The field of diffusion micro structural magnetic resonance(MR)aims to probe timedependent diffusion,i.e.,an ensemble-averaged mean-squared displacement that is not linear in time.This time-dependence contains rich inf...The field of diffusion micro structural magnetic resonance(MR)aims to probe timedependent diffusion,i.e.,an ensemble-averaged mean-squared displacement that is not linear in time.This time-dependence contains rich information about the surrounding microenvironment.MR methods to measure time-dependent diffusion quantitatively,however,require either non-standard pulse sequences,such as oscillating gradients,or make non-physical assumptions,such as infinitely narrow gradient pulses.Here,we argue that standard spin echo and stimulated echo MR sequences can be used to probe directly.In particular,we propose a framework in which the log-signal ratio obtained from a pair of measurements with different inter-pulse spacingΔis proportional to the MSD between these twoΔvalues along the gradient direction x:-.The framework is quantitative for short,finite-duration gradient pulses and under the Gaussian phase approximation(GPA).To validate the framework,we consider onedimensional diffusion between impermeable,parallel planes,as well as periodicallyspaced,permeable planes.Excellent agreement is obtained between the estimation and the ground truth in the regime where the GPA is expected to hold.Importantly,the GPA can be made to hold for any underlying microstructure,making the proposed framework widely applicable.展开更多
In this paper, two finite difference streamline diffusion (FDSD) schemes for solving two-dimensional time-dependent convection-diffusion equations are constructed. Stability and optimal order error estimati-ions for c...In this paper, two finite difference streamline diffusion (FDSD) schemes for solving two-dimensional time-dependent convection-diffusion equations are constructed. Stability and optimal order error estimati-ions for considered schemes are derived in the norm stronger than L^2-norm.展开更多
Time-dependent diffusion coefficient and conventional diffusion constant are calculated and analyzed to study diffusion of nanoparticles in polymer melts. A generalized Langevin equa- tion is adopted to describe the d...Time-dependent diffusion coefficient and conventional diffusion constant are calculated and analyzed to study diffusion of nanoparticles in polymer melts. A generalized Langevin equa- tion is adopted to describe the diffusion dynamics. Mode-coupling theory is employed to calculate the memory kernel of friction. For simplicity, only microscopic terms arising from binary collision and coupling to the solvent density fluctuation are included in the formalism. The equilibrium structural information functions of the polymer nanocomposites required by mode-coupling theory are calculated on the basis of polymer reference interaction site model with Percus-Yevick closure. The effect of nanoparticle size and that of the polymer size are clarified explicitly. The structural functions, the friction kernel, as well as the diffusion coefficient show a rich variety with varying nanoparticle radius and polymer chain length. We find that for small nanoparticles or short chain polymers, the characteristic short time non-Markov diffusion dynamics becomes more prominent, and the diffusion coefficient takes longer time to approach asymptotically the conventional diffusion constant. This constant due to the microscopic contributions will decrease with the increase of nanoparticle size, while increase with polymer size. Furthermore, our result of diffusion constant from mode- coupling theory is compared with the value predicted from the Stokes-Einstein relation. It shows that the microscopic contributions to the diffusion constant are dominant for small nanoparticles or long chain polymers. Inversely, when nanonparticle is big, or polymer chain is short, the hydrodynamic contribution might play a significant role.展开更多
Increasingly,attention is being directed towards time-dependent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging(TDDMRI),a method that reveals time-related changes in the diffusional behavior of water molecules in biological tiss...Increasingly,attention is being directed towards time-dependent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging(TDDMRI),a method that reveals time-related changes in the diffusional behavior of water molecules in biological tissues,thereby enabling us to probe related microstructure events.With ongoing improvements in hardware and advanced pulse sequences,significant progress has been made in applying TDDMRI to clinical research.The development of accurate mathematical models and computational methods has bolstered theoretical support for TDDMRI and elevated our understanding of molecular diffusion.In this review,we introduce the concept and basic physics of TDDMRI,and then focus on the measurement strategies and modeling approaches in short-and long-diffusion-time domains.Finally,we discuss the challenges in this field,including the requirement for efficient scanning and data processing technologies,the development of more precise models depicting time-dependent molecular diffusion,and critical clinical applications.展开更多
A nonconforming finite element method of finite difference streamline diffusion type is proposed to solve the time-dependent linearized Navier-Stokes equations. The backward Euler scheme is used for time discretizatio...A nonconforming finite element method of finite difference streamline diffusion type is proposed to solve the time-dependent linearized Navier-Stokes equations. The backward Euler scheme is used for time discretization. Crouzeix-Raviart nonconforming finite element approximation, namely, nonconforming （P1）2 - P0 element, is used for the velocity and pressure fields with the streamline diffusion technique to cope with usual instabilities caused by the convection and time terms. Stability and error estimates are derived with suitable norms.展开更多
