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A novel composite 90 degrees pulse sequence which provides distortionless NMR spectra and suppresses without destroying the water magnetization.

A novel 90 degrees composite pulse sequence which allows one to record 1D and 2D NMR spectra without disturbing the water magnetization is described. A home-written program was used to optimize the pulse angles for which the pulse sequence response fitted best the desired excitation profile, producing a neat and distortionless spectrum with a broad null excitation at the carrier frequency. The resulting pulse sequence was first evaluated using the simulation program "PENCIL" and then tested on two protein samples. A 3.5 degrees phase shift of the last pulse was required to cancel correctly the water signal. The pulse scheme was appended to a NOESY pulse sequence. Inspection of the water cross section revealed interactions between water and some protons of drosomycine, a small insect antifungal protein.

Amino Acids↗

The synthesis of pulse sequences yielding arbitrary magnetization vectors.

A new procedure and algorithm are presented to allow the synthesis of a pulse sequence which will generate an arbitrary frequency-dependent spin excitation. This procedure is a generalization of our previous paper, where this was done subject to the restriction that the spin excitation was symmetric about zero offset frequency, and pulses were restricted to being about a fixed axis. The required final z-magnetization vector (Mz) is expressed as a function of the off-resonance frequency as an Nth order complex Fourier series. We then form a consistent Fourier series for (Mxy). As many as 2(2)N different pulse sequences may be directly generated all of which produce a different Mxy(f), but the same Mz(f). A pulse sequence is then generated which will yield the desired Mz(f) and Mxy(f). This is done by an analytic inversion of the Bloch equation, not by the classical Fourier approximation. This technique enables us to generate any Mz which is potentially realizable by a pulse sequence.

Algorithms↗

Delineation of pancreas with MR imaging: multiobserver comparison of five pulse sequences.

The authors compared five magnetic resonance (MR) imaging pulse sequences for their ability to depict the pancreas in 59 patients, each evaluated with at least two of the five sequences. Focal pancreatic carcinomas were present in eight patients. The five sequences were T1-weighted spin echo (T1-SE), fat-suppressed T1-SE (T1-FS), T1-weighted gradient echo (T1-GRE), T2-weighted SE (T2-SE), and T2-weighted fast spin echo (T2-FSE). Using repeated-measures analysis, three blinded observers independently reviewed 198 separate MR imaging series and rated them on a 5-point scale with regard to image quality and depiction of pancreatic borders and the number of sections containing pancreatic and common bile ducts. The most superior and most inferior sections containing pancreas were recorded for each sequence in each patient. The results were compared with analysis of variance, and interobserver agreement was measured with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). For image quality, all sequences were rated good to excellent, with the T1-SE sequence having the highest rating. For clarity of pancreatic borders, however, the T1-FS sequence was rated significantly higher (P < .006) than the other sequences; the T2-SE sequence was least satisfactory. Common bile and pancreatic ducts were seen in the most sections with the T2-FSE sequence. There were no significant differences regarding identification of the most superior and inferior sections containing pancreas, and the ICC was high (.91-.97) for all sequences. For detecting focal carcinomas, no single pulse sequence was sufficient.

Common Bile Duct↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of cortical bone with ultrashort TE pulse sequences.

PURPOSE: Normal adult cortical bone has a very short T(2) and characteristically produces no signal with pulse sequence echo times (TEs) routinely used in clinical practice. We wished to determine whether it was possible to use ultrashort TE (UTE) pulse sequences to detect signal from cortical bone in human subjects and use this signal to characterise this tissue. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seven volunteers and 10 patients were examined using ultrashort TE pulse sequences (TE=0.07 or 0.08 ms). Short and long inversion as well as fat suppression pulses were used as preparation pulses. Later echo images were also obtained as well as difference images produced by subtracting a later echo image from a first echo image. Saturation pulses were used for T(1) measurement and sequences with progressively increasing TEs for T(2)* measurement. Intravenous gadodiamide was administered to four subjects. RESULTS: Signal in cortical bone was detected with UTE sequences in children, normal adults and patients. This signal was usually made more obvious by subtracting a later echo image from the first provided that the signal-to-noise ratio was sufficiently high. Normal mean adult T(1)s ranged from 140 to 260 ms, and mean T(2)*s ranged from 0.42 to 0.50 ms. T(1) increased significantly with age (P<.01). Increased signal was observed after contrast enhancement in the normal volunteer and the three patients to whom it was administered. Reduction in signal from short T(2) components was seen in acute fractures, and increase in signal in these components was seen with new bone formation after fracture malunion. In a case of osteoporosis, bone cross-sectional area and signal level appeared reduced. CONCLUSION: Signal can be detected from normal and abnormal cortical bone with UTE pulse sequences, and this can be used to measure its T(1) and T(2)* as well as observe contrast enhancement. Difference images are of value in increasing the conspicuity of cortical bone and observing abnormalities in disease.

