Image quality in three-dimensional (3D) contrast-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen using deep learning denoising technique: intraindividual comparison between T1-weighted sequences with compressed sensing and with a modified Fast 3D mode wheel.

Purpose: To assess the image quality of a modified Fast three-dimensional (Fast 3D) mode wheel with sequential data filling (mFast 3D wheel) combined with a deep learning denoising technique (Advanced Intelligent Clear-IQ Engine [AiCE]) in contrast-enhanced (CE) 3D dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the abdomen during a single breath hold (BH) by intra-individual comparison with compressed sensing (CS) with AiCE.

Methods: Forty-two patients who underwent multiphasic CE dynamic MRI obtained with both mFast 3D wheel using AiCE and CS using AiCE in the same patient were retrospectively included. The conspicuity, artifacts, image quality, signal intensity ratio (SIR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast ratio (CR), and contrast enhancement ratio (CER) of the organs were compared between these 2 sequences.

A case of asymptomatic infection of Ascaris suum identified by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequence analysis.

Human ascariasis is a soil-transmitted helminthiasis and remains a neglected tropical disease. Ascaris suum has the potential to cause cross-infections between humans and pigs. In this study, we present a rare case of a patient with asymptomatic infection by Ascaris suum.

Bullet-shaped magnetosomes and metagenomic-based magnetosome gene profiles in a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney.

Magnetosome-producing microorganisms can sense and move toward the redox gradient and have been extensively studied in terrestrial and shallow marine sediment environments. However, given the difficulty of sampling, magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are poorly explored in deep-sea hydrothermal fields. In this study, a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney from the Southern Mariana Trough was collected using a remotely operated submersible.

Aeromicelle-A new form of liquid aerosol for delivering aqueous samples into a single-particle mass spectrometer.

For applying highly sensitive mass spectrometry to chemical analysis of aqueous samples, we have developed a novel technique using a new form of liquid droplets, which we call "aeromicelle" (AM), to deliver aqueous sample solutions directly into the vacuum region of a single-particle mass spectrometer in liquid form and conduct immediate mass analysis. AMs are generated by spraying an aqueous solution containing a surfactant at a concentration significantly lower than its critical micelle concentration (CMC). When the solution is sprayed, liquid droplets containing the surfactant are formed, which gradually dry in an air flow.

Rapid Analysis of α-Tocopherol and Its Oxidation Products Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Proton Transfer Reaction Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

We have developed a rapid and sensitive analytical method for α-tocopherol and its oxidative products by combining online hyphenation of supercritical fluid extraction-supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) with proton transfer reaction (PTR) ionization mass spectrometry (MS). α-Tocopherol is a well-known antioxidant that plays a vital role in the antioxidant defense system in plant cells. However, studies on the cellular mechanisms of α-tocopherol have been limited owing to the lack of a rapid analytical method, which limits the comparison of plant cells incubated in various conditions.

Attempts to Detect Lipid Metabolites from a Single Cell Using Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Micro-Scale Supercritical Fluid Extraction: A Preliminary Study.

Proton-transfer-reaction (PTR) mass spectrometry (MS), a widely used method for detecting trace-levels of volatile organic compounds in gaseous samples, can also be used for the analysis of small non-volatile molecules by using supercritical fluid as a transporter for the molecules. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is a method that permits lipophilic compounds to be rapidly and selectively extracted from complex matrices. The combination of the high sensitivity of PTR MS with the SFE is a potentially novel method for analyzing small molecules in a single cell, particularly for the analysis of lipophilic compounds.

Distinct diurnal chemical compositions and formation processes of individual organic-containing particles in Beijing winter.

Organic aerosols (OA) are major components of fine particulate matter, yet their formation mechanism remains unclear, especially in polluted environments. In this study, we investigated the diurnal chemical compositions and formation processes of OA in carbonaceous particles during winter in Beijing using aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry. We found that 84.

Microscale supercritical fluid extraction combined with supercritical fluid chromatography and proton-transfer-reaction ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for a magnitude lower limit of quantitation of lipophilic compounds.

The application of proton transfer ionization reaction mass spectrometry (PTR MS) combined with microscale supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) aiming to quantitate single-cell fatty acid analysis levels was investigated. Using a microscale extraction vessel, the obtained low limits of quantitation (LLOQs) of arachidonic acid and arachidic acid were 1.2 and 2.

Copper-Nanocoated Ultra-Small Cells in Grain Boundaries Inside an Extinct Vent Chimney.

Chemosynthetic organisms flourish around deep-sea hydrothermal vents where energy-rich fluids are emitted from metal sulfide chimneys. However, microbial life hosted in mineral assemblages in extinct chimneys lacking fluid venting remains largely unknown. The interior of extinct chimneys remains anoxic where the percolation of oxygenated seawater is limited within tightly packed metal sulfide grains.

Analysis of Nonvolatile Molecules in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Using Proton-Transfer-Reaction Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

Proton-transfer-reaction (PTR) mass spectrometry (MS) is capable of detecting trace-level volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in gaseous samples in real time. Therefore, PTR-MS has become a popular method in many different study areas. Most of the currently reported PTR-MS applications are designed to determine volatile compounds.

Ionic Charge-Transfer Liquid Crystals Formed by Alternating Supramolecular Copolymerization of Liquid π-Donors and TCNQ.

A new family of liquid π-donors, lipophilic dihydrophenazine (DHP) derivatives, show remarkably high π-electron-donor property which exhibit supramolecular alternating copolymerization with 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), giving ionic charge-transfer (ICT) complexes. The ICT complexes form distinct columnar liquid crystalline (LC) mesophases with well-defined alternating molecular alignment as demonstrated by UV-Vis-NIR spectra, IR spectra, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. These liquid crystalline ICT complexes display unique phase transitions in response to mechanical stress: the columnar ICT phase is converted to macroscopically oriented smectic-like mesophases upon applying shear force.

