bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Правописание некоторых категорий именных композитов в осетинском языке
Authors: Ф.Г. Бетеева
Published: November 2024

данная статья посвящена одной из наиболее актуальных проблем осетинской орфографии: регламентированию слитного и раздельного написания различных категорий сложных слов. Словосложение – одна из самых эффективных словообразовательных моделей в современном осетинском языке. Осетинские сложные слова зачастую образуются путем слияния компонентов свободных словосочетаний различных видов (именных, глагольных, наречных) и в большом количестве встречаются в осетинских текстах всех стилей речи. В некоторых случаях свободные словосочетания, компоненты которых объединяются в сложные слова, продолжают употребляться и как словосочетание. По этой причине возникают трудности определения способа написания исследуемых единиц. Этим и обусловлена актуальность данной статьи. Цель статьи – выявление закономерностей слитного и раздельного написания именных композитов, образованных путем слияния компонентов именных словосочетаний, в современном осетинском языке. Цель статьи определила следующие задачи: классификация именных композитов осетинского языка по тематическим группам; определение семантических и стилистических различий между композитами и свободными словосочетаниями, из компонентов которых образуются композиты. Результаты нашего исследования могут быть использованы в преподавании осетинского языка на различных уровнях образования.

this article is devoted to one of the most urgent problems of Ossetian orthography: the regulation of the combined and separate spelling of various categories of compound words. Word composition is one of the most effective word–formation models in the modern Ossetian language. Ossetian compound words are often formed by merging components of free phrases of various types (nominal, verbal, adverbial) and are found in large numbers in Ossetian texts of all speech styles. In some cases, free phrases, the components of which are combined into complex words, continue to be used as a phrase. For this reason, it is difficult to determine the way to write the units under study. This is the reason for the relevance of this article. The purpose of the article is to identify the patterns of fused and separate spelling of nominal composites formed by merging components of nominal phrases in the modern Ossetian language. The purpose of the article defined the following tasks: classification of nominal composites of the Ossetian language by thematic groups; definition of semantic and stylistic differences between composites and free phrases, from the components of which composites are formed. The results of our research can be used in teaching the Ossetian language at various levels of education.
Systemic risks arising from escalating biodiversity loss
Authors:   Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, Wentworth Jonathan
Published: November 2024

Biodiversity is critical for maintaining current and future ecosystem service supply and continued loss increases risks of collapses in capacity as stresses such as climate change build.
How technology is accelerating changes in the way we work
Authors:   Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, Christie Lorna
Published: November 2024

Many organisations have turned to technology during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid social distancing. Could ongoing automation reinforce existing inequalities?
Preparing for more extreme climate impacts and disasters
Authors:   Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, Wentworth Jonathan
Published: November 2024

Climate change is expected to worsen the frequency, intensity and impacts of some extreme weather events requiring investment in disaster risk reduction and early warning systems.
Biological solutions for environmental challenges
Authors:   Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, Wentworth Jonathan
Published: November 2024

Biological organisms may begin to provide new and better solutions to environmental problems, but wider use of bioengineering may raise ethical concerns with public perceptions unclear.
The Dilemma Defense and Setting Things Aside in the Right Way
Authors: Lam Derek ,   Saint Louis University
Published: November 2024

According to the Dilemma Defense, Frankfurt-style arguments wouldn’t work unless they assume determinism; yet they expect us to retain intuitive judgments about moral responsibility in particular scenarios. That’s begging the question against incompatibilism. John Martin Fischer suggests that there’s a way to extract the insight from the Frankfurt’s cases with a slightly different argument that doesn’t beg the question. This essay argues that for the argument to be consistent, it must require its audience to remain agnostic about how to analyze “ability to do otherwise” in a very peculiar way that puts them in an objectionable dialectic position given the current state of the free will debate.
CO2 and O2 reactivity in brain gliomas
Authors: Akinwale Oluwateniola , Li Yang , Liu Peiying , Hou Xirui , Jiang Shanshan , Lin Doris , Pillai Jay , Lu Hanzhang
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Current clinical practice assesses baseline vascular features and cerebrovascular reactivity with multiple techniques that involve the use of injected contrast and radioactive tracers. Obtaining this information requires numerous tests and visits, which increases patient stress and healthcare costs. Goal(s): Our goal was to determine whether a multiparametric scan could conveniently and economically assess glioma hemodynamics with no exogenous contrast. Approach: The technique involves sequential manipulation of CO2 and O2 in inspired gas while collecting BOLD MRI images to obtain CVR, vCBV, and BAT maps. Results: Multiparametric maps correctly differentiated tumor and normal tissue with characteristics that may inform tumor classification. Impact: We showed that an efficient multiparametric scan can map different vascular properties. These maps allow for tumor and healthy tissue differentiation and show qualitative traits that potentially informs tumor characteristics which could aid in the diagnostic evaluation of glioma patients.
Multi-scale plug-and-play energy framework for inverse problems
Authors: Chand Jyothi Rikhab , Jacob Mathews
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Unrolled algorithms provide high quality image reconstruction. However, their training is memory-intensive and is sensitive to forward model mismatches. Goal(s): To develop a memory-efficient plug-and-play algorithm, whose performance is comparable to unrolled algorithms and can be used with arbitrary forward models. Approach: We propose a memory-efficient energy-based multi-scale framework. We model the negative log prior with different smoothnesses using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). This approach enables us to relax the constraints on the CNN, while the multi-scale strategy improves the convergence to the global minimum. Results: The enhancements improves performance, making it comparable to end-to-end methods, while being robust to model mismatch. Impact: The proposed framework is memory-efficient compared to unrolled algorithms, paving the way for its usage in large-dimensional inverse problems. Its flexibility enables recovery of images with arbitrary forward operators.
Image reconstruction for an 8-element loop-dipole rotating RF coil array (RRFCA) using a novel calibration-free GRAPPA-based method
Authors: West Lachlan , Phair Andrew , Li Mingyan , Brideson Michael , Bassom Andrew , Liu Feng
Published: November 2024

