Overcoming the resistant to change - is there a strategy that could bring all the different stakeholders to combine and align efforts?

PurposeMR acoustic radiation force imaging (MR‐ARFI) provides a method to visualize the focal spot of a focused ultrasound (FUS) beam without introducing a significant temperature rise. With conventional spoiled MR‐ARFI pulse sequences, the ARFI phase always equals the motion‐encoded phase. In this work, MR‐ARFI using transition band balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) is presented, which improves the sensitivity of MR‐ARFI with high acquisition speed.Theory and MethodsMotion‐encoding gradients (MEG) are inserted into bSSFP sequences for MR‐ARFI. By applying an ultrasound pulse during the MEG, motion‐encoded phase is generated, which leads to an amplified change in the image phase when operating in the bSSFP transition band. MR‐ARFI was performed on a homemade gel phantom using both the proposed technique and a spoiled gradient echo ARFI sequence with identical MEG and FUS, and ARFI images were compared.ResultsThe bSSFP‐ARFI sequence generated an ARFI image phase that is more than 5 times larger than the motion‐encoded phase in a few seconds with 2DFT readout. By keeping FUS pulses as short as 1.45 ms, temperature rise was insignificant during the measurement.ConclusionbSSFP‐ARFI has enhanced sensitivity compared with conventional MR‐ARFI pulse sequences and could provide an efficient way to visualize the focal spot. Magn Reson Med 79:1532–1537, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

MR thermometry is critical for safe and effective transcranial focused ultrasound. The current single‐slice MR thermometry sequence cannot achieve all desired treatment monitoring requirements. We propose an approach in which the imaging requirements of different aspects of treatment monitoring are met by optimizing multiple sequences.

Conversely to the continuous wave indirect time-of-flight (CW-iToF) imaging scheme, pulsed modulation ToF (PM-iToF) imaging is a promising depth measurement technique for operation at high ambient illumination. It is known that non-linearity and finite charge-transfer speed impact trueness and precision of ToF systems.(1-3) As pulses are no Eigenfunctions to the shutter system, this issue is especially pronounced in pulsed modulation.(2,3) Despite these effects, it is possible to find analytical expressions founded on physical observations that map scenery parameters such as depth information, reflectance and ambient light level to sensor output.(3,4) In the application, the inverse of this map has to be evaluated. In PM-iToF, an inverse function cannot be yielded in a direct manner, as models proposed in the literature were transcendental.(3,4) For a limited range an approximating linearization can be performed to yield depth information.(5) To extend the usable range, recently, an alternative approach that indirectly approximates the inverse function was presented.(6) This method was founded on ID doping concentration profiles, which, however, are typically not made available to end users. Also, limitations of the ID approximation as well as stability are yet to be explored. This work presents a calibration methodology that copes with detector insufficiencies such as finite charge transfer speed. Contrarily to the state of the art, no prior knowledge on details of the underlying devices is required. The work covers measurement setup, a benchmark of various calibration schemes and deals with issues such as overfitting or defect pixels.

PurposeLow‐bandwidth PRF shift thermometry is used to guide HIFU ablation treatments. Low sampling bandwidth is needed for high signal‐to‐noise ratio with short acquisition times, but can lead to off‐resonance artifacts. In this work, improved multiple‐echo thermometry is presented that allows for high bandwidth and reduced artifacts. It is also demonstrated with spiral sampling, to improve the trade‐off between resolution, speed, and measurement precision.MethodsFour multiple‐echo thermometry sequences were tested in vivo, one using two‐dimensional Fourier transform (2DFT) sampling and three using spirals. The spiral sequences were individually optimized for resolution, for speed, and for precision. Multifrequency reconstruction was used to correct for off‐resonance spiral artifacts. Additionally, two different multiecho temperature reconstructions were compared.ResultsWeighted combination of per‐echo phase differences gave significantly better precision than least squares off‐resonance estimation. Multiple‐echo 2DFT sequence obtained precision similar to single‐echo 2DFT, while greatly increasing sampling bandwidth. The multiecho spiral acquisitions achieved 2× better resolution, 2.9× better uncertainty, or 3.4× faster acquisition time, without negatively impacting the other two design parameters as compared to single‐echo 2DFT.ConclusionMultiecho spiral thermometry greatly improves the capabilities of temperature monitoring, and could improve transcranial treatment monitoring capabilities. Magn Reson Med 76:747–756, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

