Explore the vast range of titles available.

Background Quantification of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) by transbulbar sonography is a promising non-invasive technique for the detection of altered intracranial pressure. In order to establish this method as follow-up tool in diseases with intracranial hyper- or hypotension scan-rescan reproducibility and accuracy need to be systematically investigated. Methods The right ONSD of 15 healthy volunteers (mean age 24.5 ± 0.8 years) were measured by both transbulbar sonography (9 – 3 MHz) and 3 Tesla MRI (half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo sequences, HASTE) 3 and 5 mm behind papilla. All volunteers underwent repeated ultrasound and MRI examinations in order to assess scan-rescan reproducibility and accuracy. Moreover, inter- and intra-observer variabilities were calculated for both techniques. Results Scan-rescan reproducibility was robust for ONSD quantification by sonography and MRI at both depths (r > 0.75, p ≤ 0.001, mean differences < 2%). Comparing ultrasound- and MRI-derived ONSD values, we found acceptable agreement between both methods for measurements at a depth of 3 mm (r = 0.72, p = 0.002, mean difference < 5%). Further analyses revealed good inter- and intra-observer reliability for sonographic measurements 3 mm behind the papilla and for MRI at 3 and 5 mm (r > 0.82, p < 0.001, mean differences < 5%). Conclusions Sonographic ONSD quantification 3 mm behind the papilla can be performed with good reproducibility, measurement accuracy and observer agreement. Thus, our findings emphasize the feasibility of this technique as a non-invasive bedside tool for longitudinal ONSD measurements.

Background Although MRI is a radiation-free imaging modality, it has historically been limited in lung imaging due to inherent technical restrictions. The aim of this study is to explore the performance of lung MRI in detecting solid and subsolid pulmonary nodules using T1 gradient-echo (GRE) (VIBE, Volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination), ultrashort time echo (UTE) and T2 Fast Spin Echo (HASTE, Half fourier Single-shot Turbo spin-Echo). Methods Patients underwent a lung MRI in a 3 T scanner as part of a prospective research project. A baseline Chest CT was obtained as part of their standard of care. Nodules were identified and measured on the baseline CT and categorized according to their density (solid and subsolid) and size (> 4 mm/ ≤ 4 mm). Nodules seen on the baseline CT were classified as present or absent on the different MRI sequences by two thoracic radiologists independently. Interobserver agreement was determined using the simple Kappa coefficient. Paired differences were compared using nonparametric Mann-Whitney U tests. The McNemar test was used to evaluate paired differences in nodule detection between MRI sequences. Results Thirty-six patients were prospectively enrolled. One hundred forty-nine nodules (100 solid/49 subsolid) with mean size 10.8 mm (SD = 9.4) were included in the analysis. There was substantial interobserver agreement (k = 0.7, p  = 0.05). Detection for all nodules, solid and subsolid nodules was respectively; UTE: 71.8%/71.0%/73.5%; VIBE: 61.6%/65%/55.1%; HASTE 72.4%/72.2%/72.7%. Detection rate was higher for nodules > 4 mm in all groups: UTE 90.2%/93.4%/85.4%, VIBE 78.4%/88.5%/63.4%, HASTE 89.4%/93.8%/83.8%. Detection of lesions ≤4 mm was low for all sequences. UTE and HASTE performed significantly better than VIBE for detection of all nodules and subsolid nodules (diff = 18.4 and 17.6%, p  = < 0.01 and p  = 0.03, respectively). There was no significant difference between UTE and HASTE. There were no significant differences amongst MRI sequences for solid nodules. Conclusions Lung MRI shows adequate performance for the detection of solid and subsolid pulmonary nodules larger than 4 mm and can serve as a promising radiation-free alternative to CT.

Objective This prospective study aimed to assess the feasibility of a half-Fourier single-shot turbo spin echo sequence (HASTE) with deep learning (DL) reconstruction for ultrafast imaging of the bladder with reduced susceptibility to motion artifacts. Methods 50 patients underwent pelvic T2w imaging at 3 Tesla using the following MR sequences in sagittal orientation without antiperistaltic premedication: T2-TSE (time of acquisition [TA]: 2.03–4.00 min), standard HASTE (TA: 0.65–1.10 min), and DL-HASTE (TA: 0.25–0.47 min), with a slice thickness of 3 mm and a varying number of slices (25–45). Three radiologists evaluated the image quality of the three sequences quantitatively and qualitatively. Results Overall image quality of DL-HASTE (average score: 5) was superior to HASTE and T2-TSE ( p  < .001). DL-HASTE provided the clearest bladder wall delineation, especially in the apical part of the bladder ( p  < .001). SNR (36.3 ± 6.3) and CNR (50.3 ± 19.7) were the highest on DL-HASTE, followed by T2-TSE (33.1 ± 6.3 and 44.3 ± 21.0, respectively; p  < .05) and HASTE (21.7 ± 5.4 and 35.8 ± 17.5, respectively; p  < .01). A limitation of DL-HASTE and HASTE was the susceptibility to urine flow artifact within the bladder, which was absent or only minimal on T2-TSE. Diagnostic confidence in assessment of the bladder was highest with the combination of DL-HASTE and T2-TSE ( p  < .05). Conclusion DL-HASTE allows for ultrafast imaging of the bladder with high image quality and is a promising addition to T2-TSE.