Motivation: SENSE-based reconstruction is challenging for clinical imaging when rotating the RRFCA into multiple positions; therefore, a novel calibration-free GRAPPA-based method was developed. Goal(s): To effectively reconstruct k-space data acquired from the RRFCA, enhancing image quality compared to a conventional stationary array without a scan time penalty. Approach: Conventional GRAPPA was extended by uncovering a subset of the radial grid to cope with the rotation of the RRFCA. Numerical and human brain images were used for validation. Results: Image quality was improved using the proposed method. Up to 58% reduction in RMSE and 2.5% increase in SSIM was achieved while maintaining scan time. Impact: The RRFCA utilising our novel calibration-free, GRAPPA-based, radial image reconstruction method provides a clinically relevant parallel imaging technique. In the future, our approach may incorporate compressed sensing to further reduce motion artifacts, particularly in applications like cardiac and dynamic MRI.
Investigating Gravitational Influence on Normal Lung Function Using PREFUL MRI on an Open Scanner
Authors: Harrison Arthur , Pavlovskaya Galina , Gowland Penny , Meersmann Thomas , Paul Jan , Sobhan Rashed , Goodwin Amanda , Mougin Olivier
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Insights into the factors contributing to local ventilation and perfusion variation within the lungs are of crucial importance to improving patient care. Goal(s): To investigate the gravity dependent contributions to regional heterogeneity of normal lung function including ventilation and perfusion. Approach: With use of an open MRI system, participants were scanned in three positions to vary the direction of gravity experienced by the lungs. PREFUL analysis was employed to attain fractional ventilation, normalised perfusion, and associated Time-To-Peak markers. Results: Contributions from both gravity and physiological factors were observed in ventilation and perfusion distribution for each of the three positions. Impact: Enhanced understanding of the causes of functional variations in healthy lungs will allow physicians to make more informed decisions regarding patient care. Additionally, posture dependent lung function could serve as a marker for lung disease and support stratified treatment approaches.
ICA-enabled oxygen-enhanced MRI (OE-MRI) correlates with pulmonary function tests in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Needleman Sarah , Kim Mina , McClelland Jamie , Tibiletti Marta , Short Christopher , Semple Thomas , Davies Jane , Parker Geoff
Published: November 2024

Motivation: There is a clinical need for non-ionising methods to assess heterogeneous lung function in cystic fibrosis (CF). Dynamic oxygen-enhanced MRI (OE-MRI) can assess regional lung function, however OE-MRI analysis is impaired by confounding signals and poor SNR. Goal(s): To evaluate the sensitivity of OE-MRI measures to the lung clearance index (LCI) in CF, with and without independent component analysis (ICA) to reduce noise. Approach: We used ICA to reduce noise in the OE-MRI measures. We evaluated the correlation between OE-MRI measures, LCI, and pulmonary function tests. Results: OE-MRI measures demonstrated significant correlation with LCI. OE-MRI measures extracted using ICA displayed clear oxygen-enhancement responses. Impact: Dynamic lung OE-MRI measures extracted using independent component analysis (ICA) exhibited significant correlation with lung clearance index (LCI2.5) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, suggesting a potential application of ICA-extracted OE-MRI measures to assess regional disease severity in CF.
Improved stratification for thrombectomy after acute ischemic stroke using personalized brain thermal modeling
Authors: Sung Dongsuk , Kottke Peter , Allen Jason , Nahab Fadi , Fedorov Andrei , Fleischer Candace
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Prior research has demonstrated the benefits of thrombectomy after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Despite improvements in surgical techniques, failed reperfusion after thrombectomy is problematic. Goal(s): Our goal was to evaluate brain temperature-based identification of infarcted and salvageable tissue for improved stratification after AIS. Approach: A patient-specific computational model using imaging data was used to predict local brain temperatures after AIS to identify infarcted and salvageable tissue and compared to existing clinical methods (RAPID). Results: Temperature-based stratification identified infarct regions not observed with RAPID and predicted lower mismatch ratios more consistent with final clinical outcomes. Impact: We demonstrate the potential for model-predicted brain temperatures to quantify infarcted and salvageable tissue after acute ischemic stroke for patient selection for thrombectomy. Local brain temperature may complement existing metrics, particularly for patients without sufficient salvageable tissue.
Prediction value of DWI-ASPECTS and HR-VWI to evaluate the response of patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lv Min , Sun Jiali , Wang Wei , Lian Jianxiu
Published: November 2024

