIST MRI system phantom.

PubMed

Jiang, Yun; Ma, Dan; Keenan, Kathryn E; Stupic, Karl F; Gulani, Vikas; Griswold, Mark A

2017-10-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate accuracy and repeatability of T 1 and T 2 estimates of a MR fingerprinting (MRF) method using the ISMRM/NIST MRI system phantom. The ISMRM/NIST MRI system phantom contains multiple compartments with standardized T 1 , T 2 , and proton density values. Conventional inversion-recovery spin echo and spin echo methods were used to characterize the T 1 and T 2 values in the phantom. The phantom was scanned using the MRF-FISP method over 34 consecutive days. The mean T 1 and T 2 values were compared with the values from the spin echo methods. The repeatability was characterized as the coefficient of variation of the measurements over 34 days. T 1 and T 2 values from MRF-FISP over 34 days showed a strong linear correlation with the measurements from the spin echo methods (R 2  = 0.999 for T 1 ; R 2  = 0.996 for T 2 ). The MRF estimates over the wide ranges of T 1 and T 2 values have less than 5% variation, except for the shortest T 2 relaxation times where the method still maintains less than 8% variation. MRF measurements of T 1 and T 2 are highly repeatable over time and across wide ranges of T 1 and T 2 values. Magn Reson Med 78:1452-1457, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Structural and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cerebellum: Considerations for Assessing Cerebellar Ataxias.

PubMed

Deistung, Andreas; Stefanescu, Maria R; Ernst, Thomas M; Schlamann, Marc; Ladd, Mark E; Reichenbach, Jürgen R; Timmann, Dagmar

2016-02-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is of high interest for diagnosing and understanding degenerative ataxias. Here, we present state-of-the-art MRI methods to characterize structural alterations of the cerebellum and introduce initial experiments to show abnormalities in the cerebellar nuclei. Clinically, T1-weighted MR images are used to assess atrophy of the cerebellar cortex, the brainstem, and the spinal cord, whereas T2-weighted and PD-weighted images are typically employed to depict potential white matter lesions that may be associated with certain types of ataxias. More recently, attention has also focused on the characterization of the cerebellar nuclei, which are discernible on spatially highly resolved iron-sensitive MR images due to their relatively high iron content, including T2 (*)-weighted images, susceptibility-weighted images (SWI), effective transverse relaxation rate (R2 (*)) maps, and quantitative susceptibility maps (QSM). Among these iron-sensitive techniques, QSM reveals the best contrast between cerebellar nuclei and their surroundings. In particular, the gyrification of the dentate nuclei is prominently depicted, even at the clinically widely available field strength of 3 T. The linear relationship between magnetic susceptibility and local iron content allows for determination of iron deposition in cerebellar nuclei non-invasively. The increased signal-to-noise ratio of ultrahigh-field MRI (B0 ≥ 7 T) and advances in spatial normalization methods enable functional MRI (fMRI) at the level of the cerebellar cortex and cerebellar nuclei. Data from initial fMRI studies are presented in three common forms of hereditary ataxias (Friedreich's ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6). Characteristic changes in the fMRI signal are discussed in the light of histopathological data and current knowledge of the underlying physiology of the fMRI signal in the cerebellum.

Electronic structure and magnetic properties of the strong-rung spin-1 ladder compound Rb3Ni2(NO3)7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pchelkina, Z. V.; Mazurenko, V. V.; Volkova, O. S.; Deeva, E. B.; Morozov, I. V.; Shutov, V. V.; Troyanov, S. I.; Werner, J.; Koo, C.; Klingeler, R.; Vasiliev, A. N.

2018-04-01

Rb3Ni2(NO3)7 was obtained by crystallization from anhydrous nitric acid solution of rubidium nitrate and nickel nitrate hexahydrate. The crystal structure determined on single crystals implies isolated spin-1 two-leg ladders of Ni2 + ions connected by (NO3)- groups as basic elements. Magnetic susceptibility, specific heat in magnetic fields up to 9 T, magnetization, and high-frequency electron spin resonance studies performed on powder samples show the absence of long-range magnetic order at T ≥2 K. Electronic structure calculations and the detailed analysis of the experimental data enable quantitative estimates of the relevant parameters of the S =1 ladders in Rb3Ni2(NO3)7 . The rung coupling J1=10.16 K, the leg coupling J2=1.5 K, and the Ising-type anisotropy |A |=8.6 K are obtained. The scenario of a valence-bond solidlike quantum ground state realized in the two-leg Ni2 + ladders is further corroborated by model simulations of the magnetic susceptibility.

Clinical Feasibility of Free-Breathing Dynamic T1-Weighted Imaging With Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Liver Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using a Combination of Variable Density Sampling and Compressed Sensing.

PubMed

Yoon, Jeong Hee; Yu, Mi Hye; Chang, Won; Park, Jin-Young; Nickel, Marcel Dominik; Son, Yohan; Kiefer, Berthold; Lee, Jeong Min

2017-10-01

The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical feasibility of free-breathing dynamic T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) using Cartesian sampling, compressed sensing, and iterative reconstruction in gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board, and the requirement for informed consent was waived. A total of 51 patients at high risk of breath-holding failure underwent dynamic T1WI in a free-breathing manner using volumetric interpolated breath-hold (BH) examination with compressed sensing reconstruction (CS-VIBE) and hard gating. Timing, motion artifacts, and image quality were evaluated by 4 radiologists on a 4-point scale. For patients with low image quality scores (<3) on the late arterial phase, respiratory motion-resolved (extradimension [XD]) reconstruction was additionally performed and reviewed in the same manner. In addition, in 68.6% (35/51) patients who had previously undergone liver MRI, image quality and motion artifacts on dynamic phases using CS-VIBE were compared with previous BH-T1WIs. In all patients, adequate arterial-phase timing was obtained at least once. Overall image quality of free-breathing T1WI was 3.30 ± 0.59 on precontrast and 2.68 ± 0.70, 2.93 ± 0.65, and 3.30 ± 0.49 on early arterial, late arterial, and portal venous phases, respectively. In 13 patients with lower than average image quality (<3) on the late arterial phase, motion-resolved reconstructed T1WI (XD-reconstructed CS-VIBE) significantly reduced motion artifacts (P < 0.002-0.021) and improved image quality (P < 0.0001-0.002). In comparison with previous BH-T1WI, CS-VIBE with hard gating or XD reconstruction showed less motion artifacts and better image quality on precontrast, arterial, and portal venous phases (P < 0.0001-0.013). Volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination with compressed sensing has the potential to provide consistent, motion-corrected free-breathing dynamic T

Effect of structural defects on the magnetic properties of the EuBaCo1.90O5.36 single crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arbuzova, T. I.; Naumov, S. V.; Telegin, S. V.

2018-01-01

The effect of structural defects in cobalt and oxygen sublattices with the constant average oxidation level 3+ of all cobalt ions on the magnetic properties of the EuBaCo1.90O5.36 single crystal has been studied. The magnetic properties of the single crystal and the polycrystalline sample of the corresponding composition are compared in the range T = 200-650 K. The results show that the cobalt-deficient EuBaCo2- x O5.5-δ samples demonstrate a three-dimensional XY ferromagnetic ordering of magnetic sublattices. The values of the effective magnetic moment at T > 480 K indicate the existence of the IS and HS states of Co3+ ions. The large difference of values of μeff of the EuBaCo1.90O5.36 single crystal and polycrystal can be due to that the magnetic ion spins lie in plane ab. The magnetic field directed along plane ab substantially influences the magnetic ordering at T < 300 K.

Hyperintense Dentate Nuclei on T1-Weighted MRI: Relation to Repeat Gadolinium Administration

PubMed Central

Adin, M.E.; Kleinberg, L.; Vaidya, D.; Zan, E.; Mirbagheri, S.; Yousem, D.M.

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A hyperintense appearance of the dentate nucleus on T1-weighted MR images has been related to various clinical conditions, but the etiology remains indeterminate. We aimed to investigate the possible associations between a hyperintense appearance of the dentate nucleus on T1-weighted MR images in patients exposed to radiation and factors including, but not limited to, the cumulative number of contrast-enhanced MR images, amount of gadolinium administration, dosage of ionizing radiation, and patient demographics. MATERIALS AND METHODS The medical records of 706 consecutive patients who were treated with brain irradiation at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions between 1995 and 2010 were blindly reviewed by 2 readers. RESULTS One hundred eighty-four subjects were included for dentate nuclei analysis. Among the 184 subjects who cumulatively underwent 2677 MR imaging studies following intravenous gadolinium administration, 103 patients had hyperintense dentate nuclei on precontrast T1-weighted MR images. The average number of gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging studies performed in the group with normal dentate nuclei was significantly lower than that of the group with hyperintense dentate nuclei. The average follow-up time was 62.5 months. No significant difference was observed between hyperintense and normal dentate nuclei groups in terms of exposed radiation dose, serum creatinine and calcium/phosphate levels, patient demographics, history of chemotherapy, and strength of the scanner. No dentate nuclei abnormalities were found on the corresponding CT scans of patients with hyperintense dentate nuclei (n = 44). No dentate nuclei abnormalities were found in 53 healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS Repeat performance of gadolinium-enhanced studies likely contributes to a long-standing hyperintense appearance of dentate nuclei on precontrast T1-weighted-MR images. PMID:26294649

Magnetic Structure and Quadrupolar Order Parameter Driven by Geometrical Frustration Effect in NdB 4

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

Yamauchi, Hiroki; Metoki, Naoto; Watanuki, Ryuta

2017-04-15

Neutron diffraction experiments have been carried out to characterize the magnetic structures and order parameters in an intermediate phase of NdB 4 showing the successive phase transitions at T 0 = 17.2 K, T N1 = 7.0 K, and T N2 = 4.8 K. We have revealed the antiferromagnetic ordering with the propagation vectors q0=(0,0,0), q0 and qs1=(δ,δ,0.4) (δ ~ 0.14), and q 0 and q s2=(0.2,0,0.4) in phase II (T N1 < T < T 0), phase III (T N2 < T < T N1), and phase IV (T < T N2), respectively. The observed patterns in phase IImore » are successfully explained by postulating a coplanar structure with static magnetic moments in the tetragonal ab-plane. We have found that the magnetic structure in phase II can be uniquely determined to be a linear combination of antiferromagnetic “all-in/all-out”-type (Γ 4) and “vortex”-type (Γ 2) structures, consisting of a Γ 4 main component (77%) with a small amplitude of Γ 2 (23%). Finally, we propose that the quadrupolar interaction holds the key to stabilizing the noncollinear magnetic structure and quadrupolar order. Here, the frustration in the Shastry–Sutherland lattice would play an essential role in suppressing the dominance of the magnetic interaction.« less

Abdominal MRI at 3.0 T: LAVA-Flex compared with conventional fat suppression T1-weighted images.

PubMed

Li, Xing Hui; Zhu, Jiang; Zhang, Xiao Ming; Ji, Yi Fan; Chen, Tian Wu; Huang, Xiao Hua; Yang, Lin; Zeng, Nan Lin

2014-07-01

To study liver imaging with volume acceleration-flexible (LAVA-Flex) for abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3.0 T and compare the image quality of abdominal organs between LAVA-Flex and fast spoiled gradient-recalled (FSPGR) T1-weighted imaging. Our Institutional Review Board approval was obtained in this retrospective study. Sixty-nine subjects had both FSPGR and LAVA-Flex sequences. Two radiologists independently scored the acquisitions for image quality, fat suppression quality, and artifacts and the values obtained were compared with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. According to the signal intensity (SI) measurements, the uniformity of fat suppression, the contrast between muscle and fat and normal liver and liver lesions were compared by the paired t-test. The liver and spleen SI on the fat-only phase were analyzed in the fatty liver patients. Compared with FSPGR imaging, LAVA-Flex images had better and more homogenous fat suppression and lower susceptibility artifact (qualitative scores: 4.70 vs. 4.00, 4.86% vs. 7.14%, 4.60 and 4.10, respectively). The contrast between muscle and fat and between the liver and pathologic lesions was significantly improved on the LAVA-Flex sequence. The contrast value of the fatty liver and spleen was higher than that of the liver and spleen. The LAVA-Flex sequence offers superior and more homogenous fat suppression of the abdomen than does the FSPGR sequence. The fat-only phase can be a simple and effective method of assessing fatty liver. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Tuning the non-covalent confinement of Gd(III) complexes in silica nanoparticles for high T1-weighted MR imaging capability.

PubMed

Fedorenko, Svetlana V; Grechkina, Svetlana L; Mustafina, Asiya R; Kholin, Kirill V; Stepanov, Alexey S; Nizameev, Irek R; Ismaev, Ildus E; Kadirov, Marsil K; Zairov, Rustem R; Fattakhova, Alfia N; Amirov, Rustem R; Soloveva, Svetlana E

2017-01-01

The present work introduces deliberate synthesis of Gd(III)-doped silica nanoparticles with high relaxivity at magnetic field strengths below 1.5T. Modified microemulsion water-in-oil procedure was used in order to achieve superficial localization of Gd(III) complexes within 40-55nm sized silica spheres. The relaxivities of the prepared nanoparticles were measured at 0.47, 1.41 and 1.5T with the use of both NMR analyzer and whole body NMR scanner. Longitudinal relaxivities of the obtained silica nanoparticles reveal significant dependence on the confinement mode, changing from 4.1 to 49.6mM -1 s -1 at 0.47T when the localization of Gd(III) complexes changes from core to superficial zones of the silica spheres. The results highlight predominant contribution of the complexes located close to silica/water interface to the relaxivity of the nanoparticles. Low effect of blood proteins on the relaxivity in the aqueous colloids of the nanoparticles was exemplified by serum bovine albumin. T 1 - weighted MRI data indicate that the nanoparticles provide strong positive contrast at 1.5T, which along with low cytotoxicity effect make a good basis for their application as contrast agents. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Significant Artifact Reduction at 1.5T and 3T MRI by the Use of a Cochlear Implant with Removable Magnet: An Experimental Human Cadaver Study

PubMed Central

Wagner, Franca; Wimmer, Wilhelm; Leidolt, Lars; Vischer, Mattheus; Weder, Stefan; Wiest, Roland; Mantokoudis, Georgios; Caversaccio, Marco D.

2015-01-01

Objective Cochlear implants (CIs) are standard treatment for postlingually deafened individuals and prelingually deafened children. This human cadaver study evaluated diagnostic usefulness, image quality and artifacts in 1.5T and 3T magnetic resonance (MR) brain scans after CI with a removable magnet. Methods Three criteria (diagnostic usefulness, image quality, artifacts) were assessed at 1.5T and 3T in five cadaver heads with CI. The brain magnetic resonance scans were performed with and without the magnet in situ. The criteria were analyzed by two blinded neuroradiologists, with focus on image distortion and limitation of the diagnostic value of the acquired MR images. Results MR images with the magnet in situ were all compromised by artifacts caused by the CI. After removal of the magnet, MR scans showed an unequivocal artifact reduction with significant improvement of the image quality and diagnostic usefulness, both at 1.5T and 3T. Visibility of the brain stem, cerebellopontine angle, and parieto-occipital lobe ipsilateral to the CI increased significantly after magnet removal. Conclusions The results indicate the possible advantages for 1.5T and 3T MR scanning of the brain in CI carriers with removable magnets. Our findings support use of CIs with removable magnets, especially in patients with chronic intracranial pathologies. PMID:26200775

Significant Artifact Reduction at 1.5T and 3T MRI by the Use of a Cochlear Implant with Removable Magnet: An Experimental Human Cadaver Study.

PubMed

Wagner, Franca; Wimmer, Wilhelm; Leidolt, Lars; Vischer, Mattheus; Weder, Stefan; Wiest, Roland; Mantokoudis, Georgios; Caversaccio, Marco D

2015-01-01

Cochlear implants (CIs) are standard treatment for postlingually deafened individuals and prelingually deafened children. This human cadaver study evaluated diagnostic usefulness, image quality and artifacts in 1.5T and 3T magnetic resonance (MR) brain scans after CI with a removable magnet. Three criteria (diagnostic usefulness, image quality, artifacts) were assessed at 1.5T and 3T in five cadaver heads with CI. The brain magnetic resonance scans were performed with and without the magnet in situ. The criteria were analyzed by two blinded neuroradiologists, with focus on image distortion and limitation of the diagnostic value of the acquired MR images. MR images with the magnet in situ were all compromised by artifacts caused by the CI. After removal of the magnet, MR scans showed an unequivocal artifact reduction with significant improvement of the image quality and diagnostic usefulness, both at 1.5T and 3T. Visibility of the brain stem, cerebellopontine angle, and parieto-occipital lobe ipsilateral to the CI increased significantly after magnet removal. The results indicate the possible advantages for 1.5T and 3T MR scanning of the brain in CI carriers with removable magnets. Our findings support use of CIs with removable magnets, especially in patients with chronic intracranial pathologies.

Histogram Profiling of Postcontrast T1-Weighted MRI Gives Valuable Insights into Tumor Biology and Enables Prediction of Growth Kinetics and Prognosis in Meningiomas.

PubMed

Gihr, Georg Alexander; Horvath-Rizea, Diana; Kohlhof-Meinecke, Patricia; Ganslandt, Oliver; Henkes, Hans; Richter, Cindy; Hoffmann, Karl-Titus; Surov, Alexey; Schob, Stefan

2018-06-14

Meningiomas are the most frequently diagnosed intracranial masses, oftentimes requiring surgery. Especially procedure-related morbidity can be substantial, particularly in elderly patients. Hence, reliable imaging modalities enabling pretherapeutic prediction of tumor grade, growth kinetic, realistic prognosis, and-as a consequence-necessity of surgery are of great value. In this context, a promising diagnostic approach is advanced analysis of magnetic resonance imaging data. Therefore, our study investigated whether histogram profiling of routinely acquired postcontrast T1-weighted images is capable of separating low-grade from high-grade lesions and whether histogram parameters reflect Ki-67 expression in meningiomas. Pretreatment T1-weighted postcontrast volumes of 44 meningioma patients were used for signal intensity histogram profiling. WHO grade, tumor volume, and Ki-67 expression were evaluated. Comparative and correlative statistics investigating the association between histogram profile parameters and neuropathology were performed. None of the investigated histogram parameters revealed significant differences between low-grade and high-grade meningiomas. However, significant correlations were identified between Ki-67 and the histogram parameters skewness and entropy as well as between entropy and tumor volume. Contrary to previously reported findings, pretherapeutic postcontrast T1-weighted images can be used to predict growth kinetics in meningiomas if whole tumor histogram analysis is employed. However, no differences between distinct WHO grades were identifiable in out cohort. As a consequence, histogram analysis of postcontrast T1-weighted images is a promising approach to obtain quantitative in vivo biomarkers reflecting the proliferative potential in meningiomas. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gadolinium embedded iron oxide nanoclusters as T1-T2 dual-modal MRI-visible vectors for safe and efficient siRNA delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaoyong; Zhou, Zijian; Wang, Zhiyong; Xue, Yunxin; Zeng, Yun; Gao, Jinhao; Zhu, Lei; Zhang, Xianzhong; Liu, Gang; Chen, Xiaoyuan

2013-08-01

This report illustrates a new strategy of designing a T1-T2 dual-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible vector for siRNA delivery and MRI. Hydrophobic gadolinium embedded iron oxide (GdIO) nanocrystals are self-assembled into nanoclusters in the water phase with the help of stearic acid modified low molecular weight polyethylenimine (stPEI). The resulting water-dispersible GdIO-stPEI nanoclusters possess good stability, monodispersity with narrow size distribution and competitive T1-T2 dual-modal MR imaging properties. The nanocomposite system is capable of binding and delivering siRNA for knockdown of a gene of interest while maintaining its magnetic properties and biocompatibility. This new gadolinium embedded iron oxide nanocluster provides an important platform for safe and efficient gene delivery with non-invasive T1-T2 dual-modal MRI monitoring capability.This report illustrates a new strategy of designing a T1-T2 dual-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible vector for siRNA delivery and MRI. Hydrophobic gadolinium embedded iron oxide (GdIO) nanocrystals are self-assembled into nanoclusters in the water phase with the help of stearic acid modified low molecular weight polyethylenimine (stPEI). The resulting water-dispersible GdIO-stPEI nanoclusters possess good stability, monodispersity with narrow size distribution and competitive T1-T2 dual-modal MR imaging properties. The nanocomposite system is capable of binding and delivering siRNA for knockdown of a gene of interest while maintaining its magnetic properties and biocompatibility. This new gadolinium embedded iron oxide nanocluster provides an important platform for safe and efficient gene delivery with non-invasive T1-T2 dual-modal MRI monitoring capability. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr02797j

Effects of different cooling treatments on water diffusion, microcirculation, and water content within exercised muscles: evaluation by magnetic resonance T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging.

PubMed

Yanagisawa, Osamu; Takahashi, Hideyuki; Fukubayashi, Toru

2010-09-01

In this study, we determined the effects of different cooling treatments on exercised muscles. Seven adults underwent four post-exercise treatments (20-min ice-bag application, 60-min gel-pack application at 10 degrees C and 17 degrees C, and non-cooling treatment) with at least 1 week between treatments. Magnetic resonance diffusion- and T2-weighted images were obtained to calculate the apparent diffusion coefficients (apparent diffusion coefficient 1, which reflects intramuscular water diffusion and microcirculation, and apparent diffusion coefficient 2, which is approximately equal to the true diffusion coefficient that excludes as much of the effect of intramuscular microcirculation as possible) and the T2 values (intramuscular water content level) of the ankle dorsiflexors, respectively, before and after ankle dorsiflexion exercise and after post-exercise treatment. The T2 values increased significantly after exercise and returned to pre-exercise values after each treatment; no significant differences were observed among the four post-exercise treatments. Both apparent diffusion coefficients also increased significantly after exercise and decreased significantly after the three cooling treatments; no significant difference was detected among the three cooling treatments. Local cooling suppresses both water diffusion and microcirculation within exercised muscles. Moreover, although the treatment time was longer, adequate cooling effects could be achieved using the gel-pack applications at relatively mild cooling temperatures.

Effect of cooling rate on magnetic domain structure and magnetic properties of Tb0.27Dy0.73Fe1.95 alloys solidified in high magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Tie; Dong, Meng; Gao, Pengfei; Xiao, Yubao; Yuan, Yi; Wang, Qiang

2018-05-01

In this work, Tb0.27Dy0.73Fe1.95 alloys were solidified in a high magnetic field of 4.4 T at various cooling rates. Changes in the magnetostriction, crystal orientation, magnetization, and magnetic domain of the solidified alloys were investigated. The application of the magnetic field can induce <111> orientation of (Tb, Dy)Fe2 phase. However, the effect of the magnetic field is strongly dependent on the cooling rate. The alloy solidified at 5 °C/min shows the highest magnetostriction, strongest <111> orientation, best contrast of light and dark in the domain image, and fastest magnetization, and followed in descending order by the alloys solidified at 1.5 °C/min and 60 °C/min. The change in the magnetostriction of the alloys can be attributed to the changes in crystal orientation and magnetic domain structure caused by both the magnetic field and cooling rate.