Awake monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI combined with conventional neuroscience techniques has the potential to study the structural and functional neural network. The majority of monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI experiments...Awake monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI combined with conventional neuroscience techniques has the potential to study the structural and functional neural network. The majority of monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI experiments are performed with single coils which suffer from severe EPI distortions which limit resolution. By constructing phased array coils for monkey MRI studies, gains in SNR and anatomical accuracy (i.e., reduction of EPI distortions) can be achieved using parallel imaging. The major challenges associated with constructing phased array coils for monkeys are the variation in head size and space constraints. Here, we apply phased array technology to a 4-channel phased array coil capable of improving the resolution and image quality of full brain awake monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI experiments. The phased array coil is that can adapt to different rhesus monkey head sizes (ages 4-8) and fits in the limited space provided by monkey stereotactic equipment and provides SNR gains in primary visual cortex and anatomical accuracy in conjunction with parallel imaging and improves resolution in fMRI experiments by a factor of 2 (1.25 mm to 1.0 mm isotropic) and diffusion MRI experiments by a factor of 4 (1.5 mm to 0.9 mm isotropic).展开更多
It is occasionally necessary to repeat diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)after giving intravenous contrast medium(CM).However,the effects of CM on DWI and apparent diffusion coefficients(ADC)have not been fully ex-amined...It is occasionally necessary to repeat diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)after giving intravenous contrast medium(CM).However,the effects of CM on DWI and apparent diffusion coefficients(ADC)have not been fully ex-amined.The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether there are any diagnostically significant dif-ferences between echo-planar imaging(EPI)-DWI before and after intravenous CM.EPI-DWI was acquiredtwice in 203 consecutive patients before and after i.v.CM.Three blinded readers rated the diagnostic展开更多
Peri-infarct reorganization has been reported in stroke patients with a lesion at the cerebral cortex, corona radiata, or pons, separately. However, there have been no reports describing the patients with peri-infarct...Peri-infarct reorganization has been reported in stroke patients with a lesion at the cerebral cortex, corona radiata, or pons, separately. However, there have been no reports describing the patients with peri-infarct reorganization at multiple levels. The present study reported a patient with a middle cerebral artery infarct who showed complete paralysis of the right extremities at stroke onset. Results showed that at 3 years after stroke onset, patient＇s motor function of the affected hand appeared to have been recovered by the motor tract, which reorganized into the anterior areas of the infarcted centrum semiovale and corona radiata, as demonstrated by diffusion tensor tractography study analyzed using functional MRI activation results. This result indicates that the human brain can show extensive brain plasticity and that saving the adjacent area or penumbra around the infarct even though the lesion from multiple levels is important for functional recovery after stroke.展开更多
Purpose: Commonly used diffusion weighted (DW) imaging such as DW spin echo (SE) type echo planar imaging (DW-SE-EPI) is known to be a snapshot-like acquisition and to have a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio. Spi...Purpose: Commonly used diffusion weighted (DW) imaging such as DW spin echo (SE) type echo planar imaging (DW-SE-EPI) is known to be a snapshot-like acquisition and to have a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio. Spiral MRI sequence (SPIRAL) has characteristics similar to these of EPI, but it has rarely been used for diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). In vivo DW-SPIRAL of the rat brain has almost never been reported. Our purpose in this study was to examine the potential of SE-type two-dimensional (2D) multi-shot spiral acquisition MRI for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping of the rat brain in vivo. Materials and Methods: We made an SE-type DW-2D-spiral MRI sequence (DW-SPIRAL) which was prepared on a 2.0-T animal-experiment MR scanner. Comparing the phantom experimental result of DW-SPIRAL with the phantom experimental result of DW SE-type echo-planar imaging (DW-SE-EPI) and conventional DW spin echo imaging (DW-SE), we estimated the characteristics of DW-SPIRAL and assessed the clinical application of DW-SPIRAL in an animal experiment on the rat brain. Results: There was not much difference between the calculated water/glycerol phantom diffusion coefficient of DW-SPIRAL and the calculated diffusion coefficient of DW-SE. This result shows that the DW-SPIRAL sequence is appropriate for use in diffusion weighted imaging. There were fewer phantom image distortions and ghosting artifacts with DW-SPIRAL than with DW-SE-EPI, and this tendency was similar in the animal experiment on the rat brain. Conclusion: The DW-SPIRAL sequence had been successfully tested in phantom experiments and rat brain experiments. It has been demonstrated that the DW-SPIRAL sequence is capable of producing in vivo rat brain DWI.展开更多