Motivation: The predicted ability of High-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) combined with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients based on the simplified modified Rankin Scale questionnaire（smRSq）remains unknown. Goal(s): The purpose is to analyze AIS patients by obtaining HR-VWI and DWI information for further providing the information for endovascular therapy. Approach: Patients are grouped by smRSq including the good response group and the poor. The characteristics of plaque and DWI are analysed for comparing between the two groups. Results: Severe stenosis, high normalized wall index, plaque enhancement, T1WI high signal and low ASPECTS were risk factors of poor response (all P<0.05). Impact: The combination of HR-VWI and ASPECTS can assist clinical in adopting different rehabilitation management methods for patients.
Amido-proton transfer imaging combines DWI to evaluate ischemic penumbra in wake-up stroke patients: A Feasibility study
Authors: wang yanting , Yue Xiuzheng , Sun Zhanguo , Chen Yueqin , Yu Hao
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Ischemic Penumbra (IP) is an Ischemic tissue that is "basically reversible” during effective treatment. amide proton transfer-weighted (APT) imaging based on the PH value of biological tissues may have certain application value in evaluating the range of ischemic penumbraGoal(s): This study aimed to explore if APTw imaging has the clinical potential to predict Ischemic PenumbraApproach: This study intends to apply APTw imaging technology to wake-up stroke patients to explore whether this technology can more accurately evaluate the range of IP compared with ASL technologyResults: The APTw-DWI mismatch model has the potential to evaluate the ischemic penumbra in wake-up stroke patientsImpact: APTw combined with DWI provides a new method to distinguish ischemic penumbra in patients with wake-up stroke accurately.
Differentiating Pulmonary Hypertension Groups by 3D Vortex-contained energetics from 4D Flow MRI and Correlation with Right Heart Function
Authors: Shafeghat Melika , Freed Benjamin , Carr James , Elbaz Mohammed
Published: November 2024

Motivation: There is a lack of noninvasive methods to differentiate between different Pulmonary Hypertension Groups/types. Such differentiation is clinically critical because treatments of one group can be harmful to another. Goal(s): We investigated a new noninvasive 4D Flow MRI-based method to differentiate between Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and Pulmonary Venous Hypertension (PVH), currently distinguished conclusively only through invasive catheterization. Approach: Our study focused on analyzing 3D vortex flow and its energetics in the left pulmonary artery (LPA) using 4D Flow MRI. Results: We found significant differences in vortex characteristics between PVH and PAH patients, with PVH showing larger vortex cores and higher energetics. Impact: These findings suggest the potential of LPA vortex flow analysis as a noninvasive diagnostic marker for distinguishing between PAH and PVH and possibly assessing disease severity.
Combining 4D balanced SSFP and 4D flow MRI for highly localized 3D pulse wave velocity calculations
Authors: Merton Renske , Bosshardt Daan , Strijkers Gustav , Nederveen Aart , Schrauben Eric , van Ooij Pim
Published: November 2024

Motivation: To measure 3D pulse wave velocity (PWV) for the investigation of arterial stiffness on a local scale which could benefit patients with aortic disease. Goal(s): To calculate aortic 3D PWV with the flow-area method and compare with the global method. Approach: The flow-area method for PWV calculation is applied to 4D flow data combined with automatically-segmented 4D balanced SSFP scans along the thoracic aorta. Results: This measurement is feasible and shows the expected trend of increasing PWV along the length of the aorta. Averaged values corresponded moderately with the global method. Impact: Increased arterial stiffness measured by PWV is a well-established risk factor for adverse cardiac events. Development of novel MRI technology to locally map arterial stiffness may allow for improved risk-stratification in cardiovascular disease and ultimately guide therapy.
Non-invasive Assessment of Left Ventricular Hemodynamic Forces in Mitral Patients using 4-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Srabanti Monisha , Garcia Julio
Published: November 2024

