Restricted field of view magnetic resonance imaging of a dynamic time series.

A restricted field of view (rFOV) approach for imaging a dynamic time series of volumes of limited spatial extent within a larger subject is described. The shorter readout with rFOV-MRI can be exploited to either limit image artifacts or increase spatial resolution. To accomplish rFOV imaging of a multislice volume for a dynamic series, an outer volume suppression (OVS) preparation that saturates signal external to a cylinder through the subject is followed by slice-selective excitation and a spiral readout. The pass- and stopband efficiencies of the OVS in an agar gel phantom were 97% (+/-1.5%) and 3% (+/-1%), respectively. Profiles of the temporal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were measured in a phantom and an adult brain. The rFOV sequence reduced distortions from off-resonance signal and T2*-induced blurring compared to a conventional sequence. Sequence utility is demonstrated for high-resolution rFOV functional MRI (fMRI) in the visual cortex. The rFOV sequence may prove to be useful for other multislice dynamic and high-resolution imaging applications.     

钙池操纵的Ca2+通道的激活机制研究进展

钙池操纵的Ca~(2 )通道(store-operated Ca~(2 ) channels,SOC)是非兴奋细胞Ca~(2 )内流的主要通道之一,参与多种病理和生理过程,在钙信号通路的研究中,SOC的激活机制一直是人们关注的焦点之一,迄今为止,钙内流因子模型(Ca~(2 ) innux factor model,CIF model)和构象耦联模型fconformational coupling model)受到广泛关注.部分学者已经从很多不同类型的细胞中提取出CIF,并证实钙非依赖性的磷脂酶A_2(Ca~(2 )-independent phospholipase A_2,iPLA_2)作为CIF的底物,在某些类型细胞的SOC激活过程中发挥重要作用,并进一步提出了ER- CIF-iPLA_2-CaM-LysoPLs-SOC通路模型.瞬时受体电位(transient receptor potential,TRP)通道蛋白与1.4,5-磷酸肌醇受体(inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor,IP_3R)的结构连接作为构象耦联模型的基础已被广泛证实,随着对IP_3R,Ryanodine受体、肌动蛋白等在钙信号通路中所发挥作用的深入研究,构象耦联模型将得到不断补充和完善.SOC激活机制的破解,将对进一步完善非兴奋细胞的钙通道特性及其调节机制理论带来重大突破.     

Least-square conformal brain mapping with spring energy

The human brain cortex is a highly convoluted sheet. Mapping of the cortical surface into a canonical coordinate space is an important tool for the study of the structure and function of the brain. Here, we present a technique based on least-square conformal mapping with spring energy for the mapping of the cortical surface. This method aims to reduce the metric and area distortion while maintaining the conformal map and computation efficiency. We demonstrate through numerical results that this method effectively controls metric and area distortion, and is computational efficient. This technique is particularly useful for fast visualization of the brain cortex.     

The effect of image colour distortion on evaluation of donor liver suitability for transplantation

Some medical applications rely on the use of colour in the diagnostic process, even when poor colour reproduction can affect diagnosis. In this paper, we investigate the effect colour distortion can have on assessment of livers for possible transplantation. We compare the diagnostic effects for the likely colour shifts when illuminant and camera remain uncalibrated or when a monitor is incorrectly calibrated. We describe methods that can result in accurate reproduction of image colour on visual displays and determine whether accurate colour reproduction is necessary for effective liver assessment.     

Shb null allele is inherited with a transmission ratio distortion and causes reduced viability in utero.

SHB is an Src homology 2 domain-containing adapter protein that has been found to be involved in numerous cellular responses. We have generated an Shb knockout mouse. No Shb-/- pups or embryos were obtained on the C57Bl6 background, indicating an early defect as a consequence of Shb- gene inactivation on this genetic background. Breeding heterozygotes for Shb gene inactivation (Shb+/-) on a mixed genetic background (FVB/C57Bl6/129Sv) reveals a distorted transmission ratio of the null allele with reduced numbers of Shb+/+ and Shb-/- animals, but increased number of Shb+/- animals. The Shb- allele is associated with various forms of malformations, explaining the relative reduction in the number of Shb-/- offspring. Shb-/- animals that were born were viable, fertile, and showed no obvious defects. However, Shb+/- female mice ovulated preferentially Shb- oocytes explaining the reduced frequency of Shb+/+ mice. Our study suggests a role of SHB during reproduction and development.     

慢性肾功能衰竭患者畸变产物耳声发射分析

测定２１例（４２耳）慢性肾功能衰竭（ＣＲＦ）患者的畸变产物耳声发射（ＤＰＯＡＥ）。结果表明：ＣＲＦ患者的耳聋 为耳蜗性聋,表现为高频听力损失,ＤＰＯＡＥ检测可客观、快速地反映耳蜗的病变。且ＤＰＯＡＥ具有频率特异性,有助于对该病患者听力障碍的早期诊断。     

Transient decrease in sound tolerance levels following hearing deprivation in normal-hearing subjects

ObjectiveTo determine the circadian influence on sound sensitivity produced by temporal hearing deprivation in healthy normal human subjects.DesignParticipants underwent bilateral earplugging before completion of anthropometry, the author's developed questionnaire, the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Inventory, pure tone audiometry (PTA), stapedial reflex thresholds (SRT), distortion products otoacoustic emissions input/output (DPOAE-I/O), and uncomfortable loudness levels (ULLs). Afterward, the participants were randomly divided into group A, starting at 8:00 a.m. and finishing at 8:00 p.m., and group B, starting at 4:00 p.m. and ending at 4:00 a.m. Serum cortisol levels and audiological test results were obtained at the beginning and end of the session and 24-h free urinary cortisol levels were measured.Study sampleThirty healthy volunteers.ResultsPTA was 2.68 and 3.33 dB HL in groups A and B, respectively, with no statistical difference between them. ULLs were significantly lower in group A compared to group B, with an average of 8.1 dB SPL in group A and 3.3 dB SPL in group B (p < 0.0001). A SRT shift was observed in group A, with no difference in group B, and a night shift in DPOAE-I/O in group B.ConclusionsReduced loudness tolerance is demonstrated during daytime hearing deprivation in contrast to nighttime; this may be due to increased central gain in the awake cortex.