High molecular weight organic compounds (HMW-OCs) in severe winter haze: Direct observation and insights on the formation mechanism.

High molecular weight organic compounds (HMW-OCs), formed as secondary organic aerosols (SOA), have been reported in many laboratory studies. However, little evidence of HMW-OCs formation, in particular during winter season in the real atmosphere, has been reported. In January 2013, Beijing faced historically severe haze pollution, in which the hourly PM concentration reached as high as 974 μg m.

Direct night-time ejection of particle-phase reduced biogenic sulfur compounds from the ocean to the atmosphere.

The influence of oceanic biological activity on sea spray aerosol composition, clouds, and climate remains poorly understood. The emission of organic material and gaseous dimethyl sulfide (DMS) from the ocean represents well-documented biogenic processes that influence particle chemistry in marine environments. However, the direct emission of particle-phase biogenic sulfur from the ocean remains largely unexplored.

Focus issue introduction: Laser Ignition Conference.

The purpose of this feature issue is to share information on laser ignition and related sciences and technologies. This feature offers five papers in the field that cover aspects of laser-induced laser ignition, including novel giant pulse micro-lasers, new phenomena of laser breakdown, advanced combustion systems and applications. These topics were chosen from the first Laser Ignition Conference (LIC) covering the topics of high brightness lasers for ignition and diagnostics, laser ignited engines for power generators and vehicles, and from a joint symposium with the Laser Display Conference covering applications of high brightness lasers.

Breakdown plasma and vortex flow control for laser ignition using a combination of nano- and femto-second lasers.

The breakdown plasma and successive flow leading to combustion are controlled by the combination of a nano-second Nd:YAG laser and a femto-second Ti:Sapphire (TiS) laser. The behaviors are captured by an intensified charged coupled device (ICCD) camera and a high-speed schlieren optical system. The TiS laser determines the initial position of the breakdown by supplying the initial electrons in the optical axis of focusing YAG laser pulses.

Lattice Boltzmann simulation on continuously regenerating diesel filter.

To reduce particulate matter (PM) including soot in diesel exhaust gas, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) has been developed. Since it is difficult to observe the phenomena in a DPF experimentally, we have conducted a lattice Boltzmann simulation. In this study, we simulated the flow in a metallic filter.

Impact of emissions from the Los Angeles port region on San Diego air quality during regional transport events.

Oceangoing ships emit an estimated 1.2-1.6 million metric tons (Tg) of PM10 per year and represent a significant source of air pollution to coastal communities.

Development and characterization of an aircraft aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

Vertical and horizontal profiles of atmospheric aerosols are necessary for understanding the impact of air pollution on regional and global climate. To gain further insight into the size-resolved chemistry of individual atmospheric particles, a smaller aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) with increased data acquisition capabilities was developed for aircraft-based studies. Compared to previous ATOFMS systems, the new instrument has a faster data acquisition rate with improved ion transmission and mass resolution, as well as reduced physical size and power consumption, all required advances for use in aircraft studies.

Effects of DNA on immunoglobulin production stimulating activity of alcohol dehydrogenase.

Alcohol dehydrogenase-I (ADH-I) derived from horse liver stimulated IgM production by human-human hybridoma, HB4C5 cells and lymphocytes. The IPSF activity of ADH-I was suppressed by coexistence of short DNA whose chain length is less than 200 base pairs (bp) and fibrous DNA in a dose-dependent manner. These DNA preparations completely inhibited the IPSF activity at the concentration of 250 mug/ml and 1.

[Arterial to end-tidal carbon dioxide tension difference during laparoscopic colorectal surgery].

Background: Determination of end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (PET(CO2)) is effective to confirm adequate ventilation, because arterial to end-tidal carbon dioxide tension difference (deltaa-ET(CO2)) does not change normally during operation. But deltaa-ET(CO2) may change during laparoscopic surgery, because peritoneal insufflation of CO2 will increase CO2 production and reduce functional residual volume. Changes in deltaa-ET(CO2) were reported in laparoscopic cholecystectomy with cardiovascular complication, but there is controversy about how deltaaET(CO2) will change in more complicated and long laparoscopic surgery.

Anaesthetic management of a patient with relapsing polychondritis undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

We describe the anaesthetic management of a patient with relapsing polychondritis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We failed to secure a patent airway with a ProSeal laryngeal mask airway, probably because of the deformity of the larynx. The glottis was small and it was only possible to pass a 5.

[Tracheal bleeding during awake fiberoptic intubation].

Fiberoptic intubation can cause laryngeal injury during blind insertion of a tracheal tube. A patient with hypopharyngeal cancer was scheduled for laser surgery and we selected nasal fiberoptic intubation due to laryngeal deformity. Just after insertion of a tracheal tube, tracheal bleeding occurred and ventilation because difficult.

MALDI matrices for biomolecular analysis based on functionalized carbon nanomaterials.

When used in small molar ratios of matrix to analyte, derivatized fullerenes and single wall nanotubes are shown to be efficient matrices for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. The mixing of an acidic functionalized fullerene with a solution of bioanalyte, depositing a dried droplet, and irradiating with a pulsed nitrogen laser yields protonated or cationized molecular ions. Derivatized fullerenes could offer several advantages over conventional MALDI matrices: a high analyte ionization efficiency, a small molar ratios (less than 1) of matrix/analyte, and a broader optical absorption spectrum, which should obviate specific wavelength lasers for MALDI acquisitions.