Motivation: This study aims to address shortcomings in assessing mitral regurgitation (MR) by introducing left ventricular hemodynamic force (HDF) as a novel biomarker. Goal(s): The primary objective of this study is to assess HDF's reliability through 4D flow MRI in distinguishing MR patients from healthy controls and stratifying severity, offering a more precise diagnostic tool. Approach: This retrospective analysis used 4D flow MRI data to compute HDF in three directions, evaluating its correlation with MR. Results: MR patients exhibit significantly altered HDF compared to controls. The HDF: peak systolic base-apex, E-wave inferior-anterior, E-wave base-apex, and peak diastolic septal-lateral suggest their potential as mitral biomarkers. Impact: The introduction of hemodynamic force as a novel biomarker opens new research avenues, potentially reshaping cardiac non-invasive diagnostic techniques. This study may transform the assessment of mitral regurgitation, offering benefits to clinicians for early intervention and proper patient management.
In vivo tensor-valued diffusion MRI evaluates isotropic and anisotropic kurtosis mismatch in a middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke model
Authors: Liang Mingyao , Yuang Jiangyu , Gu Tingting , Tang Yaohui , He Yi
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is widely used in the early detection of stroke, providing valuable information on the infarct core and ischemic penumbra. The mismatch between DWI and more advanced dMRI enhances the accuracy of stroke lesion characterization. Goal(s): Our goal is to explore whether advanced tensor-valued diffusion MRI (dMRI) can yield sensitive microstructural readouts and evaluate the mismatch between anisotropic and isotropic kurtosis as a potential biomarker for stroke. Approach: We performed tensor-valued dMRI in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rodent model. Results: The tensor-valued diffusion MRI demonstrated significant mean diffusivity, mean kurtosis, anisotropic kurtosis, and isotropic kurtosis lesion mismatch. Impact: Tensor-valued diffusion MRI reveals the isotropic and anisotropic in kurtosis/diffusion lesion mismatch in an animal model of acute stroke, the tensor-valued dMRI may help characterize different microstructural features of acute stroke lesions for precision medicine.
A Monte Carlo simulation framework for histology-informed diffusion MRI parameter estimation in cancer
Authors: Grigoriou Athanasios , Voronova Anna , Bernatowicz Kinga , Simonetti Sara , Serna Garazi , Roson Núria , Escobar Manuel , Vieito Maria , Nuciforo Paolo , Toledo Rodrigo , Garralda Elena , Sala-Llonch Roser , Palombo Marco , Perez-Lopez Raquel , Grussu Francesco
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Analytical biophysical diffusion MRI (dMRI) models fail to capture the full complexity of diffusion processes. Goal(s): We propose a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation framework enabling the numerical implementation of biophysical models with unprecedented fidelity to histology. Approach: Our framework enables simulating diffusion within cancer environments reconstructed from histology. It provides paired examples of dMRI signals and histological properties, which can be used to build numerical microstructure parameter estimators. Results: Our approach enables more accurate estimation of key properties such as cell size compared to fitting of classical multi-compartment analytical models. Impact: We propose a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation framework enabling the implementation of biophysicalmodels with unprecedented fidelity to histology. The framework improves microstructure inference compared to standard analytical fitting, and may provide more robust biomarkers in diseases such ascancer.
Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent imaging during Neural Activity in the Visual Cortex
Authors: Nguyen-Duc Jasmine , de Riedmatten Inès , Olszowy Wiktor , Spencer Arthur , Jelescu Ileana
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Diffusion fMRI explores brain dynamics via water ADC variations from cellular fluctuations, distinct from BOLD imaging as it bypasses neurovascular coupling. Despite its potential, dFMRI remains underexplored in fMRI research. Goal(s): The goal of this work is to validate the utility of ADC in fMRI. Approach: Two imaging techniques were utilized: DW-TRSE-EPI and SE-EPI, capturing ADC timecourses and T2-BOLD contrast. The study investigated correlations between a visual paradigm and voxel timecourses. Results: Voxels exhibiting negative ADC and positive BOLD task responses align within the visual cortex. Likewise, voxels displaying positive ADC and negative BOLD responses predominantly align in the default mode network. Impact: Diffusion fMRI could serve as a complementary method to BOLD imaging, both exploring neural activity through distinct approaches.
Connectivity-based parcellation of primary and high-order cortex from infancy to adult
Authors: Cao Zuozhen , Li Mingyang , Zhao Zhiyong , Shen Yao , Shen Yiqi , Wu Dan
Published: November 2024

Motivation: The human brain undergoes a remarkable development from newborn to adulthood in cortex, white matter, and connectivity in previous studies. We speculated connectivity-based cortical parcellation may also change during this process. Goal(s): To explore whether and how connectivity-based parcellations of different cortices changed from neonate to adult. Approach: We utilized diffusion MRI (dMRI) to investigate the structure connectivity-based parcellations of cortical sub-regions and compared the parcellation-related features among infants, toddlers, and adults. Results: We observed significantly altered parcellation profiles and changing connectivity patterns during developed. Especially, we found larger alternations in high-order cortex, such as insula, compared to primary sensory and motor cortices. Impact: Connectivity-based parcellation provided a new insight to assess the development of human brain. Primary cortex has developed sufficiently in early life while high-order cortex developed significantly from newborn to adult. Future studies will fill the gap from toddler to adult.
Normative modeling of brain white matter microstructure using diffusion tensor metrics in 52,719 participants
Authors: Reina Julio Villalón , Zhu Alyssa , Nir Talia , Thomopoulus Sophia , Laltoo Emily , Nourollahimoghadam Elnaz , Benavidez Sebastian , Moreau Clara , Feng Yixue , Chattopadhyay Tamoghna , Nabulsi Leila , Lawrence Katherine , Jahanshad Neda , Thompson Paul
Published: November 2024

Motivation: It is currently difficult to compute normative models for diffusion MRI metrics of the brain’s white matter across the lifespan due to scanner/protocol effects that are hard to eliminate during harmonization. Goal(s): We set out to build large-scale multi-site normative models for DTI metrics of the white matter of the human brain. Approach: Hierarchical Bayesian Regression was run on ROI metrics derived using the ENIGMA-DTI protocol to determine the age trajectory and centile curves of DTI metrics. Results: We built DTI reference models based on 52,719 subjects that allowed us to detect deviations from the norm for patients with brain diseases. Impact: These reference models are valuable for detecting microstructural deviations from the normal range, while modeling scanner, protocol and cohort effects. They will be used in our ENIGMA consortium to map profiles of microstructural anomalies in >20 neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Simultaneous 3D CEST imaging of phosphocreatine and glycogen in skeletal muscle at 5T
Authors: Xu Xi , Chen Xinran , Liu Yuanyuan , Bie Chongxue , Cai Siqi , Wu Hao , Liang Dong , Zheng Hairong , Zhou Yang , Zhu Yanjie
Published: November 2024