Structural and magnetic phase transitions in EuTi 1-xNb xO 3

DOE PAGES

Li, Ling; Morris, James R.; Koehler, Michael R.; ...

2015-07-30

Here, we investigate the structural and magnetic phase transitions in EuTi 1-xNb xO 3 (0≤x≤0.3) with synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction, resonant ultrasound spectroscopy, and magnetization measurements. Upon Nb doping, the Pmmore » $$\\bar{3}$$m ↔ I4/mcm structural transition shifts to higher temperatures and the room temperature lattice parameter increases while the magnitude of the octahedral tilting decreases. In addition, Nb substitution for Ti destabilizes the antiferromagnetic ground state of the parent compound and long-range ferromagnetic order is observed in the samples with x≥0.1. Moreover, the structural transition in pure and doped compounds is marked by a dramatic step-like softening of the elastic moduli near T S, which resembles that of SrTiO 3 and can be adequately modeled using the Landau free energy model employing the same coupling between strain and octahedral tilting order parameter as previously used to model SrTiO 3.« less

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate for Tumour Detection and Local Staging: Imaging in 1.5T and Histopathologic Correlation.

PubMed

Loggitsi, Dimitra; Gyftopoulos, Anastasios; Economopoulos, Nikolaos; Apostolaki, Aikaterini; Kalogeropoulos, Theodoros; Thanos, Anastasios; Alexopoulou, Efthimia; Kelekis, Nikolaos L

2017-11-01

The study sought to prospectively evaluate which technique among T2-weighted images, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI, or a combination of the 2, is best suited for prostate cancer detection and local staging. Twenty-seven consecutive patients with biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate underwent MRI on a 1.5T scanner with a surface phased-array coil prior radical prostatectomy. Combined anatomical and functional imaging was performed with the use of T2-weighted sequences, DCE MRI, and DW MRI. We compared the imaging results with whole mount histopathology. For the multiparametric approach, significantly higher sensitivity values, that is, 53% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41.0-64.1) were obtained as compared with each modality alone or any combination of the 3 modalities (P < .05). The specificity for this multiparametric approach, being 90.3% (95% CI: 86.3-93.3) was not significantly higher (P < .05) as compared with the values of the combination of T2+DCE MRI, DW+DCE MRI, or DCE MRI alone. Among the 3 techniques, DCE had the best performance for tumour detection in both the peripheral and the transition zone. High negative predictive value rates (>86%) were obtained for both tumour detection and local staging. The combination of T2-weighted sequences, DCE MRI, and DW MRI yields higher diagnostic performance for tumour detection and local staging than can any of these techniques alone or even any combination of them. Copyright © 2017 Canadian Association of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Magnetic Properties of Three Impact Structures in Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, R. G.; Pilkington, M.; Tanczyk, E. I.; Grieve, R. A. F.

1995-09-01

Magnetic anomaly lows associated with the West Hawk Lake (Manitoba), Deep Bay (Saskatchewan) and Clearwater Lakes (Quebec) impact structures, are variable in lateral extent and intensity, a characteristic shared with most impact structures [1]. Drill core from the centres of these structures provides a unique opportunity to ground truth the causes of the reduction in magnetic field intensity in impact structures. Magnetic susceptibility and remanent magnetization levels have been found to be well below regional levels in melt rocks, impact breccias, fractured/shocked basement rocks in the central uplifts, and post-impact sediments. Deep Bay, formed in Pre-Cambrian paragneisses, is a complex crater with a submerged central uplift. It has been extensively infilled with non-magnetic black shales of Cretaceous age [2]. An airborne magnetic low of about 100 nT is associated with the Deep Bay structure. Below the shales and along the rim of the structure are highly brecciated country rocks with variable amounts of very fine rock flour. Susceptibility and remanent magnetization are both weak due to extensive alteration in the brecciated rocks. Alteration of the brecciated rocks, and the effect of several hundred meters of non-magnetic sedimentary infill, both contribute to the magnetic low. West Hawk Lake, a simple crater, was excavated in metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks of the Superior Province [3], and has a ground magnetic low of about 250 nT. As with Deep Bay, West Hawk Lake has been infilled with dominantly non-magnetic sediments. Brecciation and alteration are extensive, with breccia derived from greenschist-facies meta-andesite displaying slightly higher susceptibilities and remanent magnetizations than breccia derived from the more felsic metasediments. Brecciation has effectively randomized magnetization vectors, and subsequent alteration resulted in the destruction of magnetic phases. These two factors contribute to the magnetic low over this structure

A 1 T, 0. 33 m bore superconducting magnet operating with cryocoolers at 12 K

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

van der Laan, M.T.G.; Tax, R.B.; ten Kate, H.H.J.

1992-01-01

The application of small cryocoolers for cooling a superconducting magnet at 12 K has important advantages especially for small and medium sized magnets. A simple construction and a helium free magnet system is obtained. The demonstration magnet developed is a six coil system with a volume of 75 L and can be regarded as a 1:3 scale MRI magnet. With a current of 100 A, a 1 T central field is generated with a maximum of 1.9 T in the windings. The magnet consists of six coil formers and five aluminum spacing rings, providing easy service and disassembly. The superconductor,more » a 0.6 mm diameter Nb{sub 3}Sn wire, is wound on the thin walled stainless steel coil formers after which the coil is heat treated and vacuum impregnated. Afterwards, the coil system is assembled and the electrical and thermal connections are made. This paper describes the development of the superconducting magnet.« less

T2-Weighted Dixon Turbo Spin Echo for Accelerated Simultaneous Grading of Whole-Body Skeletal Muscle Fat Infiltration and Edema in Patients With Neuromuscular Diseases.

PubMed

Schlaeger, Sarah; Klupp, Elisabeth; Weidlich, Dominik; Cervantes, Barbara; Foreman, Sarah C; Deschauer, Marcus; Schoser, Benedikt; Katemann, Christoph; Kooijman, Hendrik; Rummeny, Ernst J; Zimmer, Claus; Kirschke, Jan S; Karampinos, Dimitrios C

2018-04-02

The assessment of fatty infiltration and edema in the musculature of patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) typically requires the separate performance of T1-weighted and fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences. T2-weighted Dixon turbo spin echo (TSE) enables the generation of T2-weighted fat- and water-separated images, which can be used to assess both pathologies simultaneously. The present study examines the diagnostic performance of T2-weighted Dixon TSE compared with the standard sequences in 10 patients with NMDs and 10 healthy subjects. Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging was performed including T1-weighted Dixon fast field echo, T2-weighted short-tau inversion recovery, and T2-weighted Dixon TSE. Fatty infiltration and intramuscular edema were rated by 2 radiologists using visual semiquantitative rating scales. To assess intermethod and interrater agreement, weighted Cohen's κ coefficients were calculated. The ratings of fatty infiltration showed high intermethod and high interrater agreement (T1-weighted Dixon fast field echo vs T2-weighted Dixon TSE fat image). The evaluation of edematous changes showed high intermethod and good interrater agreement (T2-weighted short-tau inversion recovery vs T2-weighted Dixon TSE water image). T2-weighted Dixon TSE imaging is an alternative for accelerated simultaneous grading of whole-body skeletal muscle fat infiltration and edema in patients with NMDs.

Evaluating Mesorectal Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer Before and After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Using Thin-Section T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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

Koh, Dow-Mu; Chau, Ian; Tait, Diana

2008-06-01

Purpose: To apply thin-section T2-weighted magnetic resoance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the number, size, distribution, and morphology of benign and malignant mesorectal lymph nodes before and after chemoradiation treatment compared with histopathologic findings. Methods and Materials: Twenty-five patients with poor-risk adenocarcinoma of the rectum treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation were evaluated prospectively. Thin-section T2-weighted MR images obtained before and after chemoradiation treatment were independently reviewed in consensus by 2 expert radiologists to determine the tumor stage, nodal size, nodal distribution, and nodal stage. Total mesorectal excision surgery after chemoradiation allowed MR nodal stage to be compared with histopathology using {kappa} statistics.more » Nodal downstaging was compared using the Chi-square test. Results: Before chemoradiation, 152 mesorectal nodes were visible (mean, 6.2 mm; 100 benign, 52 malignant) and 4 of 52 malignant nodes were in contact with the mesorectal fascia. The nodal staging was 7/25 N0, 10/25 N1, and 7/25 N2. After chemoradiation, only 29 nodes (mean, 4.1 mm; 24 benign, 5 malignant) were visible, and none were in contact with the mesorectal fascia. Nodal downstaging was observed: 20/25 N0 and 5/25 N1 (p < 0.01, Chi-square test). There was good agreement between MRI and pathologic T-staging ({kappa} = 0.64) and N-staging ({kappa} = 0.65) after chemoradiation. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation treatment resulted in a decrease in size and number of malignant- and benign-appearing mesorectal nodes on MRI. Nodal downstaging and nodal regression from the mesorectal fascia were observed after treatment. MRI is a useful tool for assessing nodal response to neoadjuvant treatment.« less

Magnetic properties of GdT 2Zn 20 (T = Fe, Co) investigated by x-ray diffraction and spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

J. R. L. Mardegan; Fabbris, G.; Francoual, S.; ...

2016-01-26

In this study, we investigate the magnetic and electronic properties of the GdT 2Zn 20 (T=Fe and Co) compounds using x-ray resonant magnetic scattering (XRMS), x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). The XRMS measurements reveal that GdCo 2Zn 20 has a commensurate antiferromagnetic spin structure with a magnetic propagation vector →/ τ = (12,12,12) below the Néel temperature (T N ~ 5.7 K). Only the Gd ions carry a magnetic moment forming an antiferromagnetic structure with magnetic representation Γ 6. For the ferromagnetic GdFe 2Zn 20 compound, an extensive investigation was performed at low temperaturemore » and under magnetic field using XANES and XMCD. A strong XMCD signal of about 12.5% and 9.7% is observed below the Curie temperature (T C ~ 85K) at the Gd L 2 and L 3 edges, respectively. In addition, a small magnetic signal of about 0.06% of the jump is recorded at the Zn K edge, suggesting that the Zn 4p states are spin polarized by the Gd 5d extended orbitals.« less

Is the Susceptibility Vessel Sign on 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance T2*-Weighted Imaging a Useful Tool to Predict Recanalization in Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator?

PubMed

Yamamoto, N; Satomi, J; Harada, M; Izumi, Y; Nagahiro, S; Kaji, R

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the independent factors associated with the absence of recanalization approximately 24 h after intravenous administration of tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV TPA). The previous studies have been conducted using 1.5-Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We studied whether the characteristics of 3-T MRI findings were useful to predict outcome and recanalization after IV tPA. Patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) (horizontal portion, M1; Sylvian portion, M2) occlusion and treated by IV tPA were enrolled. We studied whether the presence of susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) at M1 and low clot burden score on T2*-weighted imaging (T2*-CBS) on 3-T MRI were associated with the absence of recanalization. A total of 49 patients were enrolled (27 men; mean age, 73.9 years). MR angiography obtained approximately 24 h after IV tPA revealed recanalization in 21 (42.9 %) patients. Independent factors associated with the absence of recanalization included ICA or proximal M1 occlusion (odds ratio, 69.6; 95 % confidence interval, 5.05-958.8, p = 0.002). In this study, an independent factor associated with the absence of recanalization may be proximal occlusion of the cerebral arteries rather than SVS in the MCA or low T2*-CBS on 3-T MRI.

3-T MRI safety assessments of magnetic dental attachments and castable magnetic alloys

PubMed Central

Miyata, K; Abe, Y; Ishii, T; Ishigami, T; Ohtani, K; Nagai, E; Ohyama, T; Umekawa, Y; Nakabayashi, S

2015-01-01

Objectives: To assess the safety of different magnetic dental attachments during 3-T MRI according to the American Society for Testing and Materials F2182-09 and F2052-06e1 standard testing methods and to develop a method to determine MRI compatibility by measuring magnetically induced torque. Methods: The temperature elevations, magnetically induced forces and torques of a ferromagnetic stainless steel keeper, a coping comprising a keeper and a cast magnetic alloy coping were measured on MRI systems. Results: The coping comprising a keeper demonstrated the maximum temperature increase (1.42 °C) for the whole-body-averaged specific absorption rate and was calculated as 2.1 W kg−1 with the saline phantom. All deflection angles exceeded 45°. The cast magnetic alloy coping had the greatest deflection force (0.33 N) during 3-T MRI and torque (1.015 mN m) during 0.3-T MRI. Conclusions: The tested devices showed minimal radiofrequency (RF)-induced heating in a 3-T MR environment, but the cast magnetic alloy coping showed a magnetically induced deflection force and torque approximately eight times that of the keepers. For safety, magnetic dental attachments should be inspected before and after MRI and large prostheses containing cast magnetic alloy should be removed. Although magnetic dental attachments may pose no great risk of RF-induced heating or magnetically induced torque during 3-T MRI, their magnetically induced deflection forces tended to exceed acceptable limits. Therefore, the inspection of such devices before and after MRI is important for patient safety. PMID:25785821

Structural and magnetic transitions in spinel FeM n 2 O 4 single crystals

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

Nepal, Roshan; Zhang, Qiang; Dai, Samuel

Materials that form the spinel structure are known to exhibit geometric frustration, which can lead to magnetic frustration as well. Through magnetization and neutron diffraction measurements, we find that FeMn 2O 4 undergoes one structural and two magnetic transitions. The structural transition occurs at T s ~595K from cubic at high temperatures to tetragonal at low temperatures. Here, two magnetic transitions are ferrimagnetic at T FI–1 ~373K and T FI–2 ~50K, respectively. Further investigation of the specific heat, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient confirms both magnetic transitions. Of particular interest is that there is a significant magnetic contribution to themore » low-temperature specific heat and thermal conductivity, providing a unique system to study heat transport by magnetic excitations.« less

Structural and magnetic transitions in spinel FeM n 2 O 4 single crystals

DOE PAGES

Nepal, Roshan; Zhang, Qiang; Dai, Samuel; ...

2018-01-11

Materials that form the spinel structure are known to exhibit geometric frustration, which can lead to magnetic frustration as well. Through magnetization and neutron diffraction measurements, we find that FeMn 2O 4 undergoes one structural and two magnetic transitions. The structural transition occurs at T s ~595K from cubic at high temperatures to tetragonal at low temperatures. Here, two magnetic transitions are ferrimagnetic at T FI–1 ~373K and T FI–2 ~50K, respectively. Further investigation of the specific heat, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient confirms both magnetic transitions. Of particular interest is that there is a significant magnetic contribution to themore » low-temperature specific heat and thermal conductivity, providing a unique system to study heat transport by magnetic excitations.« less

Cardiac Iron Determines Cardiac T2*, T2, and T1 in the Gerbil Model of Iron Cardiomyopathy

PubMed Central

Wood, John C.; Otto-Duessel, Maya; Aguilar, Michelle; Nick, Hanspeter; Nelson, Marvin D.; Coates, Thomas D.; Pollack, Harvey; Moats, Rex

2010-01-01

Background Transfusional therapy for thalassemia major and sickle cell disease can lead to iron deposition and damage to the heart, liver, and endocrine organs. Iron causes the MRI parameters T1, T2, and T2* to shorten in these organs, which creates a potential mechanism for iron quantification. However, because of the danger and variability of cardiac biopsy, tissue validation of cardiac iron estimates by MRI has not been performed. In this study, we demonstrate that iron produces similar T1, T2, and T2* changes in the heart and liver using a gerbil iron-overload model. Methods and Results Twelve gerbils underwent iron dextran loading (200 mg · kg−1 · wk−1) from 2 to 14 weeks; 5 age-matched controls were studied as well. Animals had in vivo assessment of cardiac T2* and hepatic T2 and T2* and postmortem assessment of cardiac and hepatic T1 and T2. Relaxation measurements were performed in a clinical 1.5-T magnet and a 60-MHz nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometer. Cardiac and liver iron concentrations rose linearly with administered dose. Cardiac 1/T2*, 1/T2, and 1/T1 rose linearly with cardiac iron concentration. Liver 1/T2*, 1/T2, and 1/T1 also rose linearly, proportional to hepatic iron concentration. Liver and heart calibrations were similar on a dry-weight basis. Conclusions MRI measurements of cardiac T2 and T2* can be used to quantify cardiac iron. The similarity of liver and cardiac iron calibration curves in the gerbil suggests that extrapolation of human liver calibration curves to heart may be a rational approximation in humans. PMID:16027257

High-resolution in vivo Wistar rodent brain atlas based on T1 weighted image

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Su; Lu, Zhongkang; Huang, Weimin; Seramani, Sankar; Ramasamy, Boominathan; Sekar, Sakthivel; Guan, Cuntai; Bhakoo, Kishore

2016-03-01

Image based atlases for rats brain have a significant impact on pre-clinical research. In this project we acquired T1-weighted images from Wistar rodent brains with fine 59μm isotropical resolution for generation of the atlas template image. By applying post-process procedures using a semi-automatic brain extraction method, we delineated the brain tissues from source data. Furthermore, we applied a symmetric group-wise normalization method to generate an optimized template of T1 image of rodent brain, then aligned our template to the Waxholm Space. In addition, we defined several simple and explicit landmarks to corresponding our template with the well known Paxinos stereotaxic reference system. Anchoring at the origin of the Waxholm Space, we applied piece-wise linear transformation method to map the voxels of the template into the coordinates system in Paxinos' stereotoxic coordinates to facilitate the labelling task. We also cross-referenced our data with both published rodent brain atlas and image atlases available online, methodologically labelling the template to produce a Wistar brain atlas identifying more than 130 structures. Particular attention was paid to the cortex and cerebellum, as these areas encompass the most researched aspects of brain functions. Moreover, we adopted the structure hierarchy and naming nomenclature common to various atlases, so that the names and hierarchy structure presented in the atlas are readily recognised for easy use. It is believed the atlas will present a useful tool in rodent brain functional and pharmaceutical studies.

Magnetic Structure and Quadrupolar Order Parameter Driven by Geometrical Frustration Effect in NdB4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamauchi, Hiroki; Metoki, Naoto; Watanuki, Ryuta; Suzuki, Kazuya; Fukazawa, Hiroshi; Chi, Songxue; Fernandez-Baca, Jaime A.

2017-04-01

Neutron diffraction experiments have been carried out to characterize the magnetic structures and order parameters in an intermediate phase of NdB4 showing the successive phase transitions at T0 = 17.2 K, TN1 = 7.0 K, and TN2 = 4.8 K. We have revealed the antiferromagnetic ordering with the propagation vectors q0 = (0,0,0), q0 and qs1 = (δ ,δ ,0.4) (δ ˜ 0.14), and q0 and qs2 = (0.2,0,0.4) in phase II (TN1 < T < T0), phase III (TN2 < T < TN1), and phase IV (T < TN2), respectively. The observed patterns in phase II are successfully explained by postulating a coplanar structure with static magnetic moments in the tetragonal ab-plane. We have found that the magnetic structure in phase II can be uniquely determined to be a linear combination of antiferromagnetic "all-in/all-out"-type (Γ4) and "vortex"-type (Γ2) structures, consisting of a Γ4 main component (77%) with a small amplitude of Γ2 (23%). We propose that the quadrupolar interaction holds the key to stabilizing the noncollinear magnetic structure and quadrupolar order. Here, the frustration in the Shastry-Sutherland lattice would play an essential role in suppressing the dominance of the magnetic interaction.

Safety and protection of 8T NbTi gyrotron magnet in persistent mode

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

Usak, P.; Kokavec, J.; Chovanec, F.

1993-09-01

Successful series of 5T cryomagnetic systems for additional high frequency plasma heating in Tokamaks T10 and T15, produced in Czechoslovakia during the last decade with the authors participation in magnet design and testing encouraged them to continue in further development of gyrotron magnets for further generation with operational field B[sub 0] = 8T. Approximately of the size and dimensions as was the case of previous 5T series, the 8T gyrotron magnet was designed as a part of preliminary work with preparations for ITER project. To achieve high mechanical stability of the superconducting winding, numerical stress-strain analyzes of winding structure andmore » appropriate technology of epoxy impregnation were applied. To improve winding mechanical stability, initially round [phi]1 mm varnish insulated conductor was flattened to race track'' cross section (1.25 [times] 0.75 mm[sup 2] for inner section, respectively, 1.31 [times] 0.65 mm[sup 2] for the rest of magnet). Stainless steel road ([phi]1mm) of the bandage was flattened in the same way too (up to 1.14 [times] 0.77 mm[sup 2]). Danger of creating a hot spot region has been limited by radial magnet sectioning and sections shunting by low ohmic shunts. Superconducting switch was protected by couple of antiparallel silicon diodes mounted between magnet flanges in parallel to it. High threshold voltages of diodes at 4.2K allow to run up system with relatively high speed without any limitation on sign of magnet field polarity.« less

Local staging and assessment of colon cancer with 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging

PubMed Central

Blake, Helena; Jeyadevan, Nelesh; Abulafi, Muti; Swift, Ian; Toomey, Paul; Brown, Gina

2016-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of 1.5-T MRI in the pre-operative local T and N staging of colon cancer and identification of extramural vascular invasion (EMVI). Methods: Between 2010 and 2012, 60 patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon were prospectively recruited at 2 centres. 55 patients were included for final analysis. Patients received pre-operative 1.5-T MRI with high-resolution T2 weighted, gadolinium-enhanced T1 weighted and diffusion-weighted images. These were blindly assessed by two expert radiologists. Accuracy of the T-stage, N-stage and EMVI assessment was evaluated using post-operative histology as the gold standard. Results: Results are reported for two readers. Identification of T3 disease demonstrated an accuracy of 71% and 51%, sensitivity of 74% and 42% and specificity of 74% and 83%. Identification of N1 disease demonstrated an accuracy of 57% for both readers, sensitivity of 26% and 35% and specificity of 81% and 74%. Identification of EMVI demonstrated an accuracy of 74% and 69%, sensitivity 63% and 26% and specificity 80% and 91%. Conclusion: 1.5-T MRI achieved a moderate accuracy in the local evaluation of colon cancer, but cannot be recommended to replace CT on the basis of this study. Advances in knowledge: This study confirms that MRI is a viable alternative to CT for the local assessment of colon cancer, but this study does not reproduce the very high accuracy reported in the only other study to assess the accuracy of MRI in colon cancer staging. PMID:27226219

Microbleeds in postmortem brains of patients with Alzheimer disease: a T2*-weighted gradient-echo 7.0 T magnetic resonance imaging study.