During the last decades,advances in the understanding of genetic,cellular,and microstructural alterations associated to Huntington's disease(HD)have improved the understanding of this progressive and fatal illness...During the last decades,advances in the understanding of genetic,cellular,and microstructural alterations associated to Huntington's disease(HD)have improved the understanding of this progressive and fatal illness.However,events related to early neuropathological events,neuroinflammation,deterioration of neuronal connectivity and compensatory mechanisms still remain vastly unknown.Ultra-high field diffusion MRI(UHFD-MRI)techniques can contribute to a more comprehensive analysis of the early microstructural changes observed in HD.In addition,it is possible to evaluate if early imaging microstructural parameters might be linked to histological biomarkers.Moreover,qualitative studies analyzing histological complexity in brain areas susceptible to neurodegeneration could provide information on inflammatory events,compensatory increase of neuroconnectivity and mechanisms of brain repair and regeneration.The application of ultra-high field diffusion-MRI technology in animal models,particularly the R6/1 mice(a common preclinical mammalian model of HD),provide the opportunity to analyze alterations in a physiologically intact model of the disease.Although some disparities in volumetric changes across different brain structures between preclinical and clinical models has been documented,further application of different diffusion MRI techniques used in combination like diffusion tensor imaging,and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging have proved effective in characterizing early parameters associated to alteration in water diffusion exchange within intracellular and extracellular compartments in brain white and grey matter.Thus,the combination of diffusion MRI imaging techniques and more complex neuropathological analysis could accelerate the discovery of new imaging biomarkers and the early diagnosis and neuromonitoring of patients affected with HD.展开更多
Objective: Cell structural changes are one of the main features observed during the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS). In this work, we propose the use of diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) metrics to asses...Objective: Cell structural changes are one of the main features observed during the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS). In this work, we propose the use of diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) metrics to assess specific ultrastructural changes in the central nervous system during the early neurodegenerative stages of ALS.Methods: Ultra-high field MRI and DTI data at 17.6 T were obtained from fixed, excised mouse brains, and spinal cords from ALS(G93 A-SOD1) mice.Results: Changes in fractional anisotropy(FA) and linear, planar, and spherical anisotropy ratios(C_L, C_P, and C_S, respectively) of the diffusion eigenvalues were measured in white matter(WM) and gray matter(GM) areas associated with early axonal degenerative processes(in both the brain and the spinal cord). Specifically, in WM structures(corpus callosum, corticospinal tract, and spinal cord funiculi) as the disease progressed, FA, C_L, and C_P values decreased, whereas C_S values increased. In GM structures(prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and central spinal cord) FA and C_P decreased, whereas the C_L and C_S values were unchanged or slightly smaller. Histological studies of a fluorescent mice model(YFP, G93 A-SOD1 mouse) corroborated the early alterations in neuronal morphology and axonal connectivity measured by DTI.Conclusions: Changes in diffusion tensor shape were observed in this animal model at the early, nonsymptomatic stages of ALS. Further studies of C_L, C_P, and C_S as imaging biomarkers should be undertaken to refine this neuroimaging tool for future clinical use in the detection of the early stages of ALS.展开更多
We present two cases of cholesteatoma and one false positive finding in non-EP DW MRI in order to highlight the differential diagnosis in imaging and emphasize the need to discuss the findings with the otologic surgeo...We present two cases of cholesteatoma and one false positive finding in non-EP DW MRI in order to highlight the differential diagnosis in imaging and emphasize the need to discuss the findings with the otologic surgeon. The first case demonstrates different MRI signal patterns encountered in a patient with cholesteatoma. The second report is a rare case of supralabyrinthine cholesteatoma with atypical clinical presentation. The third case presents a rare but important false positive finding in non-EP DW MRI. Clinical and imaging findings are discussed taking into account the current literature.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the value of MRI diffusion weighted imaging in localization of prostate cancer with whole-mount step section pathology. Methods We treated 36 patients using laparoscopic radical prostatectomy fro...Objective To evaluate the value of MRI diffusion weighted imaging in localization of prostate cancer with whole-mount step section pathology. Methods We treated 36 patients using laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from Oct. 2009 to Jun. 2010. Patients who did not have an MRL /DWI examination or a surgical history of pros-展开更多
To evaluate the effect of the positive-indefinite matrix on the diffusion tensor-derived parameters, a modified algorithm is proposed for calculating these parameters. Magnetic resonance （MR） diffusion tensor images...To evaluate the effect of the positive-indefinite matrix on the diffusion tensor-derived parameters, a modified algorithm is proposed for calculating these parameters. Magnetic resonance （MR） diffusion tensor images of five healthy volunteers are collected. The diffusion sensitive gradient magnetic fields are applied along 25 directions and the diffusion weighting value is 1 000 s/mm^2. Many positive-indefinite diffusion tensors can be found in the white matter area, such as the genu and the splenium of corpus callosum. Due to the positive-indefinite matrix, the mean diffusivity （MD） and the fractional anisotropy （FA） are under-estimated and over-estimated by using the conventional algorithm. Thus, the conventional algorithm is modified by using the absolute values of all eigenvalues. Results show that both the robustness and the reliability for deriving these parameters are improved by the modified algorithm.展开更多
Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the commonest reason for death in females due to gynecologic malignancy around the world. In contrast to other gynecologic tumours, the definitive diagnosis is accomplished days after o...Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the commonest reason for death in females due to gynecologic malignancy around the world. In contrast to other gynecologic tumours, the definitive diagnosis is accomplished days after of the index surgery by the histopathology. Preoperative assessment based on conventional MRI is not accurate. Information is expanding increasing about the ability of new MRI modalities to assess ovarian mass. Aim of the study: To assess the ability of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE–MRI), and Diffusion-weighted image (DWI) to describe uncertain ovarian masses. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study. Patients were referred from radio-diagnosis department and gynecology department of Qena faculty of medicine hospitals, South Valley University. Patients had uncertain adnexal masses at ultrasound. Magnetic resonance examination was doneutilizing 1.5 Tesla machine. The protocol included T1WI, T2WI, T1WI following contrast, and DWI. Results: We included 44 patients with different forms of complex cystic and solid ovarian masses. The final pathology of the ovarian masses was 18 benign, 4 borderline, and 22 malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for DWI were 100%, 94.4%, 96.3%, 100%, and 97.7% respectively. The performance of DWI was higher than the conventional MRI and DCE-MRI. Conclusion: DCE-MRI and DWI have accepted ability to recognize malignant ovarian mass.展开更多
The stability of coal pillar dams is crucial for the long-term service of underground reservoirs storing water or heat.Chemi-cal damage of coal dams induced by ions-atttacking in coal is one of the main reasons for th...The stability of coal pillar dams is crucial for the long-term service of underground reservoirs storing water or heat.Chemi-cal damage of coal dams induced by ions-atttacking in coal is one of the main reasons for the premature failure of coal dams.However,the diffusion process of harmful ions in coal is far from clear,limiting the reliability and durability of coal dam designs.This paper investigates sulfate diffusion in coal pillar through experimental and analytical methods.Coal specimens are prepared and exposed to sulfate solutions with different concentrations.The sulfate concentrations at different locations and time are measured.Based on experimental data and Fick's law,the time-dependent surface concentration of sulfate and diffusion coefficient are determined and formulated.Further,an analytical model for predicting sulfate diffusion in coal pillar is developed by considering dual time-dependent characteristics and Laplace transformations.Through comparisons with experimental data,the accuracy of the analytical model for predicting sulfate diffusion is verified.Further,sulfate diffusions in coal dams for different concentrations of sulfate in mine water are investigated.It has been found that the sulfate concen-tration of exposure surface and diffusion coefficient in coal are both time-dependent and increase with time.Conventional Fick's law is not able to predict the sulfate diffusion in coal pillar due to the dual time-dependent characteristics.The sulfate attacking makes the coal dam a typical heterogeneous gradient structure.For sulfate concentrations 0.01-0.20 mol/L in mine water,it takes almost 1.5 and 4 years for sulfate ions to diffuse 9.46 and 18.92 m,respectively.The experimental data and developed model provide a practical method for predicting sulfate diffusion in coal pillar,which helps the service life design of coal dams.展开更多
Background:Recent autopsy study showed a high incidence of cerebrovascular lesions in Alzheimer's disease(AD).To assess the impact of cerebrovascular pathology in AD,we used diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) to study ...Background:Recent autopsy study showed a high incidence of cerebrovascular lesions in Alzheimer's disease(AD).To assess the impact of cerebrovascular pathology in AD,we used diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) to study AD patients with and without cerebrovascular lesions.Materials and Methods:Conventional and DTI scans were obtained from 10 patients with probable AD,10 AD/V patients(probable AD with cerebrovascular lesions) and ten normal controls.Mean diffusivity(D) and fractional anisotropy(FA) values of some structures involved with AD pathology were measured.Results:D value was higher in AD patients than in controls in hippocampus and the cingulate gyrus.In AD/V patients,increased D value was found in the same structures and also in the thalamus and basal ganglia compared to controls.There was a significant difference of D value between AD and AD/V patients.FA value reduced in the white matter of left inferior temporal gyrus and in the bilateral middle cingulate gyrus in patients with AD/V compared with controls.The MMSE(mini-mental state examination) score significantly correlated with FA value in the right hippocampus(r=0.639,P<0.019),in the right anterior cingulate gyrus(r=0.587,P<0.035) and in left parahippocampal gyrus(r=0.559,P<0.047).Conclusion:Cerebrovascular pathology had stronger impact on the D value than the AD pathology alone did.Elevated D value in thalamic and basal ganglia may contribute to cognitive decline in AD/V patients.Reduced FA values in AD/V patients may indicate that cerebrovascular pathology induced more severe white matter damage than the AD pathology alone did.展开更多