Adolescent↗

Pulse sequences generated by a degenerate analog neuron model.

The response characteristics of an electronic neuron model proposed by the authors are investigated. Periodic stimulating pulse sequences with a fixed frequency are applied to the analog neuron model and the response pulse sequences are studied. In the degenerate case, the state transition of the neuron model during one period of the stimulating pulse sequense is described by a first order piecewise linear difference equation with a jump. It is shown that the periodic response pulse sequences of the neuron model belong to a special class of pulse sequences generated by a simple algorithm, and that the relation between the pulse width (or amplitude) of the stimulating pulse and the firing rate of the neuron model takes the form of an extended Cantor function.

Animals↗

Optimization of offset frequency in the SORC pulse sequence using feedback.

The low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of nuclear quadrupolar resonance measurements has motivated research on signal enhancement methods, including multipulse sequences that facilitate signal averaging, the development of interlaced pulse sequences, and super-Q coils. More recently, it has been shown that feedback can be used to automatically optimize pulse sequence parameters, maximizing the SNR. This paper extends this work by using feedback to optimize the offset frequency in the strong off-resonant comb pulse sequence. Analysis and results are presented for a sample of sodium nitrite at both liquid nitrogen and room temperatures.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy↗

MR imaging of malignant uveal melanoma: role of pulse sequence and contrast agent.

To determine the most sensitive pulse sequence and to clarify the role of each pulse sequence in the MR diagnosis of uveal malignant melanoma, noncontrast T1- and T2-weighted, and postcontrast T1-weighted, spin-echo images were compared blindly and independently by two experienced observers. Thirty uveal malignant melanomas, preselected by ophthalmoscopy and sonography for size greater than 2 mm, were examined with a 1.5-T superconducting MR unit with an orbital surface coil. Fifteen tumor studies were done after the patient was injected with gadopentetate dimeglumine. Postcontrast T1-weighted images were the most sensitive in detecting melanomas, demonstrating tumors 2 mm in height accurately on axial planes and 1.6 mm in height on combined orthogonal planes. The contrast-to-noise ratio between melanoma and vitreous fluid was greatest on postcontrast T1-weighted images (average, 72.1), followed by noncontrast T1-weighted images (average, 32.9), and then by T2-weighted images (average, -21.2). Postcontrast T1-weighted images also proved useful in differentiating melanomas from subretinal fluid collections when combined with noncontrast images. We conclude that postcontrast T1-weighted images are most helpful in detecting small uveal melanomas and in differentiating melanomas from subretinal fluid collections.

Contrast Media↗

MRI simulator for instruction in pulse-sequence selection.

An ordinary desk-top microcomputer was programmed to simulate MR images for specified spin-echo pulse sequences. Model pixel maps of proton density and T1 and T2 relaxation times were made from published estimated values for regions of the human head, neck, and spine. Images were generated and displayed from the model maps and user-specified pulse-sequence parameters in less than 30 sec/image. Models for various pathologic conditions, including calcification, subacute hemorrhage, porencephaly, lipoma, and multiple sclerosis, were superimposed on the images of normal anatomy to create unknown cases. Simulated images can easily demonstrate the effect of pulse-sequence selection on the contrast of normal structures and pathologic conditions. Use of simulated images is an excellent technique for gaining experience in pulse-sequence selection. Low-cost microcomputers can provide adequate image detail and reasonable image display time of synthetic MR images for teaching purposes.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗

A sequential HNCA NMR pulse sequence for protein backbone assignment.