PubMed

De Reuck, Jacques L; Cordonnier, Charlotte; Deramecourt, Vincent; Auger, Florent; Durieux, Nicolas; Bordet, Regis; Maurage, Claude-Alain; Leys, Didier; Pasquier, Florence

2013-01-01

This study aims to determine the distribution and to quantify microbleeds (MBs) in postmortem brains of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) on T2*-weighted gradient-echo 7.0 T magnetic resonance imaging. Twenty-eight AD brains were compared with 5 controls. The AD brains were subdivided further: 18 without and 10 with additional severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy (AD-CAA). The distribution and the number of cortical focal signal intensity losses, representing MBs, were assessed on coronal sections at the frontal, the central, and the occipital level of a cerebral hemisphere. MBs prevailed in the central sections (P=0.005) of AD brains without CAA, whereas in AD-CAA brains, they were more frequent in all coronal sections (P≤0.002). They prevailed in the deep cortical layers of the AD brains and of the controls (P≤0.03). They were significantly increased in all cortical layers of the AD-CAA brains (P≤0.04), compared with the controls. MBs prevalence in brains of AD patients had a different topographic distribution according to the absence or presence of severe CAA.

The impact of fibre orientation on T1-relaxation and apparent tissue water content in white matter.

PubMed

Schyboll, Felix; Jaekel, Uwe; Weber, Bernd; Neeb, Heiko

2018-02-20

Recent MRI studies have shown that the orientation of nerve fibres relative to the main magnetic field affects the R 2 *(= 1/T 2 *) relaxation rate in white matter (WM) structures. The underlying physical causes have been discussed in several studies but are still not completely understood. However, understanding these effects in detail is of great importance since this might serve as a basis for the development of new diagnostic tools and/or improve quantitative susceptibility mapping techniques. Therefore, in addition to the known angular dependence of R 2 *, the current study investigates the relationship between fibre orientation and the longitudinal relaxation rate, R 1 (= 1/T 1 ), as well as the apparent water content. For a group of 16 healthy subjects, a series of gradient echo, echo-planar and diffusion weighted images were acquired at 3T from which the decay rates, the apparent water content and the diffusion direction were reconstructed. The diffusion weighted data were used to determine the angle between the principle fibre direction and the main magnetic field to examine the angular dependence of R 1 and apparent water content. The obtained results demonstrate that both parameters depend on the fibre orientation and exhibit a positive correlation with the angle between fibre direction and main magnetic field. These observations could be helpful to improve and/or constrain existing biophysical models of brain microstructure by imposing additional constraints resulting from the observed angular dependence R 1 and apparent water content in white matter.

Electron energy spectrum and magnetic interactions in high-T(sub c) superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turshevski, S. A.; Liechtenstein, A. I.; Antropov, V. P.; Gubanov, V. A.

1990-01-01

The character of magnetic interactions in La-Sr-Cu-O and Y-Ba-Cu-O systems is of primary importance for analysis of high-T(sub c) superconductivity in these compounds. Neutron diffraction experiments showed the antiferromagnetic ground state for nonsuperconducting La2CuO4 and YBa2Cu3O6 with the strongest antiferromagnetic superexchange being in the ab plane. The nonsuperconducting '1-2-3' system has two Neel temperatures T sub N1 and T sub N2. The first one corresponds to the ordering of Cu atoms in the CuO2 planes; T sub N2 reflects the antiferromagnetic ordering of magnetic moments in CuO chains relatively to the moments in the planes T sub N1 and T sub N2 depend strongly on the oxygen content. Researchers describe magnetic interactions in high-T superconductors based on the Linear Muffin-Tin Orbitals (LMTO) band structure calculations. Exchange interaction parameters can be defined from the effective Heisenberg hamiltonian. When the magnetic moments are not too large, as copper magnetic moments in superconducting oxides, J sub ij parameters can be defined through the non-local magnetic susceptibility of spin restricted solution for the crystal. The results of nonlocal magnetic susceptibility calculations and the values of exchange interaction parameters for La CuO and YBa2Cu3O7 systems are given in tabular form. Strong anisotropy of exchange interactions in the ab plane and along the c axis in La2CuO4 is obviously seen. The value of Neel temperature found agrees well with the experimental data available. In the planes of '1-2-3' system there are quite strong antiferromagnetic Cu-O and O-O interaction which appear due to holes in oxygen subbands. These results are in line with the magnetic model of oxygen holes pairing in high-T(sub c) superconductors.

Optimization of PROPELLER reconstruction for free-breathing T1-weighted cardiac imaging.

PubMed

Huang, Teng-Yi; Tseng, Yu-Shen; Tang, Yu-Wei; Lin, Yi-Ru

2012-08-01

Clinical cardiac MR imaging techniques generally require patients to hold their breath during the scanning process to minimize respiratory motion-related artifacts. However, some patients cannot hold their breath because of illness or limited breath-hold capacity. This study aims to optimize the PROPELLER reconstruction for free-breathing myocardial T1-weighted imaging. Eight healthy volunteers (8 men; mean age 26.4 years) participated in this study after providing institutionally approved consent. The PROPELLER encoding method can reconstruct a low-resolution image from every blade because of k-space center oversampling. This study investigated the feasibility of extracting a respiratory trace from the PROPELLER blades by implementing a fully automatic region of interest selection and introducing a best template index to account for the property of the human respiration cycle. Results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm significantly improves the contrast-to-noise ratio and the image sharpness (p < 0.05). The PROPELLER method is expected to provide a robust tool for clinical application in free-breathing myocardial T1-weighted imaging. It could greatly facilitate the acquisition procedures during such a routine examination.

Development of Ferrite-Based Temperature Sensors for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Study of Cu1 -xZnxFe2O4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alghamdi, N. A.; Hankiewicz, J. H.; Anderson, N. R.; Stupic, K. F.; Camley, R. E.; Przybylski, M.; Żukrowski, J.; Celinski, Z.

2018-05-01

We investigate the use of Cu1 -xZnxFe2O4 ferrites (0.60 magnetic-resonance-imaging thermometry. Samples are prepared by a standard ceramic technique. Their structural and magnetic properties are determined using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, superconducting quantum-interference device magnetometry, and Mössbauer and 3-T nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopies. We use the mass magnetization of powdered ferrites and transverse relaxivity r2* of water protons in Ringer's-solution-based agar gels with embedded micron-sized particles to determine the best composition for magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) temperature sensors in the (280-323)-K range. A preclinical 3-T MRI scanner is employed to acquire T2* weighted temperature-dependent images. The brightness of the MRI images is cross-correlated with the temperature of the phantoms, which allows for a temperature determination with approximately 1 °C accuracy. We determine that the composition of 0.65

A medical device-grade T1 and ECV phantom for global T1 mapping quality assurance-the T1 Mapping and ECV Standardization in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (T1MES) program.

PubMed

Captur, Gabriella; Gatehouse, Peter; Keenan, Kathryn E; Heslinga, Friso G; Bruehl, Ruediger; Prothmann, Marcel; Graves, Martin J; Eames, Richard J; Torlasco, Camilla; Benedetti, Giulia; Donovan, Jacqueline; Ittermann, Bernd; Boubertakh, Redha; Bathgate, Andrew; Royet, Celine; Pang, Wenjie; Nezafat, Reza; Salerno, Michael; Kellman, Peter; Moon, James C

2016-09-22

T 1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) have the potential to guide patient care and serve as surrogate end-points in clinical trials, but measurements differ between cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scanners and pulse sequences. To help deliver T 1 mapping to global clinical care, we developed a phantom-based quality assurance (QA) system for verification of measurement stability over time at individual sites, with further aims of generalization of results across sites, vendor systems, software versions and imaging sequences. We thus created T1MES: The T1 Mapping and ECV Standardization Program. A design collaboration consisting of a specialist MRI small-medium enterprise, clinicians, physicists and national metrology institutes was formed. A phantom was designed covering clinically relevant ranges of T 1 and T 2 in blood and myocardium, pre and post-contrast, for 1.5 T and 3 T. Reproducible mass manufacture was established. The device received regulatory clearance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Conformité Européene (CE) marking. The T1MES phantom is an agarose gel-based phantom using nickel chloride as the paramagnetic relaxation modifier. It was reproducibly specified and mass-produced with a rigorously repeatable process. Each phantom contains nine differently-doped agarose gel tubes embedded in a gel/beads matrix. Phantoms were free of air bubbles and susceptibility artifacts at both field strengths and T 1 maps were free from off-resonance artifacts. The incorporation of high-density polyethylene beads in the main gel fill was effective at flattening the B 1 field. T 1 and T 2 values measured in T1MES showed coefficients of variation of 1 % or less between repeat scans indicating good short-term reproducibility. Temperature dependency experiments confirmed that over the range 15-30 °C the short-T 1 tubes were more stable with temperature than the long-T 1 tubes. A batch of 69 phantoms was mass-produced with random sampling of

Rapid Parametric Mapping of the Longitudinal Relaxation Time T1 Using Two-Dimensional Variable Flip Angle Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 1.5 Tesla, 3 Tesla, and 7 Tesla

PubMed Central

Dieringer, Matthias A.; Deimling, Michael; Santoro, Davide; Wuerfel, Jens; Madai, Vince I.; Sobesky, Jan; von Knobelsdorff-Brenkenhoff, Florian; Schulz-Menger, Jeanette; Niendorf, Thoralf

2014-01-01

Introduction Visual but subjective reading of longitudinal relaxation time (T1) weighted magnetic resonance images is commonly used for the detection of brain pathologies. For this non-quantitative measure, diagnostic quality depends on hardware configuration, imaging parameters, radio frequency transmission field (B1+) uniformity, as well as observer experience. Parametric quantification of the tissue T1 relaxation parameter offsets the propensity for these effects, but is typically time consuming. For this reason, this study examines the feasibility of rapid 2D T1 quantification using a variable flip angles (VFA) approach at magnetic field strengths of 1.5 Tesla, 3 Tesla, and 7 Tesla. These efforts include validation in phantom experiments and application for brain T1 mapping. Methods T1 quantification included simulations of the Bloch equations to correct for slice profile imperfections, and a correction for B1+. Fast gradient echo acquisitions were conducted using three adjusted flip angles for the proposed T1 quantification approach that was benchmarked against slice profile uncorrected 2D VFA and an inversion-recovery spin-echo based reference method. Brain T1 mapping was performed in six healthy subjects, one multiple sclerosis patient, and one stroke patient. Results Phantom experiments showed a mean T1 estimation error of (-63±1.5)% for slice profile uncorrected 2D VFA and (0.2±1.4)% for the proposed approach compared to the reference method. Scan time for single slice T1 mapping including B1+ mapping could be reduced to 5 seconds using an in-plane resolution of (2×2) mm2, which equals a scan time reduction of more than 99% compared to the reference method. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that rapid 2D T1 quantification using a variable flip angle approach is feasible at 1.5T/3T/7T. It represents a valuable alternative for rapid T1 mapping due to the gain in speed versus conventional approaches. This progress may serve to enhance the capabilities of

Rapid parametric mapping of the longitudinal relaxation time T1 using two-dimensional variable flip angle magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 Tesla, 3 Tesla, and 7 Tesla.

PubMed

Dieringer, Matthias A; Deimling, Michael; Santoro, Davide; Wuerfel, Jens; Madai, Vince I; Sobesky, Jan; von Knobelsdorff-Brenkenhoff, Florian; Schulz-Menger, Jeanette; Niendorf, Thoralf

2014-01-01

Visual but subjective reading of longitudinal relaxation time (T1) weighted magnetic resonance images is commonly used for the detection of brain pathologies. For this non-quantitative measure, diagnostic quality depends on hardware configuration, imaging parameters, radio frequency transmission field (B1+) uniformity, as well as observer experience. Parametric quantification of the tissue T1 relaxation parameter offsets the propensity for these effects, but is typically time consuming. For this reason, this study examines the feasibility of rapid 2D T1 quantification using a variable flip angles (VFA) approach at magnetic field strengths of 1.5 Tesla, 3 Tesla, and 7 Tesla. These efforts include validation in phantom experiments and application for brain T1 mapping. T1 quantification included simulations of the Bloch equations to correct for slice profile imperfections, and a correction for B1+. Fast gradient echo acquisitions were conducted using three adjusted flip angles for the proposed T1 quantification approach that was benchmarked against slice profile uncorrected 2D VFA and an inversion-recovery spin-echo based reference method. Brain T1 mapping was performed in six healthy subjects, one multiple sclerosis patient, and one stroke patient. Phantom experiments showed a mean T1 estimation error of (-63±1.5)% for slice profile uncorrected 2D VFA and (0.2±1.4)% for the proposed approach compared to the reference method. Scan time for single slice T1 mapping including B1+ mapping could be reduced to 5 seconds using an in-plane resolution of (2×2) mm2, which equals a scan time reduction of more than 99% compared to the reference method. Our results demonstrate that rapid 2D T1 quantification using a variable flip angle approach is feasible at 1.5T/3T/7T. It represents a valuable alternative for rapid T1 mapping due to the gain in speed versus conventional approaches. This progress may serve to enhance the capabilities of parametric MR based lesion detection and

Localization of Coronary High-Intensity Signals on T1-Weighted MR Imaging: Relation to Plaque Morphology and Clinical Severity of Angina Pectoris.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Kenji; Ehara, Shoichi; Hasegawa, Takao; Sakaguchi, Mikumo; Otsuka, Kenichiro; Yoshikawa, Junichi; Shimada, Kenei

2015-10-01

This study sought to investigate the relationship between localization of high-intensity signals (HISs) on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) with the noncontrast magnetic resonance technique and plaque morphology detected on optical coherence tomography, and the clinical severity of angina pectoris. Since the introduction of the T1WI noncontrast magnetic resonance technique for plaque imaging, some groups have reported that HISs in the coronary artery on T1WI are associated with a vulnerable morphology and future cardiac events. However, the association between the localization of HISs, such as coronary intrawall or intraluminal, and plaque morphology has not been investigated. One hundred lesions with either stable or unstable angina were included and divided into 3 groups according to the following criteria using T1WI. First, the plaques with the ratio between the signal intensities of coronary plaque and cardiac muscle ≤1.0 were classified as non-HISs (n = 39). Then, HISs with the ratio between the signal intensities of coronary plaque and cardiac muscle >1.0 were classified into 2 types by using cross-sectional T1WI. Those localized within the coronary wall when the lumen was identified were defined as intrawall HISs (n = 37), whereas those occupying the lumen when the lumen was not, or even if only partly, identified, were defined as intraluminal HISs (n = 24). Multivariate analysis revealed that intrawall HISs were associated with macrophage accumulation and the absence of calcification assessed by using optical coherence tomography. In contrast, thrombus and intimal vasculature were independent factors associated with intraluminal HISs. Furthermore, 50% of patients with intraluminal HISs experienced rest angina, such as Braunwald class II or III. This study shows that intrawall and intraluminal HISs on T1WI in patients with angina are related to the different types of vulnerable plaque morphology and the clinical severity. Copyright © 2015 American College of

Clinical equivalence assessment of T2 synthesized pediatric brain magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Kerleroux, Basile; Kober, Tobias; Hilbert, Tom; Serru, Maxence; Sirinelli, Dominique; Morel, Baptiste

2018-05-04

Automated synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides qualitative, weighted image contrasts as well as quantitative information from one scan and is well-suited for various applications such as analysis of white matter disorders. However, the synthesized contrasts have been poorly evaluated in pediatric applications. The purpose of this study was to compare the image quality of synthetic T2 to conventional turbo spin echo (TSE) T2 in pediatric brain MRI. This was a mono-center prospective study. Synthetic and conventional MRI acquisitions at 1.5 Tesla were performed for each patient during the same session using a prototype accelerated T2 mapping sequence package (TA synthetic =3:07min, TA conventional =2:33min). Image sets were blindly and randomly analyzed by pediatric neuro-radiologists. Global image quality, morphologic legibility of standard structures and artifacts were assessed using a 4-point Likert scale. Inter-observer kappa agreements were calculated. The capability of the synthesized contrasts and conventional TSE T2 to discern normal and pathologic cases was evaluated. Sixty patients were included. The overall diagnostic quality of the synthesized contrasts was non-inferior to conventional imaging scale (p=0.06). There was no significant difference in the legibility of normal and pathological anatomic structures of synthetized and conventional TSE T2 (all p > 0.05) as well as for artifacts except for phase encoding (p=0.008). Interobserver agreement was good to almost perfect (kappa between 0.66 and 1). T2 synthesized contrasts, which also provides quantitative T2 information that could be useful, could be suggested as an equivalent technique in pediatric neuro-imaging, compared to conventional TSE T2. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Dual-mode T1 and T2 magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent based on ultrasmall mixed gadolinium-dysprosium oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and in vivo application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tegafaw, Tirusew; Xu, Wenlong; Wasi Ahmad, Md; Baeck, Jong Su; Chang, Yongmin; Bae, Ji Eun; Chae, Kwon Seok; Kim, Tae Jeong; Lee, Gang Ho

2015-09-01

A new type of dual-mode T1 and T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent based on mixed lanthanide oxide nanoparticles was synthesized. Gd3+ (8S7/2) plays an important role in T1 MRI contrast agents because of its large electron spin magnetic moment resulting from its seven unpaired 4f-electrons, and Dy3+ (6H15/2) has the potential to be used in T2 MRI contrast agents because of its very large total electron magnetic moment: among lanthanide oxide nanoparticles, Dy2O3 nanoparticles have the largest magnetic moments at room temperature. Using these properties of Gd3+ and Dy3+ and their oxide nanoparticles, ultrasmall mixed gadolinium-dysprosium oxide (GDO) nanoparticles were synthesized and their potential to act as a dual-mode T1 and T2 MRI contrast agent was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The D-glucuronic acid coated GDO nanoparticles (davg = 1.0 nm) showed large r1 and r2 values (r2/r1 ≈ 6.6) and as a result clear dose-dependent contrast enhancements in R1 and R2 map images. Finally, the dual-mode imaging capability of the nanoparticles was confirmed by obtaining in vivo T1 and T2 MR images.

T2-weighted MRI of the upper abdomen: comparison of four fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences including PROPELLER (BLADE) technique.

PubMed

Bayramoglu, Sibel; Kilickesmez, Ozgür; Cimilli, Tan; Kayhan, Arda; Yirik, Gülseren; Islim, Filiz; Alibek, Sedat

2010-03-01

The aim of this study was to compare four different fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences with different techniques with regard to image quality and lesion detection in upper abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Thirty-two consecutive patients referred for upper abdominal MRI for the evaluation of various suspected pathologies were included in this study. Different T2-weighted sequences (free-breathing navigator-triggered turbo spin-echo [TSE], free-breathing navigator-triggered TSE with restore pulse (RP), breath-hold TSE with RP, and free-breathing navigator-triggered TSE with RP using the periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction technique [using BLADE, a Siemens implementation of this technique]) were used on all patients. All images were assessed independently by two radiologists. Assessments of motion artifacts; the edge sharpness of the liver, pancreas, and intrahepatic vessels; depictions of the intrahepatic vessels; and overall image quality were performed qualitatively. Quantitative analysis was performed by calculation of the signal-to-noise ratios for liver tissue and gallbladder as well as contrast-to-noise ratios of liver to spleen. Liver and gallbladder signal-to-noise ratios as well as liver to spleen contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly higher (P < .05) for the BLADE technique compared to all other sequences. In qualitative analysis, the severity of motion artifacts was significantly lower with T2-weighted free-breathing navigator-triggered BLADE sequences compared to other sequences (P < .01). The edge sharpness of the liver, pancreas, and intrahepatic vessels; depictions of the intrahepatic vessels; and overall image quality were significantly better with the BLADE sequence (P < .05). The T2-weighted free-breathing navigator-triggered TSE sequence with the BLADE technique is a promising approach for reducing motion artifacts and improving image quality in upper abdominal MRI scans.

Structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of multiferroic Co1-xMgxCr2O4 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamran, M.; Ullah, A.; Rahman, S.; Tahir, A.; Nadeem, K.; Anis ur Rehman, M.; Hussain, S.

2017-07-01

We examined the structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Co1-xMgxCr2O4 nanoparticles with composition x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 in detail. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed normal spinel structure for all the samples. Rietveld refinement fitting results of the XRD showed no impurity phases which signifies the formation of single phase Co1-xMgxCr2O4 nanoparticles. The average crystallite size showed a peak behaviour with maxima at x = 0.6. Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy also confirmed the formation of single phase normal spinel for all the samples and exhibited dominant vibrational changes for x ≥ 0.6. For x = 0 (CoCr2O4), zero field cooled/field cooled (ZFC/FC) magnetization curves showed paramagnetic (PM) to ferrimagnetic (FiM) transition at Tc = 97 K and a conical spiral magnetic order at Ts = 30 K. The end members CoCr2O4 (x = 0) and MgCr2O4 (x = 1) are FiM and antiferromagnetic (AFM), respectively. Tc and Ts showed decreasing trend with increasing x, followed by an additional AFM transition at TN = 15 K for x = 0.6. The system finally stabilized and changed to highly frustrated AFM structure at x = 1 due to formation of pure MgCr2O4. High field FC curves (5T) depicted nearly no effect on spiral magnetic state, which is attributed to strong exchange B-B magnetic interactions at low temperatures. Dielectric parameters showed a non-monotonous behaviour with Mg concentration and were explained with the help of Maxwell-Wagner model and Koop's theory. Dielectric properties were improved for nanoparticles with x = 0.6 and is attributed to their larger average crystallite size. In summary, Mg doping has significantly affects the structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of CoCr2O4 nanoparticles, which can be attributed to variations in local magnetic exchange interactions and variation in average crystallite size of these chromite nanoparticles.

Preparation of Robust Metal-Free Magnetic Nanoemulsions Encapsulating Low-Molecular-Weight Nitroxide Radicals and Hydrophobic Drugs Directed Toward MRI-Visible Targeted Delivery.

PubMed

Nagura, Kota; Takemoto, Yusa; Moronaga, Satori; Uchida, Yoshiaki; Shimono, Satoshi; Shiino, Akihiko; Tanigaki, Kenji; Amano, Tsukuru; Yoshino, Fumi; Noda, Yohei; Koizumi, Satoshi; Komatsu, Naoki; Kato, Tatsuhisa; Yamauchi, Jun; Tamura, Rui

2017-11-07

With a view to developing a theranostic nanomedicine for targeted drug delivery systems visible by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, robust metal-free magnetic nanoemulsions (mean particle size less than 20 nm) consisting of a biocompatible surfactant and hydrophobic, low molecular weight 2,2,5-trimethyl-5-(4-alkoxy)phenylpyrrolidine-N-oxyl radicals were prepared in pH 7.4 phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The structure of the nanoemulsions was characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering and small-angle neutron-scattering measurements. The nanoemulsions showed high colloidal stability, low cytotoxicity, enough reduction resistance to excess ascorbic acid, and sufficient contrast enhancement in the proton longitudinal relaxation time (T 1 ) weighted MR images in PBS in vitro (and preliminarily in vivo). Furthermore, the hydrophobic anticancer drug paclitaxel could be encapsulated inside the nanoparticles, and the resulting paclitaxel-loaded nanoemulsions were efficiently incorporated into HeLa cells to suppress cell growth. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Characterization of multifocal T2*-weighted MRI hypointensities in the basal ganglia of elderly, community-dwelling subjects☆

PubMed Central

Glatz, Andreas; Valdés Hernández, Maria C.; Kiker, Alexander J.; Bastin, Mark E.; Deary, Ian J.; Wardlaw, Joanna M.