OBJECTIVE:Behavioral inhibition (BI) is an early developing trait associated with cautiousness and development of clinical depression and anxiety. Little is known about the neural basis of BI and its predictive importance concerning risk for internalizing disorders. We looked at functional connectivity of the default-mode network (DMN) and salience network (SN), given their respective roles in self-relational and threat processing, in the risk for internalizing disorders, with an emphasis on determining the functional significance of these networks for BI. METHOD:We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to scan, during the resting state, children and adolescents 8 to 17 years of age who were either at high familial risk (HR; n = 16) or low familial risk (LR; n = 18) for developing clinical depression and/or anxiety. Whole-brain DMN and SN functional connectivity were estimated for each participant and compared across groups. We also compared the LR and HR groups on levels of BI and anxiety, and incorporated these data into follow-up neurobehavioral correlation analyses. RESULTS:The HR group, relative to the LR group, showed significantly decreased DMN connectivity with the ventral striatum and bilateral sensorimotor cortices. Within the HR group, trait BI increased as DMN connectivity with the ventral striatum and sensorimotor cortex decreased. The HR and LR groups did not differ with respect to SN connectivity. CONCLUSION:Our findings show, in the risk for internalizing disorders, a negative functional relation between brain regions supporting self-relational processes and reward prediction. These findings represent a potential neural substrate for behavioral inhibition in the risk for clinical depression and anxiety.

PURPOSE:Evaluate whether a decrease in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), associated with loss of tissue viability (LOTV), can be observed during the course of thermal ablation of the prostate.METHODS:Thermal ablation was performed in a healthy in vivo canine prostate model (N = 2, ages: 5 yr healthy, mixed breed, weights: 13-14 kg) using a transurethral high-intensity ultrasound catheter and was monitored using a strategy that interleaves diffusion weighted images and gradient-echo images. The two sequences were used to measure ADC and changes in temperature during the treatment. Changes in temperature were used to compute expected changes in ADC. The difference between expected and measured ADC, ADCDIFF, was analyzed in regions ranging from moderate hyperthermia to heat fixation. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to select a threshold of detection of LOTV. Time of threshold activation, tLOTV, was compared with time to reach CEM43 = 240, tDOSE.RESULTS:The observed relationship between temperature and ADC in vivo (2.2%/ °C, 1.94%-2.47%/ °C 95% confidence interval) was not significantly different than the previously reported value of 2.4%/ °C in phantom. ADCDIFF changes after correction for temperature showed a mean decrease of 25% in ADC 60 min post-treatment in regions where sufficient thermal dose (CEM43 > 240) was achieved. Following our ROC analysis, a threshold of 2.25% decrease in ADCDIFF for three consecutive time points was chosen as an indicator of LOTV. The ADCDIFF was found to decrease quickly (1-2 min) after reaching CEM43 = 240 in regions associated with heat fixation and more slowly (10-20 min) in regions that received slower heating.CONCLUSIONS:Simultaneous monitoring of ADC and temperature during treatment might allow for a more complete tissue viability assessment of ablative thermal treatments in the prostate. ADCDIFF decreases during the course of treatment may be interpreted as loss of tissue viability.

MR temperature monitoring is an indispensable tool for high intensity focused ultrasound. In this paper, a new technique known as MASTER (multiple adjacent slice thermometry with excitation refocusing) is presented which improves the speed and accuracy of multiple-slice MR thermometry. Defocusing the magnetization after exciting a slice allows for multiple slices to be excited concurrently and stored in k-space. The magnetization from each excitation is then refocused and read in sequence. This approach increases TE for each slice, greatly improving temperature SNR as compared to conventional slice interleaving. Gradient sequence design optimization is required to minimize diffusion losses while maintaining high sequence efficiency. Flexibility in selecting position, update rate, accuracy, and voxel size for each slice independently allows for freedom in design to fit different application needs. Results are shown in phantom and in vivo validating the feasibility of the sequence, and comparing it to interleaved GRE. Sample design curves are presented that contrast the MASTER design space with that of interleaved GRE thermometry.

