https://easyspin.org/pubs/easyspin_jmr06.pdf

EasySpin, a comprehensive software package for spectral simulation and analysis in EPR.

Polydopamine and Its Derivative Materials: Synthesis and Promising Applications in Energy, Environmental, and Biomedical Fields

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is currently the mainstay of neuroimaging in cognitive neuroscience. Advances in scanner technology, image acquisition protocols, experimental design, and analysis methods promise to push forward fMRI from mere cartography to the true study of brain organization. However, fundamental questions concerning the interpretation of fMRI data abound, as the conclusions drawn often ignore the actual limitations of the methodology. Here I give an overview of the current state of fMRI, and draw on neuroimaging and physiological data to present the current understanding of the haemodynamic signals and the constraints they impose on neuroimaging data interpretation.

What we can do and what we cannot do with fMRI

We describe methods for simultaneously acquiring and subsequently combining data from a multitude of closely positioned NMR receiving coils. The approach is conceptually similar to phased array radar and ultrasound and hence we call our techniques the “NMR phased array.” The NMR phased array offers the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and resolution of a small surface coil over fields-of-view (FOV) normally associated with body imaging with no increase in imaging time. The NMR phased array can be applied to both imaging and spectroscopy for all pulse sequences. The problematic interactions among nearby surface coils is eliminated (a) by overlapping adjacent coils to give zero mutual inductance, hence zero interaction, and (b) by attaching low input impedance preamplifiers to all coils, thus eliminating interference among next nearest and more distant neighbors. We derive an algorithm for combining the data from the phased array elements to yield an image with optimum SNR. Other techniques which are easier to implement at the cost of lower SNR are explored. Phased array imaging is demonstrated with high resolution (512 × 512, 48-cm FOV, and 32-cm FOV) spin-echo images of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Data were acquired from four-element linear spine arrays, the first made of 12-cm square coils and the second made of 8-cm square coils. When compared with images from a single 15 × 30-cm rectangular coil and identical imaging parameters, the phased array yields a 2X and 3X higher SNR at the depth of the spine ( ∼ 7 cm). © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.

The NMR phased array.

Introduction Fundamentals of biochemical modeling Balance equations Rate laws Generalized mass-action kinetics Various enzyme kinetic rate laws Thermodynamic flow-force relationships Power-law approximation Steady states of biochemical networks General considerations Stable and unstable steady states Multiple steady states Metabolic oscillations Background Mathematical conditions for oscillations Glycolytic oscillations Models of intracellular calcium oscillations A simple three-variable model with only monomolecular and bimolecular reactions Possible physiological significance of oscillations Stoichiometric analysis Conservation relations Linear dependencies between the rows of the stoichiometry matrix Non-negative flux vectors Elementary flux modes Thermodynamic aspects A generalized Wegscheider condition Strictly detailed balanced subnetworks Onsager's reciprocity reactions for coupled enyme reactions Time hierarchy in metabolism Time constants The quasi-steady-state approximation The Rapid equilibrium approximation Modal analysis Metabolic control analysis Basic definitions A systematic approach Theorems of metabolic control analysis Summation theorems Connectivity theorems Calculation of control coefficients using the theorems Geometrical interpretation Control analysis of various systems General remarks Elasticity coefficients for specific rate laws Control coefficients for simple hypothetical pathways Unbranched chains A branched system Control of erythrocyte energy metabolism The reaction system Basic model Interplay of ATP production and ATP consumption Glycolytic energy metabolism and osmotic states A simple model of oxidative phosphorylation A three-step model of serine biosynthesis Time-dependent control coefficients Are control coefficients always parameter independent? Posing the problem A system without conserved moieties A system with a conserved moiety A system including dynamic channeling Normalized versus non-normalized coefficients Analysis in terms of variables other than steady-state concentrations and fluxes General analysis Concentration ratios and free-energy-differences as state variables Entropy production as response variable Control of transient times Control of oscillations A second-order approach A quantitative approach to metabolic regulations Co-response coefficients Fluctuations of internal variables versus parameter perturbations Internal response coefficients Rephrasing the basic equations of metabolic control analysis in terms of co-response coefficients and internal response coefficients Control within and between subsystems Modular approach Overall elasticities Overall control coefficients Flux control insusceptibility Control exerted by elementary steps in enzyme catalysis Control analysis of metabolic channeling Comparison of metabolic control analysis and power-law formalism Computational aspects Application of optimization methods and the interrelation with evolution Optimization of the catalytic properties of single enzymes Basic assumptions Optimal values of elementary rate constants Optimal Michaelis constants Optimization of multienzyme systems Maximization of steady-state flux Influence of osmotic constraints and minimization of intermediate concentrations Minimization of transient times Optimal stoichiometries.