2013-01-01

Multifocal T2*-weighted (T2*w) hypointensities in the basal ganglia, which are believed to arise predominantly from mineralized small vessels and perivascular spaces, have been proposed as a biomarker for cerebral small vessel disease. This study provides baseline data on their appearance on conventional structural MRI for improving and automating current manual segmentation methods. Using a published thresholding method, multifocal T2*w hypointensities were manually segmented from whole brain T2*w volumes acquired from 98 community-dwelling subjects in their early 70s. Connected component analysis was used to derive the average T2*w hypointensity count and load per basal ganglia nucleus, as well as the morphology of their connected components, while nonlinear spatial probability mapping yielded their spatial distribution. T1-weighted (T1w), T2-weighted (T2w) and T2*w intensity distributions of basal ganglia T2*w hypointensities and their appearance on T1w and T2w MRI were investigated to gain further insights into the underlying tissue composition. In 75/98 subjects, on average, 3 T2*w hypointensities with a median total volume per intracranial volume of 50.3 ppm were located in and around the globus pallidus. Individual hypointensities appeared smooth and spherical with a median volume of 12 mm3 and median in-plane area of 4 mm2. Spatial probability maps suggested an association between T2*w hypointensities and the point of entry of lenticulostriate arterioles into the brain parenchyma. T1w and T2w and especially the T2*w intensity distributions of these hypointensities, which were negatively skewed, were generally not normally distributed indicating an underlying inhomogeneous tissue structure. Globus pallidus T2*w hypointensities tended to appear hypo- and isointense on T1w and T2w MRI, whereas those from other structures appeared iso- and hypointense. This pattern could be explained by an increased mineralization of the globus pallidus. In conclusion, the

T1 weighted fat/water separated PROPELLER acquired with dual bandwidths.

PubMed

Rydén, Henric; Berglund, Johan; Norbeck, Ola; Avventi, Enrico; Skare, Stefan

2018-04-24

To describe a fat/water separated dual receiver bandwidth (rBW) spin echo PROPELLER sequence that eliminates the dead time associated with single rBW sequences. A nonuniform noise whitening by regularization of the fat/water inverse problem is proposed, to enable dual rBW reconstructions. Bipolar, flyback, and dual spin echo sequences were developed. All sequences acquire two echoes with different rBW without dead time. Chemical shift displacement was corrected by performing the fat/water separation in k-space, prior to gridding. The proposed sequences were compared to fat saturation, and single rBW sequences, in terms of SNR and CNR efficiency, using clinically relevant acquisition parameters. The impact of motion was investigated. Chemical shift correction greatly improved the image quality, especially at high resolution acquired with low rBW, and also improved motion estimates. SNR efficiency of the dual spin echo sequence was up to 20% higher than the single rBW acquisition, while CNR efficiency was 50% higher for the bipolar acquisition. Noise whitening was deemed necessary for all dual rBW acquisitions, rendering high image quality with strong and homogenous fat suppression. Dual rBW sequences eliminate the dead time present in single rBW sequences, which improves SNR efficiency. In combination with the proposed regularization, this enables highly efficient T1-weighted PROPELLER images without chemical shift displacement. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Structural, magnetic, and electrical properties of perpendicularly magnetized Mn4-xFexGe thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niesen, Alessia; Teichert, Niclas; Matalla-Wagner, Tristan; Balluf, Jan; Dohmeier, Niklas; Glas, Manuel; Klewe, Christoph; Arenholz, Elke; Schmalhorst, Jan-Michael; Reiss, Günter

2018-03-01

We investigated the structural, magnetic, and electrical properties of the perpendicularly magnetized Mn4-xFexGe thin films (0.3 ≤ x ≤ 1). The tetragonally distorted structure was verified for all investigated stoichiometries. High coercive fields in the range of 1.61 T to 3.64 T at room temperature were measured and showed increasing behavior with decreasing Fe content. The magnetic moments range from (0.16 ± 0.02) μB/f.u for Mn3Fe1Ge to (0.08 ± 0.01) μB/f.u for Mn3.4Fe0.6Ge. X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed ferromagnetic coupling of the Mn and Fe atoms in Mn4-xFexGe and the ferrimagnetic ordering of the Mn magnetic moments. Anomalous Hall effect measurements showed sharp magnetization switching. The resistivity values are in the range of 207 μΩ cm to 457 μΩ cm depending on the stoichiometry. From the contribution of the ordinary Hall effect in the anomalous Hall effect measurements, Hall constants, the charge carrier density, and mobility were deduced. The thermal conductivity was calculated using the Wiedemann-Franz law. All these values are strongly influenced by the stoichiometry. An alternative method was introduced for the determination of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The values range between 0.26 MJ/m3 and 0.36 MJ/m3.

T1ρ magnetic resonance: basic physics principles and applications in knee and intervertebral disc imaging.

PubMed

Wáng, Yì-Xiáng J; Zhang, Qinwei; Li, Xiaojuan; Chen, Weitian; Ahuja, Anil; Yuan, Jing

2015-12-01

T1ρ relaxation time provides a new contrast mechanism that differs from T1- and T2-weighted contrast, and is useful to study low-frequency motional processes and chemical exchange in biological tissues. T1ρ imaging can be performed in the forms of T1ρ-weighted image, T1ρ mapping and T1ρ dispersion. T1ρ imaging, particularly at low spin-lock frequency, is sensitive to B0 and B1 inhomogeneity. Various composite spin-lock pulses have been proposed to alleviate the influence of field inhomogeneity so as to reduce the banding-like spin-lock artifacts. T1ρ imaging could be specific absorption rate (SAR) intensive and time consuming. Efforts to address these issues and speed-up data acquisition are being explored to facilitate wider clinical applications. This paper reviews the T1ρ imaging's basic physic principles, as well as its application for cartilage imaging and intervertebral disc imaging. Compared to more established T2 relaxation time, it has been shown that T1ρ provides more sensitive detection of proteoglycan (PG) loss at early stages of cartilage degeneration. T1ρ has also been shown to provide more sensitive evaluation of annulus fibrosis (AF) degeneration of the discs.

T1ρ magnetic resonance: basic physics principles and applications in knee and intervertebral disc imaging

PubMed Central

Zhang, Qinwei; Li, Xiaojuan; Chen, Weitian; Ahuja, Anil; Yuan, Jing

2015-01-01

T1ρ relaxation time provides a new contrast mechanism that differs from T1- and T2-weighted contrast, and is useful to study low-frequency motional processes and chemical exchange in biological tissues. T1ρ imaging can be performed in the forms of T1ρ-weighted image, T1ρ mapping and T1ρ dispersion. T1ρ imaging, particularly at low spin-lock frequency, is sensitive to B0 and B1 inhomogeneity. Various composite spin-lock pulses have been proposed to alleviate the influence of field inhomogeneity so as to reduce the banding-like spin-lock artifacts. T1ρ imaging could be specific absorption rate (SAR) intensive and time consuming. Efforts to address these issues and speed-up data acquisition are being explored to facilitate wider clinical applications. This paper reviews the T1ρ imaging’s basic physic principles, as well as its application for cartilage imaging and intervertebral disc imaging. Compared to more established T2 relaxation time, it has been shown that T1ρ provides more sensitive detection of proteoglycan (PG) loss at early stages of cartilage degeneration. T1ρ has also been shown to provide more sensitive evaluation of annulus fibrosis (AF) degeneration of the discs. PMID:26807369

Everyman's prostate phantom: kiwi-fruit substitute for human prostates at magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

PubMed

Mueller-Lisse, Ullrich G; Murer, Sophie; Mueller-Lisse, Ulrike L; Kuhn, Marissa; Scheidler, Juergen; Scherr, Michael

2017-08-01

To apply an easy-to-assemble phantom substitute for human prostates in T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and 3D magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Kiwi fruit were fixed with gel hot and cold compress packs on two plastic nursery pots, separated by a plastic plate, and submerged in tap water inside a 1-L open-spout plastic watering can for T2WI (TR/TE 7500/101 ms), DWI (5500/61 ms, ADC b50-800 s/mm 2 map) and MRS (940/145 ms) at 3.0 T, with phased array surface coils. One green kiwi fruit was additionally examined with an endorectal coil. Retrospective comparison with benign peripheral zone (PZ) and transitional zone (TZ) of prostate (n = 5), Gleason 6-7a prostate cancer (n = 8) and Gleason 7b-9 prostate cancer (n = 7) validated the phantom. Mean contrast between central placenta (CP) and outer pericarp (OP, 0.346-0.349) or peripheral placenta (PP, 0.364-0.393) of kiwi fruit was similar to Gleason 7b-9 prostate cancer and PZ (0.308) in T2WI. ADC values of OP and PP (1.27 ± 0.07-1.37 ± 0.08 mm 2 /s × 10 -3 ) resembled PZ and TZ (1.39 ± 0.17-1.60 ± 0.24 mm 2 /s × 10 -3 ), while CP (0.91 ± 0.14-0.99 ± 0.10 mm 2 /s × 10 -3 ) resembled Gleason 7b-9 prostate cancer (1.00 ± 0.25 mm 2 /s × 10 -3 ). MR spectra showed peaks of citrate and myo-inositol in kiwi fruit, and citrate and "choline+creatine" in prostates. The phantom worked with an endorectal coil, too. The kiwi fruit phantom reproducibly showed zones similar to PZ, TZ and cancer in human prostates in T2WI and DWI and two metabolite peaks in MRS and appears suitable to compare different MR protocols, coil systems and scanners. • Kiwi fruit appear suitable as phantoms for human prostate in MR examinations. • Kiwi fruit show zonal anatomy like human prostates in T2-weighted MRI and DWI. • MR spectroscopy reliably shows peaks in kiwi fruit (citrate/inositol) and human prostates (citrate

Early Detection of Hypothermic Neuroprotection Using T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Mouse Model of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy.

PubMed

Doman, Sydney E; Girish, Akanksha; Nemeth, Christina L; Drummond, Gabrielle T; Carr, Patrice; Garcia, Maxine S; Johnston, Michael V; Kannan, Sujatha; Fatemi, Ali; Zhang, Jiangyang; Wilson, Mary Ann

2018-01-01

Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, including cerebral palsy. Standard care for neonatal HIE includes therapeutic hypothermia, which provides partial neuroprotection; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to assess injury and predict outcome after HIE. Immature rodent models of HIE are used to evaluate mechanisms of injury and to examine the efficacy and mechanisms of neuroprotective interventions such as hypothermia. In this study, we first confirmed that, in the CD1 mouse model of perinatal HIE used for our research, MRI obtained 3 h after hypoxic ischemia (HI) could reliably assess initial brain injury and predict histopathological outcome. Mice were subjected to HI (unilateral carotid ligation followed by exposure to hypoxia) on postnatal day 7 and were imaged with T2-weighted MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), 3 h after HI. Clearly defined regions of increased signal were comparable in T2 MRI and DWI, and we found a strong correlation between T2 MRI injury scores 3 h after HI and histopathological brain injury 7 days after HI, validating this method for evaluating initial injury in this model of HIE. The more efficient, higher resolution T2 MRI was used to score initial brain injury in subsequent studies. In mice treated with hypothermia, we found a significant reduction in T2 MRI injury scores 3 h after HI, compared to normothermic littermates. Early hypothermic neuroprotection was maintained 7 days after HI, in both T2 MRI injury scores and histopathology. In the normothermic group, T2 MRI injury scores 3 h after HI were comparable to those obtained 7 days after HI. However, in the hypothermic group, brain injury was significantly less 7 days after HI than at 3 h. Thus, early neuroprotective effects of hypothermia were enhanced by 7 days, which may reflect the additional 3 h of hypothermia after imaging or effects on later mechanisms of injury, such as delayed cell

Early Detection of Hypothermic Neuroprotection Using T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Mouse Model of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

PubMed Central

Doman, Sydney E.; Girish, Akanksha; Nemeth, Christina L.; Drummond, Gabrielle T.; Carr, Patrice; Garcia, Maxine S.; Johnston, Michael V.; Kannan, Sujatha; Fatemi, Ali; Zhang, Jiangyang; Wilson, Mary Ann

2018-01-01

Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, including cerebral palsy. Standard care for neonatal HIE includes therapeutic hypothermia, which provides partial neuroprotection; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to assess injury and predict outcome after HIE. Immature rodent models of HIE are used to evaluate mechanisms of injury and to examine the efficacy and mechanisms of neuroprotective interventions such as hypothermia. In this study, we first confirmed that, in the CD1 mouse model of perinatal HIE used for our research, MRI obtained 3 h after hypoxic ischemia (HI) could reliably assess initial brain injury and predict histopathological outcome. Mice were subjected to HI (unilateral carotid ligation followed by exposure to hypoxia) on postnatal day 7 and were imaged with T2-weighted MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), 3 h after HI. Clearly defined regions of increased signal were comparable in T2 MRI and DWI, and we found a strong correlation between T2 MRI injury scores 3 h after HI and histopathological brain injury 7 days after HI, validating this method for evaluating initial injury in this model of HIE. The more efficient, higher resolution T2 MRI was used to score initial brain injury in subsequent studies. In mice treated with hypothermia, we found a significant reduction in T2 MRI injury scores 3 h after HI, compared to normothermic littermates. Early hypothermic neuroprotection was maintained 7 days after HI, in both T2 MRI injury scores and histopathology. In the normothermic group, T2 MRI injury scores 3 h after HI were comparable to those obtained 7 days after HI. However, in the hypothermic group, brain injury was significantly less 7 days after HI than at 3 h. Thus, early neuroprotective effects of hypothermia were enhanced by 7 days, which may reflect the additional 3 h of hypothermia after imaging or effects on later mechanisms of injury, such as delayed cell

Acoustic noise reduction in T 1- and proton-density-weighted turbo spin-echo imaging.

PubMed

Ott, Martin; Blaimer, Martin; Breuer, Felix; Grodzki, David; Heismann, Björn; Jakob, Peter

2016-02-01

To reduce acoustic noise levels in T 1-weighted and proton-density-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequences, which typically reach acoustic noise levels up to 100 dB(A) in clinical practice. Five acoustic noise reduction strategies were combined: (1) gradient ramps and shapes were changed from trapezoidal to triangular, (2) variable-encoding-time imaging was implemented to relax the phase-encoding gradient timing, (3) RF pulses were adapted to avoid the need for reversing the polarity of the slice-rewinding gradient, (4) readout bandwidth was increased to provide more time for gradient activity on other axes, (5) the number of slices per TR was reduced to limit the total gradient activity per unit time. We evaluated the influence of each measure on the acoustic noise level, and conducted in vivo measurements on a healthy volunteer. Sound recordings were taken for comparison. An overall acoustic noise reduction of up to 16.8 dB(A) was obtained by the proposed strategies (1-4) and the acquisition of half the number of slices per TR only. Image quality in terms of SNR and CNR was found to be preserved. The proposed measures in this study allowed a threefold reduction in the acoustic perception of T 1-weighted and proton-density-weighted TSE sequences compared to a standard TSE-acquisition. This could be achieved without visible degradation of image quality, showing the potential to improve patient comfort and scan acceptability.

Structural and magnetic properties of Prussian blue analogue molecular magnet Fe{sub 1.5}[Cr(CN){sub 6}]·mH{sub 2}O

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

Bhatt, Pramod, E-mail: prabhatt@barc.gov.in; Meena, S. S.; Mukadam, M. D.

2016-05-23

Molecular magnets, based on Prussian blue analogues, Fe{sub 1.5}[Cr(CN){sub 6}]·mH{sub 2}O have been synthesized in the bulk as well as nanoparticle forms using a co-precipitation method, and their structural and magnetic properties have been investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD) Mössbauer spectroscopy and dc magnetization. The XRD study confirms the single phase crystalline and nanoparticle nature of the compounds with a face centered cubic (fcc) structure of space group Fm3m. The values of lattice constant are found to be ~10.18(5) Å and ~9.98(9)Å, for the bulk and nanoparticle samples, respectively. The dc magnetization shows a Curie temperature (T{sub C}) of ~17more » K and ~5 K for the bulk and nanopartcile samples, respectively. The Mossouber spectroscopy reveal that the compound shows spin flipping from the high spin (HS) Fe (Cr{sup III}–C≡N–Fe{sup II}) to low spin (LS) Fe{sup II} ions (Cr{sup III}–N≡C–Fe{sup II}). Moreover, the T{sub C} and the HS state of the Fe ions decreases (converts to its LS states) with time as well as in the nanoparticle form compared to bulk.« less

Topographical Variation of Human Femoral Articular Cartilage Thickness, T1rho and T2 Relaxation Times Is Related to Local Loading during Walking.

PubMed

Van Rossom, Sam; Wesseling, Mariska; Van Assche, Dieter; Jonkers, Ilse

2018-01-01

Objective Early detection of degenerative changes in the cartilage matrix composition is essential for evaluating early interventions that slow down osteoarthritis (OA) initiation. T1rho and T2 relaxation times were found to be effective for detecting early changes in proteoglycan and collagen content. To use these magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods, it is important to document the topographical variation in cartilage thickness, T1rho and T2 relaxation times in a healthy population. As OA is partially mechanically driven, the relation between these MRI-based parameters and localized mechanical loading during walking was investigated. Design MR images were acquired in 14 healthy adults and cartilage thickness and T1rho and T2 relaxation times were determined. Experimental gait data was collected and processed using musculoskeletal modeling to identify weight-bearing zones and estimate the contact force impulse during gait. Variation of the cartilage properties (i.e., thickness, T1rho, and T2) over the femoral cartilage was analyzed and compared between the weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing zone of the medial and lateral condyle as well as the trochlea. Results Medial condyle cartilage thickness was correlated to the contact force impulse ( r = 0.78). Lower T1rho, indicating increased proteoglycan content, was found in the medial weight-bearing zone. T2 was higher in all weight-bearing zones compared with the non-weight-bearing zones, indicating lower relative collagen content. Conclusions The current results suggest that medial condyle cartilage is adapted as a long-term protective response to localized loading during a frequently performed task and that the weight-bearing zone of the medial condyle has superior weight bearing capacities compared with the non-weight-bearing zones.

High-resolution T2-weighted abdominal magnetic resonance imaging using respiratory triggering: impact of butylscopolamine on image quality.

PubMed

Wagner, M; Klessen, C; Rief, M; Elgeti, T; Taupitz, M; Hamm, B; Asbach, P

2008-05-01

Respiratory triggering allows the acquisition of high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images of the upper abdomen. However, the depiction of organs close to the gastrointestinal tract can be considerably impaired by ghosting artifacts and blurring caused by bowel peristalsis. To evaluate the effect of gastrointestinal motion suppression by intramuscular butylscopolamine administration on the image quality of a respiratory-triggered T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (T2w TSE) sequence of the upper abdomen. Images of 46 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-four patients had received intramuscular injection of 40 mg butylscopolamine immediately before MR imaging. Fourteen of the 24 patients in the butylscopolamine group underwent repeat imaging after a mean of 29 min. Quantitative analysis of the ghosting artifacts was done by measuring signal intensities in regions of interest placed in air anterior to the patient. In addition, image quality was assessed qualitatively by two radiologists by consensus. Spasmolytic medication with butylscopolamine reduced ghosting artifacts and significantly improved image quality of the respiratory-triggered T2w TSE sequence. The most pronounced effect of butylscopolamine administration on image quality was found for the pancreas and the left hepatic lobe. The rate of examinations with excellent or good depiction of the pancreas and the left hepatic lobe in the group without premedication and in the butylscopolamine group was 55% vs. 96% (pancreatic head), 35% vs. 88% (pancreatic body), 43% vs. 96% (pancreatic tail), and 45% vs. 83% (left hepatic lobe), respectively. Regarding the duration of the effect of intramuscular butylscopolamine, repeat imaging after a mean of 29 min did not result in a significant deterioration of image quality. Intramuscular butylscopolamine administration significantly improves image quality of respiratory-triggered T2-weighted abdominal MR imaging by persistent reduction of peristaltic artifacts. MR

Synergistic structures from magnetic freeze casting with surface magnetized alumina particles and platelets.

PubMed

Frank, Michael B; Hei Siu, Sze; Karandikar, Keyur; Liu, Chin-Hung; Naleway, Steven E; Porter, Michael M; Graeve, Olivia A; McKittrick, Joanna

2017-12-01

Magnetic freeze casting utilizes the freezing of water, a low magnetic field and surface magnetized materials to make multi-axis strengthened porous scaffolds. A much greater magnetic moment was measured for larger magnetized alumina platelets compared with smaller particles, which indicated that more platelet aggregation occurred within slurries. This led to more lamellar wall alignment along the magnetic field direction during magnetic freeze casting at 75 mT. Slurries with varying ratios of magnetized particles to platelets (0:1, 1:3, 1:1, 3:1, 7:1, 1:0) produced porous scaffolds with different structural features and degrees of lamellar wall alignment. The greatest mechanical enhancement in the magnetic field direction was identified in the synergistic condition with the highest particle to platelet ratio (7:1). Magnetic freeze casting with varying ratios of magnetized anisotropic and isotropic alumina provided insights about how heterogeneous morphologies aggregate within lamellar walls that impact mechanical properties. Fabrication of strengthened scaffolds with multi-axis aligned porosity was achieved without introducing different solid materials, freezing agents or additives. Resemblance of 7:1 particle to platelet scaffold microstructure to wood light-frame house construction is framed in the context of assembly inspiration being derived from both natural and synthetic sources. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Patellar cartilage lesions: comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and T2 relaxation-time mapping.

PubMed

Hannila, I; Nieminen, M T; Rauvala, E; Tervonen, O; Ojala, R

2007-05-01

To evaluate the detection and the size of focal patellar cartilage lesions in T2 mapping as compared to standard clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1.5T. Fifty-five consecutive clinical patients referred to knee MRI were imaged both with a standard knee MRI protocol (proton-density-weighted sagittal and axial series, T2-weighted sagittal and coronal series, and T1-weighted coronal series) and with an axial multislice multi-echo spin-echo measurement to determine the T2 relaxation time of the patellar cartilage. MR images and T2 maps of patellar cartilage were evaluated for focal lesions. The lesions were evaluated for lesion width (mm), lesion depth (1/3, 2/3, or 3/3 of cartilage thickness), and T2 value (20-40 ms, 40-60 ms, or 60-80 ms) based on visual evaluation. Altogether, 36 focal patellar cartilage lesions were detected from 20 human subjects (11 male, nine female, mean age 40+/-15 years). Twenty-eight lesions were detected both on MRI and T2 maps, while eight lesions were only visible on T2 maps. Cartilage lesions were significantly wider (P = 0.001) and thicker (P<0.001) on T2 maps as compared to standard knee MRI. Most lesions 27 had moderately (T2 40-60 ms) increased T2 values, while two lesions had slightly (T2 20-40 ms) and seven lesions remarkably (T2 60-80 ms) increased T2 relaxation times. T2 mapping of articular cartilage is feasible in the clinical setting and may reveal early cartilage lesions not visible with standard clinical MRI.