Purpose: PRF shift thermometry is widely accepted as an effective method for temperature monitoring during MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatments. The Hybrid Mulit-baseline/Referenceless Algorithm (Hybrid MB+R) produces improved temperature estimation compared to single baseline PRF methods [1]. The multi-baseline portion [2] of the Hybrid algorithm requires some number of pre-treatment images to reduce motion artifacts. A previous study used retrospective analysis to give a general recommendation for baseline library size for brain applications, but the results varied across 3 volunteers [3]. The purpose of this study was to present a simple, real-time algorithm for determining when a sufficient baseline library size has been obtained before treatment for use in clinical applications.

Noise in fMRI recordings creates uncertainty when mapping functional networks in the brain. Non-neural physiological processes can introduce correlated noise across much of the brain, altering the apparent strength and extent of intrinsic networks. In this work, a new data-driven noise correction, termed "APPLECOR" (for Affine Parameterization of Physiological Large-scale Error Correction), is introduced. APPLECOR models spatially-common physiological noise as the linear combination of an additive term and a mean-dependent multiplicative term, and then estimates and removes these components. APPLECOR is shown to achieve greater consistency of the default mode network across time and across subjects than was achieved using global mean regression, respiratory volume and heart rate correction (RVHRCOR (Chang et al., 2009)), or no correction. Combining APPLECOR with RVHRCOR regressors attained greater consistency than either correction alone. Use of the proposed noise-reduction approach may help to better identify and delineate the structure of resting state networks.

PURPOSE To study the phase aberrations produced by human skulls during transcranial magnetic resonance imaging guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS), to demonstrate the potential of Zernike polynomials (ZPs) to accelerate the adaptive focusing process, and to investigate the benefits of using phase corrections obtained in previous studies to provide the initial guess for correction of a new data set. METHODS The five phase aberration data sets, analyzed here, were calculated based on preoperative computerized tomography (CT) images of the head obtained during previous transcranial MRgFUS treatments performed using a clinical prototype hemispherical transducer. The noniterative adaptive focusing algorithm [Larrat et al., "MR-guided adaptive focusing of ultrasound," IEEE Trans. Ultrason. Ferroelectr. Freq. Control 57(8), 1734-1747 (2010)] was modified by replacing Hadamard encoding with Zernike encoding. The algorithm was tested in simulations to correct the patients' phase aberrations. MR acoustic radiation force imaging (MR-ARFI) was used to visualize the effect of the phase aberration correction on the focusing of a hemispherical transducer. In addition, two methods for constructing initial phase correction estimate based on previous patient's data were investigated. The benefits of the initial estimates in the Zernike-based algorithm were analyzed by measuring their effect on the ultrasound intensity at the focus and on the number of ZP modes necessary to achieve 90% of the intensity of the nonaberrated case. RESULTS Covariance of the pairs of the phase aberrations data sets showed high correlation between aberration data of several patients and suggested that subgroups can be based on level of correlation. Simulation of the Zernike-based algorithm demonstrated the overall greater correction effectiveness of the low modes of ZPs. The focal intensity achieves 90% of nonaberrated intensity using fewer than 170 modes of ZPs. The initial estimates based on using the average of the phase aberration data from the individual subgroups of subjects was shown to increase the intensity at the focal spot for the five subjects. CONCLUSIONS The application of ZPs to phase aberration correction was shown to be beneficial for adaptive focusing of transcranial ultrasound. The skull-based phase aberrations were found to be well approximated by the number of ZP modes representing only a fraction of the number of elements in the hemispherical transducer. Implementing the initial phase aberration estimate together with Zernike-based algorithm can be used to improve the robustness and can potentially greatly increase the viability of MR-ARFI-based focusing for a clinical transcranial MRgFUS therapy.

