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[MRI of the cervical spine using T1-weighted multislice FLASH sequences].

A study has been carried out to evaluate contrast and image quality of cervical structures using multislice 2D-flash sequences with long repetition times (TR = 400 ms.) and short echo delay times (TE = 5.8 ms.). The examinations were carried out using ten normals with an MRI of 1.5 Tesla and flip angles of 10, 20, 30, 50, 70 and 90 degrees. The best contrast between intervertebral disc and surrounding tissue was obtained between 50 and 70 degrees, best contrast between compact bone and CSF with 10 degrees. In order to demonstrate degenerative changes of the cervical spine, it appears sensible to use a combination of these angles. The described sequences produce good images of the cervical structures with little image degradation. Compared to T1-weighted spin-echo sequences, the method has a number of significant advantages, such as variations in image contrast, higher maximal number of slices, contiguous imaging and less imaging time.

Adult↗

Facilitatory interactions between flashed lines.

The detectability of pairs of flashed lines was investigated as a joint function of their separation in both space and time. In contrast to previous studies of contrast interactions as a function of either spatial or temporal separation alone, the predominant interaction is not lateral inhibition, but a delayed facilitation. A quantitative model based on probability summation between lateral-inhibitory detectors does not appear able to account for these results. Two related explanations are suggested: either a motion detection system or the nonlinear 'transient' subsystem is being tapped.

Humans↗

Orientation illusions induced by briefly flashed plaids.

Orientation illusions which occur when a vertical grating is surrounded by a plaid can be induced either by one of the plaid's orthogonal component gratings or by a virtual axis of symmetry of the plaid, whichever is nearest vertical. In six experiments in which such illusion displays were flashed for durations between 15 and 405 ms, it was found that when these two-dimensional illusions are induced by a component grating (direct effects) the illusions increase monotonically as duration decreases, from 1 degree-2 degrees to about 6 degrees-7 degrees, over this range. Effects induced by axes of symmetry (indirect effects), in contrast, begin to occur only at longer durations: for short exposures, illusions are directionally opposite and large, similar to direct effects. These results suggest that only plaid-component-selective mechanisms operate at the shortest exposure durations and that additional time is required to extract more global higher-order pattern structure. The data are discussed in relation to sustained and transient mechanisms and also with respect to recent reports of more global processing mechanisms in extrastriate cortex and related data on one-dimensional tilt illusions.

Adult↗

The effect of defocusing the image on the perception of the temporal order of flashing lights.

The temporal interval between flashing lights that is required to perceive nonsimultaneity decreases as the refractive error increases from 0 to +2 diopters. The interval then remains constant with further increases to 3 and 4 diopters. The results are discussed in terms of the relative increase of transient to sustained visual channels and of the increase in apparent movement.

Adult↗

Flash photolysis of human serum albumin: characterization of the indole triplet absorption spectrum and decay at ambient temperature.

The method of flash photolysis was used to identify the transient absorption spectrum and to characterize the decay kinetics of the indole triplet of human serum albumin. This protein was studied because it contains a single indole side chain which is deeply buried in an expandable oily region and because the phosphorescence of the homologous indole in bovine serum albumin could not be detected at ambient temperatures. The transient was identified on the following basis: (i) its triplet-triplet absorption spectrum was similar to those previously reported for indole and tryptophan; (ii) it was quenched by small quantities of oxygen; and (iii) it was photobleached by 370- to 700-nm light. In a nitrogen-saturated solution at room temperature, the indole triplet decays exponentially for more than a factor of 10 with a lifetime of 0.5 msec. These observations suggest that, because of its exponential decay and relatively long lifetime, the triplet will be more valuable than the indole singlet as an intrinsic reporter group for the study of the structure and dynamics of proteins in solution.

Humans↗

Construction of a flash-activated cyclic electron transport system by using bacterial reaction centers and the ubiquinone-cytochrome b-c1/c segment of mitochondria.

Single-turnover electron transfer within the mitochondrial complex III has been studied by combining, in solution, the isolated complex from bovine heart with detergent-solubilized reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides. Initiation of electron transfer by short flash activation resulted in the prompt oxidation of cytochrome c and reduction of cytochrome b. The subsequent reduction of ferricytochrome c was observed to be concomitant with the oxidation of the ferrocytochrome b, both reactions being inhibited by the addition of actimycin A. The rate of electron transfer through complex III is dependent upon the ambient redox potential poise in a way that is consistent with the presence of a redox component, presumably analogous to the photosynthetic ubiquinone Qz, which is an obligatory intermediate in electron transfer between cytochromes b and c. These results demonstrate cyclic electron transfer in a constructed assembly of mitochondrial complex III, cytochrome c, and photochemical reaction centers.