基金supported by the intramural research program(IRP)of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development。
文摘The field of diffusion micro structural magnetic resonance(MR)aims to probe timedependent diffusion,i.e.,an ensemble-averaged mean-squared displacement that is not linear in time.This time-dependence contains rich information about the surrounding microenvironment.MR methods to measure time-dependent diffusion quantitatively,however,require either non-standard pulse sequences,such as oscillating gradients,or make non-physical assumptions,such as infinitely narrow gradient pulses.Here,we argue that standard spin echo and stimulated echo MR sequences can be used to probe directly.In particular,we propose a framework in which the log-signal ratio obtained from a pair of measurements with different inter-pulse spacingΔis proportional to the MSD between these twoΔvalues along the gradient direction x:-.The framework is quantitative for short,finite-duration gradient pulses and under the Gaussian phase approximation(GPA).To validate the framework,we consider onedimensional diffusion between impermeable,parallel planes,as well as periodicallyspaced,permeable planes.Excellent agreement is obtained between the estimation and the ground truth in the regime where the GPA is expected to hold.Importantly,the GPA can be made to hold for any underlying microstructure,making the proposed framework widely applicable.
基金Project supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China and China State Key project for Basic Researchcs.
文摘In this paper, two finite difference streamline diffusion (FDSD) schemes for solving two-dimensional time-dependent convection-diffusion equations are constructed. Stability and optimal order error estimati-ions for considered schemes are derived in the norm stronger than L^2-norm.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No.21173152）, the Ministry of Education of China （No.NCET-11-0359 and No.2011SCU04B31）, and the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province （No.2011HH0005）.
文摘Time-dependent diffusion coefficient and conventional diffusion constant are calculated and analyzed to study diffusion of nanoparticles in polymer melts. A generalized Langevin equa- tion is adopted to describe the diffusion dynamics. Mode-coupling theory is employed to calculate the memory kernel of friction. For simplicity, only microscopic terms arising from binary collision and coupling to the solvent density fluctuation are included in the formalism. The equilibrium structural information functions of the polymer nanocomposites required by mode-coupling theory are calculated on the basis of polymer reference interaction site model with Percus-Yevick closure. The effect of nanoparticle size and that of the polymer size are clarified explicitly. The structural functions, the friction kernel, as well as the diffusion coefficient show a rich variety with varying nanoparticle radius and polymer chain length. We find that for small nanoparticles or short chain polymers, the characteristic short time non-Markov diffusion dynamics becomes more prominent, and the diffusion coefficient takes longer time to approach asymptotically the conventional diffusion constant. This constant due to the microscopic contributions will decrease with the increase of nanoparticle size, while increase with polymer size. Furthermore, our result of diffusion constant from mode- coupling theory is compared with the value predicted from the Stokes-Einstein relation. It shows that the microscopic contributions to the diffusion constant are dominant for small nanoparticles or long chain polymers. Inversely, when nanonparticle is big, or polymer chain is short, the hydrodynamic contribution might play a significant role.
基金supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China(No.2021ZD0200202)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82122032)the Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province(Nos.202006140 and 2022C03057).
文摘Increasingly,attention is being directed towards time-dependent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging(TDDMRI),a method that reveals time-related changes in the diffusional behavior of water molecules in biological tissues,thereby enabling us to probe related microstructure events.With ongoing improvements in hardware and advanced pulse sequences,significant progress has been made in applying TDDMRI to clinical research.The development of accurate mathematical models and computational methods has bolstered theoretical support for TDDMRI and elevated our understanding of molecular diffusion.In this review,we introduce the concept and basic physics of TDDMRI,and then focus on the measurement strategies and modeling approaches in short-and long-diffusion-time domains.Finally,we discuss the challenges in this field,including the requirement for efficient scanning and data processing technologies,the development of more precise models depicting time-dependent molecular diffusion,and critical clinical applications.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.10771150)the National Basic Research Program of China(No.2005CB321701)+1 种基金the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University(No.NCET-07-0584)the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province(No.07ZB087)
文摘A nonconforming finite element method of finite difference streamline diffusion type is proposed to solve the time-dependent linearized Navier-Stokes equations. The backward Euler scheme is used for time discretization. Crouzeix-Raviart nonconforming finite element approximation, namely, nonconforming （P1）2 - P0 element, is used for the velocity and pressure fields with the streamline diffusion technique to cope with usual instabilities caused by the convection and time terms. Stability and error estimates are derived with suitable norms.
