MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

MAGNETIC 

RESONANCE 

IMAGING 

A MEDICAL DICTIONARY, BIBLIOGRAPHY, 

AND ANNOTATED RESEARCH GUIDE TO 

INTERNET REFERENCES JAMES N. PARKER, M.D. 

AND PHILIP M. PARKER, PH.D., EDITORS

ii 

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Editor(s): James Parker, M.D., Philip Parker, Ph.D. 

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Parker, James N., 1961- 

Parker, Philip M., 1960- 

Cataloging-in-Publication Data 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet 

References / James N. Parker and Philip M. Parker, editors 

p. cm. 

Includes bibliographical references, glossary, and index. 

ISBN: 0-497-00694-4 

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Popular works.I. Title.

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iii

iv 

Acknowledgements 

The collective knowledge generated from academic and applied research summarized in 

various references has been critical in the creation of this book which is best viewed as a 

comprehensive compilation and collection of information prepared by various official 

agencies which produce publications on magnetic resonance imaging. Books in this series 

draw from various agencies and institutions associated with the United States Department 

of Health and Human Services, and in particular, the Office of the Secretary of Health and 

Human Services (OS), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the 

Administration on Aging (AOA), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 

the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Healthcare 

Financing Administration (HCFA), the Health Resources and Services Administration 

(HRSA), the Indian Health Service (IHS), the institutions of the National Institutes of Health 

(NIH), the Program Support Center (PSC), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 

Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition to these sources, information gathered from 

the National Library of Medicine, the United States Patent Office, the European Union, and 

their related organizations has been invaluable in the creation of this book. Some of the 

work represented was financially supported by the Research and Development Committee 

at INSEAD. This support is gratefully acknowledged. Finally, special thanks are owed to 

Tiffany Freeman for her excellent editorial support.

James N. Parker, M.D. 

About the Editors 

Dr. James N. Parker received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the 

University of California, Riverside and his M.D. from the University of California, San 

Diego. In addition to authoring numerous research publications, he has lectured at various 

academic institutions. Dr. Parker is the medical editor for health books by ICON Health 

Publications. 

Philip M. Parker, Ph.D. 

Philip M. Parker is the Eli Lilly Chair Professor of Innovation, Business and Society at 

INSEAD (Fontainebleau, France and Singapore). Dr. Parker has also been Professor at the 

University of California, San Diego and has taught courses at Harvard University, the Hong 

Kong University of Science and Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 

Stanford University, and UCLA. Dr. Parker is the associate editor for ICON Health 

Publications. 

v

vi 

About ICON Health Publications 

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Table of Contents 

FORWARD ..........................................................................................................................................1 

CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING ..........................................................3 

Overview........................................................................................................................................ 3 

The Combined Health Information Database................................................................................. 3 

Federally Funded Research on Magnetic Resonance Imaging....................................................... 7 

E-Journals: PubMed Central ....................................................................................................... 63 

The National Library of Medicine: PubMed ................................................................................ 66 

CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING...............................................115 

Overview.................................................................................................................................... 115 

Finding Nutrition Studies on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.................................................... 115 

Federal Resources on Nutrition ................................................................................................. 116 

Additional Web Resources ......................................................................................................... 117 

CHAPTER 3. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING ........................119 

Overview.................................................................................................................................... 119 

The Combined Health Information Database............................................................................. 119 

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine................................................ 120 

Additional Web Resources ......................................................................................................... 127 

General References ..................................................................................................................... 129 

CHAPTER 4. DISSERTATIONS ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING ..........................................131 

Overview.................................................................................................................................... 131 

Dissertations on Magnetic Resonance Imaging......................................................................... 131 

Keeping Current ........................................................................................................................ 133 

CHAPTER 5. PATENTS ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING.....................................................135 

Overview.................................................................................................................................... 135 

Patents on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.................................................................................. 135 

Patent Applications on Magnetic Resonance Imaging .............................................................. 169 

Keeping Current ........................................................................................................................ 201 

CHAPTER 6. BOOKS ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING.........................................................203 

Overview.................................................................................................................................... 203 

Book Summaries: Federal Agencies............................................................................................ 203 

Chapters on Magnetic Resonance Imaging................................................................................ 209 

Directories.................................................................................................................................. 210 

CHAPTER 7. MULTIMEDIA ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING..............................................213 

Overview.................................................................................................................................... 213 

Video Recordings ....................................................................................................................... 213 

CHAPTER 8. PERIODICALS AND NEWS ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING...........................215 

Overview.................................................................................................................................... 215 

News Services and Press Releases.............................................................................................. 215 

Newsletter Articles .................................................................................................................... 217 

Academic Periodicals covering Magnetic Resonance Imaging .................................................. 217 

CHAPTER 9. RESEARCHING MEDICATIONS ..................................................................................219 

Overview.................................................................................................................................... 219 

U.S. Pharmacopeia..................................................................................................................... 219 

Commercial Databases ............................................................................................................... 220 

APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES ..........................................................................................223 