Purpose Evaluate the feasibility of fluorine-18 ( 18 F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with gastric cancer by optimizing the scan protocol and to compare the image quality to 18 F FDG PET and computed tomography (CT). Methods The PET/CT and PET/MR imaging were sequentially performed in 30 patients with gastric cancer diagnosed by gastroscope using a single-injection-with-dual-imaging protocol. After intravenous injection of 18 F-FDG (mean, 249 MBq), PET/CT imaging including low-dose CT was performed (mean uptake time, 47 ± 6 min), and PET/MR imaging including a T1-weighted Dixon sequence for attenuation correction and two different T2-weighted sequences was subsequently acquired (88 ± 15 min after 18 F-FDG injection). Four series of images (CT from PET/CT, T1W, T2W Half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo [T2W-HASTE] and T2W-BLADE from PET/MR) were visually evaluated using a 3–4 points scale for: (1) image artifacts, (2) lesion conspicuity and (3) image fusion quality. The characteristics of the primary lesions were assessed and compared between the PET/CT and PET/MR acquisitions. Results The image quality and lesion conspicuity of the T2W-HASTE images were significantly improved compared to that of the T2W-BLADE images. A significantly higher number of artifacts were seen in the T2W-HASTE images compared with the T1W and CT images ( p  < 0. 05). No differences in the accuracy of image fusion between PET/MR and PET/CT ( p  > 0. 05); however, significant difference was seen in the lesion conspicuity measurements ( p  < 0.05) with T2W-HASTE being superior. For information about the primary lesion characteristics, the T2W-HASTE images provided the most successful identifications compared with those of the T1W and PET/CT (13 vs 7 vs 5) images. Conclusions PET/MR with the T2W-HASTE was better at revealing the details of local stomach lesions compared with PET/CT imaging. Combining the PET/MR with the T2W-HASTE technique is a promising imaging method for diagnosing and staging gastric cancer.

Despite the key role played by Alma Schindler Mahler-Werfel (1879–1964) in the preservation of her husband Gustav’s compositions and biography, she has often been viewed as having deliberately distorted his legacy. As sometimes happens to the widows of accomplished men, Alma’s capacity for sound judgment and right to control her image have been challenged by her husband’s devotees. This article considers Alma’s situation in terms of the #MeToo movement’s demand for the reevaluation of sexual politics between powerful men and younger women. Fundamental to this reconsideration is the imperative to listen to what individuals say about their experiences. Alma was nearly twenty years Gustav’s junior and pregnant when their marriage was hastily arranged. I explore key elements in their relationship, such as the devastating letter in which Gustav forbade her to compose, in terms of new conceptualizations of gaslighting, grooming, consent, character assessment, and believability articulated by the #MeToo movement. This theoretical foundation grounds extensive critique of both the conventions of fin-de-siècle Vienna and the chauvinism of late twentieth-century scholars. I conclude by briefly proposing an alternative perspective on Alma’s musical contributions based on her writings, compositions, and editorial, organizational, and curatorial activities. The revision of assumptions about one of Europe’s most famous musical couples has gained urgency since #MeToo began to articulate a new perspective on gender relations and artistic aspirations founded on social justice.

Laser cutting process is well suitable process for the cutting applications of high strength temperature resistant alloys, that are very difficult to cut with conventional process. Moreover, the lasers are widely using now-a-days for variety of cutting operations in many varieties of industries. Because of its complex nature of its operation, it is not easy to control so as to get the desired quality of cut in case of laser beam cutting process. This necessitates the importance of research to be carried out on the various processes i.e cutting, drilling, and welding etc by using the laser apparatus. The research mainly concentrated on the conduction of experiments i.e the cutting operation on Haste alloy C276 with CO2 laser beam. Total 31 trails are done using the CO2 laser beam apparatus. Laser power, speed, gas pressure and focal distance were the parameters chosen to vary. The outputs measured are surface roughness and the burr height which are direct measure to the quality of the cut surfaces. Two dimensional plots are plotted and analyzed the reasons for the increase or decrease of output with either the increase or decrease of input process parameters. Also, 3D plots are plotted to know the interactions.