Motivation: The metabolic heterogeneities in human are high, it is crucial to improve the slice-encoding coverage in phosphocreatine and glycogen mapping. Goal(s): To develop a 3D-CEST sequence for simultaneous mapping of phosphocreatine and glycogen within the acceptable time. Approach: The optimal sequence using stack-of-star readouts was applied. The patch-based low-rank reconstruction was introduced to accelerate the scan. The concentrations were quantified with ex-vivo and in-vivo experiments. Results: The coverage in slice-encoding dimension was improved to 140 mm. The scan time was reduced from 41.8 to 11.2 minutes. The concentrations of PCr and glycogen were 36.8 ± 14.4 mM and 80.4 ± 12.5 mM, respectively. Impact: This study demonstrates the feasibility of a 3D-CEST imaging method that simultaneously quantifies phosphocreatine and glycogen in skeletal muscle at 5T. It can be accomplished within 11.2 minutes using patch-based low-rank reconstruction. It shows great potential in evaluateing metabolic heterogeneities.
Reduced gadolinium dose by an optimized multi-parametric MR-STAT protocol
Authors: Xu Fei , Versteeg Edwin , Liu Hongyan , Fuderer Miha , Mandija Stefano , van den Heide Oscar , Keil Vera C. , van der Kolk Anja , Dankbaar Jan Willem , Jacobs Sarah M. , Snijders Tom J. , van den Berg Cornelis A.T. , Sbrizzi Alessandro
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Several concerns have been raised about the harmful effects of gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) usage during MRI exams. Goal(s): To reduce the GBCA dose in MRI protocols. Approach: We developed an optimized and fast MR-STAT protocol for “pre- and post-injection” quantitative MRI and applied it to two retrospective simulated patient datasets and one prospective in-vivo scan. Results: The inferred lesion masks generated by comparing “pre- and post-injection” T1 maps demonstrated that the proposed relaxometry-based method was able to correctly detect the lesions. Furthermore, the performance for the low-dose protocol was comparable to that of the full-dose one. Impact: The quantification of T1 changes after administering GBCA by using the accelerated MR-STAT protocol potentially enables a substantial reduction in both GBCA dose and acquisition time in clinical protocols.
Fast mapping of simultaneous M0, T1, T2, T2*, B1, and ΔB0 using SSFP-based Multiple Overlapping-Echo Detachment Imaging
Authors: Yang Jingying , Yang Qinqin , Chen Weikun , Zhu Liuhong , Wu Zhigang , Zhou Yudan , Zhou Jianjun , Chen Zhong , Cai Shuhui , Cai Congbo
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Long acquisition times have hindered many quantitative magnetic resonance imaging methods. Goal(s): In order to reduce the collection time, we propose a rapid and quantitative method for multi-parameter quantification. Approach: Multiple overlapping echo detachment (MOLED) imaging can enable multiparametric quantitative mapping for a single slice in just hundreds of milliseconds. To achieve simultaneous quantitative imaging of M0, T1, T2, T2*, B1, and ΔB0, we proposed the SSFP-MOLED method. Results: The results of both phantom and vivo experiments on a 3T whole-body scanner demonstrate that our method can accurately quantify multiple parameters, indicating promising clinical applications. Impact: We present a novel and efficient mapping method for multiparametric MRI (M0, T1, T2, T2*, B1, and ΔB0). This method not only enhances the efficiency of data collection for clinicians but also improves the diagnostic reliability of multi-center hospitals.
Water/fat separated Echo Planar Time-resolved Imaging (EPTI) for efficient distortion-free multi-contrast imaging
Authors: Hu Zhangxuan , Dong Zijing , Reese Timothy , Wald Lawrence , Polimeni Jonathan , Wang Fuyixue
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Echo Planar Time-resolved Imaging (EPTI) can produce distortion- and blurring-free multi-echo images with high efficiency. For its broader application such as in body imaging, the challenge of fat suppression/separation needs to be addressed. Goal(s): Achieving efficient water/fat separation using EPTI for high-quality fast multi-contrast/quantitative imaging in the presence of fat tissues. Approach: In this study, water/fat separated EPTI (WFS-EPTI) was proposed to achieve this by: (1) designing a novel in-phase and out-of-phase EPTI acquisition and encoding scheme; and (2) adopting a k-space-based water/fat separation method. Results: Experimental results demonstrated the efficacy of WFS-EPTI for water/fat separation and fat-robust distortion-free multi-contrast/quantitative imaging. Impact: The proposed WFS-EPTI effectively separates water and fat signals, while providing efficient acquisition of high-resolution, distortion-free multi-contrast images and quantitative maps. It can extend EPTI to a broader range of applications.
A MR Fingerprinting Development Kit (MRFDK) for Quantitative 3D Brain Imaging
Authors: Boyacioglu Rasim , Kluge Thomas , Buonincontri Guido , Lo Wei-Ching , Kannengiesser Stephan , Nittka Mathias , Ma Dan , Griswold Mark , Chen Yong
Published: November 2024