文摘Awake monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI combined with conventional neuroscience techniques has the potential to study the structural and functional neural network. The majority of monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI experiments are performed with single coils which suffer from severe EPI distortions which limit resolution. By constructing phased array coils for monkey MRI studies, gains in SNR and anatomical accuracy (i.e., reduction of EPI distortions) can be achieved using parallel imaging. The major challenges associated with constructing phased array coils for monkeys are the variation in head size and space constraints. Here, we apply phased array technology to a 4-channel phased array coil capable of improving the resolution and image quality of full brain awake monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI experiments. The phased array coil is that can adapt to different rhesus monkey head sizes (ages 4-8) and fits in the limited space provided by monkey stereotactic equipment and provides SNR gains in primary visual cortex and anatomical accuracy in conjunction with parallel imaging and improves resolution in fMRI experiments by a factor of 2 (1.25 mm to 1.0 mm isotropic) and diffusion MRI experiments by a factor of 4 (1.5 mm to 0.9 mm isotropic).
文摘It is occasionally necessary to repeat diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)after giving intravenous contrast medium(CM).However,the effects of CM on DWI and apparent diffusion coefficients(ADC)have not been fully ex-amined.The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether there are any diagnostically significant dif-ferences between echo-planar imaging(EPI)-DWI before and after intravenous CM.EPI-DWI was acquiredtwice in 203 consecutive patients before and after i.v.CM.Three blinded readers rated the diagnostic
基金the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant Funded by the Korean Government, No. KRF-2008-314-E00173
文摘Peri-infarct reorganization has been reported in stroke patients with a lesion at the cerebral cortex, corona radiata, or pons, separately. However, there have been no reports describing the patients with peri-infarct reorganization at multiple levels. The present study reported a patient with a middle cerebral artery infarct who showed complete paralysis of the right extremities at stroke onset. Results showed that at 3 years after stroke onset, patient＇s motor function of the affected hand appeared to have been recovered by the motor tract, which reorganized into the anterior areas of the infarcted centrum semiovale and corona radiata, as demonstrated by diffusion tensor tractography study analyzed using functional MRI activation results. This result indicates that the human brain can show extensive brain plasticity and that saving the adjacent area or penumbra around the infarct even though the lesion from multiple levels is important for functional recovery after stroke.
文摘Purpose: Commonly used diffusion weighted (DW) imaging such as DW spin echo (SE) type echo planar imaging (DW-SE-EPI) is known to be a snapshot-like acquisition and to have a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio. Spiral MRI sequence (SPIRAL) has characteristics similar to these of EPI, but it has rarely been used for diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). In vivo DW-SPIRAL of the rat brain has almost never been reported. Our purpose in this study was to examine the potential of SE-type two-dimensional (2D) multi-shot spiral acquisition MRI for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping of the rat brain in vivo. Materials and Methods: We made an SE-type DW-2D-spiral MRI sequence (DW-SPIRAL) which was prepared on a 2.0-T animal-experiment MR scanner. Comparing the phantom experimental result of DW-SPIRAL with the phantom experimental result of DW SE-type echo-planar imaging (DW-SE-EPI) and conventional DW spin echo imaging (DW-SE), we estimated the characteristics of DW-SPIRAL and assessed the clinical application of DW-SPIRAL in an animal experiment on the rat brain. Results: There was not much difference between the calculated water/glycerol phantom diffusion coefficient of DW-SPIRAL and the calculated diffusion coefficient of DW-SE. This result shows that the DW-SPIRAL sequence is appropriate for use in diffusion weighted imaging. There were fewer phantom image distortions and ghosting artifacts with DW-SPIRAL than with DW-SE-EPI, and this tendency was similar in the animal experiment on the rat brain. Conclusion: The DW-SPIRAL sequence had been successfully tested in phantom experiments and rat brain experiments. It has been demonstrated that the DW-SPIRAL sequence is capable of producing in vivo rat brain DWI.