Objective To evaluate the image quality of two fast dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences: True fast imaging with steady state precession (TrueFisp) was compared with half-Fourier acquired single turbo-spin-echo (HASTE) sequence for the characterization of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in repaired cleft palate patients. Methods Twenty-two patients (10 female and 12 male; mean age, 17.7 ± 10.6 years; range, 9–31) with suspected VPI underwent 3-T MRI using TrueFisp and HASTE sequences. Imaging was performed in the sagittal plane at rest and during phonation of “ee” and “k” to assess the velum, tongue, posterior pharyngeal wall and a potential VP closure. The results were analysed independently by one radiologist and one orthodontist. Results HASTE performed better than TrueFisp for all evaluated items, except the tongue evaluation by the orthodontist during phonation of “k” and “ee”. A statistically significant difference in favour of HASTE was observed in assessing the velum at rest and during phonation of “k” and “ee”, and also in assessing VP closure in both raters ( p  < 0.05). TrueFisp imaging was twice as fast as HASTE (0.36 vs. 0.75 s/image). Conclusion Dynamic HASTE images were of superior quality to those obtained with TrueFisp, although TrueFisp imaging was twice as fast. Key Points • Dynamic MRI is an invaluable tool for diagnosing VPI. • Dynamic HASTE images were of superior quality to those obtained with TrueFisp. • TrueFisp imaging was twice as fast as HASTE imaging.

Bright-blood and black-blood cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques are frequently employed together during a clinical exam because of their complementary features. While valuable, existing black-blood CMR approaches are flow dependent and prone to failure. We aim to assess the effectiveness and reliability of ferumoxytol enhanced (FE) Half-Fourier Single-shot Turbo Spin-echo (HASTE) imaging without magnetization preparation pulses to yield uniform intra-luminal blood signal suppression by comparing FE-HASTE with pre-ferumoxytol HASTE imaging. This study was IRB-approved and HIPAA compliant. Consecutive patients who were referred for FE-CMR between June 2013 and February 2017 were enrolled. Qualitative image scores reflecting the degree and reliability of blood signal suppression were based on a 3-point Likert scale, with 3 reflecting perfect suppression. For quantitative evaluation, homogeneity indices (defined as standard deviation of the left atrial signal intensity) and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) for vascular lumens and cardiac chambers were measured. Of the 340 unique patients who underwent FE-CMR, HASTE was performed in 257. Ninety-three patients had both pre-ferumoxytol HASTE and FE-HASTE, and were included in this analysis. Qualitative image scores reflecting the degree and reliability of blood signal suppression were significantly higher for FE-HASTE images (2.9 [IQR 2.8–3.0] vs 1.8 [IQR 1.6–2.1], p < 0.001). Inter-reader agreement was moderate (k = 0.50, 95% CI 0.45–0.55). Blood signal suppression was more complete on FE-HASTE images than on pre-ferumoxytol HASTE, as indicated by lower mean homogeneity indices (24.5 [IQR 18.0–32.8] vs 108.0 [IQR 65.0–170.4], p < 0.001) and lower blood pool SNR for all regions (5.6 [IQR 3.2–10.0] vs 21.5 [IQR 12.5–39.4], p < 0.001). FE-HASTE black-blood imaging offers an effective, reliable, and simple approach for flow independent blood signal suppression. The technique holds promise as a fast and routine complement to bright-blood cardiovascular imaging with ferumoxytol.

Purpose To compare the performance of non-contrast MRI with half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) vs. contrast-enhanced MRI/3D-MRCP for assessment of suspected choledocholithiasis in hospitalized patients. Methods and Materials 123 contrast-enhanced abdominal MRI/MRCP scans in the hospital setting for possible choledocholithiasis were retrospectively evaluated. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, intraoperative cholangiogram or documented clinical resolution served as the reference standard. Readers first evaluated the biliary tree using coronal and axial HASTE and other non-contrast sequences, and later reviewed the entire exam with post-contrast sequences and 3D-MRCP. Test performance for the image sets was compared for choledocholithiasis, acute hepatitis, cholangitis, and acute cholecystitis. Reader agreement, MRCP image quality, and confidence levels were also assessed. Clinical predictors of age and fever were tested for association with perceived need for contrast in biliary assessment. Results There were 27 cases of choledocholithiasis, 31 cases of acute hepatitis, 37 cases of acute cholecystitis, and 3 clinically diagnosed cases of acute cholangitis. Both the abbreviated and full contrast-enhanced/MRCP image sets resulted in high accuracy for choledocholithiasis (91.1–94.3% vs. 91.9–92.7%). There was no difference in sensitivity or specificity for either reader for any diagnosis between image sets ( p  > 0.40). 1 reader showed improved confidence ( p  < 0.001) with inclusion of MRCP and contrast-enhanced images, but neither confidence nor MRCP quality scores were associated with diagnostic accuracy. Patient age and fever did not predict the need for contrast-enhanced images. Conclusion In hospitalized patients with suspected choledocholithiasis, performance of non-contrast abdominal MRI with HASTE is similar to contrast-enhanced MRI with 3D-MRCP, offering potential for decreased scanning time and improved patient tolerability.