AIM:The pharmacokinetic profiles of the two commercially available transdermal fentanyl patches Matrifen (100 microg/h) and Durogesic DTrans (100 microg/h), used to manage severe chronic pain, were compared regarding their systemic exposure, rate of absorption, and safety. METHODS:Transdermal matrix fentanyl patches [Matrifen or Durogesic DTrans (100 microg/h)] were applied for 72 h to 30 healthy male subjects in a randomized, four-period (two replicated treatment sequences), crossover study; 28 subjects completed the study. The pharmacokinetic parameters of fentanyl were determined for 144 h after application using plasma samples. Safety of the patches (adverse events) and performance (adhesion, skin irritation, residual fentanyl content in the patch) were evaluated. RESULTS:The plasma concentration-time curves of Matrifen (Test) and Durogesic DTrans (Reference) were similar. The geometric least square means of the Test/Reference ratio (90% confidence intervals [CI]) were within the range of 80-125%, demonstrating bioequivalence of Matrifen and Durogesic DTrans: AUC(0-tlast) 92.5 (CI 88.7-96.4), AUC(0-inf) 91.7 (CI 88.0-95.7), and C(max) 98.3 (CI 92.9-104.1). After 72 h application, Matrifen had a more efficient utilization of fentanyl (mean+/-SD 82.3+/-9.43%) than Durogesic DTrans (52.3+/-12.8%), with substantially lower residual fentanyl in patch after use. The pharmacokinetic parameters showed lower intra- and inter-subject variability for Matrifen than for Durogesic DTrans patch. CONCLUSIONS:Despite different technologies, the transdermal fentanyl patches Matrifen and Durogesic DTrans are bioequivalent. Compared with Durogesic DTrans, the Matrifen patch had lower initial and lower residual fentanyl content, as well as lower intra- and inter-subject variability, allowing reproducible drug delivery and reliable analgesia.

The idea of monitoring atmospheric events using radio waves has been implemented in the past. The concept has also been employed to detect meteors, that is, ionized trails created by meteors. The approach exploits the property of ionized trails to reflect radio waves and the use of bistatic radar and forward scattering. In this paper we present a setup of a data acquisition (DAQ) system based on software defined radio. We provide results of processed signals obtained by our system. In a similar way, the concept may be extended to detect ultra high energy cosmic rays. We discuss the challenges in upgrading the system for meeting the latter objective.

This paper reports on the creative educational and research program of MARIACHI (Mixed Apparatus for Radar Investigation of Cosmic-rays of High Ionization) at Stony Brook University, a unique endeavor that detects and studies atmospheric phenomena (lighting, meteors, or cosmic rays) by using a novel detection technique based on radar-like technology and traditional scintillator ground detectors. During the past and current academic year, our program has been effectively modernized and streamlined in both research and educational aspects with the implementation of mobile technologies by the use of TabletPCs and wireless data collection systems as well as emerging cyberinfrastructure based on dynamic services as wiki, blog, and Internet-based video conferencing.