Overview.................................................................................................................................... 223 

NIH Guidelines.......................................................................................................................... 223 

NIH Databases........................................................................................................................... 225 

Other Commercial Databases..................................................................................................... 227 

APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES...............................................................................................229 

Overview.................................................................................................................................... 229 

vii

viii Contents 

Patient Guideline Sources.......................................................................................................... 229 

Finding Associations.................................................................................................................. 233 

APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES................................................................................235 

Overview.................................................................................................................................... 235 

Preparation................................................................................................................................. 235 

Finding a Local Medical Library................................................................................................ 235 

Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada................................................................................. 235 

ONLINE GLOSSARIES................................................................................................................ 241 

Online Dictionary Directories ................................................................................................... 241 

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING DICTIONARY ........................................................ 243 

INDEX .............................................................................................................................................. 321

FORWARD 

In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number 

of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable 

information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading." 1 

Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can 

be wasted searching, selecting, and printing. Since only the smallest fraction of information 

dealing with magnetic resonance imaging is indexed in search engines, such as 

www.google.com or others, a non-systematic approach to Internet research can be not only 

time consuming, but also incomplete. This book was created for medical professionals, 

students, and members of the general public who want to know as much as possible about 

magnetic resonance imaging, using the most advanced research tools available and 

spending the least amount of time doing so. 

In addition to offering a structured and comprehensive bibliography, the pages that follow 

will tell you where and how to find reliable information covering virtually all topics related 

to magnetic resonance imaging, from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. 

Public, academic, government, and peer-reviewed research studies are emphasized. Various 

abstracts are reproduced to give you some of the latest official information available to date 

on magnetic resonance imaging. Abundant guidance is given on how to obtain free-ofcharge 

primary research results via the Internet. While this book focuses on the field of 

medicine, when some sources provide access to non-medical information relating to 

magnetic resonance imaging, these are noted in the text. 

E-book and electronic versions of this book are fully interactive with each of the Internet 

sites mentioned (clicking on a hyperlink automatically opens your browser to the site 

indicated). If you are using the hard copy version of this book, you can access a cited Web 

site by typing the provided Web address directly into your Internet browser. You may find 

it useful to refer to synonyms or related terms when accessing these Internet databases. 

NOTE: At the time of publication, the Web addresses were functional. However, some links 

may fail due to URL address changes, which is a common occurrence on the Internet. 

For readers unfamiliar with the Internet, detailed instructions are offered on how to access 

electronic resources. For readers unfamiliar with medical terminology, a comprehensive 

glossary is provided. For readers without access to Internet resources, a directory of medical 

libraries, that have or can locate references cited here, is given. We hope these resources will 

prove useful to the widest possible audience seeking information on magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

1 From the NIH, National Cancer Institute (NCI): http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/ten-things-to-know. 

1 

The Editors

CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE 

Overview 


In this chapter, we will show you how to locate peer-reviewed references and studies on 

magnetic resonance imaging. 

The Combined Health Information Database 

The Combined Health Information Database summarizes studies across numerous federal 

agencies. To limit your investigation to research studies and magnetic resonance imaging, 

you will need to use the advanced search options. First, go to 

http://chid.nih.gov/index.html. From there, select the “Detailed Search” option (or go 

directly to that page with the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html). 

The trick in extracting studies is found in the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page 

where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the 

format option “Journal Article.” At the top of the search form, select the number of records 

you would like to see (we recommend 100) and check the box to display “whole records.” 

We recommend that you type “magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms) into the “For 

these words:” box. Consider using the option “anywhere in record” to make your search as 

broad as possible. If you want to limit the search to only a particular field, such as the title of 

the journal, then select this option in the “Search in these fields” drop box. The following is 

what you can expect from this type of search: 

• Cochlear Implantation in a Patient After Removal of an Acoustic Neuroma: The 

Implications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Gadolinium on Patient 

Management 

Source: Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 121(4): 465-468. April 

1995. 

Summary: In this article, the authors report a case in which an acoustic tumor was 

removed from an only-hearing ear in a patient with neurofibromatosis after hearing loss 

had progressed in the ear but before the development of total deafness. Postoperatively, 

the patient successfully underwent cochlear implantation. The authors also discuss 

3

4 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

decisions that were made during the surgical procedure, as well as the feasibility of 

cochlear implantation in patients with profound deafness after the excision of acoustic 

neuromas. 2 figures. 29 references. (AA-M). 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases 

Source: Journal of Neuroimaging. 4(3): 146-158. July 1994. 

Summary: This article addresses the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a 

diagnostic tool in the major neurodegenerative disorders. According to the authors, MRI 

evaluations in patients with neurodegenerative diseases are hampered by limitations in 

accuracy of clinical diagnosis and by limited pathological correlation. MRI currently 

does not yield sufficient predictive power to provide an accurate diagnosis in most 

people. However, MRI features are being identified in population studies that help 

support or exclude a clinical diagnosis under consideration. In people with Parkinson's 

disease (PD), putamenal signal hypointensity is identified commonly in patients with 

atypical Parkinsonism but not PD. In people with dementia, hippocampal atrophy and 

prolonged hippocampal formation T2 relaxation time may help identify those with 

Alzheimer's disease. Caudate and putamenal atrophy are seen in Huntington's disease 

and may serve as markers for disease progression. 9 figures, 112 references. (AA-M). 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Female Stress Incontinence 

Source: International Urogynecology Journal. (2)2: 115-118. June 1991. 