Animals↗

Laser flash photolysis studies of electron transfer between semiquinone and fully reduced free flavins and horse heart cytochrome c.

Laser flash photolysis has been used to determine the second-order rate constants for the reduction of horse heart cytochrome c by the semiquinone and fully reduced forms of various flavin analogs. We find that substitution in the dimethylbenzene ring of the flavin causes appreciable changes in the rate constants, whereas substitutions at the N-10 position do not. Placing a charged phosphate group in the N-10 ribityl side chain leads to only small ionic strength effects on the rate constants, whereas a charged group attached to the dimethylbenzene ring produces a large ionic strength effect. These results can be accounted for by assuming that a productive collision between flavin and cytochrome involves an orientation that positions the aromatic ring--N-5 region of the flavin toward the heme crevice and the N-10--pyrimidine ring region away from it. Our observations have implications for mechanistic understanding of biological electron transfer reactions and are discussed in this context.

Animals↗

Nanosecond flash photolysis study of carbon monoxide binding to the beta chain of hemoglobin Zürich [beta 63(E7)His leads to Arg].

Binding of carbon monoxide to beta chains of hemoglobin Zürich has been studied by flash photolysis over the time range of nanoseconds to seconds at temperatures from 20 to 300 K. From 20 to 200 K a single rebinding process (process I) is seen, characterized by a distribution of barrier heights with a peak enthalpy of 2.3 kJ/mol. Above 200 K some ligands escape from the pocket into the matrix, and above 260 K recombination from the solvent sets in. Process I is visible up to 300 K, but above 200 K its rate remains essentially constant at about 4 X 10(8)s -1. Above about 250 K, process I is exponential in time, indicating rapid conformational relaxation. The results are discussed within the framework of a sequential model for ligand binding.

Arginine↗

Gating kinetics of the cyclic-GMP-activated channel of retinal rods: flash photolysis and voltage-jump studies.

The gating kinetics of the cGMP-activated cation channel of salamander retinal rods have been studied in excised membrane patches. Relaxations in patch current were observed after two kinds of perturbation: (i) fast jumps of cGMP concentration, generated by laser flash photolysis of a cGMP ester ("caged" cGMP), and (ii) membrane voltage jumps, which perturb activation of the channel by cGMP. In both methods the speed of activation increased with the final cGMP concentration. The results are explained by a simple kinetic model in which activation involves three sequential cGMP binding steps with bimolecular rate constants close to the diffusion-controlled limit; fully liganded channels undergo rapid open-closed transitions. Voltage perturbs activation by changing the rate constant for channel closing, which increases with hyperpolarization. Intramolecular transitions of the fully liganded channel limit the kinetics of activation at high cGMP concentrations (greater than 50 microM), whereas at physiological cGMP concentrations (less than 5 microM), the kinetics of activation are limited by the third cGMP binding step. The channel appears to be optimized for rapid responses to changes in cytoplasmic cGMP concentration.

Action Potentials↗

The cysteine-proximal aspartates in the Fx-binding niche of photosystem I. Effect of alanine and lysine replacements on photoautotrophic growth, electron transfer rates, single-turnover flash efficiency, and EPR spectral properties.

The FX electron acceptor in Photosystem I (PS I) is a highly electronegative (Em = -705 mV) interpolypeptide [4Fe-4S] cluster ligated by cysteines 556 and 565 on PsaB and cysteines 574 and 583 on PsaA in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. An aspartic acid is adjacent to each of these cysteines on PsaB and adjacent to the proline-proximal cysteine on PsaA. We investigated the effect of D566PsaB and D557PsaB on electron transfer through FX by changing each aspartate to the neutral alanine or to the positively charged lysine either singly (D566APsaB, D557APsaB, D566KPsaB, and D557KPsaB) or in pairs (D557APsaB/D566APsaB and D557KPsaB/D566APsaB). All mutants except for D557KPsaB/D566APsaB grew photoautotrophically, but the growth of D557KPsaB and D557APsaB/D566APsaB was impaired under low light. The doubling time was increased, and the chlorophyll content per cell was lower in D557KPsaB and D557APsaB/D566APsaB relative to the wild type and the other mutants. Nevertheless, the rates of NADP+ photoreduction in PS I complexes from all mutants were no less than 75% of that of the wild type. The kinetics of back-reaction of the electron acceptors on a single-turnover flash showed efficient electron transfer to the terminal acceptors FA and FB in PS I complexes from all mutants. The EPR spectrum of FX was identical to that in the wild type in all but the single and double D566APsaB mutants, where the high-field resonance was shifted downfield. We conclude that the impaired growth of some of the mutants is related to a reduced accumulation of PS I rather than to photosynthetic efficiency. The chemical nature and the charge of the amino acids adjacent to the cysteine ligands on PsaB do not appear to be significant factors in the efficiency of electron transfer through FX.

