Brain MRI lesion load quantification in multiple sclerosis: a comparison between automated multispectral and semi-automated thresholding computer-assisted techniques

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion volume measurement is an advantageous tool for assessing disease burden in multiple sclerosis (MS). We have evaluated two computer-assisted techniques: MSA multispectral automatic technique that is based on bayesian classification of brain tissue and NIH image analysis technique that is based on local (lesion by lesion) thresholding, to establish reliability and repeatability values for each technique. Brain MRIs were obtained for 30 clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS patients using a 2.0 Tesla MR scanner with contiguous, 3 mm thick axial, T1, T2 and PD weighted modalities. Digital (Dicom 3) images were analyzed independently by three observers; each analyzed the images twice, using the two different techniques (Total 360 analyses). Accuracy of lesion load measurements using phantom images of known volumes showed significantly better results for the MSA multispectral technique (p < 0.001). The mean intra-and inter-observer variances were, respectively, 0.04 ± 0.4 (range 0.04–0.13), and 0.09 ± 0.6 (range 0.01–0.26) for the multispectral MSA analysis technique, 0.24 ± 2.27 (range 0.23–0.72) and 0.33 ± 3.8 (range 0.47–1.36) for the NIH threshold technique. These data show that the MSA multispectral technique is significantly more accurate in lesion volume measurements, with better results of within and between observers’ assessments, and the lesion load measurements are not influenced by increased disease burden. Measurements by the MSA multispectral technique were also faster and decreased analysis time by 43%. The MSA multispectral technique is a promising tool for evaluating MS patients. Non-biased recognition and delineation algorithms enable high accuracy, low intra-and inter-observer variances and fast assessment of MS related lesion load.     

Method for intracellular magnetic labeling of human mononuclear cells using approved iron contrast agents

A method for intracellular iron labeling of human mononuclear cells (lymphocytes and monocytes) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using simple incubation of cells with approved MRI iron contrast agents is presented. Labeled cells can be detected by MRI in vitro, and this suggests the possibility that the technique could become a marker for in vivo lymphocyte and monocyte trafficking studies in acute inflammatory lesions such as those in Multiple Sclerosis.     

A Goal Programming model of the reference point method

Real-life decision problems are usually so complex they cannot be modeled with a single objective function, thus creating a need for clear and efficient techniques of handling multiple criteria to support the decision process. The most commonly used technique is Goal Programming. It is clear and appealing, but in the case of multiobjective optimization problems strongly criticized due to its noncompliance with the efficiency (Pareto-optimality) principle. On the other hand, the reference point method, although using similar control parameters as Goal Programming, always generates efficient solutions. In this paper, we show how the reference point method can be modeled within the Goal Programming methodology. It allows us to simplify implementations of the reference point method as well as shows how Goal Programming with relaxation of some traditional assumptions can be extended to a multiobjective optimization technique meeting the efficiency principle.     

Strong consistency of least squares estimates in multiple regression II

The strong consistency of least squares estimates in multiple regression models is established under minimal assumptions on the design and weak dependence and moment restrictions on the errors.     

The personalization of security selection: An application of fuzzy set theory

We apply the theory of fuzzy subsets to the multiple objective decision problem of stock selection. We allow our objectives to have varying degrees of importance. We discuss various criteria used in selecting stocks. We indicate some procedures for subjectively evaluating the membership functions associated with these criteria.     

Construction of universal rotations from point-to-point transformations

For a desired range of offsets, universal rotations of arbitrary flip angle can be constructed based on point-to-point rotations of I(y) with half the flip angle. This approach allows, for example, creation of broadband or bandselective refocusing pulses from broadband or bandselective excitation pulses. Furthermore, universal rotations about any axis can be obtained from point-to-point transformations that can easily be optimized using optimal control algorithms. The construction procedure is demonstrated on the examples of a broadband refocusing pulse, a broadband 120(x) degrees rotation and a z-rotation with offset pattern.     

Attenuation and depolarization of millimeter waves due to incoherent scattering in tropical rainfall

The radiative transfer equation has been applied to investigate the effects of multiple scattering on communication at the millimeter wavelength in tropical rain. Horizontal linearly polarized incident waves are assumed. The scattering characteristics are calculated using the Mie theory at frequencies of 16, 34.8, 82, 140 and and at rainfall rates of 12.5, 50 and . Some results of the directional patterns of the incoherent intensities at various points in the rain medium are presented. The frequency dependence of the propagation distance, attenuation coefficient and the variation of incoherent specific intensities in tropical rainfall are investigated. The incoherent power at the receiver relative to the coherent power, which is important in assessing the quality of signal in the receiver, is also investigated. It is observed that the maximum incoherent copolarized received power is about in tropical rainfall at rainfall rate. Also the difference between the copolarized incoherent power in tropical and temperate rainfall is about at frequencies higher than , and about for the cross-polarized incoherent power components. It may therefore be safely said that multiple scattering may not result in serious degradation of the coherent wave component even in the most intense tropical precipitation. It also appears that it is independent of regional rainfall climatology.     

High resolution heteronuclear correlation NMR spectroscopy between quadrupolar nuclei and protons in the solid state

A high resolution two-dimensional solid state NMR experiment is presented that correlates half-integer quadrupolar spins with protons. In this experiment the quadrupolar nuclei evolve during t1 under a split-t1, FAM-enhanced MQMAS pulse scheme. After each t1 period ending at the MQMAS echo position, single quantum magnetization is transferred, via a cross polarization process in the mixing time, from the quadrupolar nuclei to the protons. High-resolution proton signals are then detected in the t2 time domain during wPMLG5* homonuclear decoupling. The experiment has been demonstrated on a powder sample of sodium citrate and 23Na-1H 2D correlation spectra have been obtained. From the HETCOR spectra and the regular MQMAS spectrum, the three crystallographically inequivalent Na+ sites in the asymmetric unit were assigned. This MQMAS-wPMLG HETCOR pulse sequence can be used for spectral editing of half-integer quadrupolar nuclei coupled to protons.     

Homonuclear decoupled 13C chemical shift anisotropy in 13C doubly labeled peptides by selective-pulse solid-state NMR

We describe a new experiment for measuring homonuclear-decoupled anisotropic chemical shift patterns in doubly 13C-labeled compounds under magic-angle spinning. The experiment combines a pair of selective and non-selective 180 degrees pulses to suppress the 13C-13C scalar and dipolar interactions. This is combined with the recently developed SUPER technique to recouple the chemical shift anisotropy. Demonstrations on 13Calpha and 13CO-labeled amino acids and peptides show that accurate chemical shift powder patterns can be obtained. This permits the use of chemical shift anisotropy for conformational studies of suitably extensively 13C-labeled peptides and proteins.     

Determination of pore space shape and size in porous systems using NMR diffusometry. Beyond the short gradient pulse approximation

The influence of finite length gradient pulses on NMR diffusion experiments on liquids confined to diffuse between two parallel planes is investigated. It is experimentally verified that the pore size decreases when determined using finite gradient pulses if the results are analyzed within the short gradient pulse approximation. The results are analyzed using the matrix formulation. The observed minima in the echo decay profiles are considerably less sharp than theoretical analysis would indicate and we suggest that this is due to the presence of a distribution of pore sizes in the sample. In addition, effects due to the presence of background gradients are discussed. It is argued that effects due to the finite length gradient pulses are relatively minor and in realistic applications the effects due to inhomogeneities in pore sizes and effects due to background gradients will constitute more serious problems in pore size determinations by means of NMR diffusometry.