Motivation: MRF acquisitions rely on offline reconstructions due to their computationally intensive processing pipelines which hinders integration into clinical workflows. Goal(s): To introduce and test a development kit for MRF, enabling 1) efficient whole brain 3D MRF acquisitions, 2) embedded dictionary calculation, and 3) rapid online post-processing. Approach: The method was evaluated with phantom and in vivo brain imaging for multiple MRF variants and receive coils. Results: Due to full scanner integration, high-quality T1 and T2 maps were presented on the host computer within 1 min after the MRF scan was completed, enabling timely visualization of the outcome. Impact: The MRF development kit has high potential to promote reproducibility, large-scale clinical evaluation and translation of the novel MRF technique.
Spatiotemporal encoding MRI at a portable low field system without parallel imaging
Authors: Qiu Yueqi , Dai Ke , Zhong Sijie , Chen Hao , Frydman Lucio , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Geometric distortions in echo-planar acquisitions pose challenges for correction in portable low-field MRI due to significant field inhomogeneities. Goal(s): Our goal was to apply spatiotemporal encoding (SPEN) MRI at a 110 mT portable low-field system, aiming for nearly distortion-free echo-planar images. Approach: We leveraged the low SAR in low-field MR to optimize the SPEN technique for substantial gains in sensitivity. SPEN-based 2D imaging ,3D imaging and DWI were compared with EPI-based imaging and EPI TopUp correction results. Results: Approximately distortion-free SPEN acquisitions including robust 2D, 3D imaging and DWI demonstrated the potential clinical values of SPEN in the portable low field systems. Impact: SPEN MRI provides a unique and robust fast echo planar acquisition approach to obtain nearly distortion-free images at low-cost portable low field systems, thereby expanding the prospects for rapid imaging, navigation, and functional imaging in portable low-field MRI.
The first MR Electrical Properties Tomography (MR-EPT) reconstruction challenge: preliminary results of simulated data
Authors: Mandija Stefano , Arduino* Alessandro , van den Berg* Cornelis , Fuchs* Patrick , Giannakopoulos* Ilias , Ider* Yusuf Ziya , Jung* Kyu-Jin , Katscher* Ulrich , Kim* Dong-Hyun , Lattanzi* Riccardo , Meerbothe* Thierry , Tha* Khin-Khin , Zilberti* Luca
Published: November 2024

Motivation: To benchmark MR-Electrical Properties Tomography (MR-EPT) reconstruction methods. Goal(s): To present an overview of the first MR-EPT reconstruction challenge participation and the results of its phase 1. Approach: The challenge consisted of 3 phases:1) reconstructions from a simulated (blind) dataset (ground-truth EPs not provided);2) reconstructions from several simulated dataset (ground-truth EPs provided for few training dataset for tuning algorithm parameters);3) EPs reconstructions from measured data. Results: 52 participants registered to the challenge; 39 submitted their results. For phase 1, all participants submitted a reconstructed conductivity map; 12 submitted a reconstructed permittivity map. The results show large variability in reconstruction accuracy and precision. Impact: The results of phase 1 of the first MR-EPT reconstruction challenge show large variations in the estimated conductivity and permittivity maps demonstrating the need of benchmarking reconstruction methods on common datasets.
Distinguishing microgliosis and tau deposition in the mouse brain using paramagnetic and diamagnetic susceptibility source separation
Authors: Joshi Jayvik , Yao Minmin , Duan Wenzhen , Aggarwal Manisha
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Susceptibility source separation methods to disentangle sub-voxel paramagnetic and diamagnetic susceptibility sources may provide higher specificity to distinguish tissue microstructural alterations. Goal(s): Our goal was to investigate sub-cellular histopathological alterations in an established tauopathy mouse model using quantitative susceptibility source separation. Approach: Brains of PS19 mice and wild-type controls (n = 5 each) were imaged at 11.7 T. We used the DECOMPOSE-QSM model to calculate paramagnetic and diamagnetic component susceptibility maps. Results: Susceptibility maps revealed significant localized alterations in specific regions of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, which were found to correspond to regional microgliosis and tau deposition seen with immunohistology. Impact: Our findings demonstrate unique sensitivity of paramagnetic and diamagnetic susceptibility changes to distinguish regional microgliosis and tau deposition in the brain. Quantitative magnetic susceptibility source separation may therefore provide a sensitive method to assess sub-cellular histopathological alterations in tauopathies.
Multi-b values DWI-based Virtual High-resolution MR Elastography and Validation on Liver Fibrosis and Inflammation Prediction
Authors: Sun Longyu , Wang Yikun , Hu Xumei , Xia Xueqin , Sun Mengting , Li Qing , Liu Meng , Chu Yinghua , Zhang Xinyu , Li Ruokun , Wang Chengyan
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Liver biopsy is the standard clinical approach for diagnosing liver fibrosis. However, its invasiveness and possibility of sampling errors impose inherent limitations. Goal(s): To evaluate the reproducibility and reliability of the virtual MRE based on DWI and compare it with MRE to assess its efficiency in diagnosing liver fibrosis. Approach: RegGAN was employed to forecast MRE and rectify the outcomes. And CBAM was utilized to quantify the influence of diverse b-values in DWI. Results: RegGAN-CBAM demonstrates favorable performance in both image and stiffness prediction of MRE. The liver fibrosis grading based on stiffness predictions demonstrates a high level of accuracy and sensitivity. Impact: The prediction methodology of 3D MRE based on DWI exhibits a notable level of diagnostic efficiency and reliability. This approach serves as a non-invasive method with practical applicability in the clinical assessment of liver fibrosis.
Free-breathing Motion-Corrected Liver DWI at 3T with Optimized Fat-suppression Scheme
Authors: Chen Zhiyong , Xing Zhangli , Zheng Enshuang , Luo Mingcong , Fu Caixia , Li Guijin , Benkert Thomas , Xue Yunjing , Sun Bin
Published: November 2024