Prognostic usefulness of derived T2-weighted fetal magnetic resonance imaging measurements in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

PubMed

Sebastià, C; Gomez, O; Salvador, R; Buñesch, L; Garcia, R; Nicolau, C

2015-01-01

To determine the usefulness of various parameters based on T2-weighted fetal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging measurements of the uninvolved lung for the neonatal prognosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We used ultrasonography and MR imaging to study 28 fetuses with CDH. We retrospectively analyzed a) on fetal ultrasonography, the observed-to-expected lung to head ratio (O/E LHR) and the position of the liver, and b) on fetal MR imaging, the lung-liver signal ratio (LLSR) and the lungcerebrospinal fluid ratio (L/CSF SR). To determine the prognostic value of these parameters, we compared them with the following postnatal parameters: survival, pulmonary hypertension, need for oxygen supplementation, and need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We found significant differences between O/E LHR and the need for postnatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (P=.033) and postnatal survival (P=.01). We also found significant differences in LLSR between fetuses that survived more than 45 days and those that died within 45 days (1.91 vs. 2.56; P=.039). In fetuses with CDH, the LLSR correlates with postnatal survival and can potentially be used as a prognostic parameter in CDH. Copyright © 2013 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

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.

Development of a temperature-variable magnetic resonance imaging system using a 1.0T yokeless permanent magnet.

PubMed

Terada, Y; Tamada, D; Kose, K

2011-10-01

A temperature variable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system has been developed using a 1.0 T permanent magnet. A permanent magnet, gradient coils, radiofrequency coil, and shim coil were installed in a temperature variable thermostatic bath. First, the variation in the magnetic field inhomogeneity with temperature was measured. The inhomogeneity has a specific spatial symmetry, which scales linearly with temperature, and a single-channel shim coil was designed to compensate for the inhomogeneity. The inhomogeneity was drastically reduced by shimming over a wide range of temperature from -5°C to 45°C. MR images of an okra pod acquired at different temperatures demonstrated the high potential of the system for visualizing thermally sensitive properties. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural behavior of the Bitter plate tf magnet for the Zephyr ignition test reactor

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

Bobrov, E.S.; Becker, H.

1981-01-01

This paper discusses methods and results of the computer structural analysis of the Bitter plate toroidal field magnet design for the ZEPHYR Ignition Test Reactor. The magnet provides a field of 7.06 T at the center of the bore which is 1.76 m from the major toroidal axis. The ignited plasma is located at a major radius of 1.36 m where the magnetic field is 9.11 T. The plasma is moved to this final position following compression in the major radius. The horizontal bore of the magnet is 1.8 m.

Detailing magnetic field strength dependence and segmental artifact distribution of myocardial effective transverse relaxation rate at 1.5, 3.0, and 7.0 T.

PubMed

Meloni, Antonella; Hezel, Fabian; Positano, Vincenzo; Keilberg, Petra; Pepe, Alessia; Lombardi, Massimo; Niendorf, Thoralf

2014-06-01

Realizing the challenges and opportunities of effective transverse relaxation rate (R2 *) mapping at high and ultrahigh fields, this work examines magnetic field strength (B0 ) dependence and segmental artifact distribution of myocardial R2 * at 1.5, 3.0, and 7.0 T. Healthy subjects were considered. Three short-axis views of the left ventricle were examined. R2 * was calculated for 16 standard myocardial segments. Global and mid-septum R2 * were determined. For each segment, an artifactual factor was estimated as the deviation of segmental from global R2 * value. The global artifactual factor was significantly enlarged at 7.0 T versus 1.5 T (P = 0.010) but not versus 3.0 T. At 7.0 T, the most severe susceptibility artifacts were detected in the inferior lateral wall. The mid-septum showed minor artifactual factors at 7.0 T, similar to those at 1.5 and 3.0 T. Mean R2 * increased linearly with the field strength, with larger changes for global heart R2 * values. At 7.0 T, segmental heart R2 * analysis is challenging due to macroscopic susceptibility artifacts induced by the heart-lung interface and the posterior vein. Myocardial R2 * depends linearly on the magnetic field strength. The increased R2 * sensitivity at 7.0 T might offer means for susceptibility-weighted and oxygenation level-dependent MR imaging of the myocardium. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

T1 bright appendix sign to exclude acute appendicitis in pregnant women.

PubMed

Shin, Ilah; An, Chansik; Lim, Joon Seok; Kim, Myeong-Jin; Chung, Yong Eun

2017-08-01

To evaluate the diagnostic value of the T1 bright appendix sign for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in pregnant women. This retrospective study included 125 pregnant women with suspected appendicitis who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The T1 bright appendix sign was defined as a high intensity signal filling more than half length of the appendix on T1-weighted imaging. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the T1 bright appendix sign for normal appendix identification were calculated in all patients and in those with borderline-sized appendices (6-7 mm). The T1 bright appendix sign was seen in 51% of patients with normal appendices, but only in 4.5% of patients with acute appendicitis. The overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the T1 bright appendix sign for normal appendix diagnosis were 44.9%, 95.5%, 97.6%, and 30.0%, respectively. All four patients with borderline sized appendix with appendicitis showed negative T1 bright appendix sign. The T1 bright appendix sign is a specific finding for the diagnosis of a normal appendix in pregnant women with suspected acute appendicitis. • Magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly used in emergency settings. • Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen. • Magnetic resonance imaging is widely used in pregnant population. • T1 bright appendix sign can be a specific sign representing normal appendix.

Diffusion weighted imaging with background body signal suppression / T2 image fusion in magnetic resonance mammography for breast cancer diagnosis.

PubMed

Nechifor-Boilă, I A; Bancu, S; Buruian, M; Charlot, M; Decaussin-Petrucci, M; Krauth, J-S; Nechifor-Boilă, A C; Borda, A

2013-01-01

Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Mammography (DCE-MRM) represents the most sensitive examination for breast cancer (BC) diagnosis. However literature data reports very inhomogeneous specificity. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficiency of a new MRM technique - diffusion weighted imaging with background body signal suppression T2 image fusion in BC diagnosis, compared to DCE-MRM. We retrospectively analyzed 50 consecutive DCE-MRM examinations with DWIBS sequence from the archives of the Department of Radiology, Lyon Sud Hospital, (02.2010- 02.2011), summing up to 64 breast lesions. Fusions were created using the Osirix software from the DWIBS images (b=1000 s mm2) and their T2 correspondents. Interpretation was performed using an adapted BI-RADS system. The final histopathological examination or a minimum 6-months follow-up served as gold standard. Out of the 64 examined breast lesions, 35(54.7%) were classified as malignant by DCE-MRM and 24(37.5%) cases by DWIBS T2, respectively. Thus the DWIBS T2 fusion had a Sensitivity of 62.5%(95%CI:35.4-84.8) and a Specificity of 70.8%(95%CI:55.9-83.3) while DCE-MRM had a higher Sensitivity: 87.5%(95%CI:61.6-98.4) but a lower Specificity: 56.2%(95%CI:41.1-70.5). DWIBS T2 fusion is an innovative MRM technique, with a specificity superior to DCE-MRM, showing a large potential for improving the clinical efficiency of classical MRM. Celsius.

Fully automatic detection of deep white matter T1 hypointense lesions in multiple sclerosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spies, Lothar; Tewes, Anja; Suppa, Per; Opfer, Roland; Buchert, Ralph; Winkler, Gerhard; Raji, Alaleh

2013-12-01

A novel method is presented for fully automatic detection of candidate white matter (WM) T1 hypointense lesions in three-dimensional high-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. By definition, T1 hypointense lesions have similar intensity as gray matter (GM) and thus appear darker than surrounding normal WM in T1-weighted images. The novel method uses a standard classification algorithm to partition T1-weighted images into GM, WM and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). As a consequence, T1 hypointense lesions are assigned an increased GM probability by the standard classification algorithm. The GM component image of a patient is then tested voxel-by-voxel against GM component images of a normative database of healthy individuals. Clusters (≥0.1 ml) of significantly increased GM density within a predefined mask of deep WM are defined as lesions. The performance of the algorithm was assessed on voxel level by a simulation study. A maximum dice similarity coefficient of 60% was found for a typical T1 lesion pattern with contrasts ranging from WM to cortical GM, indicating substantial agreement between ground truth and automatic detection. Retrospective application to 10 patients with multiple sclerosis demonstrated that 93 out of 96 T1 hypointense lesions were detected. On average 3.6 false positive T1 hypointense lesions per patient were found. The novel method is promising to support the detection of hypointense lesions in T1-weighted images which warrants further evaluation in larger patient samples.

Magnetic single-walled carbon nanotubes as efficient drug delivery nanocarriers in breast cancer murine model: noninvasive monitoring using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging as sensitive imaging biomarker.

PubMed

Al Faraj, Achraf; Shaik, Abjal Pasha; Shaik, Asma Sultana

2015-01-01

Targeting doxorubicin (DOX) by means of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanocarriers may help improve the clinical utility of this highly active therapeutic agent. Active targeting of SWCNTs using tumor-specific antibody and magnetic attraction by tagging the nanotubes with iron oxide nanoparticles can potentially reduce the unnecessary side effects and provide enhanced theranostics. In the current study, the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of DOX-loaded SWCNTs as theranostic nanoprobes was evaluated in a murine breast cancer model. Iron-tagged SWCNTs conjugated with Endoglin/CD105 antibody with or without DOX were synthetized and extensively characterized. Their biocompatibility was assessed in vitro in luciferase (Luc2)-expressing 4T1 (4T1-Luc2) murine breast cancer cells using TiterTACS™ Colorimetric Apoptosis Detection Kit (apoptosis induction), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (marker for DNA damage), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (oxidative stress generation) assays, and the efficacy of DOX-loaded SWCNTs was evaluated by measuring the radiance efficiency using bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Tumor progression and growth were monitored after 4T1-Luc2 cells inoculation using noninvasive BLI and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after subsequent injection of SWCNT complexes actively and magnetically targeted to tumor sites. Significant increases in apoptosis, DNA damage, and oxidative stress were induced by DOX-loaded SWCNTs. In addition, a tremendous decrease in bioluminescence was observed in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Noninvasive BLI and MRI revealed successful tumor growth and subsequent attenuation along with metastasis inhibition following DOX-loaded SWCNTs injection. Magnetic tagging of SWCNTs was found to produce significant discrepancies in apparent diffusion coefficient values providing a higher contrast to detect treatment-induced variations as noninvasive imaging biomarker. In addition, it allowed their sensitive

Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and gross anatomy of the canine tarsus.

PubMed

Deruddere, Kirsten J; Milne, Marjorie E; Wilson, Kane M; Snelling, Sam R

2014-11-01

To describe the normal anatomy of the soft tissues of the canine tarsus as identified on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to evaluate specific MRI sequences and planes for observing structures of diagnostic interest. Prospective descriptive study. Canine cadavers (n = 3). A frozen cadaver pelvic limb was used to trial multiple MRI sequences using a 1.5 T superconducting magnet and preferred sequences were selected. Radiographs of 6 canine cadaver pelvic limbs confirmed the tarsi were radiographically normal. A 16-slice CT scanner was used to obtain 1 mm contiguous slices through the tarsi. T1-weighted, proton density with fat suppression (PD FS) and T2-weighted MRI sequences were obtained in the sagittal plane, T1-weighted, and PD FS sequences in the dorsal plane and PD FS sequences in the transverse plane. The limbs were frozen for one month and sliced into 4-5 mm thick frozen sections. Anatomic sections were photographed and visually correlated to CT and MR images. Most soft tissue structures were easiest to identify on the transverse MRI sections with cross reference to either the sagittal or dorsal plane. Bony structures were easily identified on all CT, MR, and gross sections. The anatomy of the canine tarsus can be readily identified on MR imaging. © Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

3D Biomimetic Magnetic Structures for Static Magnetic Field Stimulation of Osteogenesis.

PubMed

Paun, Irina Alexandra; Popescu, Roxana Cristina; Calin, Bogdan Stefanita; Mustaciosu, Cosmin Catalin; Dinescu, Maria; Luculescu, Catalin Romeo

2018-02-07

We designed, fabricated and optimized 3D biomimetic magnetic structures that stimulate the osteogenesis in static magnetic fields. The structures were fabricated by direct laser writing via two-photon polymerization of IP-L780 photopolymer and were based on ellipsoidal, hexagonal units organized in a multilayered architecture. The magnetic activity of the structures was assured by coating with a thin layer of collagen-chitosan-hydroxyapatite-magnetic nanoparticles composite. In vitro experiments using MG-63 osteoblast-like cells for 3D structures with gradients of pore size helped us to find an optimum pore size between 20-40 µm. Starting from optimized 3D structures, we evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively the effects of static magnetic fields of up to 250 mT on cell proliferation and differentiation, by ALP (alkaline phosphatase) production, Alizarin Red and osteocalcin secretion measurements. We demonstrated that the synergic effect of 3D structure optimization and static magnetic stimulation enhances the bone regeneration by a factor greater than 2 as compared with the same structure in the absence of a magnetic field.

3D Biomimetic Magnetic Structures for Static Magnetic Field Stimulation of Osteogenesis

PubMed Central

Paun, Irina Alexandra; Popescu, Roxana Cristina; Calin, Bogdan Stefanita; Mustaciosu, Cosmin Catalin; Dinescu, Maria; Luculescu, Catalin Romeo

2018-01-01

We designed, fabricated and optimized 3D biomimetic magnetic structures that stimulate the osteogenesis in static magnetic fields. The structures were fabricated by direct laser writing via two-photon polymerization of IP-L780 photopolymer and were based on ellipsoidal, hexagonal units organized in a multilayered architecture. The magnetic activity of the structures was assured by coating with a thin layer of collagen-chitosan-hydroxyapatite-magnetic nanoparticles composite. In vitro experiments using MG-63 osteoblast-like cells for 3D structures with gradients of pore size helped us to find an optimum pore size between 20–40 µm. Starting from optimized 3D structures, we evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively the effects of static magnetic fields of up to 250 mT on cell proliferation and differentiation, by ALP (alkaline phosphatase) production, Alizarin Red and osteocalcin secretion measurements. We demonstrated that the synergic effect of 3D structure optimization and static magnetic stimulation enhances the bone regeneration by a factor greater than 2 as compared with the same structure in the absence of a magnetic field. PMID:29414875

Phase stability, crystal structure and magnetism in (U1-xNbx)2 Ni21B6 and (UyNb1-y)3Ni20B6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Provino, Alessia; Bhattacharya, Amitava; Dhar, Sudesh K.; Pani, Marcella; Gatti, Flavio; Paudyal, Durga; Manfrinetti, Pietro

Ternary phases with composition T2M21X6 and T3M20X6 (T = transition metal; M = 3 d metal; X = B, C, P) are reported to crystallize with the W2Cr21C6-type and Mg3Ni20B6-type, respectively (ternary ordered derivatives of the cubic Cr23C6-type, cF116). They attract interest due to their refractory, mechanical, and peculiar magnetic properties. Literature data on these compounds only concern apparently stoichiometric 2:21:6 and 3:20:6 phases. Often only nominal composition has been reported, with few structural refinements and no measurements of physical properties. Lack of detailed stoichiometry and crystallographic data does not allow sufficient understanding of the crystal chemistry and properties of these compounds. We studied stability, crystal structure and magnetism of (U1-xNbx)2 Ni21B6 and (UyNb1-y)3Ni20B6; stable phases are U2Ni21B6 and Nb3Ni20B6, as also confirmed by theoretical calculations. The two pristine compounds solubilize Nb and U, respectively, up to a given extent. The substitution of U by Nb leads to a structural change from the W2Cr21C6- to the Mg3Ni20B6-type. While U2Ni21B6 is a Pauli paramagnet (itinerant non-magnetic state of U-5 f electrons), in agreement with literature, magnetization data for (UyNb1-y)3 Ni20B6 show itinerant ferromagnetism with TC >300 K.

Specific features of the structural and magnetic states of a Zn1 - x Ni x Se crystal ( x = 0.0025) at low temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubinin, S. F.; Sokolov, V. I.; Parkhomenko, V. D.; Teploukhov, S. G.; Gruzdev, N. B.

2008-12-01

The magnetic state and the structure of a Zn1 - x Ni x Se ( x = 0.0025) bulk crystal were studied at low temperatures. It is revealed that the magnetic and crystal structures below T ≅ 15 K are dependent on the cooling rate of this dilute semiconductor. For example, on fast cooling to 4.2 K, about 10% hexagonal ferromagnetic phase is formed in the crystal. During heating, the phase disappears at T ≅ 15 K. The results obtained are discussed with allowance for the specific features of the Jahn-Teller distortions in this compound.

Registration of T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted MR images of the prostate: comparison between manual and landmark-based methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yahui; Jiang, Yulei; Soylu, Fatma N.; Tomek, Mark; Sensakovic, William; Oto, Aytekin

2012-02-01

Quantitative analysis of multi-parametric magnetic resonance (MR) images of the prostate, including T2-weighted (T2w) and diffusion-weighted (DW) images, requires accurate image registration. We compared two registration methods between T2w and DW images. We collected pre-operative MR images of 124 prostate cancer patients (68 patients scanned with a GE scanner and 56 with Philips scanners). A landmark-based rigid registration was done based on six prostate landmarks in both T2w and DW images identified by a radiologist. Independently, a researcher manually registered the same images. A radiologist visually evaluated the registration results by using a 5-point ordinal scale of 1 (worst) to 5 (best). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine whether the radiologist's ratings of the results of the two registration methods were significantly different. Results demonstrated that both methods were accurate: the average ratings were 4.2, 3.3, and 3.8 for GE, Philips, and all images, respectively, for the landmark-based method; and 4.6, 3.7, and 4.2, respectively, for the manual method. The manual registration results were more accurate than the landmark-based registration results (p < 0.0001 for GE, Philips, and all images). Therefore, the manual method produces more accurate registration between T2w and DW images than the landmark-based method.

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

Dynamic characteristics of T2*-weighted signal in calf muscles of peripheral artery disease during low-intensity exercise.

PubMed

Li, Zhijun; Muller, Matthew D; Wang, Jianli; Sica, Christopher T; Karunanayaka, Prasanna; Sinoway, Lawrence I; Yang, Qing X

2017-07-01

To evaluate the dynamic characteristics of T2* -weighted signal change in exercising skeletal muscle of healthy subjects and peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients under a low-intensity exercise paradigm. Nine PAD patients and nine age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers underwent a low-intensity exercise paradigm while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (3.0T) was obtained. T2*-weighted signal time-courses in lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior were acquired and analyzed. Correlations were performed between dynamic T2*-weighted signal and changes in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, leg pain, and perceived exertion. A significant signal decrease was observed during exercise in soleus and tibialis anterior of healthy participants (P = 0.0007-0.04 and 0.001-0.009, respectively). In PAD, negative signals were observed (P = 0.008-0.02 and 0.003-0.01, respectively) in soleus and lateral gastrocnemius during the early exercise stage. Then the signal gradually increased above the baseline in the lateral gastrocnemius during and after exercise in six of the eight patients who completed the study. This signal increase in patients' lateral gastrocnemius was significantly greater than in healthy subjects' during the later exercise stage (two-sample t-tests, P = 0.001-0.03). Heart rate and mean arterial pressure responses to exercise were significantly higher in PAD than healthy subjects (P = 0.036 and 0.008, respectively) and the patients experienced greater leg pain and exertion (P = 0.006 and P = 0.0014, respectively). During low-intensity exercise, there were different dynamic T2*-weighted signal behavior in the healthy and PAD exercising muscles. 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:40-48. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

7T T₂*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging reveals cortical phase differences between early- and late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

van Rooden, Sanneke; Doan, Nhat Trung; Versluis, Maarten J; Goos, Jeroen D C; Webb, Andrew G; Oleksik, Ania M; van der Flier, Wiesje M; Scheltens, Philip; Barkhof, Frederik; Weverling-Rynsburger, Annelies W E; Blauw, Gerard Jan; Reiber, Johan H C; van Buchem, Mark A; Milles, Julien; van der Grond, Jeroen

2015-01-01

The aim of this study is to explore regional iron-related differences in the cerebral cortex, indicative of Alzheimer's disease pathology, between early- and late-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD, LOAD, respectively) patients using 7T magnetic resonance phase images. High-resolution T2(∗)-weighted scans were acquired in 12 EOAD patients and 17 LOAD patients with mild to moderate disease and 27 healthy elderly control subjects. Lobar peak-to-peak phase shifts and regional mean phase contrasts were computed. An increased peak-to-peak phase shift was found for all lobar regions in EOAD patients compared with LOAD patients (p < 0.05). Regional mean phase contrast in EOAD patients was higher than in LOAD patients in the superior medial and middle frontal gyrus, anterior and middle cingulate gyrus, postcentral gyrus, superior and inferior parietal gyrus, and precuneus (p ≤ 0.042). These data suggest that EOAD patients have an increased iron accumulation, possibly related to an increased amyloid deposition, in specific cortical regions as compared with LOAD patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Core-Shell Magnetic Morphology of Structurally Uniform Magnetite Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krycka, K. L.; Booth, R. A.; Hogg, C. R.; Ijiri, Y.; Borchers, J. A.; Chen, W. C.; Watson, S. M.; Laver, M.; Gentile, T. R.; Dedon, L. R.; Harris, S.; Rhyne, J. J.; Majetich, S. A.

2010-05-01

A new development in small-angle neutron scattering with polarization analysis allows us to directly extract the average spatial distributions of magnetic moments and their correlations with three-dimensional directional sensitivity in any magnetic field. Applied to a collection of spherical magnetite nanoparticles 9.0 nm in diameter, this enhanced method reveals uniformly canted, magnetically active shells in a nominally saturating field of 1.2 T. The shell thickness depends on temperature, and it disappears altogether when the external field is removed, confirming that these canted nanoparticle shells are magnetic, rather than structural, in origin.

Influence of Fe-substitution on structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Nd2Fe17-xCox solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouchaala, N.; Jemmali, M.; Bartoli, T.; Nouri, K.; Hentech, I.; Walha, S.; Bessais, L.; Salah, A. Ben

2018-02-01

Nd2Fe17-xCox (x = 0 , 1 , 2 , 3 , 4) intermetallic compounds, obtained under arc-melting conditions, have been investigated by means of X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Mössbauer spectrometry and magnetic measurements. The Rietveld refinement revealed that the sample is a pure compound with rhombohedral Th2Zn17-type structure (R 3 bar m space group) with the following lattice parameters: a = 8.5792 (2) Å, c = 12.4615 (2) Å. Using Mössbauer spectrometry analysis coupled with structural consideration we have unambiguously determined the cobalt atoms preferred inequivalent crystallographic site. Nd2Fe17 show an increase of 3.5 T in their weighted average hyperfine fields upon cobalt substitution. Whatever the cobalt content, the hyperfine field of these compounds follow this sequence Hhf { 6 c } >Hhf { 9 d } >Hhf { 18 f } >Hhf { 18 h }. The magnetic measurements showed that the Curie temperature increases with the Co content. The magnetic entropy change (ΔSM) was estimated from isothermal magnetization curves and it increases from 3.35 J/Kg K for x = 0 to 5.83 J/Kg K for x = 2 at μ0 H = 1.6 T . The relative cooling power (RCP) is in the range of 11.6 J/kg (x = 0) and 16 J/kg (x = 2).