Summary: This article describes a new technique for determination of the anatomy of 

the urethrovesical junction using magnetic resonance imaging. Using this technique, it 

is possible to precisely define the anatomical relationships of the urethra and bladder 

base within the pelvis. The technique is non-invasive and non-ionizing. The authors 

report on the usefulness of this technique in urogynecology. 3 figures. 4 references. (AA- 

M). 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Kidneys 

Source: Current Opinion in Urology. 7(2): 74-79. March 1997. 

Contact: Available from Rapid Science Publishers. 400 Market Street, Suite 750, 

Philadelphia, PA 19106. (800) 552-5866 or (215) 574-2210. Fax (215) 574-3533. 

Summary: This article describes and summarizes new developments and the current 

role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the kidneys. The author notes that MRI 

still plays a minor role in the workup of renal lesions, but spiral computed tomography 

(CT scan) and sonography remain the methods of choice in the evaluation of renal 

masses. However, because of improved hardware and software, MRI is equal to CT scan 

in the overall detection and differential diagnosis of renal masses. Besides renal imaging 

in patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast material, MRI is indicated for 

further noninvasive differential diagnosis of the few masses that are equivocal on CT 

and on sonography. Magnetic resonance angiography might be used for screening for 

renovascular hypertension to detect or rule out main renal artery stenoses. It can 

provide a relatively high degree of accuracy and a high negative predictive value in the 

detection of proximal main renal artery stenoses. However, limitations still exist because 

of problems with the distal part of the main artery and the segmental renal arteries. 

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI might be helpful in the differentiation of acute necrosis 

from transplant rejection in the early postoperative period. The author notes that 

magnetic resonance urography still remains scientifically interesting, but is not routinely

Studies 5 

performed in the evaluation of the urinary tract. 2 figures. 22 references (11 annotated). 

(AA-M). 

• Severe Amnesia After Hypoglycemia. Clinical, Psychometric, and Magnetic 

Resonance Imaging Correlations 

Source: Diabetes Care. 14(10): 922-925. October 1991. 

Summary: This article presents a case report demonstrating the correlation between 

clinical, psychometric, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings after an episode 

of hypoglycemic coma resulting in amnesia. Detailed psychometric assessment, 

particularly memory testing, was performed using MRI on a man with severe amnesia 

after hypoglycemic coma. Psychometric testing confirmed impaired immediate recall. 

MRI findings were consistent with a lesion in the left temporal lobe. 1 figure. 13 

references. (AA-M). 

• Correlation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Surgical Findings in Patients with 

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders 

Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 53(11): 1283-1288. October 1995. 

Summary: This article reports on a study that compared the magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) and surgical findings in patients with temporomandibular joint 

disorders. Forty-three patients and 30 asymptomatic volunteers underwent MRI using 

the three-dimensional (3-D) FISP acquisition technique. The 43 patients (43 joints) then 

underwent discectomy, and the surgical and MRI findings were correlated. In 28 joints, 

splits surrounded by regions of high-signal intensity were seen in the discs and 

retrodiscal tissues on MRI. Surgically, a tear was confirmed in 26 (93 percent) of these 

joints. Histologically, these areas showed severe myxomatous degeneration. Disc 

deformity was visualized by MRI in all patients and increases in signal intensity were 

found in some discs. High-signal intensities also were observed in 30 joint spaces, in 

which serous joint effusion was confirmed surgically. The authors conclude that 

pathologic intracapsular changes are accurately depicted by FISP-3D, and this method is 

particularly useful for diagnosing changes in the disc and retrodiscal tissues. 5 figures. 

14 references. (AA-M). 

• Prevalence of Bone Marrow Signal Abnormalities Observed in the 

Temporomandibular Joint Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 54(4): 434-440. April 1996. 

Summary: This article reports on an investigation undertaken to determine the 

prevalence of bone marrow signal abnormalities in patients referred for 

temporomandibular joint (TMJ) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This investigation 

was done because of prior studies suggesting that condylar marrow signal abnormalities 

indicate avascular necrosis. Retrospective review was done of 449 consecutive TMJ MRI 

examinations in 415 patients from 1991 to 1994. Condylar marrow signal abnormalities 

were reviewed and classified into either a bone marrow edema pattern or a sclerosis 

pattern. Patients with typical findings of osteoarthritis were excluded from the sclerosis 

category. Condylar marrow signal abnormalities were present in 37 patients (9 percent); 

26 patients (6 percent) had the edema pattern, 14 patients (3 percent) had the sclerosis 

patterns, and 3 patients had both. The authors conclude that condylar marrow signal 

abnormalities are not rare in patients referred for TMJ MRI. The clinical significance of 

the changes is uncertain. The article includes a separate commentary written by a 

different author. 4 figures. 20 references.

