Feasibility of similarity coefficient map for improving morphological evaluation of T2* weighted MRI for renal cancer

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using a similarity coefficient map(SCM) in improving the morphological evaluation of T2* weighted(T2*W) magnatic resonance imaging(MRI) for renal cancer.Simulation studies and in vivo 12-echo T2*W experiments for renal cancers were performed for this purpose.The results of the first simulation study suggest that an SCM can reveal small structures which are hard to distinguish from the background tissue in T2*W images and the corresponding T2* map.The capability of improving the morphological evaluation is likely due to the improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) and the carrier-to-noise ratio(CNR) by using the SCM technique.Compared with T2* W images,an SCM can improve the SNR by a factor ranging from 1.87 to 2.47.Compared with T2* maps,an SCM can improve the SNR by a factor ranging from 3.85 to 33.31.Compared with T2*W images,an SCM can improve the CNR by a factor ranging from 2.09 to 2.43.Compared with T2* maps,an SCM can improve the CNR by a factor ranging from 1.94 to 8.14.For a given noise level,the improvements of the SNR and the CNR depend mainly on the original SNRs and CNRs in T2*W images,respectively.In vivo experiments confirmed the results of the first simulation study.The results of the second simulation study suggest that more echoes are used to generate the SCM,and higher SNRs and CNRs can be achieved in SCMs.In conclusion,an SCM can provide improved morphological evaluation of T2*W MR images for renal cancer by unveiling fine structures which are ambiguous or invisible in the corresponding T2*W MR images and T2* maps.Furthermore,in practical applications,for a fixed total sampling time,one should increase the number of echoes as much as possible to achieve SCMs with better SNRs and CNRs.     

氢同位素氚水T2O(X1A1)的解析势能函数

获得T₂O(X¹A₁)解析势能函数的主要困难在于Born-Oppenheimer近似下T₂O(X¹A₁)与H₂O(X¹A₁)势能函数的不可区分性.然而,在Born-Oppenheimer近似下,分子势能函数实际上是键长、键角这些 关键词： 2O(X¹A₁)')" href="#">T₂O(X¹A₁) 同位素效应 解析势能函数     

T1–T2 Correlation Spectra Obtained Using a Fast Two-Dimensional Laplace Inversion

Spin relaxation is a sensitive probe of molecular structure and dynamics. Correlation of relaxation time constants, such as T₁ and T₂, conceptually similar to the conventional multidimensional spectroscopy, have been difficult to determine primarily due to the absense of an efficient multidimensional Laplace inversion program. We demonstrate the use of a novel computer algorithm for fast two-dimensional inverse Laplace transformation to obtain T₁–T₂ correlation functions. The algorithm efficiently performs a least-squares fit on two-dimensional data with a nonnegativity constraint. We use a regularization method to find a balance between the residual fitting errors and the known noise amplitude, thus producing a result that is found to be stable in the presence of noise. This algorithm can be extended to include functional forms other than exponential kernels. We demonstrate the performance of the algorithm at different signal-to-noise ratios and with different T₁–T₂ spectral characteristics using several brine-saturated rock samples.     

Cr3+掺杂的Cd3Al2Ge3O12光谱特性及晶场参数计算

采用高温固相法合成了Cd₃Al₂Ge₃O₁₂：Cr³⁺多晶材料,利用X射线衍射对其结构进行了分析,通过Cr³⁺的室温吸收光谱、室温和77K发射光谱分别对其光谱特性和晶场参数进行了分析和计算.结果表明：在450 nm的蓝光激发下,Cd₃Al₂Ge₃O₁₂：Cr³⁺室温发 关键词： 3Al₂Ge₃O₁₂：Cr³⁺')" href="#">Cd₃Al₂Ge₃O₁₂：Cr³⁺ 荧光光谱 晶场参数 可调谐激光     

Centric scan SPRITE magnetic resonance imaging

Two rapid, pure phase encode, centric scan, Single Point Ramped Imaging with T₁-Enhancement (SPRITE) MRI methods are described. Each retains the benefits of the standard SPRITE method, most notably the ability to image short T₂^* systems, while increasing the sensitivity and generality of the technique. The Spiral-SPRITE method utilizes a modified Archimedean spiral k-space trajectory. The Conical-SPRITE method utilizes a system of spirals mapped to conical surfaces to sample the k-space cube. The sampled k-space points are naturally Cartesian grid points, eliminating the requirement of a re-gridding procedure prior to image reconstruction. The effects of transient state behaviour on image resolution and signal/noise are explored.     