基金supported in part by the High Magnetic Field Laboratory(NHMFL)and Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy(AMRIS)under Magnetic Laboratory Visiting Scientist Program Award,No.VSP#327(to RG)。
文摘During the last decades,advances in the understanding of genetic,cellular,and microstructural alterations associated to Huntington's disease(HD)have improved the understanding of this progressive and fatal illness.However,events related to early neuropathological events,neuroinflammation,deterioration of neuronal connectivity and compensatory mechanisms still remain vastly unknown.Ultra-high field diffusion MRI(UHFD-MRI)techniques can contribute to a more comprehensive analysis of the early microstructural changes observed in HD.In addition,it is possible to evaluate if early imaging microstructural parameters might be linked to histological biomarkers.Moreover,qualitative studies analyzing histological complexity in brain areas susceptible to neurodegeneration could provide information on inflammatory events,compensatory increase of neuroconnectivity and mechanisms of brain repair and regeneration.The application of ultra-high field diffusion-MRI technology in animal models,particularly the R6/1 mice(a common preclinical mammalian model of HD),provide the opportunity to analyze alterations in a physiologically intact model of the disease.Although some disparities in volumetric changes across different brain structures between preclinical and clinical models has been documented,further application of different diffusion MRI techniques used in combination like diffusion tensor imaging,and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging have proved effective in characterizing early parameters associated to alteration in water diffusion exchange within intracellular and extracellular compartments in brain white and grey matter.Thus,the combination of diffusion MRI imaging techniques and more complex neuropathological analysis could accelerate the discovery of new imaging biomarkers and the early diagnosis and neuromonitoring of patients affected with HD.
基金Magnetic Laboratory Visiting Scientist Program,Grant/Award Number 327Chicago Biomedical Consortium,Grant/Award Number 085740National Science Foundation,Grant/Award Number DMR-1157490。
文摘Objective: Cell structural changes are one of the main features observed during the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS). In this work, we propose the use of diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) metrics to assess specific ultrastructural changes in the central nervous system during the early neurodegenerative stages of ALS.Methods: Ultra-high field MRI and DTI data at 17.6 T were obtained from fixed, excised mouse brains, and spinal cords from ALS(G93 A-SOD1) mice.Results: Changes in fractional anisotropy(FA) and linear, planar, and spherical anisotropy ratios(C_L, C_P, and C_S, respectively) of the diffusion eigenvalues were measured in white matter(WM) and gray matter(GM) areas associated with early axonal degenerative processes(in both the brain and the spinal cord). Specifically, in WM structures(corpus callosum, corticospinal tract, and spinal cord funiculi) as the disease progressed, FA, C_L, and C_P values decreased, whereas C_S values increased. In GM structures(prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and central spinal cord) FA and C_P decreased, whereas the C_L and C_S values were unchanged or slightly smaller. Histological studies of a fluorescent mice model(YFP, G93 A-SOD1 mouse) corroborated the early alterations in neuronal morphology and axonal connectivity measured by DTI.Conclusions: Changes in diffusion tensor shape were observed in this animal model at the early, nonsymptomatic stages of ALS. Further studies of C_L, C_P, and C_S as imaging biomarkers should be undertaken to refine this neuroimaging tool for future clinical use in the detection of the early stages of ALS.
文摘We present two cases of cholesteatoma and one false positive finding in non-EP DW MRI in order to highlight the differential diagnosis in imaging and emphasize the need to discuss the findings with the otologic surgeon. The first case demonstrates different MRI signal patterns encountered in a patient with cholesteatoma. The second report is a rare case of supralabyrinthine cholesteatoma with atypical clinical presentation. The third case presents a rare but important false positive finding in non-EP DW MRI. Clinical and imaging findings are discussed taking into account the current literature.
文摘Objective To evaluate the value of MRI diffusion weighted imaging in localization of prostate cancer with whole-mount step section pathology. Methods We treated 36 patients using laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from Oct. 2009 to Jun. 2010. Patients who did not have an MRL /DWI examination or a surgical history of pros-
基金Supported by the Research Project of Dongguan Higher Education (200910815252)the Beijing Natural Science Foundation(7102102)the Scientific Research Key Program of Beijing Municipal Commission of Ed-ucation(KZ200810025011)~~
文摘To evaluate the effect of the positive-indefinite matrix on the diffusion tensor-derived parameters, a modified algorithm is proposed for calculating these parameters. Magnetic resonance （MR） diffusion tensor images of five healthy volunteers are collected. The diffusion sensitive gradient magnetic fields are applied along 25 directions and the diffusion weighting value is 1 000 s/mm^2. Many positive-indefinite diffusion tensors can be found in the white matter area, such as the genu and the splenium of corpus callosum. Due to the positive-indefinite matrix, the mean diffusivity （MD） and the fractional anisotropy （FA） are under-estimated and over-estimated by using the conventional algorithm. Thus, the conventional algorithm is modified by using the absolute values of all eigenvalues. Results show that both the robustness and the reliability for deriving these parameters are improved by the modified algorithm.