6 


• Use of Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Predict Who Will Get Alzheimer's 

Disease 

Source: Annals of Neurology. 47(4): 430-439. April 2000. 

Summary: This journal article describes a study that examined magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) as a potential method for early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD). 

One hundred-three healthy controls and 16 individuals with probable AD underwent 

MRI brain scans annually for 3 years. These subjects were divided into three groups: 

normal, questionable AD, and converts from questionable to probable AD. Nineteen of 

seventy-nine individuals with mild memory difficulties at baseline converted to a 

diagnosis of probable AD after three years. Results indicate that one hundred percent of 

normal subjects and patients with mild AD could be discriminated using MRI measures 

of the entorhinal cortex, the banks of the superior temporal sulcus, and the caudal 

portion of the anterior cingulate. 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Alzheimer's Disease: From Diagnosis to Measuring 

Therapeutic Effect 

Source: Alzheimer's Reports. 2(1): 5-12. January 1999. 

Summary: This journal article examines clinically relevant research on the use of 

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Section 1 explains 

difficulties with early diagnosis and notes the importance of MRI in diagnosing AD. 

Section 2 discusses the role of MRI in excluding potentially reversible structural causes 

of dementia. Section 3 explains the need to distinguish aging from AD, noting 

difficulties in making that distinction. Section 4 examines how MRI is used to investigate 

hippocampal and medial temporal lobe atrophy. Section 5 discusses the role of MRI in 

the differential diagnosis of people with dementia. Section 6 explains measurement of 

disease progression using neuroimaging. The article concludes that MRI is moving the 

diagnosis of AD away from one of exclusion toward one of inclusion, noting MRI's 

potential to improve diagnosis in early disease and possibly contribute to the 

identification of disease modifying therapies. 4 figures, 61 references. 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Hippocampal Volumetry in Patients With 

Dementia of the Alzheimer Type 

Source: Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. 10: 284-288. 1999. 

Summary: This journal article reports findings from a volumetric magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) assessment of the hippocampal region of the brain in patients with 

Alzheimer's disease (AD). The participants were 50 AD patients, mean age 70 years, 

from the Alzheimer's Disease Daily Center of Warsaw Medical School in Poland, and 25 

healthy controls of similar age. All participants completed MRI studies and 

hippocampal volumes were computed. No significant volumetric differences between 

right and left hippocampi were revealed for either group. However, the volumetric 

hippocampal measurements were 39.4 percent smaller in the AD group than in controls. 

In differentiating AD patients from controls, the MRI volumetric method had a 

sensitivity of 95 percent, a specificity of 92 percent, and a positive predictive value of 90 

percent. Hippocampal volumes were correlated with the severity of dementia and 

patient's age. The authors conclude that quantitative assessment of the hippocampal 

formation may be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of AD. 2 figures, 7 tables, 17 

references.

Federally Funded Research on Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

Studies 7 

The U.S. Government supports a variety of research studies relating to magnetic resonance 

imaging. These studies are tracked by the Office of Extramural Research at the National 

Institutes of Health. 2 CRISP (Computerized Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects) is 

a searchable database of federally funded biomedical research projects conducted at 

universities, hospitals, and other institutions. 

Search the CRISP Web site at http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/crisp_query.generate_screen. 

You will have the option to perform targeted searches by various criteria, including 

geography, date, and topics related to magnetic resonance imaging. 

For most of the studies, the agencies reporting into CRISP provide summaries or abstracts. 

As opposed to clinical trial research using patients, many federally funded studies use 

animals or simulated models to explore magnetic resonance imaging. The following is 

typical of the type of information found when searching the CRISP database for magnetic 

resonance imaging: 

• Project Title: 9.4T/ 65CM BORE MR SYSTEM 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Ugurbil, Kamil; Director; Radiology; University of 

Minnesota Twin Cities 200 Oak Street Se Minneapolis, Mn 554552070 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-AUG-2003; Project End 31-JUL-2004 

Summary: (provided by applicant): The aim of this application is to locate a state-of-theart 

9.4T/65cm bore MRI system at the University of Minnesota's Center for Magnetic 

Resonance Research (CMRR) for non-human primate and human MR imaging and 

spectroscopy studies of brain function and neurochemistry. This system will be the first 

of its kind, providing for the first time, a 9.4T field magnitude with a sufficiently large 

bore size to conduct human and non-human primate studies. No other system at this 

field strength with such a bore size exists. This system will become a shared resource for 

CMRR collaborators at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center (WRPR) in 

Madison, Wisconsin, and will serve the needs of numerous investigators from several 

institutions located in the Midwest and the East coast. With its in-house staff of fifty five 

investigators and support staff, the expertise in high field magnetic resonance research, 

and support as a Biotechnology Research Resource (BTRR) by NIH for "High Field 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy", the CMRR is an ideal facility to 

support the shared instrument and its users. The proposed 9.4T system will have a 

Varian Associates, Inc. lnova console and a Magnex Scientific, Inc. superconducting 

magnet with 7 G/cm shielded gradients and high-order shims. The magnet will have a 

65 cm inside diameter that will step to a gradient/shim coil inside diameter of 40cm. 