Motivation: A free-breathing motion-insensitive and high-quality DWI is desired for abdominal DWI in clinical practice. Goal(s): This study is to propose and evaluate a novel ss-EPI DWI sequence incorporating motion correction , complex averaging , and a combination of a reparametrized sinc fatsat pulse with an optimized water excitation pulse for abdominal DWI. Approach: Four different DWI sequecnes were performed on volunteers. The overall image qualities and the SNR on the liver papernchyma were evaluated and compared. Results: The SNRs of the liver and the image qualities were significantly higher with the proposed Free-breathing motion-corrected DWI ( MOCO-DWI ) sequence compared to other EPI DWI sequences. Impact: The free-breathing MOCO-DWI sequences with complex-averaging and new fat suppression scheme is recommended for high-quality liver DWI in clinical routine.
Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) of pancreas for assessment of β-cell dysfunction in hyperglycemia
Authors: Liu Ping , Song Yingying , Zhen Wanyi , Jiang Guihua
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Early detection of damaged β-cell function may help timely protect and stop the progression of hyperglycemia to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The impaired β-cell function may be associated with damaged pancreatic microstructure. Goal(s): The pancreatic microstructural changes may serve as the biomarker for β-cell dysfunction. Approach: We evaluate the microstructural changes of the pancreas in patients with hyperglycemic employing intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) and explore its correlation with the β-cell function. Results: IVIM-DWI can effectively distinguish T2DM from hyperglycemia, it has the potential for identifying damaged b-cell function for patients with early-stage hyperglycemia but without obvious clinical manifestation of DM. Impact: IVIM-DWI of pancreases is a reliable and non-invasive tool with great potential in detecting the early damaged β-cell function when the DM is still in the insidious stage, and help for improving diabetes diagnosis and management.
Water/fat separated Prostate Diffusion-Weighted Imaging using Dixon-encoded multi-shot EPI with structured low-rank reconstruction
Authors: Dong Yiming , Atkinson David , Koolstra Kirsten , van Osch Matthias , Börnert Peter
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Conventional single-shot EPI (ssh-EPI) is fast, but often causes geometric distortions, especially near the rectum. Goal(s): In this research, a Dixon-msh-EPI technique is validated for prostate Diffusion-weighted Imaging (DWI). Approach: Dixon-msh-EPI is proposed to reduce such distortions, while jointly separating water/fat components by a special structured low-rank reconstruction that also corrects shot-to-shot phase variations. Results: Experiments were conducted on 7 healthy male volunteers using a 3T scanner comparing DW-ssh-EPI and Dixon-msh-EPI performance. The Dixon-msh showed significantly reduced geometric distortion and effective fat signal suppression, as scored by two readers. While both methods provided comparable image quality, Dixon-msh-EPI demonstrated improved motion-correction and geometric accuracy. Impact: Dixon-msh-EPI offers improved prostate DWI by significantly reducing geometric distortions and enhancing across b-value registration. This technique could lead to more accurate diagnoses and has the potential to refine clinical MRI protocols, emphasizing precision in prostate diffusion imaging.
Amide-proton transfer weighted imaging combined with time-dependent diffusion weighted imaging for evaluation of breast tumors
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Yan , Cheng Jingliang , Lin Liangjie , Wu Zhigang , Sun Peng , Hu Ying , Wang Anfei , Wang Ruhua , Zhang Yong , Li Ying , Zhang Kun , Zhang Wenhua
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Breast cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease, and its different subtypes show very different biological characteristics, which will also affect the choice of treatment. Goal(s): The objective of this study was to explore the value of APTWI combined with td-MRI in evalution of breast tumors. Approach: The performance of APTWI was compared to conventional td-MRI in differentiation between benign and malignant breast tumors. Results: APTWI overperform td-MRI in differentiation between benign and malignant breast tumors. And ADC values derived from td-MRI at different gradient oscillation frequencies show potential diagnostic values in predicting different risk factors in breast cancer. Impact: These may provide new ideals for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis evaluation of breast cancer.
Time-dependent Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Predicting Pathological Complete Response in Rectal Cancer with Neoadjuvant Therapy
Authors: Gong Xiaoling , Shen Yu , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Wu Bing , Song Bin
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Time-dependent (TD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an emerging imaging modality, offers insights into cellular microstructures, but its relevance to rectal cancer's neoadjuvant treatment response remains unknown. Goal(s): To determine the value of TD MRI-derived metrics for preoperatively predicting pathological complete response (pCR) in rectal cancer. Approach: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify key predictors of pCR. Results: Extracellular diffusivity independently predicted pCR, with a cutoff of 1.640 effectively distinguishing between pCR and non-pCR tumors. Impact: Time-dependent magnetic resonance imaging emerges as a promising tool for detecting the pathological complete response in rectal cancer following neoadjuvant therapy, potentially facilitating the selection of patients who may benefit from a watch-and-wait approach.
6 MeV electron irradiated 13C-alanine as a sterile, transportable probe with long-lived radicals for dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization
Authors: Rooney Catriona , Lau Justin , Kennedy Brett , Bowen Alice , Myers William , Tullis Iain , Petersson Kristoffer , Lewis Jarrod , Dang Duy Anh , Christensen Nichlas Vous , Hansen Esben , Laustsen Christoffer , Tyler Damian , Miller Jack
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Human hyperpolarized metabolic imaging relies upon unstable exogenous radicals like the trityl radical EPA, necessitating clean rooms, pharmacy staff, and filters. Goal(s): We wished to avoid EPA by using an ultrahigh-dose-rate 6 MeV electron accelerator, generating endogenous [1-13C]alanine radicals for DNP. Approach: We studied irradiated samples up to 100 kGy at two polariser field-strengths (3.35/6.7T), characterised radical species formed by EPR, X-ray diffraction, and numerical quantum-mechanical simulations. Results: Radicals from biologically sterilising doses were stable for months when stored anhydrously, quenching rapidly with dissolution. Comparable nuclear polarisation to pyruvate at 6.7T was observed in a partially-ordered glycerol/alanine mix, potentially via a cross-effect mechanism. Impact: This has several novel impacts – it: (1) makes centralised manufacturing & storage possible with dual-purpose irradiation sterilising a sealed fluid-path; (2) demonstrates electron irradiation feasible for DNP; and (3) highlights how molecular environments could be partially controlled for polarisation optimisation.
2H imaging of [2,3,3-2H2]serine metabolism
Authors: Hesse Friederike , Low Jacob , Cao Jianbo , Bulat Flaviu , Kreis Felix , Brindle Kevin
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Formate overflow linked to mitochondrial oxidative serine catabolism has been observed in various forms of cancer, and there is evidence that elevated formate concentrations promote cell infiltration. Goal(s): Our goal was to monitor serine catabolism using deuterium metabolic imaging. Approach: Cell experiments were conducted using a 14.1 T high-resolution NMR spectrometer and 2H experiments on tumors in vivo using a 7.0 T horizontal bore magnet. Results: [2,3,3-2H2]serine catabolism can be monitored directly from measurements of 2H-formate production and indirectly from 2H-labeling of water. Impact: Monitoring [2,3,3-2H2]serine metabolism holds huge potential when assessing novel cancer treatments that target the one-carbon pathway to inhibit tumor cell proliferation.
Revealing COPD Uneven Ventilation and Altered Gas Exchange with Dynamic Simultaneous Gas Exchange and Ventilation Imaging
Authors: Hamedani Hooman , Kadlecek Steve , Amzajerdian Faraz , Ruppert Kai , Loza Luis , Ismail Mostafa , Duncan Ian , Rizi Rahim
Published: November 2024