Quantification of red myotomal muscle volume and geometry in the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the salmon shark (Lamna ditropis) using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Perry, Cameron N; Cartamil, Daniel P; Bernal, Diego; Sepulveda, Chugey A; Theilmann, Rebecca J; Graham, Jeffrey B; Frank, Lawrence R

2007-04-01

T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in conjunction with image and segmentation analysis (i.e., the process of digitally partitioning tissues based on specified MR image characteristics) was evaluated as a noninvasive alternative for differentiating muscle fiber types and quantifying the amounts of slow, red aerobic muscle in the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the salmon shark (Lamna ditropis). MRI-determinations of red muscle quantity and position made for the mid-body sections of three mako sharks (73.5-110 cm fork length, FL) are in close agreement (within the 95% confidence intervals) with data obtained for the same sections by the conventional dissection method involving serial cross-sectioning and volumetric analyses, and with previously reported findings for this species. The overall distribution of salmon shark red muscle as a function of body fork length was also found to be consistent with previously acquired serial dissection data for this species; however, MR imaging revealed an anterior shift in peak red muscle cross-sectional area corresponding to an increase in body mass. Moreover, MRI facilitated visualization of the intact and anatomically correct relationship of tendon linking the red muscle and the caudal peduncle. This study thus demonstrates that MRI is effective in acquiring high-resolution three-dimensional digital data with high contrast between different fish tissue types. Relative to serial dissection, MRI allows more precise quantification of the position, volume, and other details about the types of muscle within the fish myotome, while conserving specimen structural integrity. Copyright (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A highly stable l-alanine-based mono(aquated) Mn(ii) complex as a T1-weighted MRI contrast agent.

PubMed

Khannam, Mahmuda; Weyhermüller, Thomas; Goswami, Upashi; Mukherjee, Chandan

2017-08-08

The synthesized lithium (S)-6,6'-(1-carboxyethylazanediyl)bis(methylene)dipicolinate (Li 3 cbda) is a new chiral, alanine-based ligand bearing two picolinate functionalities. The trianionic form of the ligand [(cbda) 3- ] constitutes a seven-coordinate, water-soluble, pentagonal bipyramidal Mn(ii) complex (1). The structural analysis reveals the presence of a water coordinating site in the complex. The complex is thermodynamically very stable, and the stability is not affected by the presence of physiological anions (HCO 3 - , PO 4 3- , and F - ). The pH of the medium exerts a small effect on the stability of the complex. The r 1 relaxivity of 3.02 mM -1 s -1 is exhibited by the complex at 1.41 T, pH ∼7.4, and 25 °C. Phantom images obtained via a clinical MRI BRIVO MR355 system established concentration-dependent signal enhancement by the complex. The cytotoxicity test confirmed complex 1 as a biocompatible potential T 1 -weighted MRI contrast agent.

Interplay between crystal and magnetic structures in YFe{sub 2}(H{sub α}D{sub 1−α}){sub 4.2} compounds studied by neutron diffraction

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

Paul-Boncour, V., E-mail: paulbon@icmpe.cnrs.fr; Guillot, M.; Isnard, O.

We report a detailed magnetic structure investigation of YFe{sub 2}(H{sub α}D{sub 1−α}){sub 4.2} (α=0, 0.64, 1) compounds presenting a strong (H,D) isotope effect by neutron diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy analysis. They crystallize in the same monoclinic structure (Pc space group) with 8 inequivalent Fe sites having different H(D) environment. At low temperature, the compounds are ferromagnetic (FM) and show an easy magnetization axis perpendicular to the b axis and only slightly tilted away from the c axis. Upon heating, they display a first order transition from a ferromagnetic towards an antiferromagnetic (AFM) structure at T{sub M0} which is sensitive tomore » the H/D isotope nature. The AFM cell is described by doubling the crystal cell along the monoclinic b axis. It presents an unusual coexistence of non magnetic Fe layer sandwiched by two thicker ferromagnetic Fe layers which are antiparallel to each other. This FM-AFM transition is driven by the loss of ordered moment on one Fe site (Fe7) through an itinerant electron metamagnetic (IEM) behaviour. The key role of the Fe7 position is assigned to both its hydrogen rich atomic environment and its geometric position. Above T{sub M0} a field induced metamagnetic transition is observed from the AFM towards the FM structure accompanied by a cell volume increase. Both thermal and magnetic field dependence of the magnetic structure are found strongly related to the anisotropic cell distortion induced by (H,D) order in interstitial sites. - Graphical abstract: Representation of the FM-AFM magnetic structures of YFe{sub 2}D{sub 4.2} deuteride. - Highlights: • YFe{sub 2}(H,D){sub 4.2} compounds undergoes a isotope sensitive FM-AFM transition at T{sub M0}. • The FM structure is formed of Fe moments perpendicular to the monoclinic b axis. • AFM structure is formed by antiparallel Fe layers separated by non-magnetic Fe layer. • One Fe site among eight loses its moment at T{sub M0} due to larger

Mapping Human Cortical Areas in vivo Based on Myelin Content as Revealed by T1- and T2-weighted MRI

PubMed Central

Glasser, Matthew F.; Van Essen, David C.

2011-01-01

Non-invasively mapping the layout of cortical areas in humans is a continuing challenge for neuroscience. We present a new method of mapping cortical areas based on myelin content as revealed by T1-weighted (T1w) and T2-weighted (T2w) MRI. The method is generalizable across different 3T scanners and pulse sequences. We use the ratio of T1w/T2w image intensities to eliminate the MR-related image intensity bias and enhance the contrast to noise ratio for myelin. Data from each subject was mapped to the cortical surface and aligned across individuals using surface-based registration. The spatial gradient of the group average myelin map provides an observer-independent measure of sharp transitions in myelin content across the surface—i.e. putative cortical areal borders. We found excellent agreement between the gradients of the myelin maps and the gradients of published probabilistic cytoarchitectonically defined cortical areas that were registered to the same surface-based atlas. For other cortical regions, we used published anatomical and functional information to make putative identifications of dozens of cortical areas or candidate areas. In general, primary and early unimodal association cortices are heavily myelinated and higher, multi-modal, association cortices are more lightly myelinated, but there are notable exceptions in the literature that are confirmed by our results. The overall pattern in the myelin maps also has important correlations with the developmental onset of subcortical white matter myelination, evolutionary cortical areal expansion in humans compared to macaques, postnatal cortical expansion in humans, and maps of neuronal density in non-human primates. PMID:21832190

Magnetic and structural properties of Mn1-xCrxAlGe (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masumitsu, Hayato; Yoshinaga, Soshi; Mitsui, Yoshifuru; Umetsu, Rie Y.; Hiroi, Masahiko; Uwatoko, Yoshiya; Koyama, Keiichi

2018-06-01

The magnetic and structural properties of Mn1-xCrxAlGe (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) compounds were investigated. The spontaneous magnetization Ms and Curie temperature TC of Mn1-xCrxAlGe has a cusp at x = 0.2. The maximum values of Ms and TC are 1.74 μB/f.u. and 601 K, respectively. It was found that the tetragonal Cu2Sb-type structure was stable for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.75, whereas orthorhombic TiSi2-type structure was observed for x ≥ 0.8. The reciprocal susceptibility as a function of temperature suggested that the magnetic moment of Cr is antiferromagnetically coupled with that of Mn in Cu2Sb-type structure.

Resource atlases for multi-atlas brain segmentations with multiple ontology levels based on T1-weighted MRI.

PubMed

Wu, Dan; Ma, Ting; Ceritoglu, Can; Li, Yue; Chotiyanonta, Jill; Hou, Zhipeng; Hsu, John; Xu, Xin; Brown, Timothy; Miller, Michael I; Mori, Susumu

2016-01-15

Technologies for multi-atlas brain segmentation of T1-weighted MRI images have rapidly progressed in recent years, with highly promising results. This approach, however, relies on a large number of atlases with accurate and consistent structural identifications. Here, we introduce our atlas inventories (n=90), which cover ages 4-82years with unique hierarchical structural definitions (286 structures at the finest level). This multi-atlas library resource provides the flexibility to choose appropriate atlases for various studies with different age ranges and structure-definition criteria. In this paper, we describe the details of the atlas resources and demonstrate the improved accuracy achievable with a dynamic age-matching approach, in which atlases that most closely match the subject's age are dynamically selected. The advanced atlas creation strategy, together with atlas pre-selection principles, is expected to support the further development of multi-atlas image segmentation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Value of 3T magnetic resonance dynamic contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted imaging in differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumors].

PubMed

Qi, Zi-hua; Li, Chuan-fu; Ma, Xiang-xing; Yang, Hui; Jiang, Bao-dong; Zhang, Kai; Yu, De-xin

2012-04-01

To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance dynamic contrast-enhanced (MR-DCE) and magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MR-DWI) in the differentiation of benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors. Sixty-three patients with pathologically confirmed musculoskeletal tumors were examined with MR-DCE and MR-DWI. Using single shot spin echo planar imaging sequence and different b values of 400, 600, 800 and 1000 s/mm(2), we obtained the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the lesions. ADC values were measured before and after MR-DCE, with a b value of 600 s/mm(2). The 3D fast acquired multiple phase enhanced fast spoiled gradient recalled echo sequence was obtained for multi-slice of the entire lesion. The time-signal intensity curve (TIC), dynamic contrast-enhanced parameters, maximum slope of increase (MSI), positive enhancement integral, signal enhancement ratio, and time to peak (T(peak)) were also recorded. ADC showed no significant difference between benign and malignant tumors when the b value was 400, 600, 800, or 1000 s/mm(2), and it was not significantly different between benign and malignant tumors in both pre-MR-DCE and post-MR-DCE with b value of 600 s/mm(2). TIC were classified into four types type1 showed rapid progression and gradual drainage; type2 showed rapid progression but had no or slight progression; type 3 showed gradual progression; and type 4 had no or slight progression. Most lesions of type1 or type2 were malignant, whereas most lesions of type 3 or type 4 were benign. When using type1 and type 2 as the standards of malignancy, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 87.23% and 50.00%, respectively. The types of TIC showed significant difference between benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors(χ(2)=17.009,P=0.001). When using MSI 366.62 ± 174.84 as the standard of malignancy, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 86.78% and 78.67%, respectively. When using T(peak)≤70s as the standard of malignancy, the

Automated image quality evaluation of T2 -weighted liver MRI utilizing deep learning architecture.

PubMed

Esses, Steven J; Lu, Xiaoguang; Zhao, Tiejun; Shanbhogue, Krishna; Dane, Bari; Bruno, Mary; Chandarana, Hersh

2018-03-01

To develop and test a deep learning approach named Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for automated screening of T 2 -weighted (T 2 WI) liver acquisitions for nondiagnostic images, and compare this automated approach to evaluation by two radiologists. We evaluated 522 liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams performed at 1.5T and 3T at our institution between November 2014 and May 2016 for CNN training and validation. The CNN consisted of an input layer, convolutional layer, fully connected layer, and output layer. 351 T 2 WI were anonymized for training. Each case was annotated with a label of being diagnostic or nondiagnostic for detecting lesions and assessing liver morphology. Another independently collected 171 cases were sequestered for a blind test. These 171 T 2 WI were assessed independently by two radiologists and annotated as being diagnostic or nondiagnostic. These 171 T 2 WI were presented to the CNN algorithm and image quality (IQ) output of the algorithm was compared to that of two radiologists. There was concordance in IQ label between Reader 1 and CNN in 79% of cases and between Reader 2 and CNN in 73%. The sensitivity and the specificity of the CNN algorithm in identifying nondiagnostic IQ was 67% and 81% with respect to Reader 1 and 47% and 80% with respect to Reader 2. The negative predictive value of the algorithm for identifying nondiagnostic IQ was 94% and 86% (relative to Readers 1 and 2). We demonstrate a CNN algorithm that yields a high negative predictive value when screening for nondiagnostic T 2 WI of the liver. 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:723-728. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Breast MRI at 7 Tesla with a bilateral coil and T1-weighted acquisition with robust fat suppression: image evaluation and comparison with 3 Tesla.

PubMed

Brown, Ryan; Storey, Pippa; Geppert, Christian; McGorty, KellyAnne; Leite, Ana Paula Klautau; Babb, James; Sodickson, Daniel K; Wiggins, Graham C; Moy, Linda

2013-11-01

To evaluate the image quality of T1-weighted fat-suppressed breast MRI at 7 T and to compare 7-T and 3-T images. Seventeen subjects were imaged using a 7-T bilateral transmit-receive coil and 3D gradient echo sequence with adiabatic inversion-based fat suppression (FS). Images were graded on a five-point scale and quantitatively assessed through signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), fibroglandular/fat contrast and signal uniformity measurements. Image scores at 7 and 3 T were similar on standard-resolution images (1.1 × 1.1 × 1.1-1.6 mm(3)), indicating that high-quality breast imaging with clinical parameters can be performed at 7 T. The 7-T SNR advantage was underscored on 0.6-mm isotropic images, where image quality was significantly greater than at 3 T (4.2 versus 3.1, P ≤ 0.0001). Fibroglandular/fat contrast was more than two times higher at 7 T than at 3 T, owing to effective adiabatic inversion-based FS and the inherent 7-T signal advantage. Signal uniformity was comparable at 7 and 3 T (P < 0.05). Similar 7-T image quality was observed in all subjects, indicating robustness against anatomical variation. The 7-T bilateral transmit-receive coil and adiabatic inversion-based FS technique produce image quality that is as good as or better than at 3 T. • High image quality bilateral breast MRI is achievable with clinical parameters at 7 T. • 7-T high-resolution imaging improves delineation of subtle soft tissue structures. • Adiabatic-based fat suppression provides excellent fibroglandular/fat contrast at 7 T. • 7- and 3-T 3D T1-weighted gradient-echo images have similar signal uniformity. • The 7-T dual solenoid coil enables bilateral imaging without compromising uniformity.

Growth, electrical, structural, and magnetic properties of half-Heusler CoT i 1 - x F e x Sb

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

Harrington, S. D.; Rice, A. D.; Brown-Heft, T. L.

Epitaxial thin films of the substitutionally alloyed half-Heusler series CoTi 1-xFe xSb were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on InAlAs/InP(001) substrates for concentrations 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0. The influence of Fe on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties was studied and compared to that expected from density functional theory. The films are epitaxial and single crystalline, as measured by reflection high-energy electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction. Using in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, only small changes in the valence band are detected for x ≤ 0.5. For films with x ≥ 0.05, ferromagnetism is observed in SQUID magnetometry with a saturationmore » magnetization that scales linearly with Fe content. A dramatic decrease in the magnetic moment per formula unit occurs when the Fe is substitutionally alloyed on the Co site indicating a strong dependence on the magnetic moment with site occupancy. A crossover from both in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic moments to only in-plane moment occurs for higher concentrations of Fe. Ferromagnetic resonance indicates a transition from weak to strong interaction with a reduction in inhomogeneous broadening as Fe content is increased. Temperature-dependent transport reveals a semiconductor to metal transition with thermally activated behavior for x ≤ 0.5. Anomalous Hall effect and large negative magnetoresistance (up to -18.5% at 100 kOe for x=0.3) are observed for higher Fe content films. Evidence of superparamagnetism for x=0.3 and x=0.2 suggests for moderate levels of Fe, demixing of the CoTi 1-xFe xSb films into Fe rich and Fe deficient regions may be present. Atom probe tomography is used to examine the Fe distribution in a x=0.3 film. Finally, statistical analysis reveals a nonhomogeneous distribution of Fe atoms throughout the film, which is used to explain the observed magnetic and electrical behavior.« less

Growth, electrical, structural, and magnetic properties of half-Heusler CoT i 1 - x F e x Sb

DOE PAGES

Harrington, S. D.; Rice, A. D.; Brown-Heft, T. L.; ...

2018-01-12

Epitaxial thin films of the substitutionally alloyed half-Heusler series CoTi 1-xFe xSb were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on InAlAs/InP(001) substrates for concentrations 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0. The influence of Fe on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties was studied and compared to that expected from density functional theory. The films are epitaxial and single crystalline, as measured by reflection high-energy electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction. Using in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, only small changes in the valence band are detected for x ≤ 0.5. For films with x ≥ 0.05, ferromagnetism is observed in SQUID magnetometry with a saturationmore » magnetization that scales linearly with Fe content. A dramatic decrease in the magnetic moment per formula unit occurs when the Fe is substitutionally alloyed on the Co site indicating a strong dependence on the magnetic moment with site occupancy. A crossover from both in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic moments to only in-plane moment occurs for higher concentrations of Fe. Ferromagnetic resonance indicates a transition from weak to strong interaction with a reduction in inhomogeneous broadening as Fe content is increased. Temperature-dependent transport reveals a semiconductor to metal transition with thermally activated behavior for x ≤ 0.5. Anomalous Hall effect and large negative magnetoresistance (up to -18.5% at 100 kOe for x=0.3) are observed for higher Fe content films. Evidence of superparamagnetism for x=0.3 and x=0.2 suggests for moderate levels of Fe, demixing of the CoTi 1-xFe xSb films into Fe rich and Fe deficient regions may be present. Atom probe tomography is used to examine the Fe distribution in a x=0.3 film. Finally, statistical analysis reveals a nonhomogeneous distribution of Fe atoms throughout the film, which is used to explain the observed magnetic and electrical behavior.« less

A comparative quantitative analysis of magnetic susceptibility artifacts in echo planar and PROPELLER diffusion-weighted images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Jae-Hwan; Lee, Hae-Kag; Yang, Han-Joon; Lee, Gui-Won; Park, Yong-Soon; Chung, Woon-Kwan

2013-01-01

In this study, the authors investigated whether periodically-rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can remove magnetic susceptibility artifacts and compared apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for PROPELLER DWI and the common echo planar (EP) DWI. Twenty patients that underwent brain MRI with a metal dental implant were selected. A 3.0T MR scanner was then used to obtain EP DWI, PROPELLER DWI, and corresponding apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps for a b-value of 0 and 1,000 s/mm2. The frequencies of magnetic susceptibility artifacts in four parts of the brain (bilateral temporal lobes, pons, and orbit) were selected. In the ADC maps, we measured the ADC values of both sides of the temporal lobe and the pons. According to the study results, the frequency of magnetic susceptibility artifacts in PROPELLER DW images was lower than it was in EP DW images. In ADC maps, the ADC values of the bilateral temporal lobes and the pons were all higher in PROPELLER ADC maps than in EP ADC maps. Our findings show that when a high-field MRI machine is used, magnetic susceptibility artifacts can distort anatomical structures and produce high-intensity signals. Furthermore, our findings suggest that in many cases, PROPELLER DWI would be helpful in terms of achieving a correct diagnosis.

A variational image-based approach to the correction of susceptibility artifacts in the alignment of diffusion weighted and structural MRI.

PubMed

Tao, Ran; Fletcher, P Thomas; Gerber, Samuel; Whitaker, Ross T

2009-01-01

This paper presents a method for correcting the geometric and greyscale distortions in diffusion-weighted MRI that result from inhomogeneities in the static magnetic field. These inhomogeneities may due to imperfections in the magnet or to spatial variations in the magnetic susceptibility of the object being imaged--so called susceptibility artifacts. Echo-planar imaging (EPI), used in virtually all diffusion weighted acquisition protocols, assumes a homogeneous static field, which generally does not hold for head MRI. The resulting distortions are significant, sometimes more than ten millimeters. These artifacts impede accurate alignment of diffusion images with structural MRI, and are generally considered an obstacle to the joint analysis of connectivity and structure in head MRI. In principle, susceptibility artifacts can be corrected by acquiring (and applying) a field map. However, as shown in the literature and demonstrated in this paper, field map corrections of susceptibility artifacts are not entirely accurate and reliable, and thus field maps do not produce reliable alignment of EPIs with corresponding structural images. This paper presents a new, image-based method for correcting susceptibility artifacts. The method relies on a variational formulation of the match between an EPI baseline image and a corresponding T2-weighted structural image but also specifically accounts for the physics of susceptibility artifacts. We derive a set of partial differential equations associated with the optimization, describe the numerical methods for solving these equations, and present results that demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method compared with field-map correction.

A new structure of superconducting magnetic system for 50 GHz operations (invited).

PubMed

Xie, D Z

2012-02-01

High field and high frequency have been leading the development of electron cyclotron resonance ion sources (ECRISs) in the past decade as demonstrated by the achieved great performance. The present superconducting magnet structures built with NbTi wires have reached an axial field of 3.5-4.0 T and a radial field of 2.0 T for operating frequency up to 28 GHz. Further increase of the magnetic field strength will require higher current superconductor, i.e., Nb(3)Sn wires. This paper will present the features of a new superconducting magnet structure and review of the existing structures. Using NbTi wires, the new magnet structure could be able to produce maximum fields of 7.0 T on axis and radial field of 3.7 T at a hexagonal plasma chamber wall for ECRIS operations up to 50 GHz. If this new magnet can be built with Nb(3)Sn wires, much higher fields can be expected.

Magnetic evaluation of hydrogen pressures changes on MHD fluctuations in IR-T1 tokamak plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alipour, Ramin; Ghanbari, Mohamad R.

2018-04-01

Identification of tokamak plasma parameters and investigation on the effects of each parameter on the plasma characteristics is important for the better understanding of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) activities in the tokamak plasma. The effect of different hydrogen pressures of 1.9, 2.5 and 2.9 Torr on MHD fluctuations of the IR-T1 tokamak plasma was investigated by using of 12 Mirnov coils, singular value decomposition and wavelet analysis. The parameters such as plasma current, loop voltage, power spectrum density, energy percent of poloidal modes, dominant spatial structures and temporal structures of poloidal modes at different plasma pressures are plotted. The results indicate that the MHD activities at the pressure of 2.5 Torr are less than them at other pressures. It also has been shown that in the stable area of plasma and at the pressure of 2.5 Torr, the magnetic force and the force of plasma pressure are in balance with each other and the MHD activities are at their lowest level.

Total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index in the men exposed to 1.5 T static magnetic field.

PubMed

Sirmatel, O; Sert, C; Sirmatel, F; Selek, S; Yokus, B

2007-06-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a high-strength magnetic field produced by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus on oxidative stress. The effects of a 1.5 T static magnetic field on the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) in male subjects were investigated. In this study, 33 male volunteers were exposed to a 1.5 T static magnetic field for a short time and the TAC, TOS and OSI of each subject were determined. Magnetic field exposure was provided using a magnetic resonance apparatus; radiofrequency was not applied. Blood samples were taken from subjects and TAC, TOS and OSI values were measured using the methods of Erel. TAC showed a significant increase in post-exposures compared to pre-exposures to the magnetic field (p < 0.05). OSI and TOS showed a significant decrease in post-exposures compared to pre-exposures to a 1.5 T magnetic field (for each of two, p < 0.01). The 1.5 T static magnetic field used in the MRI apparatus did not yield a negative effect; on the contrary, it produced the positive effect of decreasing oxidative stress in men following short-term exposure.