The Regulation of Cellular Systems

The loop-gap resonator: a new microwave lumped circuit ESR sample structure

Linewidths of the mI=−3/2 and −1/2 hyperfine lines in the g‐parallel region of several square‐planar copper complexes with oxygen ligands in frozen solutions have been measured at 2.6, 3.8, and 8.9 GHz. A theory has been developed in terms of distributions of molecular bonding parameters that satisfactorily accounts for the observed dependence of linewidths on mI and the microwave frequency. It has been found that distributions of the bonding parameters are strongly correlated, indicating that copper complexes when subjected to strains during freezing distort in a well‐defined, predictable manner. It is found that the mI=−3/2 line generally is narrowest near 6 GHz and the mI=−1/2 line near 2 GHz. By proper selection of the microwave frequency, improved spectral resolution can be obtained. Complexes with nitrogen ligands also have been examined. Proper selection of microwave frequency often permits observation of superhyperfine structure, and even when it cannot be seen, analysis of the linewidth variation...

Broadening by strains of lines in the g‐parallel region of Cu2+ EPR spectra

MR imaging was performed through the carpal tunnel in 18 wrists of nine normal volunteers and compared with cryomicrotome sections from cadaver wrists. MR reliably imaged the flexor retinaculum and carpal bones and thus defined the borders of the carpal tunnel. In all cases the median nerve was seen as an ovoid structure of moderate signal intensity and was easily distinguished from the flexor tendons of the hands running in the carpal tunnel. The tendons were separated from each other by their tendon sheaths, and this allowed for identification of the various tendons. Anatomic variations encountered in the normal volunteers included anomalous positioning of the origin of the lumbrical muscles within the carpal tunnel in two, persistent median arteries in two, and interposition of the median nerve between the flexor pollicis longus and the superficial flexor tendon to the index finger in one. Preliminary observations in 10 wrists of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome include segmental and diffuse swelling of the median nerve in six, distortion of the nerve in one, and thickening of the tendon sheaths in one. We conclude that MR imaging accurately and reliably displays the normal anatomy of the carpal tunnel and can detect morphologic changes in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

https://www.ajronline.org/doi/pdfplus/10.2214/ajr.148.2.307

MR imaging of the carpal tunnel: normal anatomy and preliminary findings in the carpal tunnel syndrome

A continuous and stopped flow EPR spectrometer based on a new loop gap resonator operating at X band is described. The important features of the instrument are: (1) very small amounts of material are consumed in both stopped and continuous flow modes of operation, (2) dead times on the order of 4 ms for stopped flow and 1 ms for continuous flow are realized with a very narrow age distribution in the sample compartment, and (3) the dead times and, hence, sample age are highly reproducible and independent of viscosity due to the use of a positive displacement syringe ram. The performance of the instrument is evaluated using the decay of ascorbate radical generated by Ce(iv) oxidation and reduction of nitroxides by ascorbic acid.

Wojciech Froncisz

Papers

The loop-gap resonator: a new microwave lumped circuit ESR sample structure

Broadening by strains of lines in the g‐parallel region of Cu2+ EPR spectra

MR imaging of the carpal tunnel: normal anatomy and preliminary findings in the carpal tunnel syndrome

Continuous and stopped flow EPR spectrometer based on a loop gap resonator

Accessibility of nitroxide side chains: absolute Heisenberg exchange rates from power saturation EPR.