Alanine↗

Nitric oxide binding properties of neuroglobin. A characterization by EPR and flash photolysis.

Neuroglobin is a recently discovered member of the globin superfamily. Combined electron paramagnetic resonance and optical measurements show that, in Escherichia coli cell cultures with low O(2) concentration overexpressing wild-type mouse recombinant neuroglobin, the heme protein is mainly in a hexacoordinated deoxy ferrous form (F8His-Fe(2+)-E7His), whereby for a small fraction of the protein the endogenous protein ligand is replaced by NO. Analogous studies for mutated neuroglobin (mutation of E7-His to Leu, Val, or Gln) reveal the predominant presence of the nitrosyl ferrous form. After sonication of the cells wild-type neuroglobin oxidizes rapidly to the hexacoordinated ferric form, whereas NO ligation initially protects the mutants from oxidation. Flash photolysis studies of wild-type neuroglobin and its E7 mutants show high recombination rates (k(on)) and low dissociation rates (k(off)) for NO, indicating a high intrinsic affinity for this ligand similar to that of other hemoglobins. Since the rate-limiting step in ligand combination with the deoxy-hexacoordinated wild-type form involves the dissociation of the protein ligand, NO binding is slower than for the related mutants. Structural and kinetic characteristics of neuroglobin and its mutants are analyzed. NO production in rapidly growing E. coli cell cultures is discussed.

Animals↗

Ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase. Kinetics of electron transfer, transient intermediates, and catalytic activities studied by flash-absorption spectroscopy with isolated photosystem I and ferredoxin.

The electron transfer cascade from photosystem I to NADP+ was studied at physiological pH by flash-absorption spectroscopy in a Synechocystis PCC6803 reconstituted system comprised of purified photosystem I, ferredoxin, and ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase. Experiments were conducted with a 34-kDa ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase homologous to the chloroplast enzyme and a 38-kDa N-terminal extended form. Small differences in kinetic and catalytic properties were found for these two forms, although the largest one has a 3-fold decreased affinity for ferredoxin. The dissociation rate of reduced ferredoxin from photosystem I (800 s(-1)) and the redox potential of the first reduction of ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (-380 mV) were determined. In the absence of NADP+, differential absorption spectra support the existence of a high affinity complex between oxidized ferredoxin and semireduced ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase. An effective rate of 140-170 s(-1) was also measured for the second reduction of ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase, this process having a rate constant similar to that of the first reduction. In the presence of NADP+, the second-order rate constant for the first reduction of ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase was 20% slower than in its absence, in line with the existence of ternary complexes (ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase)-NADP+-ferredoxin. A single catalytic turnover was monitored, with 50% NADP+ being reduced in 8-10 ms using 1.6 microM photosystem I. In conditions of multiple turnover, we determined initial rates of 360-410 electrons per s and per ferredox-in-NADP+ reductase for the reoxidation of 3.5 microM photoreduced ferredoxin. Identical rates were found with photosystem I lacking the PsaE subunit and wild type photosystem I. This suggests that, in contrast with previous proposals, the PsaE subunit is not involved in NADP+ photoreduction.

Catalysis↗

Preoperative assessment of gastric cancer vascularity by flash echo imaging.

BACKGROUND: Tumor vascularity as indicated by immunohistochemical staining is a significant prognostic factor in gastric and other cancers. Non-invasive preoperative assessment of the vascularity of gastric cancers has not been possible. We aim to determine the reliability of harmonic flash echo imaging (FEI) for assessment of vascularity of gastric cancers by comparison with CD34 staining of resected specimens. METHODS: Twelve patients undergoing surgical resection of advanced gastric cancer were studied. An ultrasound system transmitting ultrasound pulses at 2.3 MHz and receiving them at 4.6 MHz (second harmonic image) was used for harmonic FEI. Approximately 30 s after intravenous injection of ultrasonic contrast medium (SHU 508A, Levovist), second harmonics (4.6 MHz) emitted from microbubbles were obtained to enhance the B-mode images. Using the tumor image showing strongest enhancement in each FEI series, regions of interest were determined to measure mean echo intensity in the tumor. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against CD34 was carried out in resected specimens. Tumor vascularity was determined by counting stained microvessels. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was noted between sonographic amplitude determined preoperatively by FEI analysis and number of CD34-stained microvessels in tumor specimens (r = 0.869, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Vascularity of gastric cancers now can be evaluated non-invasively by harmonic FEI.