The gradient set will serve as a "head" gradient for human studies, while providing 

large access for non-human primate work including awake monkeys. With four receiver 

channels and two transmitter channels, this system will be capable of multi-nuclear 

spectroscopy from 12 MHz to 400 MHz with full second-channel decoupling capability. 

The echo-planar imaging (EPI) compatible gradients will make it possible to perform 

dynamic fMRl studies. Signal-to-noise and spectroscopic resolution at 9.4T has been 

demonstrated to be twice that of standard 4.7T animal research systems for 1H nuclei 

2 Healthcare projects are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health 

Services (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Food and Drug Administration 

(FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 

and Office of Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH).

8 


and 4 times for the lower gyromagnetic ratio 170 nucleus. Overall, this non-human 

primate and human primate dedicated NMR system will provide state-of-the-art 

performance and capability for imaging of laboratory animals and humans for the first 

time at such high magnetic fields. 

Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen 

• Project Title: A FUNDAMENTALLY IMPROVED MRI METHODOLOGY APPLIED 

TO FMRI 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Twieg, Donald B.; Professor of Biomedical 

Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; University of Alabama at Birmingham Uab 

Station Birmingham, Al 35294 


Summary: (provided by applicant): Contemporary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 

methodology involves an implicit assumption, which is computationally convenient but 

physically inaccurate. This R21/R33 project seeks to develop a novel MRI methodology 

which abandons this assumption, thereby avoiding defects which commonly afflict 

rapid single-shot MR images. Because it interprets MRI raw data more accurately, the 

new methodology promises also to permit fundamentally more efficient, accurate and 

robust measurements to be made in several general types of MRI applications, such as 

diffusion imaging, measurement of tissue relaxation parameters, flow and motion 

imaging, and blood perfusion imaging. A strength of the general approach is that it 

measures tissue parameters more directly than do established approaches, which infer 

parameters from multiple separately acquired images. In an initial investigation and 

development of this methodology (termed PARSE), this project will implement a singleshot 

PARSE method, SS-PARSE, which is especially well-suited to functional MRI 

(fMRI) of the brain, with several theoretical advantages over existing methods used in 

fMRI. These theoretical advantages in accuracy, acquisition speed, and robustness, are 

substantiated in initial simulation trials. The immediate goal of the R21 project will be to 

experimentally verify these expected performance advantages of the SS-PARSE 

technique in well-controlled imaging studies using phantom objects in a 4.7T verticalbore 

primate MR imaging system. A shortcoming of the methodology is that it requires 

much longer computation times than conventional MRI approaches. The R21 project 

will seek to develop much faster computational algorithms, and will determine the 

prospects for reducing computational time to roughly that of typical conventional fMRI 

studies. If these two major performance milestones have been met, the R33 project will 

commence, testing and characterizing the new methodology in functional brain imaging 

studies of primates. Additionally, the R33 project will include development of more 

sophisticated versions of the SS-PARSE method for high-resolution functional imaging. 

The project promises to introduce a new methodology, which may have substantial 

fundamental performance benefits over a broad range of clinical MRI applications. 


• Project Title: APA ADVANCED TRAINING INSTITUTE IN FMRI 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Bullock, Merry; American Psychological Association 

750 1St St Ne Washington, Dc 200024242 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JUN-2001; Project End 31-MAY-2006 

Summary: (Provided by applicant): Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is 

an important new research technology that allows inquiry into the brain activities 

associated with a wide variety of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional processes. Major

Studies 9 

advances will occur as researchers continue to utilize fMRI to develop multi-level, 

integrative models of normal functioning and psychopathology. The theoretical and 

methodological expertise of psychological scientists will be crucial to the pace of 

progress. Although fMRI offers psychological scientists an exciting new tool to develop 

models of brain-behavior interactions across diverse substantive areas, opportunities to 

acquire the knowledge and skills needed to use it are limited. To foster development of 

the use of fMRI technology in psychological research, the Science Directorate at the 

American Psychological Association (APA) has initiated an Advanced Training Institute 

in Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ATI-fMRI). The Institute, to be conducted 

on-site at a major imaging center, will provide an introduction to fMRI at a sufficiently 

advanced level to enable researchers at different academic levels and with different 

research interests to incorporate it into their research programs. The curriculum will 

provide basic knowledge of the physics, biology, and mechanics underlying the imaging 

process, of special research design and data analysis considerations, and of practical 

issues related to incorporating imaging into a research program. 


• Project Title: ASPIRIN PROPHYLAXIS IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Lerner, Norma; Pediatrics; University of Rochester 

Orpa - Rc Box 270140 Rochester, Ny 14627 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 15-SEP-2003; Project End 31-MAY-2006 

Summary: (provided by the applicant): Neurologic complications secondary to 

cerebrovascular damage are prevalent in children with homozygous Sickle Cell Disease. 