Magnetic fields of intermediate mass T Tauri stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavail, A.; Kochukhov, O.; Hussain, G. A. J.; Alecian, E.; Herczeg, G. J.; Johns-Krull, C.

2017-12-01

Aims: In this paper, we aim to measure the strength of the surface magnetic fields for a sample of five intermediate mass T Tauri stars and one low mass T Tauri star from late-F to mid-K spectral types. While magnetic fields of T Tauri stars at the low mass range have been extensively characterized, our work complements previous studies towards the intermediate mass range; this complementary study is key to evaluate how magnetic fields evolve during the transition from a convective to a radiative core. Methods: We studied the Zeeman broadening of magnetically sensitive spectral lines in the H-band spectra obtained with the CRIRES high-resolution near-infrared spectrometer. These data are modelled using magnetic spectral synthesis and model atmospheres. Additional constraints on non-magnetic line broadening mechanisms are obtained from modelling molecular lines in the K band or atomic lines in the optical wavelength region. Results: We detect and measure mean surface magnetic fields for five of the six stars in our sample: CHXR 28, COUP 107, V2062 Oph, V1149 Sco, and Par 2441. Magnetic field strengths inferred from the most magnetically sensitive diagnostic line range from 0.8 to 1.8 kG. We also estimate a magnetic field strength of 1.9 kG for COUP 107 from an alternative diagnostic. The magnetic field on YLW 19 is the weakest in our sample and is marginally detected, with a strength of 0.8 kG. Conclusions: We populate an uncharted area of the pre-main-sequence HR diagram with mean magnetic field measurements from high-resolution near-infrared spectra. Our sample of intermediate mass T Tauri stars in general exhibits weaker magnetic fields than their lower mass counterparts. Our measurements will be used in combination with other spectropolarimetric studies of intermediate mass and lower mass T Tauri stars to provide input into pre-main-sequence stellar evolutionary models.

Hyperpolarized 13C NMR lifetimes in the liquid-state: relating structures and T1 relaxation times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parish, Christopher; Niedbalski, Peter; Hashami, Zohreh; Fidelino, Leila; Kovacs, Zoltan; Lumata, Lloyd

Among the various attempts to solve the insensitivity problem in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the physics-based technique dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is probably the most successful method of hyperpolarization or amplifying NMR signals. Using this technique, liquid-state NMR signal enhancements of several thousand-fold are expected for low-gamma nuclei such as carbon-13. The lifetimes of these hyperpolarized 13C NMR signals are directly related to their 13C spin-lattice relaxation times T1. Depending upon the 13C isotopic location, the lifetimes of hyperpolarized 13C compounds can range from a few seconds to minutes. In this study, we have investigated the hyperpolarized 13C NMR lifetimes of several 13C compounds with various chemical structures from glucose, acetate, citric acid, naphthalene to tetramethylallene and their deuterated analogs at 9.4 T and 25 deg C. Our results show that the 13C T1s of these compounds can range from a few seconds to more than 60 s at this field. Correlations between the chemical structures and T1 relaxation times will be discussed and corresponding implications of these results on 13C DNP experiments will be revealed. US Dept of Defense Award No. W81XWH-14-1-0048 and Robert A. Welch Foundation Grant No. AT-1877.

Prostate segmentation in MRI using fused T2-weighted and elastography images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nir, Guy; Sahebjavaher, Ramin S.; Baghani, Ali; Sinkus, Ralph; Salcudean, Septimiu E.

2014-03-01

Segmentation of the prostate in medical imaging is a challenging and important task for surgical planning and delivery of prostate cancer treatment. Automatic prostate segmentation can improve speed, reproducibility and consistency of the process. In this work, we propose a method for automatic segmentation of the prostate in magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) images. The method utilizes the complementary property of the elastogram and the corresponding T2-weighted image, which are obtained from the phase and magnitude components of the imaging signal, respectively. It follows a variational approach to propagate an active contour model based on the combination of region statistics in the elastogram and the edge map of the T2-weighted image. The method is fast and does not require prior shape information. The proposed algorithm is tested on 35 clinical image pairs from five MRE data sets, and is evaluated in comparison with manual contouring. The mean absolute distance between the automatic and manual contours is 1.8mm, with a maximum distance of 5.6mm. The relative area error is 7.6%, and the duration of the segmentation process is 2s per slice.

Magnetic structure of the mixed antiferromagnet NdMn0.8Fe0.2O3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihalik, Matúš; Mihalik, Marián; Hoser, Andreas; Pajerowski, Daniel M.; Kriegner, Dominik; Legut, Dominik; Lebecki, Kristof M.; Vavra, Martin; Fitta, Magdalena; Meisel, Mark W.

2017-10-01

The magnetic structure of the mixed antiferromagnet NdMn0.8Fe0.2O3 was resolved. Neutron powder diffraction data definitively resolve the Mn sublattice with a magnetic propagation vector k =(000 ) and with the magnetic structure (Ax,Fy,Gz ) for 1.6 K <T T1≈13 K while the Nd magnetic moment abruptly increases at this temperature. Powder x-ray diffraction shows a strong magnetoelastic effect at TN but no additional structural phase transitions from 3 to 300 K. Density functional theory calculations confirm the magnetic structure of the undoped NdMnO3 as part of our analysis. Taken together, these results show that the magnetic structure of the Mn sublattice in NdMn0.8Fe0.2O3 is a combination of the Mn and Fe parent compounds, but the magnetic ordering of the Nd sublattice spans a broader temperature interval than in the case of NdMnO3 and NdFeO3. This result is a consequence of the fact that the Nd ions do not order independently, but via polarization from the Mn/Fe sublattice.

H-T magnetic phase diagrams of electron-doped Sm1-xCaxMnO3: Evidence for phase separation and metamagnetic transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Respaud, M.; Broto, J. M.; Rakoto, H.; Vanacken, J.; Wagner, P.; Martin, C.; Maignan, A.; Raveau, B.

2001-04-01

The magnetic properties of the polycrystalline manganites Sm1-xCaxMnO3 have been studied for (1>=x>=2/3) under high magnetic fields up to 50 T. The phase diagrams in the H-T plane have been determined. The more representative systems have also been studied by means of neutron diffraction experiments. Increasing the electron concentration in CaMnO3 leads to an increasing minor ferromagnetic (FM) component superimposed on the antiferromagnetic (AFM) background. A cluster-glass regime is observed for x=0.9, where FM clusters are embedded in the G-type AFM matrix of the parent compound. For 0.8>=x, field-induced transitions from the AFM ground state to a FM one have been observed. They correspond to the melting of the C-type AFM orbital-ordered phase for x=0.8, and to the collapse of the charge-ordered phase for x=3/4. In between these two characteristic domains of concentration, x~0.85, the magnetization curves show a superposition of the two above behaviors, suggesting phase separation. This scenario is consistent with the neutron diffraction results showing that the crystalline and magnetic structures of each phase coexist.

Urinary bladder cancer T-staging from T2-weighted MR images using an optimal biomarker approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chuang; Udupa, Jayaram K.; Tong, Yubing; Chen, Jerry; Venigalla, Sriram; Odhner, Dewey; Guzzo, Thomas J.; Christodouleas, John; Torigian, Drew A.

2018-02-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used in clinical practice to stage patients with bladder cancer to help plan treatment. However, qualitative assessment of MR images is prone to inaccuracies, adversely affecting patient outcomes. In this paper, T2-weighted MR image-based quantitative features were extracted from the bladder wall in 65 patients with bladder cancer to classify them into two primary tumor (T) stage groups: group 1 - T stage < T2, with primary tumor locally confined to the bladder, and group 2 - T stage < T2, with primary tumor locally extending beyond the bladder. The bladder was divided into 8 sectors in the axial plane, where each sector has a corresponding reference standard T stage that is based on expert radiology qualitative MR image review and histopathologic results. The performance of the classification for correct assignment of T stage grouping was then evaluated at both the patient level and the sector level. Each bladder sector was divided into 3 shells (inner, middle, and outer), and 15,834 features including intensity features and texture features from local binary pattern and gray-level co-occurrence matrix were extracted from the 3 shells of each sector. An optimal feature set was selected from all features using an optimal biomarker approach. Nine optimal biomarker features were derived based on texture properties from the middle shell, with an area under the ROC curve of AUC value at the sector and patient level of 0.813 and 0.806, respectively.

Novel cardiac magnetic resonance biomarkers: native T1 and extracellular volume myocardial mapping.

PubMed

Cannaò, Paola Maria; Altabella, Luisa; Petrini, Marcello; Alì, Marco; Secchi, Francesco; Sardanelli, Francesco

2016-04-28

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool playing a key role in the assessment of cardiac morphology and function as well as in tissue characterization. Late gadolinium enhancement is a fundamental CMR technique for detecting focal or regional abnormalities such as scar tissue, replacement fibrosis, or inflammation using qualitative, semi-quantitative, or quantitative methods, but not allowing for evaluating the whole myocardium in the presence of diffuse disease. The novel T1 mapping approach permits a quantitative assessment of the entire myocardium providing a voxel-by-voxel map of native T1 relaxation time, obtained before the intravenous administration of gadolinium-based contrast material. Combining T1 data obtained before and after contrast injection, it is also possible to calculate the voxel-by-voxel extracellular volume (ECV), resulting in another myocardial parametric map. This article describes technical challenges and clinical perspectives of these two novel CMR biomarkers: myocardial native T1 and ECV mapping.

Effects of pulmonary inhalation on hyperpolarized krypton-83 magnetic resonance T1 relaxation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stupic, K. F.; Elkins, N. D.; Pavlovskaya, G. E.; Repine, J. E.; Meersmann, T.

2011-07-01

The 83Kr magnetic resonance (MR) relaxation time T1 of krypton gas in contact with model surfaces was previously found to be highly sensitive to surface composition, surface-to-volume ratio, and surface temperature. The work presented here explored aspects of pulmonary 83Kr T1 relaxation measurements in excised lungs from healthy rats using hyperpolarized (hp) 83Kr with approximately 4.4% spin polarization. MR spectroscopy without spatial resolution was applied to the ex vivo lungs that actively inhale hp 83Kr through a custom designed ventilation system. Various inhalation schemes were devised to study the influence of anatomical dead space upon the measured 83Kr T1 relaxation times. The longitudinal 83Kr relaxation times in the distal airways and the respiratory zones were independent of the lung inhalation volume, with T1 = 1.3 s and T1 = 1.0 s, depending only on the applied inhalation scheme. The obtained data were highly reproducible between different specimens. Further, the 83Kr T1 relaxation times in excised lungs were unaffected by the presence of up to 40% oxygen in the hp gas mixture. The results support the possible importance of 83Kr as a biomarker for evaluating lung function.

T1ρ MR Imaging of Human Musculoskeletal System

PubMed Central

Wang, Ligong; Regatte, Ravinder R.

2014-01-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the direct visualization of human musculoskeletal (MSK) system, especially all diarthrodial tissues including cartilage, bone, menisci, ligaments, tendon, hip, synovium etc. Conventional MR imaging techniques based on T1- and T2-weighted, proton density (PD) contrast are inconclusive in quantifying early biochemically degenerative changes in MSK system in general and articular cartilage in particular. In recent years, quantitative MR parameter mapping techniques have been used to quantify the biochemical changes in articular cartilage with a special emphasis on evaluating joint injury, cartilage degeneration, and soft tissue repair. In this article, we will focus on cartilage biochemical composition, basic principles of T1ρ MR imaging, implementation of T1ρ pulse sequences, biochemical validation, and summarize the potential applications of T1ρ MR imaging technique in MSK diseases including osteoarthritis (OA), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and knee joint repair. Finally, we will also review the potential advantages, challenges, and future prospects of T1ρ MR imaging for widespread clinical translation. PMID:24935818

Diagnostic value of T1-weighted gradient-echo in-phase images added to MRCP in differentiation of hepatolithiasis and intrahepatic pneumobilia.

PubMed

Erden, Ayşe; Haliloğlu, Nuray; Genç, Yasemin; Erden, Ilhan

2014-01-01

The purpose of this article is to determine the added diagnostic value of T1-weighted gradient-echo in-phase images obtained during MRCP in the detection and differentiation of hepatolithiasis and intrahepatic pneumobilia. Intrahepatic bile ducts in 47 patients were scored in terms of their possibility of containing biliary stone and air. MRI was performed with a 1-T system for 32 patients and with a 3-T system for 15 patients. Two radiologists independently reviewed two sets of MRI scans: set 1 included T2-weighted MRCP images, and set 2 included T2-weighted MRCP images plus T1-weighted gradient-echo in-phase images. The diagnostic performances of set 1 and set 2 in the evaluation of the bile ducts containing air or stone and bile ducts containing neither of them were analyzed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for clustered data. The sensitivities and specificities of both image sets to detect intrahepatic stone or air were also calculated and compared. For the diagnosis of hepatolithiasis, the AUC obtained from set 2 (0.983) was significantly higher than that obtained from set 1 (0.879; p = 0.037). For the diagnosis of pneumobilia, the AUC obtained from set 2 (0.965) was also significantly higher than that of set 1 (0.765; p = 0.002). With use of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, ERCP, and CT as the reference standards, the sensitivity of set 2 (97.1%; 95% CI, 91.1-100%) was significantly higher than that of set 1 (74.3%; 95% CI, 56.7-91.9%) in detecting intrahepatic stones (p = 0.011). For the detection of pneumobilia, the sensitivity of set 2 (98.5%; 95% CI, 95.4-100%) was also significantly higher than that of set 1 (70.8%; 95% CI, 57.7-83.3%; p = 0.000). The addition of T1-weighted gradient-echo in-phase images to standard MRCP sequences improves the detection and differentiation of hepatolithiasis and intrahepatic pneumobilia.

The diagnostic performance of non-contrast 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3-T MRI) versus 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance arthrography (1.5-T MRA) in femoro-acetabular impingement.

PubMed

Crespo-Rodríguez, Ana M; De Lucas-Villarrubia, Jose C; Pastrana-Ledesma, Miguel; Hualde-Juvera, Ana; Méndez-Alonso, Santiago; Padron, Mario

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3-T non-contrast MRI versus 1.5-T MRA for assessing labrum and articular cartilage lesions in patients with clinical suspicion of femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI). Fifty patients (thirty men and twenty women, mean age 42.5 years) underwent 1.5-T MRA, 3-T MRI and arthroscopy on the same hip. An optimized high-resolution proton density spin echo pulse sequence was included in the 3-T non-contrast MRI protocol. The 3-T non-contrast MRI identified forty-two of the forty-three arthroscopically proven tears at the labral-chondral transitional zone (sensitivity, 97.7%; specificity, 100%; positive predictive value (PPV), 100%; negative predictive value (NPV), 87.5%; accuracy 98%). With 1.5-T MRA, forty-four tears were diagnosed. However, there was one false positive (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 85.7%; PPV, 97.7%; NPV, 100%; accuracy 98%). Agreement between arthroscopy and MRI, whether 3-T non-contrast MRI or 1.5-T MRA, as to the degree of chondral lesion in the acetabulum was reached in half of the patients and in the femur in 76% of patients. Non-invasive assessment of the hip is possible with 3-T MR magnet. 3-T non-contrast MRI could replace MRA as the workhorse technique for assessing hip internal damage. MRA would then be reserved for young adults with a strong clinical suspicion of FAI but normal findings on 3-T non-contrast MRI. When compared with 1.5-T MRA, optimized sequences with 3-T non-contrast MRI help in detecting normal variants and in diagnosing articular cartilage lesions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural, thermal, magnetic, and electronic transport properties of the LaNi₂(Ge 1-xP x)₂ system

DOE PAGES

Goetsch, R. J.; Anand, V. K.; Pandey, Abhishek; ...

2012-02-29

Polycrystalline samples of LaNi₂(Ge 1-xP x)₂ (x=0,0.25,0.50,0.75,1) were synthesized and their properties investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements at room temperature and by heat capacity C p, magnetic susceptibility χ, and electrical resistivity ρ measurements versus temperature T from 1.8 to 350 K. Rietveld refinements of powder XRD patterns confirm that these compounds crystallize in the body-centered-tetragonal ThCr₂Si₂-type structure (space group I4/mmm) with composition-dependent lattice parameters that slightly deviate from Vegard's law. The ρ(T) measurements showed a positive temperature coefficient for all samples from 1.8 to 300 K, indicating that all compositions in this system are metallic. The low-T Cmore » p measurements yield a rather large Sommerfeld electronic specific heat coefficient γ=12.4(2) mJ/mol K² for x=0, reflecting a large density of states at the Fermi energy that is comparable with the largest values found for the AFe₂As₂ class of materials with the same crystal structure. The γ decreases approximately linearly with x to 7.4(1) mJ/mol K² for x=1. The χ measurements show nearly temperature-independent paramagnetic behavior across the entire range of compositions except for LaNi₂Ge₂, where a broad peak is observed at ≈300 K from χ(T) measurements up to 1000 K that may arise from short-range antiferromagnetic correlations in a quasi-two-dimensional magnetic system. High-accuracy Padé approximants representing the Debye lattice heat capacity and Bloch-Grüneisen electron-phonon resistivity functions versus T are presented and are used to analyze our experimental C p(T) and ρ(T) data, respectively, for 1.8K≤T≤300 K. The T dependences of ρ for all samples are well-described over this T range by the Bloch-Grüneisen model, although the observed ρ(300 K) values are larger than calculated from this model. A significant T dependence of the Debye temperature determined from the C p(T) data was

A Magnetic Field Sensor Based on a Magnetic Fluid-Filled FP-FBG Structure.

PubMed

Xia, Ji; Wang, Fuyin; Luo, Hong; Wang, Qi; Xiong, Shuidong

2016-04-29

Based on the characteristic magnetic-controlled refractive index property, in this paper, a magnetic fluid is used as a sensitive medium to detect the magnetic field in the fiber optic Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity. The temperature compensation in fiber Fabry-Perot magnetic sensor is demonstrated and achieved. The refractive index of the magnetic fluid varies with the applied magnetic field and external temperature, and a cross-sensitivity effect of the temperature and magnetic field occurs in the Fabry-Perot magnetic sensor and the accuracy of magnetic field measurements is affected by the thermal effect. In order to overcome this problem, we propose a modified sensor structure. With a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) written in the insert fiber end of the Fabry-Perot cavity, the FBG acts as a temperature compensation unit for the magnetic field measurement and it provides an effective solution to the cross-sensitivity effect. The experimental results show that the sensitivity of magnetic field detection improves from 0.23 nm/mT to 0.53 nm/mT, and the magnetic field measurement resolution finally reaches 37.7 T. The temperature-compensated FP-FBG magnetic sensor has obvious advantages of small volume and high sensitivity, and it has a good prospect in applications in the power industry and national defense technology areas.

Superimposition of protein structures with dynamically weighted RMSD.

PubMed

Wu, Di; Wu, Zhijun

2010-02-01

In protein modeling, one often needs to superimpose a group of structures for a protein. A common way to do this is to translate and rotate the structures so that the square root of the sum of squares of coordinate differences of the atoms in the structures, called the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of the structures, is minimized. While it has provided a general way of aligning a group of structures, this approach has not taken into account the fact that different atoms may have different properties and they should be compared differently. For this reason, when superimposed with RMSD, the coordinate differences of different atoms should be evaluated with different weights. The resulting RMSD is called the weighted RMSD (wRMSD). Here we investigate the use of a special wRMSD for superimposing a group of structures with weights assigned to the atoms according to certain thermal motions of the atoms. We call such an RMSD the dynamically weighted RMSD (dRMSD). We show that the thermal motions of the atoms can be obtained from several sources such as the mean-square fluctuations that can be estimated by Gaussian network model analysis. We show that the superimposition of structures with dRMSD can successfully identify protein domains and protein motions, and that it has important implications in practice, e.g., in aligning the ensemble of structures determined by nuclear magnetic resonance.

The crystal and magnetic structures of Sr 2LaFe 3O 8

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battle, P. D.; Gibb, T. C.; Lightfoot, P.

1990-02-01

The crystal and magnetic structures of the anion-deficient perovskite Sr 2LaFe 3O 8 (space group Pmma, a = 5.5095(1), b = 11.8845(5), c = 5.6028(1)AÅ) have been refined from X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data collected at room temperature. The crystal structure consists of layers of octahedral (O) and tetrahedral (T) iron-oxygen polyhedra arranged in the stacking sequence … OOTOOT … perpendicular to theyˆaxis of the unit cell. The magnetic structure is that of a G-type antiferromagnet with ordered magnetic moments of 3.77(5) and 3.15(11) μ B at the octahedral and tetrahedral sites, respectively. The low moment at the tetrahedral site is consistent with the observed disorder and magnetic anisotropy.

Structural, elastic and electronic properties of typical NdMgT4 (T = Co, Ni, Cu) alloys from ab initio calculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Na; Zhang, Wei-bing; Tang, Bi-yu; Gao, Hai-Tao; He, En-jie; Wang, Lei

2018-07-01

The crystal structure, elastic and magnetic properties of important ternary Mg-based alloys NdMgT4 (T = Co, Ni, Cu) have been studied using reliable ab initio calculations. Both cohesive energy and charge density difference suggest that three alloys have good structural stability with the order: NdMgCo4 > NdMgNi4 > NdMgCu4. It shows that NdMgCo4 alloy has magnetic moments with the Co atoms being the main contribution, which is also in agreement with the calculated electronic structures. We find that NdMgT4 (T = Co, Ni, Cu) alloys are all ductile materials with bulk-to-shear modulus (B/G) values higher than 1.75. The trends of calculated values for the shear moduli Cs and C44 are consistent with that of shear modulus G and young's modulus E, proving that NdMgT4 (T = Co, Ni, Cu) alloys exhibit good plasticity with the trend: NdMgNi4 > NdMgCu4 > NdMgCo4. These calculated results give the basis guidance for the design of rare earth-magnesium-transition metal (R-Mg-T) alloys with improved mechanical properties.

Effect of orthodontic brackets and different wires on radiofrequency heating and magnetic field interactions during 3-T MRI

PubMed Central

Görgülü, S; Ayyıldız, S; Gökçe, S; Ozen, T

2014-01-01

Objectives: To evaluate the heating and magnetic field interactions of fixed orthodontic appliances with different wires and ligaments in a 3-T MRI environment and to estimate the safety of these orthodontic materials. Methods: 40 non-carious extracted human maxillary teeth were embedded in polyvinyl chloride boxes, and orthodontic brackets were bonded. Nickel–titanium and stainless steel arch wires, and elastic and stainless steel ligaments were used to obtain four experimental groups in total. Specimens were evaluated at 3 T for radiofrequency heating and magnetic field interactions. Radiofrequency heating was evaluated by placing specimens in a cylindrical plastic container filled with isotonic solution and measuring changes in temperature after T1 weighted axial sequencing and after completion of all sequences. Translational attraction and torque values of specimens were also evaluated. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare continuous variables of temperature change. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: None of the groups exhibited excessive heating (highest temperature change: <3.04 °C), with the maximum increase in temperature observed at the end of the T1 weighted axial sequence. Magnetic field interactions changed depending on the material used. Although the brackets presented minor interactions that would not cause movement in situ, nickel–titanium and stainless steel wires presented great interactions that may pose a risk for the patient. Conclusions: The temperature changes of the specimens were considered to be within acceptable ranges. With regard to magnetic field interactions, brackets can be considered “MR safe”; however, it would be safe to replace the wires before MRI. PMID:24257741

Subcortical brain segmentation of two dimensional T1-weighted data sets with FMRIB's Integrated Registration and Segmentation Tool (FIRST).