European Journal of PainVolume 13, Issue S1 p. S208b-S208 723 THE TRANSDERMAL FENTANYL PATCHES MATRIFEN AND DUROGESIC SMAT ARE BIOEQUIVALENT T. Wagner, T. Wagner Nycomed GmbH, Konstanz, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorH. Boss, H. Boss Nycomed GmbH, Konstanz, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorT. Delvin, T. Delvin Nycomed, Roskilde, DenmarkSearch for more papers by this authorG. Lahu, G. Lahu Nycomed GmbH, Konstanz, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorM. Marx, M. Marx Clin Pharm Cologne MEDA Manufacturing GmbH, Cologne, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorH. Dietrich, H. Dietrich Clin Pharm Cologne MEDA Manufacturing GmbH, Cologne, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorS. Skorjanec, S. Skorjanec Nycomed GmbH, Konstanz, GermanySearch for more papers by this author T. Wagner, T. Wagner Nycomed GmbH, Konstanz, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorH. Boss, H. Boss Nycomed GmbH, Konstanz, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorT. Delvin, T. Delvin Nycomed, Roskilde, DenmarkSearch for more papers by this authorG. Lahu, G. Lahu Nycomed GmbH, Konstanz, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorM. Marx, M. Marx Clin Pharm Cologne MEDA Manufacturing GmbH, Cologne, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorH. Dietrich, H. Dietrich Clin Pharm Cologne MEDA Manufacturing GmbH, Cologne, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorS. Skorjanec, S. Skorjanec Nycomed GmbH, Konstanz, GermanySearch for more papers by this author First published: 12 January 2012 https://doi.org/10.1016/S1090-3801(09)60726-6Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. References [1] Tassinari D, et al. J Palliat Med. 2008 Apr; 11(3): 492–501. 10.1089/jpm.2007.0200 PubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar Volume13, IssueS1September 2009Pages S208b-S208 ReferencesRelatedInformation

This paper reports on the latest efforts of the MARIACHI1 program at Stony Brook University, a unique endeavor that detects and studies ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. This is done by using a novel detection technique based on radar-like technology and traditional scintillator ground detectors. Using the phenomena of cosmic rays and meteors as vehicles to motivate research and educational activities, innovative hands-on modules in physics, engineering and cyberinfrastructure based on a learning by doing philosophy are offered to high school teachers and students. Participants at all levels are engaged in research projects, seminars, and workshops, where they will learn to use tools needed in MARIACHI by means of mobile technology.

MARIACHI is a unique endeavor that integrates research at the frontier of our knowledge of the universe, with a broad program of training, education, advancement, and mentoring. Its scientific goal is to detect ultra-high-energy cosmic rays whose origin may provide insight into the evolution of the universe. The detection technique is novel and is based on radar-like technology (where signal processing plays a crucial role) and traditional scintillator ground detectors. The wide educational program flows from the research concept and involves students at all levels (high-school, undergraduate and graduate) working with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers and educators.

We propose a novel RF-based technique for pedestrian detection and localization. The approach involves a passive antenna array receiver at the vehicle side and a lowpower transmitter attached to the pedestrian. With the help of high-resolution direction finding techniques, angle-of-arrival (AOA) of the transmitter is detected by the device in the vehicle. The pedestrian location is determined by a simple triangulation based on the detected AOAs at two subsequent locations along the vehicle moving direction. The proposed method is an extension of the traditional sensor-based pedestrian detection systems such as radar and lidar. It can be incorporated with other sensor-based techniques to improve the overall performance of pedestrian detection in the traffic.

This study examined premarital sexual behavior among urban youths in Guinea. Data were obtained from interviews among 3603 15-24 year old males and females from 3 towns (Faranah Kissidougou and Gueckedou) in Guinea. The stratified cluster sample included 2114 primary and secondary school youths and 1489 out-of-school youths (OSYs) (apprentices and informal sector workers). Focus groups were conducted among 25 same-sex groups comprising 192 persons. 76% were aged 15-19 years of age. 42% were female. 46% belonged to the Malinke ethnic group. 50% of females and 76% of males were sexually experienced. The mean age of first intercourse was 16.3 years for females and 15.6 years for males. Students had a significantly later mean age at first sexual intercourse than OSYs. Sexually active young men had a greater mean lifetime number of sexual partners (4.0) than women (2.1). Female students had fewer partners than female OSYs. 42% of females and 44% of males did not have coitus in the previous month. 45% of females and 51% of males had sex 1-3 times. Youths preferred periodic sexual experiences. Youths reported a pressure from peers and partners to have sex. Sexually active women tended to have older partners. Only about 25% knew first coitus could result in pregnancy. 11% could not distinguish effective from ineffective contraception. 29% reported use of condoms 20% relied on the calendar method and 14% relied on the pill. 53% had never used any method. Nonuse was higher among OSYs. 25% reported having been pregnant. 8% reported having made a partner pregnant.