These patients experience both clinically-overt cerebrovascular accidents and "silent 

infarctions," demonstrated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). They are also at risk 

for neurocognitive abnormalities. We hypothesize that daily, low-dose, aspirin therapy 

will safely diminish the incidence and progression of cognitive deficits, as well as the 

pre-disposition to overt and silent stroke in children with homozygous Sickle Cell 

Disease. In order to optimize the design of a future trial to test this hypothesis, we 

propose a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study. The trial's primary 

objective is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of daily low-dose aspirin in children 

with Sickle Cell Disease. The secondary objectives are: 1. To establish the level of 

compliance with aspirin administration. 2. To identify the most useful assessments in a 

battery of age-appropriate neurocognitive tests. 3. To assess the feasibility of MRI and 

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) studies, and the utility of classification 

systems for use in group comparisons. 5. To establish trends in Transcranial Doppler 

(TCD) ultrasound velocities over time, and the validity of using trends in group 

comparisons. 6. To obtain preliminary data regarding the effect of aspirin on the 

incidence of cognitive deficit, imaging abnormalities, overt stroke, painful crises, and 

Acute Chest Syndrome. 7. To establish the feasibility of recruiting patients. A minimum 

of 60 patients will be enrolled. Subjects will include children between the ages of 3 and 

10 years, with documented homozygous Sickle Cell Disease who are currently followed 

at the Galisano Children's Hospital (University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, 

New York), and at Saint Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center (Columbia University, New 

York, New York). Subjects will be randomized to one of two treatment groups, daily 

aspirin (1-2.5 mg./kg./day), or placebo. Patients will receive therapy for 18 months. 

There will be careful laboratory and clinical monitoring every 3 months, and more 

frequently as needed. Group comparisons regarding pre- and post-treatment clinical 

complications, neurocognitive testing, MRI, MRA, and TCD studies will be made. 

Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

10 


• Project Title: BEHAVIORAL, EEG, AND MRI EVALUATION OF PRENATAL 

ALCOHOL 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Riley, Edward P.; Professor; Psychology; San Diego 

State University 5250 Campanile Dr San Diego, Ca 92182 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JAN-1995; Project End 31-DEC-2003 

Summary: Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) encompasses a broad range of disabilities 

involving both structural and functional changes. Among the most devastating effects 

are those caused by alterations in the central nervous system (CNS). These CNS changes 

result in the cognitive and behavioral deficits reported in most studies of FAS. In 

addition, there is a growing body of literature that suggests that brain and behavioral 

changes can occur in the absence of the facial features required for an FAS diagnosis. In 

our study, children with heavy prenatal exposure to alcohol (PEA), who do not have the 

obvious physical features of FAS, show changes in both brain and behavior similar to 

those seen in FAS. Previous work has documented broad, fairly general, deficits in 

general intellectual ability. More recently, attention has been paid to specific aspects of 

neuropsychological functioning, documenting deficits as well as relative strengths 

across various cognitive domains. Needed is greater understanding of the details of 

these strengths and weaknesses. This level of examination, coupled with brain imaging, 

will provide the framework for intervention and remediation strategies for alcoholexposed 

children. The proposed project is multidisciplinary in nature, including 

neuropsychological assessment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 

electrophysiological evaluation. This proposal represents a continuation of work that we 

have been conducting for the last three years. We plan to continue our general 

evaluation and are proposing to expand the investigation of our three research domains. 

In the neuropsychological domain, in addition to our general test battery, we are 

proposing specific measures of learning, memory, and emotional functioning. In the 

MRI component, along with continuing to evaluate brain structure in children with FAS 

and PEA, we are proposing a study of developmental brain changes and a pilot study in 

functional MRI. Finally, in the electrophysiological component, we are proposing to 

continue to collect EEG and ERP data on children with PEA as well as a new component 

addressing emotional responses in alcohol-exposed children. We believe that our 

approach has been successful thus far, and that this multidisciplinary project will 

expand our understanding of the devastating effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, 

perhaps leading to new treatment strategies. 


• Project Title: BIOIMAGING AND INTERVENTION IN NEOCORTICAL EPILEPSY 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Duncan, James S.; Diagnostic Radiology; Yale 

University 47 College Street, Suite 203 New Haven, Ct 065208047 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 15-APR-2002; Project End 31-MAR-2007 

Summary: Description (provided by application): Magnetic resonance functional and 

spectroscopic imaging (fMRI, MRS) of the brain provides tremendous opportunities in 

the study and treatment of epilepsy. In neocortical epilepsy, where the epileptogenic 

region is highly variable in size, structure and location, deeper insight into the 

biochemical and functional characteristics of the region and surrounding tissue may 

provide critical data to assist the neurosurgeon and neurologist in localization and 

treatment. To fully utilize the multiple forms of information (MR and EEG), these data 

must be transformed into a common space and integrated into the intraoperative 

environment. We will develop high resolution MRS and fMRI at 4T and advanced

Studies 11 

analysis and integration methods to better define the epileptogenic tissue and 

surrounding regions, and enhance our understanding of the biochemical mechanisms 

underlying the dysfunction in neocortical epilepsy. We will validate these 

measurements against the gold standard of intracranial electrical recording. These goals 

will be achieved in this bioengineering research partnership (BRP) by bringing together 

six partners from 3 academic institutions (Yale (lead institution), Albert Einstein and the 