Multi-components of T2 relaxation in ex vivo cartilage and tendon

The multi-components of T₂ relaxation in cartilage and tendon were investigated by microscopic MRI (μMRI) at 13 and 26 μm transverse resolutions. Two imaging protocols were used to quantify T₂ relaxation in the specimens, a 5-point sampling and a 60-point sampling. Both multi-exponential and non-negative-least-square (NNLS) fitting methods were used to analyze the μMRI signal. When the imaging voxel size was 6.76 × 10⁻⁴ mm³ and within the limit of practical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in microscopic imaging experiments, we found that (1) canine tendon has multiple T₂ components; (2) bovine nasal cartilage has a single T₂ component; and (3) canine articular cartilage has a single T₂ component. The T₂ profiles from both 5-point and 60-point methods were found to be consistent in articular cartilage. In addition, the depletion of the glycosaminoglycan component in cartilage by the trypsin digestion method was found to result in a 9.81–20.52% increase in T₂ relaxation in articular cartilage, depending upon the angle at which the tissue specimen was oriented in the magnetic field.     

Spectral characterization and energy levels of Cr:Sc2(MoO4)3 crystal

This paper reports the spectral properties and energy levels of Cr³⁺:Sc₂(MoO₄)₃ crystal. The crystal field strength Dq, Racah parameter B and C were calculated to be 1408 cm⁻¹, 608 cm⁻¹ and 3054 cm⁻¹, respectively. The absorption cross sections σ_α of ⁴A₂→⁴T₁ and ⁴A₂→⁴T₂ transitions were 3.74×10⁻¹⁹ cm² at 499 nm and 3.21×10⁻¹⁹ cm² at 710 nm, respectively. The emission cross section σ_e was 375×10⁻²⁰ cm² at 880 nm. Cr³⁺:Sc₂(MoO₄)₃ crystal has a broad emission band with a broad FWHM of 176 nm (2179 cm⁻¹). Therefore, Cr³⁺:Sc₂(MoO₄)₃ crystal may be regarded as a potential tunable laser gain medium.     

Distributions of transverse relaxation times for soft-solids measured in strongly inhomogeneous magnetic fields

The single-sided NMR-MOUSE sensor that operates in highly inhomogeneous magnetic fields is used to record a CPMG ¹H transverse relaxation decay by CPMG echo trains for a series of cross-linked natural rubber samples. Effective transverse relaxation rates 1/T_2,short and 1/T_2,long were determined by a bi-exponential fit. A linear dependence of transverse relaxation rates on cross-link density is observed for medium to large values of cross-link density. As an alternative to multi-exponential fits the possibility to analyze the dynamics of soft polymer network in terms of multi-exponential decays via the inverse Laplace transformation was studied. The transient regime and the effect of the T₁/T₂ ratio in inhomogeneous static and radiofrequency magnetic fields on the CPMG decays were studied numerically using a dedicated C++ program to simulate the temporal and spatial dependence of the CPMG response. A correction factor T₂/T_2,eff is derived as a function of the T₁/T₂ ratio from numerical simulations and compared with earlier results from two different well logging devices. High-resolution T₁–T₂ correlations maps are obtained by two-dimensional Laplace inversion of CPMG detected saturation recovery curves. The T₁–T₂ experimental correlations maps were corrected for the T₁/T₂ effect using the derived T₂/T_2,eff correction factor.     