Antigens, CD34↗

The application of flash visual evoked potentials during operations on the anterior visual pathways.

Flash visual evoked potentials (F-VEP's) have been recorded in fifteen patients (thirty eyes) with anterior visual pathway compression lesions before, during and after the operation in relation to clinical visual testing. A grading system for the wide variety of abnormal F-VEP's has been established, based on changes in forty patients (eighty eyes). No significant correlation between change in F-VEP and visual acuity or visual field has been demonstrated. Intraoperative F-VEP's have been found to be sensitive to halothane and to surgical manipulation of the optic nerve and/or chiasm during dissection of the tumour. The technique is considered a useful means of identifying the optic pathway during operation and may assist in prevention of optic damage if the transphenoidal approach is used.

Adult↗

Flash photolysis of misonidazole and metronidazole.

Laser flash photolysis at 355 nm of misonidazole or metronidazole in aqueous solutions produced the relatively long-lived nitro radical anion as the only observable transient species. When 266 nm excitation was used, a small yield of solvated electron was observed. It is suggested that the nitroimidazole first undergoes photoionization and the photoelectrons are scavenged by ground state nitroimidazole molecules to produce the nitro radical anion. Alternatively, added EDTA or carbonate ion acted as an electron donor to the excited state nitroimidazole molecule, thereby increasing the yield of nitro radical anion. The transient yield from metronidazole was about half that from misonidazole, while the phosphorescence intensity of metronidazole in an ethanol glass was about 20 times that of misonidazole. The misonidazole n, pi* triplet state is more easily reduced than that of metronidazole and, in the presence of an electron donor, the radical anion is postulated to result from electron transfer to the triplet state of the nitroimidazole.

Lasers↗

Tank atmosphere perturbation: a procedure for assessing flashing losses from oil storage tanks.

A new procedure to measure the total volume of emissions from heavy crude oil storage tanks is described. Tank flashing losses, which are difficult to measure, can be determined by correcting this value for working and breathing losses. The procedure uses a fan or blower to vent the headspace of the storage tank, with subsequent monitoring of the change in concentrations of oxygen or other gases. Combined with a separate determination of the reactive organic carbon (ROC) fraction in the gas, this method allows the evaluation of the total amount of ROC emitted. The operation of the system is described, and results from measurement of several storage tanks in California oil fields are presented. Our measurements are compared with those obtained using the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 150 method.

Air Pollutants↗

Bleomycin A2 and B2 purification by flash chromatography for chemical and biochemical studies.

The clinically used formulation of the anticancer antibiotic, Blenoxane, is a mixture of bleomycin congeners. A new approach to separating the major A2 and B2 congeners has been developed utilizing the flash chromatography technique. A 5-6-inch column of fine mesh silica gel with a solvent system of 1% ammonium formate:methanol (2:3) was used. Low air pressure was applied to the column to increase the flow rate such that separation was complete in approximately 20 min. Reverse phase size exclusion gravity chromatography with Sephadex G-15 column bedding was an effective, rapid procedure for removal of the 1% ammonium formate, the lowest percentage practical for separating the bleomycins. This separation approach does not damage the antibiotics, as demonstrated by NMR spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, and DNA cleaving activity. Although not as useful for detection of trace amounts of the drug in biological systems as some of the known HPLC methods, this method is excellent for separating large quantities of the drug (8-32 mg) in order to obtain congeners pure enough for synthetic, biochemical, and biophysical studies.

Bleomycin↗

T1-weighted cine FLASH is superior to IR imaging of post-infarction myocardial viability at 4.7T.

PURPOSE: Data are unavailable for rational selection of pulse sequences to assess postinfarction myocardial viability in rodents at high field strength. We implemented a widely used clinical inversion recovery (IR) sequence at 4.7T and compared the results to a heavily T1-weighted cine FLASH sequence (T1-CF) for assessment of infarction size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven infarcted rats were examined within 24 h of infarction after injection of Gadophrin-3 contrast agent. Images were acquired using both pulse sequences and a standard cine (SC) sequence. Estimates of infarct size were compared to TTC. Global LV function was compared between the T1-CF and SC sequences. RESULTS: SNR, relative SNR, and CNR for the infarcted and normal myocardium were significantly greater for the IR sequence. Infarction size was overestimated by both sequences, but correlated highly and showed very close agreement with TTC. Global function revealed no significant differences between T1-CF and SC. CONCLUSION: Both IR and T1-CF produced reliable results for assessment of infarction size at 4.7T. While the IR sequence delivers better overall SNR and CNR, the T1-CF allows concomitant assessment of global cardiac function with a much shorter acquisition time.

Animals↗