Univ. of Minnesota) and 1 industrial partner (Medtronics SNT) to carry out four 

integrated programs of scientific investigation and bioengineering development in the 

area of bioimaging and intervention: 1) development of high resolution fMRI and MRS 

at 4T for the study of epilepsy; 2) investigation with MRS of the relationship between 

neuronal damage or loss through the measurement of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), 

alterations in neurotransmitter metabolism through the measurement of gamma amino 

butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, and abnormalities in electrical activity in the 

epileptogenic region and surrounding tissue; 3) investigation of the relationship 

between fMRI activation amplitude and the cognitive task, underlying cortical structure, 

cortical metabolic state, and physiology, and the impact of epilepsy on these factors; 4) 

development of integration methodologies for fusing multimodal structural and 

functional (image- and electrode-derived) information for the study and treatment of 

epilepsy. We anticipate that by developing and integrating these high resolution 

functional and metabolic images of neocortical epilepsy, we will improve our 

understanding and treatment of this difficult disorder. The first year's effort will include 

high resolution coil and integrated software platform design and development, as well 

as the acquisition of normal control studies. In years 2 through 5, the coils will be 

incorporated into the MR imaging platforms, the software platform will be fully 

developed and hypotheses related to the biochemical makeup of neocortical 

epileptogenic tissue and its relation to brain function will be evaluated. 


• Project Title: BRAIN ATROPHY/DIFFUSION TENSOR STUDY/MULTIPLE 

SCLEROSIS 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Fox, Robert J.; Cleveland Clinic Foundation 9500 

Euclid Ave Cleveland, Oh 44195 


Summary: (provided by applicant): This Award will allow the candidate to have the 

protected time necessary to focus on new and emerging MRI-based research projects in 

MS and provide an opportunity to become well-grounded in new areas of study 

relevant to his research field. Under the guidance of his mentor, co-mentor and Research 

Advisory Committee, the candidate will develop independent research skills and 

abilities in longitudinal clinical investigations and advanced magnetic resonance 

techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging. This mentored training experience will 

lead to his establishment as an independent, patient-oriented translational investigator 

in the following years. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disorder of the central 

nervous system which leads to tissue destruction and brain atrophy. Magnetic 

resonance (MRI) technology allows direct visualization of ongoing disease processes 

and has been useful in following patients over time and evaluating therapeutic 

interventions. We will apply advanced magnetic resonance techniques to multiple 

sclerosis patients in longitudinal clinical studies in order to better understand MS 

pathogenesis and the effects of therapeutic interventions. Aim 1 will evaluate if the 

short-term changes in measures of brain atrophy induced by corticosteroid infusions 

correlate with the subsequent rate of disease progression. We hypothesize that the short-

12 


term decline in brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) following intravenous 

methylprednisolone predicts increased subsequent disease progression. In Aim 2 we 

will describe the diffusion tensor characteristics of multiple sclerosis brain lesions 

recovering from acute inflammation. This project will lead to greater insights into 

sensitive monitoring strategies of the pathologic process of brain tissue injury during the 

course of MS. These insights should lead to methods to provide for more accurate 

advice to MS patients in the early stages of disease, for better therapeutic decision 

making, and for monitoring therapeutic responses in individual MS patients. 

Furthermore, these studies should help develop improved methods for evaluating new 

therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. 


• Project Title: BRAIN CHEMISTRY AND TREATMENT RESPONSES IN PEDIATRIC 

OCD 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Rosenberg, David R.; Professor; Psychiatry & Behav 

Neuroscis; Wayne State University 656 W. Kirby Detroit, Mi 48202 


Summary: (provided by applicant): This is a competitive renewal application of the 

Principal Investigator's grant award RO1MH59299. Obsessive compulsive disorder 

(OCD) is a severe, highly prevalent and chronically disabling disorder that emerges 

during childhood or adolescence in as many as 80% of all cases. The clinical 

phenomenology/nosology and empirical treatment for pediatric OCD have been well 

delineated making pediatric OCD a leading candidate for developmental neurobiologic 

study. OCD is also less vulnerable to ambiguities in expression across the lifetime and 

permits us to study the disorder close to illness onset while remaining applicable to 

adult subjects. The overall goal of this project, which combines treatment and magnetic 

resonance imaging expertise at Wayne State University, is to further explicate the 

underlying neurobiology of pediatric OCD. The effectiveness of treatment with either a 