Tunneling conductance in quantum wire/insulator/dx2 -y2 + idxy mixed wave superconductor junctions

Using the extended Blonder-Tinkham-Klapwijk (BTK) theory, this paper calculates the tunnelling conductance in quantum wire/insulator/dx2-y2 + idxy mixed wave superconductor (q/I/dx2-y2 + idxy) junctions. That is different from the case in d- and p-wave superconductor junctions. When the angle α between a-axis of the dx2-y2 wave superconductor and the interface normal is π/4, there follows a rather distinctive tunnelling conductance. The zero-bias conductance peak (ZBCP) may or may not appear in the tunnelling conductance. Both the interface potential z and the quasi-particle lifetime factor Γ are smaller, there is no ZBCP. Otherwise, the ZBCP will appear. The position of bias conductance peak (BCP) depends strongly on the amplitude ratio of two components for dx2-y2 + idxy mixed wave. The low and narrow ZBCP may coexist with the BCP in the tunnelling conductance. Using those features in the tunnelling conductance of q/I/dx2-y2 + idxy junctions, it can distinguish dx2-y2 + idxy mixed wave superconductor from d- and p-wave one.     

A New Two-Dimensional Pulse Sequence for T2* Measurements of Protons in C Isotopomers

A new two-dimensional pulse sequence for T₂* measurement of protons directly coupled to ¹³C spins is proposed. The sequence measures the tranverse relaxation time of heteronuclear proton single-quantum coherence under conditions of free precession and is therefore well suited to evaluate relaxation losses of proton magnetization during preparation delays of heteronuclear pulse experiments in analytical NMR. The relevant part of the pulse sequence can be inserted as a “building block” into any direct or inverse detecting H,C correlation pulse sequence if proton spin–spin relaxation is to be investigated. In this contribution, the building block is inserted into a HETCOR as well as into a HMQC pulse sequence. Experimental results for the HETCOR-based sequence are given.     

Precise measurement of magnetic moment of short-lived β-emitting nuclei12B ( I π=1+, T 1/2=20.18 ms)

The spin polarized β-emitting nuclei¹²B (I ^π=1⁺,T _1/2=20.18 ms) were produced by the nuclear reaction¹¹B(d, p)¹²B and by the selection technique of the incident deuteron energy and the¹²B recoil angle following the nuclear reaction. The nuclear magnetic moment of the short-lived nuclei¹²B was measured by β-NMR with the β-NMR and β-NQR setup established for the first time in China. The nuclear magnetic moment of¹²B was determined to be μ=0.99993±0.00048 nm org=0.99993±0.00048 after the precise correction of the Knight shift.     

A statistical fMRI model for differential T2* contrast incorporating T1 and T2* of gray matter

Relaxation parameter estimation and brain activation detection are two main areas of study in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Relaxation parameters can be used to distinguish voxels containing different types of tissue whereas activation determines voxels that are associated with neuronal activity. In fMRI, the standard practice has been to discard the first scans to avoid magnetic saturation effects. However, these first images have important information on the MR relaxivities for the type of tissue contained in voxels, which could provide pathological tissue discrimination. It is also well-known that the voxels located in gray matter (GM) contain neurons that are to be active while the subject is performing a task. As such, GM MR relaxivities can be incorporated into a statistical model in order to better detect brain activation. Moreover, although the MR magnetization physically depends on tissue and imaging parameters in a nonlinear fashion, a linear model is what is conventionally used in fMRI activation studies. In this study, we develop a statistical fMRI model for Differential T₂^? ConTrast Incorporating T₁ and T₂^? of GM, so-called DeTeCT-ING Model, that considers the physical magnetization equation to model MR magnetization; uses complex-valued time courses to estimate T₁ and T₂^? for each voxel; then incorporates gray matter MR relaxivities into the statistical model in order to better detect brain activation, all from a single pulse sequence by utilizing the first scans.     