PubMed

Amann, Michael; Andělová, Michaela; Pfister, Armanda; Mueller-Lenke, Nicole; Traud, Stefan; Reinhardt, Julia; Magon, Stefano; Bendfeldt, Kerstin; Kappos, Ludwig; Radue, Ernst-Wilhelm; Stippich, Christoph; Sprenger, Till

2015-01-01

Brain atrophy has been identified as an important contributing factor to the development of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). In this respect, more and more interest is focussing on the role of deep grey matter (DGM) areas. Novel data analysis pipelines are available for the automatic segmentation of DGM using three-dimensional (3D) MRI data. However, in clinical trials, often no such high-resolution data are acquired and hence no conclusions regarding the impact of new treatments on DGM atrophy were possible so far. In this work, we used FMRIB's Integrated Registration and Segmentation Tool (FIRST) to evaluate the possibility of segmenting DGM structures using standard two-dimensional (2D) T1-weighted MRI. In a cohort of 70 MS patients, both 2D and 3D T1-weighted data were acquired. The thalamus, putamen, pallidum, nucleus accumbens, and caudate nucleus were bilaterally segmented using FIRST. Volumes were calculated for each structure and for the sum of basal ganglia (BG) as well as for the total DGM. The accuracy and reliability of the 2D data segmentation were compared with the respective results of 3D segmentations using volume difference, volume overlap and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). The mean differences for the individual substructures were between 1.3% (putamen) and -25.2% (nucleus accumbens). The respective values for the BG were -2.7% and for DGM 1.3%. Mean volume overlap was between 89.1% (thalamus) and 61.5% (nucleus accumbens); BG: 84.1%; DGM: 86.3%. Regarding ICC, all structures showed good agreement with the exception of the nucleus accumbens. The results of the segmentation were additionally validated through expert manual delineation of the caudate nucleus and putamen in a subset of the 3D data. In conclusion, we demonstrate that subcortical segmentation of 2D data are feasible using FIRST. The larger subcortical GM structures can be segmented with high consistency. This forms the basis for the application of FIRST in large 2D

Pancreatic Duct in Autoimmune Pancreatitis: Intraindividual Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Pancreatography at 1.5 T and 3.0 T.

PubMed

Kim, Jin Hee; Byun, Jae Ho; Kim, Myung-Hwan; Lee, Sung Koo; Kim, Song Cheol; Kim, Hyoung Jung; Lee, Seung Soo; Kim, So Yeon; Lee, Moon-Gyu

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to intraindividually compare magnetic resonance pancreatography (MRP) image quality at 1.5 T and 3.0 T when demonstrating main pancreatic duct (MPD) abnormalities in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Thirty prospectively enrolled patients with AIP underwent MRP at both 1.5 T and 3.0 T followed by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography before treatment. Two readers independently analyzed the MRP images and graded the visualization of MPD strictures and full-length MPD, using endoscopic retrograde pancreatography as the reference standard, as well as overall image artifacts on a 4-point scale. The contrast between the MPD and periductal area was calculated using a region-of-interest measurement. Visualization scores of MPD strictures and full-length MPD, and summed scores of each qualitative analysis, were significantly greater at 3.0-T MRP than at 1.5-T MRP for both readers (P ≤ 0.02). There were less image artifacts at 3.0 T compared with 1.5 T (P ≤ 0.052). The contrast between the MPD and periductal area was significantly greater at 3.0-T MRP than at 1.5-T MRP (P < 0.001). The MRP at 3.0 T was superior to 1.5-T MRP for demonstrating MPD abnormalities in AIP, with better image contrast and fewer image artifacts. Consequently, 3.0-T MRP may be useful for the diagnosis and management of patients with AIP.

T1-weighted brain imaging with a 32-channel coil at 3T using TurboFLASH BLADE compared with standard cartesian k-space sampling.

PubMed

Attenberger, Ulrike I; Runge, Val M; Williams, Kenneth D; Stemmer, Alto; Michaely, Henrik J; Schoenberg, Stefan O; Reiser, Maximilian F; Wintersperger, Bernd J

2009-03-01

Motion artifacts often markedly degrade image quality in clinical scans. The BLADE technique offers an alternative k-space sampling scheme reducing the effect of patient related motion on image quality. The purpose of this study is the comparison of imaging artifacts, signal-to-noise (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of a new turboFLASH BLADE k-space trajectory with the standard Cartesian k-space sampling for brain imaging, using a 32-channel coil at 3T. The results from 32 patients included after informed consent are reported. This study was performed with a 32-channel head coil on a 3T scanner. Sagittal and axial T1-weighted FLASH sequences (TR/TE 250/2.46 milliseconds, flip angle 70-degree), acquired with Cartesian k-space sampling and T1-weighted turboFLASH sequences (TR/TE/TIsag/TIax 3200/2.77/1144/1056 milliseconds, flip angle 20-degree), using PROPELLER (BLADE) k-space trajectory, were compared. SNR and CNR were evaluated using a paired student t test. The frequency of motion artifacts was assessed in a blinded read. To analyze the differences between both techniques a McNemar test was performed. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. From the blinded read, the overall preference in terms of diagnostic image quality was statistically significant in favor of the BLADE turboFLASH data sets, compared with standard FLASH for both sagittal (P < 0.0001) and axial (P < 0.0001) planes. The frequency of motion artifacts from the scalp was higher for standard FLASH sequences than for BLADE sequences on both axial (47%, P < 0.0003) and sagittal (69%, P < 0.0001) planes. BLADE was preferred in 100% (sagittal plane) and 80% (axial plane) of in-patient data sets and in 68% (sagittal plane) and 73% (axial plane) of out-patient data sets.The BLADE T1 scan did have lower SNRmean (BLADEax 179 +/- 98, Cartesianax 475 +/- 145, BLADEsag 171 +/- 51, and Cartesiansag 697 +/- 129) with P values indicating accordingly a statistically significant difference

The magnetic structure of EuCu 2Sb 2

DOE PAGES

Ryan, D. H.; Cadogan, J. M.; Anand, V. K.; ...

2015-05-06

Antiferromagnetic ordering of EuCu 2Sb 2 which forms in the tetragonal CaBe 2Ge 2-type structure (space group P4/nmm #129) has been studied using neutron powder diffraction and 151Eu Mössbauer spectroscopy. The room temperature 151Eu isomer shift of –12.8(1) mm/s shows the Eu to be divalent, while the 151Eu hyperfine magnetic field (B hf) reaches 28.7(2) T at 2.1 K, indicating a full Eu 2+ magnetic moment. B hf(T) follows a smoothmore » $$S=\\frac{7}{2}$$ Brillouin function and yields an ordering temperature of 5.1(1) K. Refinement of the neutron diffraction data reveals a collinear A-type antiferromagnetic arrangement with the Eu moments perpendicular to the tetragonal c-axis. As a result, the refined Eu magnetic moment at 0.4 K is 7.08(15) μ B which is the full free-ion moment expected for the Eu 2+ ion with $$S=\\frac{7}{2}$$ and a spectroscopic splitting factor of g = 2.« less

STrategically Acquired Gradient Echo (STAGE) imaging, part I: Creating enhanced T1 contrast and standardized susceptibility weighted imaging and quantitative susceptibility mapping.

PubMed

Chen, Yongsheng; Liu, Saifeng; Wang, Yu; Kang, Yan; Haacke, E Mark

2018-02-01

To provide whole brain grey matter (GM) to white matter (WM) contrast enhanced T1W (T1WE) images, multi-echo quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), proton density (PD) weighted images, T1 maps, PD maps, susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI), and R2* maps with minimal misregistration in scanning times <5min. Strategically acquired gradient echo (STAGE) imaging includes two fully flow compensated double echo gradient echo acquisitions with a resolution of 0.67×1.33×2.0mm 3 acquired in 5min for 64 slices. Ten subjects were recruited and scanned at 3 Tesla. The optimum pair of flip angles (6° and 24° with TR=25ms at 3T) were used for both T1 mapping with radio frequency (RF) transmit field correction and creating enhanced GM/WM contrast (the T1WE). The proposed T1WE image was created from a combination of the proton density weighted (6°, PDW) and T1W (24°) images and corrected for RF transmit field variations. Prior to the QSM calculation, a multi-echo phase unwrapping strategy was implemented using the unwrapped short echo to unwrap the longer echo to speed up computation. R2* maps were used to mask deep grey matter and veins during the iterative QSM calculation. A weighted-average sum of susceptibility maps was generated to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The proposed T1WE image has a significantly improved CNR both for WM to deep GM and WM to cortical GM compared to the acquired T1W image (the first echo of 24° scan) and the T1MPRAGE image. The weighted-average susceptibility maps have 80±26%, 55±22%, 108±33% SNR increases across the ten subjects compared to the single echo result of 17.5ms for the putamen, caudate nucleus, and globus pallidus, respectively. STAGE imaging offers the potential to create a standardized brain imaging protocol providing four pieces of quantitative tissue property information and multiple types of qualitative information in just 5min. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Evaluation of multimodal segmentation based on 3D T1-, T2- and FLAIR-weighted images - the difficulty of choosing.

PubMed

Lindig, Tobias; Kotikalapudi, Raviteja; Schweikardt, Daniel; Martin, Pascal; Bender, Friedemann; Klose, Uwe; Ernemann, Ulrike; Focke, Niels K; Bender, Benjamin

2018-04-15

Voxel-based morphometry is still mainly based on T1-weighted MRI scans. Misclassification of vessels and dura mater as gray matter has been previously reported. Goal of the present work was to evaluate the effect of multimodal segmentation methods available in SPM12, and their influence on identification of age related atrophy and lesion detection in epilepsy patients. 3D T1-, T2- and FLAIR-images of 77 healthy adults (mean age 35.8 years, 19-66 years, 45 females), 7 patients with malformation of cortical development (MCD) (mean age 28.1 years,19-40 years, 3 females), and 5 patients with left hippocampal sclerosis (LHS) (mean age 49.0 years, 25-67 years, 3 females) from a 3T scanner were evaluated. Segmentation based on T1-only, T1+T2, T1+FLAIR, T2+FLAIR, and T1+T2+FLAIR were compared in the healthy subjects. Clinical VBM results based on the different segmentation approaches for MCD and for LHS were compared. T1-only segmentation overestimated total intracranial volume by about 80ml compared to the other segmentation methods. This was due to misclassification of dura mater and vessels as GM and CSF. Significant differences were found for several anatomical regions: the occipital lobe, the basal ganglia/thalamus, the pre- and postcentral gyrus, the cerebellum, and the brainstem. None of the segmentation methods yielded completely satisfying results for the basal ganglia/thalamus and the brainstem. The best correlation with age could be found for the multimodal T1+T2+FLAIR segmentation. Highest T-scores for identification of LHS were found for T1+T2 segmentation, while highest T-scores for MCD were dependent on lesion and anatomical location. Multimodal segmentation is superior to T1-only segmentation and reduces the misclassification of dura mater and vessels as GM and CSF. Depending on the anatomical region and the pathology of interest (atrophy, lesion detection, etc.), different combinations of T1, T2 and FLAIR yield optimal results. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier

Heavily T2-weighted MR myelography vs CT myelography in spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

PubMed

Wang, Y-F; Lirng, J-F; Fuh, J-L; Hseu, S-S; Wang, S-J

2009-12-01

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of heavily T2-weighted magnetic resonance myelography (MRM) in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Patients with SIH were recruited prospectively, and first underwent MRM and then computed tomographic myelography (CTM). The results of MRM were validated with the gold standard, CTM, focusing on 1) CSF leaks along the nerve roots, 2) epidural CSF collections, and 3) high-cervical (C1-3) retrospinal CSF collections. Comparisons of these 3 findings between the 2 studies were made by kappa statistics and agreement rates. Targeted epidural blood patches (EBPs) were placed at the levels of CSF leaks if supportive treatment failed. Nineteen patients (6 men and 13 women, mean age 37.9 +/- 8.6 years) with SIH completed the study. MRM did not differ from CTM in the detection rates of CSF leaks along the nerve roots (84% vs 74%, p = 0.23), high-cervical retrospinal CSF collections (32% vs 16%, p = 0.13), and epidural CSF collections (89% vs 79%, p = 0.20). MRM demonstrated more spinal levels of CSF leaks (2.2 +/- 1.7 vs 1.5 +/- 1.5, p = 0.011) and epidural collections (12.2 +/- 5.9 vs 7.1 +/- 5.8, p < 0.001) than CTM. The overall level-by-level concordance was substantial for CSF leaks along the nerve roots (C1-L3) (kappa = 0.71, p < 0.001, agreement = 95%) and high-cervical retrospinal CSF collections (C1-3) (kappa = 0.73, p < 0.001, agreement = 92%), and moderate for epidural CSF collections (C1-L3) (kappa = 0.47, p < 0.001, agreement = 72%). Ten of the 14 patients (71%) receiving targeted EBPs experienced sustained symptomatic relief after a single attempt. Heavily T2-weighted magnetic resonance myelography was accurate in localizing CSF leaks for patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. This noninvasive technique may be an alternative to computed tomographic myelography before targeted epidural blood patches.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Mechanical Low Back Pain Using a Novel Rapid-Acquisition Three-Dimensional SPACE Sequence at 1.5-T: A Pilot Study Comparing Lumbar Stenosis Assessment With Routine Two-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Sequences.

PubMed

Swami, Vimarsha G; Katlariwala, Mihir; Dhillon, Sukhvinder; Jibri, Zaid; Jaremko, Jacob L

2016-11-01

To minimize the burden of overutilisation of lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a resource-constrained public healthcare system, it may be helpful to image some patients with mechanical low-back pain (LBP) using a simplified rapid MRI screening protocol at 1.5-T. A rapid-acquisition 3-dimensional (3D) SPACE (Sampling Perfection with Application-optimized Contrasts using different flip angle Evolution) sequence can demonstrate common etiologies of LBP. We compared lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS) and neural foraminal stenosis (LNFS) assessment on 3D SPACE against conventional 2-dimensional (2D) MRI. We prospectively performed 3D SPACE and 2D spin-echo MRI sequences (axial or sagittal T1-weighted or T2-weighted) at 1.5-T in 20 patients. Two blinded readers assessed levels L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1 using: 1) morphologic grading systems, 2) global impression on the presence or absence of clinically significant stenosis (n = 60 disc levels for LSCS, n = 120 foramina for LNFS). Reliability statistics were calculated. Acquisition time was ∼5 minutes for SPACE and ∼20 minutes for 2D MRI sequences. Interobserver agreement of LSCS was substantial to near perfect on both sequences (morphologic grading: kappa [k] = 0.71 SPACE, k = 0.69 T2-weighted; global impression: k = 0.85 SPACE, k = 0.78 T2-weighted). LNFS assessment had superior interobserver reliability using SPACE than T1-weighted (k = 0.54 vs 0.37). Intersequence agreement of findings between SPACE and 2D MRI was substantial to near perfect by global impression (LSCS: k = 0.78 Reader 1, k = 0.85 Reader 2; LNFS: k = 0.63 Reader 1, k = 0.66 Reader 2). 3D SPACE was acquired in one-quarter the time as the conventional 2D MRI protocol, had excellent agreement with 2D MRI for stenosis assessment, and had interobserver reliability superior to 2D MRI. These results justify future work to explore the role of 3D SPACE in a rapid MRI screening protocol at 1.5-T for mechanical LBP. Copyright

Biocompatible and high-performance amino acids-capped MnWO4 nanocasting as a novel non-lanthanide contrast agent for X-ray computed tomography and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Kai; Liu, Zhen; Liu, Jianhua; Huang, Sa; Li, Zhenhua; Yuan, Qinghai; Ren, Jinsong; Qu, Xiaogang

2014-01-01

In the present work, a novel non-lanthanide dual-modality contrast agent, manganese tungstate (MnWO4), has been successfully constructed by a facile and versatile hydrothermal route. With the merits of a high atomic number and a well-positioned K-edge energy of tungsten, our well-prepared non-lanthanide nanoprobes provide a higher contrast efficacy than routine iodine-based agents in clinics. Additionally, the presence of Mn in these nanoparticles endow them with excellent T1-weighted MR imaging capabilities. As an alternative to T2-weighted MRI and CT dual-modality contrast agents, the nanoprobes can provide a positive contrast signal, which prevents confusion with the dark signals from hemorrhage and blood clots. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that a non-lanthanide imaging nanoprobe is applied for CT and T1-weighted MRI simultaneously. Moreover, comparing with gadolinium-based T1-weighted MRI and CT dual-modality contrast agents that were associated with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), our contrast agents have superior biocompatibility, which is proved by a detailed study of the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and in vivo toxicology. Together with excellent dispersibility, high biocompatibility and superior contrast efficacy, these nanoprobes provide detailed and complementary information from dual-modality imaging over traditional single-mode imaging and bring more opportunities to the new generation of non-lanthanide nanoparticulate-based contrast agents.In the present work, a novel non-lanthanide dual-modality contrast agent, manganese tungstate (MnWO4), has been successfully constructed by a facile and versatile hydrothermal route. With the merits of a high atomic number and a well-positioned K-edge energy of tungsten, our well-prepared non-lanthanide nanoprobes provide a higher contrast efficacy than routine iodine-based agents in clinics. Additionally, the presence of Mn in these nanoparticles endow them with excellent T1

Simultaneous Quantitative MRI Mapping of T1, T2* and Magnetic Susceptibility with Multi-Echo MP2RAGE

PubMed Central

Kober, Tobias; Möller, Harald E.; Schäfer, Andreas

2017-01-01

The knowledge of relaxation times is essential for understanding the biophysical mechanisms underlying contrast in magnetic resonance imaging. Quantitative experiments, while offering major advantages in terms of reproducibility, may benefit from simultaneous acquisitions. In this work, we demonstrate the possibility of simultaneously recording relaxation-time and susceptibility maps with a prototype Multi-Echo (ME) Magnetization-Prepared 2 RApid Gradient Echoes (MP2RAGE) sequence. T1 maps can be obtained using the MP2RAGE sequence, which is relatively insensitive to inhomogeneities of the radio-frequency transmit field, B1+. As an extension, multiple gradient echoes can be acquired in each of the MP2RAGE readout blocks, which permits the calculation of T2* and susceptibility maps. We used computer simulations to explore the effects of the parameters on the precision and accuracy of the mapping. In vivo parameter maps up to 0.6 mm nominal resolution were acquired at 7 T in 19 healthy volunteers. Voxel-by-voxel correlations and the test-retest reproducibility were used to assess the reliability of the results. When using optimized paramenters, T1 maps obtained with ME-MP2RAGE and standard MP2RAGE showed excellent agreement for the whole range of values found in brain tissues. Simultaneously obtained T2* and susceptibility maps were of comparable quality as Fast Low-Angle SHot (FLASH) results. The acquisition times were more favorable for the ME-MP2RAGE (≈ 19 min) sequence as opposed to the sum of MP2RAGE (≈ 12 min) and FLASH (≈ 10 min) acquisitions. Without relevant sacrifice in accuracy, precision or flexibility, the multi-echo version may yield advantages in terms of reduced acquisition time and intrinsic co-registration, provided that an appropriate optimization of the acquisition parameters is performed. PMID:28081157

Magnetic shielding structure optimization design for wireless power transmission coil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Zhongyu; Wang, Junhua; Long, Mengjiao; Huang, Hong; Sun, Mingui

2017-09-01

In order to improve the performance of the wireless power transmission (WPT) system, a novel design scheme with magnetic shielding structure on the WPT coil is presented in this paper. This new type of shielding structure has great advantages on magnetic flux leakage reduction and magnetic field concentration. On the basis of theoretical calculation of coil magnetic flux linkage and characteristic analysis as well as practical application feasibility consideration, a complete magnetic shielding structure was designed and the whole design procedure was represented in detail. The simulation results show that the coil with the designed shielding structure has the maximum energy transmission efficiency. Compared with the traditional shielding structure, the weight of the new design is significantly decreased by about 41%. Finally, according to the designed shielding structure, the corresponding experiment platform is built to verify the correctness and superiority of the proposed scheme.

Clinical comparison between a currently available single-loop and an investigational dual-channel endorectal receive coil for prostate magnetic resonance imaging: a feasibility study at 1.5 and 3 T.

PubMed

Vos, Eline K; Sambandamurthy, Sriram; Kamel, Maged; McKenney, Robert; van Uden, Mark J; Hoeks, Caroline M A; Yakar, Derya; Scheenen, Tom W J; Fütterer, Jurgen J

2014-01-01

The objectives of this study were to test the feasibility of an investigational dual-channel next-generation endorectal coil (NG-ERC) in vivo, to quantitatively assess signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and to get an impression of image quality compared with the current clinically available single-loop endorectal coil (ERC) for prostate magnetic resonance imaging at both 1.5 and 3 T. The study was approved by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. In total, 8 consecutive patients with prostate cancer underwent a local staging magnetic resonance examination with the successive use of both coils in 1 session (4 patients at 1.5 T and 4 other patients at 3 T). Quantitative comparison of both coils was performed for the apex, mid-gland and base levels at both field strengths by calculating SNR profiles in the axial plane on an imaginary line in the anteroposterior direction perpendicular to the coil surface. Two radiologists independently assessed the image quality of the T2-weighted and apparent diffusion coefficient maps calculated from diffusion-weighted imaging using a 5-point scale. Improvement of geometric distortion on diffusion-weighted imaging with the use of parallel imaging was explored. Statistical analysis included a paired Wilcoxon signed rank test for SNR and image quality evaluation as well as κ statistics for interobserver agreement. No adverse events were reported. The SNR was higher for the NG-ERC compared with the ERC up to a distance of approximately 40 mm from the surface of the coil at 1.5 T (P < 0.0001 for the apex, the mid-gland, and the base) and approximately 17 mm (P = 0.015 at the apex level) and 30 mm at 3 T (P < 0.0001 for the mid-gland and base). Beyond this distance, the SNR profiles of both coils were comparable. Overall, T2-weighted image quality was considered better for NG-ERC at both field strengths. Quality of apparent diffusion coefficient maps with the use of parallel imaging was

Investigation of a Structural Phase Transition and Magnetic Structure of Na 2BaFe(VO 4) 2: A Triangular Magnetic Lattice with a Ferromagnetic Ground State