The conventional HNCA pulse sequence suffers from the ambiguity that it cannot distinguish inter- and intraresidue correlations because the one-bond and two-bond J(NC(alpha)) coupling constants are of similar magnitude. This paper presents a novel pulse sequence, sequential HNCA, that leads to a spectrum exhibiting exclusively interresidue correlations. This important sequential information has so far usually been obtained by an HN(CO)CA experiment that for medium field strengths typically also is more sensitive than HNCA. However, for increasing static magnetic fields the chemical shift anisotropy relaxation mechanism of carbonyl carbons becomes more and more efficient, leading to a degradation of the HN(CO)CA sensitivity. Hence there is a point where the sequential HNCA experiment becomes the most sensitive option for sequential N-C(alpha) correlation.

Journal Article↗

Superparamagnetic iron oxide hepatic MR imaging: efficacy and safety using conventional and fast spin-echo pulse sequences.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical efficacy and safety of iv ferumoxides (Feridex), a superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent for detection of hepatic lesions using conventional spin-echo and fast spin-echo MR images. Precontrast and postcontrast MR studies were performed on 25 patients with suspected focal hepatic lesions. Conventional T1- and T2-weighted MR images, as well as fast spin-echo and fat suppressed fast spin-echo MR images, were evaluated. Quantitative assessment of the contrast agent was performed obtaining region of interest measurements of the liver, spleen, and selected hepatic lesions. The pulse sequences were also evaluated subjectively for overall image quality and a subjective assessment of lesion detection. The use of a superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent led to a decrease in hepatic signal intensity on all pulse sequences. Lesion-to-liver contrast increased 41.1%, 36.5%, and 32.0% on the conventional T2, fast spin-echo, and fat suppressed fast spin echo pulse sequences, respectively. Lesion-to-liver contrast decreased on the T1-weighted postcontrast pulse sequence by 23.8%. Despite improvement in lesion-to-liver contrast, radiologists subjectively preferred the precontrast sequences because of overall better image quality. At a dose of 10 mumol/kg, ferumoxides favorably impacts lesion-to-liver contrast, and may be useful in hepatic imaging, more with conventional T2-weighted spin-echo pulse sequences than with T2-weighted fast spin-echo pulse sequence.

Chi-Square Distribution↗

A pulse sequence for rapid in vivo spin-locked MRI.

PURPOSE: To develop a novel pulse sequence called spin-locked echo planar imaging (EPI), or (SLEPI), to perform rapid T1rho-weighted MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SLEPI images were used to calculate T1rho maps in two healthy volunteers imaged on a 1.5-T Sonata Siemens MRI scanner. The head and extremity coils were used for imaging the brain and blood in the popliteal artery, respectively. RESULTS: SLEPI-measured T1rho was 83 msec and 103 msec in white (WM) and gray matter (GM), respectively, 584 msec in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and was similar to values obtained with the less time-efficient sequence based on a turbo spin-echo readout. T1rho was 183 msec in arterial blood at a spin-lock (SL) amplitude of 500 Hz. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the feasibility of the SLEPI pulse sequence to perform rapid T1rho MRI. The sequence produced images of higher quality than a gradient-echo EPI sequence for the same contrast evolution times. We also discuss applications and limitations of the pulse sequence.

Brain Mapping↗

Nonlinear system identification by m-pulse sequences: application to brainstem auditory evoked responses.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a method for characterizing the nonlinear behavior of the auditory system. The method uses an m-pulse sequence as the stimulus and employs a general nonlinear framework for the auditory system. Like Sutter's binary m-sequence approach, the m-pulse sequence approach is computationally efficient since calculation of the first-order input-output cross-correlation function is all that is necessary for obtaining the nonlinear characteristics of the system. The nonlinear system characteristics are reflected in pulse kernels in contrast to binary kernels associated with the binary m-sequence approach. By assuming the system under study is a third-order nonlinear system, binary and pulse kernels are shown to be related to Volterra kernels. The results suggest that the m-pulse sequence can be used to study the system nonlinear effects of varying the stimulus repetition rate more effectively than conventional methods. Preliminary physiological data obtained by applying m-pulse sequences to the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) clearly illustrates the feasibility of obtaining replicable evoked responses using this method.

Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem↗

Fat suppression in magnetic resonance imaging at low field strength using binomial pulse sequences.

The use of binomial pulse sequences for fat suppression in MRI at low field strength (0.15 T) was investigated. Both spin-echo and inversion-recovery sequences were used and images obtained of the limbs, head and neck, and pelvis of volunteers and patients. Good fat suppression was seen particularly in small fields of view. Despite technical problems, chemical shift selective techniques can be applied at low field strength.

Adipose Tissue↗

Optimal control of coupled spin dynamics: design of NMR pulse sequences by gradient ascent algorithms.

In this paper, we introduce optimal control algorithm for the design of pulse sequences in NMR spectroscopy. This methodology is used for designing pulse sequences that maximize the coherence transfer between coupled spins in a given specified time, minimize the relaxation effects in a given coherence transfer step or minimize the time required to produce a given unitary propagator, as desired. The application of these pulse engineering methods to design pulse sequences that are robust to experimentally important parameter variations, such as chemical shift dispersion or radiofrequency (rf) variations due to imperfections such as rf inhomogeneity is also explained.

Algorithms↗

Pulse, a PC-based graphics pulse sequence editor for NMR and MRI.

A flexible, personal computer (PC) based, screen-graphics oriented pulse sequence editor called PULSE has been developed for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PULSE is used to set such NMR spectroscopic parameters as the delay and duration of rf transmit and receive gates, rf phase, sampling times, and such imaging parameters as rf pulse shape and gradient waveforms. The output of PULSE is a set of programs that can be loaded into a hardware pulse programmer. With PULSE, any desired NMR or MRI pulse sequence can be programmed quickly and easily.

Computer Graphics↗

Evolution of the longitudinal magnetization for pulse sequences using a fast spin-echo readout: application to fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery and double inversion-recovery sequences.

The fast spin-echo (FSE) sequence is frequently used as a fast data-readout technique in conjunction with other pulse sequence elements, such as in fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) and double inversion-recovery (DIR) sequences. In order to implement those pulse sequences, an understanding is required of how the longitudinal magnetization evolves during the FSE part of the sequence. This evolution has been addressed to a certain extent by previous publications, but the DIR literature in particular appears to be replete with approximations to the exact expression for the longitudinal magnetization, and several papers contain errors. Equations are therefore presented here for the evolution of the longitudinal magnetization for a FSE readout. These are then applied to calculate the magnetization available immediately prior to the 90 degrees imaging pulse for the FLAIR-FSE and DIR-FSE pulse sequences.

Animals↗

Value of a single-shot turbo spin-echo pulse sequence for assessing the architecture of the subarachnoid space and the constitutive nature of cerebrospinal fluid.

Three case history reports are presented to illustrate the value of the single-shot turbo spin-echo pulse sequence for assessment of the subarachnoid space. The use of the single-shot turbo spin-echo pulse sequence, which is a heavily T2-weighted sequence, allows for a rapid, noninvasive evaluation of the subarachnoid space by using the high signal from cerebrospinal fluid. This sequence can be completed in seconds rather than the several minutes required for a T2-fast spin-echo sequence. Unlike the standard T2-fast spin-echo sequence, a single-shot turbo spin-echo pulse sequence also provides qualitative information about the protein and the cellular content of the cerebrospinal fluid, such as in patients with inflammatory debris or hemorrhage in the cerebrospinal fluid. Although the resolution of the single-shot turbo spin-echo pulse sequence images is relatively poor compared with more conventional sequences, the qualitative information about the subarachnoid space and cerebrospinal fluid and the rapid acquisition time, make it a useful sequence to include in standard protocols of spinal magnetic resonance imaging.

Animals↗

NMR signal from flowing nuclei in fast gradient-echo pulse sequences with refocusing.

A theoretical description of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal from flowing nuclei in refocused gradient-echo pulse sequences, both with continuous- and alternating-phase pulse trains, has been developed. Both laminar and plug flow models have been considered and formulae have been derived that relate mean signal intensity to flip angle, pulse sequence repetition interval (TR), and flow velocity. The degree of signal enhancement or reduction in various conditions of flow and pulse sequences depends on the precise phase relationships between the residual transverse magnetization and each radio-frequency (RF) pulse.

Blood Flow Velocity↗