Multivariate Image Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Images with the Direct Exponential Curve Resolution Algorithm (DECRA): Part 1: Algorithm and Model Study

Antalek and Windig recently presented a fast method to resolve a series of NMR mixture spectra, where the contribution of the components varies with a decaying exponential [B. Antalek and W. Windig,J. Am. Chem. Soc.118, 10,331–10,332 (1996); W. Windig and B. Antalek,Chemom. Intell. Lab. Syst.37, 241–254 (1997)]. The method was called DECRA (direct exponential curve resolution algorithm). In this paper DECRA will be applied to two series of magnetic resonance images. The signal of one series is based uponT₂relaxation, and the other is based uponT₁relaxation. In order to evaluate the technique, the magnetic resonance images of a phantom where used. A transformation is introduced to enable the application of DECRA to aT₁series of magnetic resonance images. A separate paper in this issue will describe the application of the techniques to magnetic resonance images of the human brain.     

Depth profiling of cells and tissues by using C60 and SF5 as sputter ions

In the present study, SF₅⁺ and C₆₀⁺ were used as primary ions for sputtering and Bi₃⁺ was used as primary ions for analysis. The depth profiling procedure was utilized to make 3D images of the chemistry of single cultured cells and tissue samples of intact intestinal epithelium.The results show sputtering of organic material from cells and tissue with both SF₅⁺ and C₆₀⁺ sources. Cholesterol fragments were found in the superficial layers when sputtering with C₆₀⁺. Spectra were collected revealing the change in yield along the z-axis of the sample. 3D images of the localization of Na, K, phosphocholine and cholesterol were constructed with both ion sources for single cell cultures and the mouse intestine.Cryostate sections of mouse intestine were analysed in 2D and the results were compared with the 3D image of the intestine. The localization of cholesterol and phosphocholine was found to be similar in cryostate sections analysed in two dimensions and the sputtered, freeze-dried intestine analysed in 3D. The comparison of 2D and 3D images suggest that the phosphocholine signal faded with C₆₀⁺ sputtering. In conclusion, both C₆₀⁺ and SF₅⁺ can be used as primary ion sources for sputtering of organic material from cells and tissues. Consecutive analysis with a Bi₃⁺ source can be used to obtain image stacks that could be used for reconstruction of 3D images.     

Projection-Reconstruction Spectroscopic Imaging forB0Field Plotting and Shimming without Pulsed Gradients

Shimming is important. Noniterative methods are desirable. Such methods exist for shimming a spectrometer with pulsed field gradients, generally based on field maps made by spin-warp Fourier imaging. For spectrometers with no pulsed gradients (or for cases whereT₂is too short to permit echo imaging), an alternative method is presented: projection-reconstruction spectroscopic imaging, which can be accomplished using only the shim coils of a conventional spectrometer. Images so acquired can be used to map the field, even in the presence of multiple spectral components. Noniterative optimization of the axial shims of a GN-300 spectrometer is demonstrated using 1D + 1D spectroscopic images. Prospects for extending the technique to include the radial shims using 3D + 1D spectroscopic images are discussed.     

Co(S1-xSex)2系统中的铁磁量子相变

针对Co(S_1-xSe_x)₂系统在x=0.11附近发生的铁磁金属到顺磁金属相变,制备了一系列不同Se替代浓度的多晶样品.通过对其结构和电阻率-温度ρ(T)关系的系统观测,结果发现,样品铁磁相变温度T_C随着Se替代浓度x值的增加,以(1-x)^1/2关系单调下降,其二级铁磁相变转变为一级相变 关键词： 量子相变 自旋量子涨落 1-xSe_x)₂')" href="#">Co(S_1-xSe_x)₂     