文摘Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the commonest reason for death in females due to gynecologic malignancy around the world. In contrast to other gynecologic tumours, the definitive diagnosis is accomplished days after of the index surgery by the histopathology. Preoperative assessment based on conventional MRI is not accurate. Information is expanding increasing about the ability of new MRI modalities to assess ovarian mass. Aim of the study: To assess the ability of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE–MRI), and Diffusion-weighted image (DWI) to describe uncertain ovarian masses. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study. Patients were referred from radio-diagnosis department and gynecology department of Qena faculty of medicine hospitals, South Valley University. Patients had uncertain adnexal masses at ultrasound. Magnetic resonance examination was doneutilizing 1.5 Tesla machine. The protocol included T1WI, T2WI, T1WI following contrast, and DWI. Results: We included 44 patients with different forms of complex cystic and solid ovarian masses. The final pathology of the ovarian masses was 18 benign, 4 borderline, and 22 malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for DWI were 100%, 94.4%, 96.3%, 100%, and 97.7% respectively. The performance of DWI was higher than the conventional MRI and DCE-MRI. Conclusion: DCE-MRI and DWI have accepted ability to recognize malignant ovarian mass.
基金supported by Hunan Provincial Education Department Funded Research Projects (Grant No.22C0221)Open Fund of State Key Laboratory of Water Resource Protection and Utilization in Coal Mining (Grant No.GJNY-18-73.11).
文摘The stability of coal pillar dams is crucial for the long-term service of underground reservoirs storing water or heat.Chemi-cal damage of coal dams induced by ions-atttacking in coal is one of the main reasons for the premature failure of coal dams.However,the diffusion process of harmful ions in coal is far from clear,limiting the reliability and durability of coal dam designs.This paper investigates sulfate diffusion in coal pillar through experimental and analytical methods.Coal specimens are prepared and exposed to sulfate solutions with different concentrations.The sulfate concentrations at different locations and time are measured.Based on experimental data and Fick's law,the time-dependent surface concentration of sulfate and diffusion coefficient are determined and formulated.Further,an analytical model for predicting sulfate diffusion in coal pillar is developed by considering dual time-dependent characteristics and Laplace transformations.Through comparisons with experimental data,the accuracy of the analytical model for predicting sulfate diffusion is verified.Further,sulfate diffusions in coal dams for different concentrations of sulfate in mine water are investigated.It has been found that the sulfate concen-tration of exposure surface and diffusion coefficient in coal are both time-dependent and increase with time.Conventional Fick's law is not able to predict the sulfate diffusion in coal pillar due to the dual time-dependent characteristics.The sulfate attacking makes the coal dam a typical heterogeneous gradient structure.For sulfate concentrations 0.01-0.20 mol/L in mine water,it takes almost 1.5 and 4 years for sulfate ions to diffuse 9.46 and 18.92 m,respectively.The experimental data and developed model provide a practical method for predicting sulfate diffusion in coal pillar,which helps the service life design of coal dams.
文摘Background:Recent autopsy study showed a high incidence of cerebrovascular lesions in Alzheimer's disease(AD).To assess the impact of cerebrovascular pathology in AD,we used diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) to study AD patients with and without cerebrovascular lesions.Materials and Methods:Conventional and DTI scans were obtained from 10 patients with probable AD,10 AD/V patients(probable AD with cerebrovascular lesions) and ten normal controls.Mean diffusivity(D) and fractional anisotropy(FA) values of some structures involved with AD pathology were measured.Results:D value was higher in AD patients than in controls in hippocampus and the cingulate gyrus.In AD/V patients,increased D value was found in the same structures and also in the thalamus and basal ganglia compared to controls.There was a significant difference of D value between AD and AD/V patients.FA value reduced in the white matter of left inferior temporal gyrus and in the bilateral middle cingulate gyrus in patients with AD/V compared with controls.The MMSE(mini-mental state examination) score significantly correlated with FA value in the right hippocampus(r=0.639,P<0.019),in the right anterior cingulate gyrus(r=0.587,P<0.035) and in left parahippocampal gyrus(r=0.559,P<0.047).Conclusion:Cerebrovascular pathology had stronger impact on the D value than the AD pathology alone did.Elevated D value in thalamic and basal ganglia may contribute to cognitive decline in AD/V patients.Reduced FA values in AD/V patients may indicate that cerebrovascular pathology induced more severe white matter damage than the AD pathology alone did.