Motivation: The study aims to refine lung disease diagnosis through dynamic imaging, surpassing conventional breath-hold MRI limitations. Goal(s): This research aims to confirm the efficacy of a new 4D dynamic HXe MRI method for real-time lung function imaging, enhancing our grasp of diseases like COPD. Approach: Our method employs synchronized 4D dynamic MRI to differentiate lung function in healthy individuals, COPD sufferers, and a smoker, revealing subtle health variations. Results: Dynamic imaging revealed consistent ventilation in healthy lungs but identified irregularities and a novel reversed RBC:Gas ratio pattern in COPD, indicating significant alterations in gas exchange dynamics. Impact: This study enhances understanding of COPD and could shift diagnostic and treatment practices, paving the way for targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Selective measurement of glycine in human brain by optimal control method at 7 T
Authors: Liu Ying , Xin Jiaxiang , Yuan Yifan , Fu Caixia , Chu Ying-Hua , Wei Da-Xiu , Yao Ye-Feng , Wang He
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Glycine is key neurotransmitter associated with the the pathogenesis and imaging of gliomas, yet the non-invasive quantification of it remains a challenge. Goal(s): To selectively measure glycine in human brain. Approach: A new pulse sequence was developed, utilizing optimal control techniques to selectively detect glycine signals while effectively suppressing myo-inositol signals. Results: Experimental results from both phantom models and glioma patient studies confirm the selective detection of glycine. Preliminary data indicate a relationship between glycine signal intensities and glioma distributions. Impact: The use of the developed pulse sequence for the selective measurement of glycine in the human brain may provide possibility for more accurate assessment of glioma aggressiveness.
Accelerated 3D Metabolite T1 Mapping Using Variable-Flip-Angle FID MRSI
Authors: Zhao Yibo , Guo Rong , Li Yudu , Jin Wen , Sutton Brad , Ma Chao , Fakhri Georges , Li Yao , Luo Jie , Liang Zhi-Pei
Published: November 2024

Motivation: Metabolite T1 values are needed for T1 correction in short-TR MRSI data. Due to the prolonged scan time, metabolite T1 measurement has been limited to single-voxel or single-slice experiments so far. Goal(s): To develop a novel method for 3D metabolite T1 mapping in a practically feasible scan time. Approach: We used a variable-flip-angle short-TR MRSI to achieve rapid metabolite T1 mapping. The high-dimensional data space was undersampled in a variable-density manner. Associated data processing challenges were solved by generalized-series and low-rank-tensor modelling. Results: Simulation, phantom and healthy subject results demonstrated the feasibility of accelerated 3D metabolite T1 mapping. Impact: The proposed method enables 3D metabolite T1 mapping within a clinically feasible scan time (15 min). This method can be used to correct T1 weighting effects in accelerated short-TR MRSI experiments, producing more quantitative results.