具有介孔结构的MnSiO3@Fe3O4@C纳米粒子的制备以及作为pH响应的T1-T2*双模MRI造影剂的研究应用

本文通过一个简单的、温和的方案制备了平均尺寸为120 nm,介孔结构的纳米粒子MnSiO₃@Fe₃O₄@C. 粒子的细胞毒性微小,可以用作T₁-T₂^*双模MRI造影剂. 酸性条件下MnSiO₃@Fe₃O₄@C释放出大量的Mn²⁺缩短T₁弛豫时间,提高成像分辨率. 超顺磁性的Fe₃O₄可以增强T₂对比成像,检测病变组织. 类似于肿瘤微环境/细胞器的酸性PBS(pH=5.0)中Mn²⁺的释放率达到31.66%,约为中性条件(pH=7.4)下的7倍. 释放的Mn²⁺通过内吞作用被细胞摄取,经肾脏排出,细胞毒性实验表明,MnSiO₃@Fe₃O₄@C具有低的细胞毒性,即使高浓度的200 ppm MnSiO₃@Fe₃O₄@C对HeLa细胞的毒性也相对较小. 对荷瘤小鼠静脉注射定量MnSiO₃@Fe₃O₄@C后,可以观察到一个快速增强的对比成像,给药24 h后,T₁MRI信号显著增强,达到132%,而T₂信号则明显降低至53.8%,活体MR成像证明了MnSiO₃@Fe₃O₄@C可以同时作为阳性和阴性造影剂. 此外,得益于介孔MnSiO₃优秀的酸敏感性,MnSiO₃@Fe₃O₄@C可以作为一种潜在的药物载体,实现肿瘤的诊疗一体化.     

多层膜外退火方法制备MgB2超导薄膜

报道了利用电子束蒸发的Mg/B多层膜作为前驱体，然后退火制备MgB₂薄膜的工作. 实验中发现，采用翻转膜面的退火处理方式可以有效地避免降温过程中Mg蒸气在薄膜表面形成的颗粒凝结，由此稳定地实现了面积为10 mm×10 mm，均匀、平整的超导薄膜的制备，T_c达35 K，转变宽度为0.8 K，在5 μm×5 μm的区域内薄膜的平均粗糙度小于10 nm. 为了便于后续器件制作过程中的微加工工艺，研究了膜厚小于1000 ?时薄膜的成相规律，发现当样品厚度减薄后，T_c会有明显降低. 通过调整前驱薄膜中的不同分层厚度，仍可实现转变温度达30 K以上、厚度约600 ?的MgB₂薄膜，在20 K时的临界电流密度为2.4×10⁶ A/cm².     

Ce4+离子在Ca2SnO4一维结构基质中的电荷迁移光谱研究

利用高温固相反应法制备了Ca₂Sn_1-xCe_xO₄和Ca_2-ySr_ySn_1-xCe_xO₄一维结构发光体. XPS结果显示 Ca₂SnO₄拥有两种结合能分别为5277 eV和5293 关键词： 2Sn_1-xCe_xO₄')" href="#">Ca₂Sn_1-xCe_xO₄ 2-ySr_ySn_1-xCe_xO₄')" href="#">Ca_2-ySr_ySn_1-xCe_xO₄ 一维结构 电荷迁移光谱     

Magnetotransport and magnetotunneling in single-layer, two-layer, and three-layer Bi2Sr2Can−1CunOz (n=1,2,3) single crystals

In continuous magnetic fields H up to 28 T, we have studied the out-of-plane transport properties and tunneling characteristics of high-quality nondoped single crystals of the Bi-cuprate family: Bi₂Sr₂CuO_6+δ (Bi2201), Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ (Bi2212) and Bi₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10+δ (Bi2223) grown by an identical method. For all compounds the out-of-plane magnetotransport ρ_c(H) is negative in the temperature region where ρ_c(T) shows in the normal state a semiconducting-like temperature dependence. The negative magnetoresistance of ρ_c corresponds to the suppression of the semiconducting temperature dependence of ρ_c(T) which is found to be isotropic. For the Bi2201 compound, where the normal state can be reached in the available magnetic fields (28 T), a nearly complete suppression of the low-temperature upturn in ρ_c(T) is observed in the highest magnetic fields with a tendency towards a metallic behavior down to the lowest temperatures (0.4 K). Using the break-junction technique, especially for the Bi2212 and Bi2232 compounds, a clear superconducting gap structure can be observed. Both for temperatures above the critical temperature and for magnetic fields above the upper critical field, a pseudogap structure remains present in the tunneling spectra. The applied magnetic fields yield a stronger suppression of the superconducting state compared to that of the normal-state gap structures as manifested in ρ_c(T) transport and tunneling.