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for 

pediatric OCD has been demonstrated. Exciting new pilot data under NIMH grant 

mechanisms (R01MH59299, K24MH02037) suggest that both the SSRI, paroxetine, and 

CBT return neurobiological functioning toward normal in pediatric OCD patients who 

improve symptomatically, but perhaps through different mechanisms. This convergence 

of findings from neurodiagnostic and treatment research presents a unique opportunity 

to deepen our understanding of the etiopathogenesis of pediatric OCD in the context of 

the clinically relevant question, "Which treatments for which child with which set of 

subgrouping characteristics (e.g., SSRI or CBT for patients with increased choline and 

decreased N-acetyl-aspartate)?" Recent developments in neuroimaging allow for the 

direct and noninvasive monitoring of brain neurochemistry in multiple brain regions via 

proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H MRSI). Compounds that can be 

measured include the putative neuronal marker, N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), and choline 

(Cho). Preliminary studies suggest localized functional neurochemical marker 

alterations in ventral prefrontal-striatal-thalamic circuitry. No alterations were observed 

in regions not implicated in the pathogenesis of OCD, e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal 

cortex, parietal white matter and occipital cortex. Using targeted 1H MRSI to define the 

primary dependent variables, we propose to employ a 2 (treatment) x 5 (repeated 

assessments) experimental design to further explicate the neurochemistry of childhood 

OCD before and during 12 weeks of acute treatment with either paroxetine or CBT and 

after 6 months of naturalistic follow-up treatment. An untreated normal control group is 

included to characterize selected MRI markers with regard to normalization with

Studies 13 

treatment. This combination of biological and behavioral/symptomatic predictor and 

outcome variables enacts the call for translation approaches to mental illness and may 

potentially lead to a better mechanistic understanding of pediatric OCD and, in turn, to 

new diagnostic and treatment approaches. 


• Project Title: BRAIN MRI & MRS CHANGES IN FIRST EPISODE 

SCHIZOPHRENIA 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Lieberman, Jeffrey A.; Professor and Vice Chairman; 

Psychiatry; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Aob 104 Airport Drive Cb#1350 

Chapel Hill, Nc 27599 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-FEB-2001; Project End 31-JAN-2005 

Summary: (Verbatim from the Applicant's Abstract) We have hypothesized that the 

clinical deterioration observed in the early stage of schizophrenia is due to a process of 

limited neurodegeneration that begins in the prodromal phase and is associated with 

the persistence of positive and negative symptoms. In our prior study we have 

demonstrated the clinical progression of the illness in first episode patients over a fouryear 

period. Preliminary volumetric MRI data from that study and from several other 

groups support this hypothesis but are inconsistent and inconclusive. Moreover, despite 

the numerous cross-sectional 'H-MRS studies of decreased NAA in temporal and frontal 

cortices in schizophrenia, there have been no longitudinal 'H-MRS studies. Therefore, 

the proposed study will utilize high resolution magnetic resonance imaging, combining 

MRJ and MRS in a longitudinal study with repeated measurements to determine 

whether the clinical progression seen in patients will be reflected by changes in brain 

morphology and NAA. Specifically, we predict that the progression of brain pathology 

seen in changes in MRI and MRS measures between baseline and end point assessments 

(decreasing volumes of cortical gray matter, decreasing hippocampus, increasing lateral 

and third ventricles and increasing subarachnoid space and decreasing lH-NAA in 

mesiotemporal and prefrontal cortical regions and thalamic nuclei) will be observed in a 

subgroup of patients with poor clinical outcomes reflected by recurrent or persistent 

psychopathology and functional impairment and who exhibit the greatest clinical 

deterioration during the scanning intervals. We also will examine trealment effects in 

terms of whether it prevents pathological progression in patients or introduces 

artifactual effects (such as in the basal ganglia). Finally, we will determine whether there 

are structural or metabolic abnormalities that are present at the first episode of 

schizophrenia which predict long-term clinical outcome. We hypothesize that MRI 

measures of more severe brain pathology at study entry (as reflected by greater lateral 

and third ventricles volumes, reduced cortical gray matter, and reduced NAA 

concentration in the frontal and mesiotemporal lobes and the thalamic nuclei) will be 

associated with poorer long term treatment outcome. We also hypothesize that 

treatment will be associated with preservation of brain volume in these brain regions 

and preservation or enhancement of NAA concentration in the frontal and temporal 

lobes. To test our hypotheses we will prospectively examine 100 patients ascertained in 

their first episode of schizophrenia using high resolution MR and spectroscopic imaging 

over a three-year period. Treatment will be standardized using an open label clinical 

treatment algorithm that provides optimal treatment with atypical antipsychotic drugs. 

Patients will be assessed for psychopathology, social and work performance and with 

MRI and MRS at study entry and at six months, eighteen months and three year of 

follow-up. MRI data will be analyzed using segmentation methods to determine the 

volume of specific regions of interest. NAA will be determined by quantitation of NAA,

14 


Cr and NAAJCr. This study will provide important information about the clinical and 

neuropathological course of subgroups of schizophrenia and therapeutic strategies for 

early identification and intervention. 


• Project Title: CANTILEVER MAGNETIC RESONANCE MICROSCOPY OF 

BIOMOLECULES 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Marohn, John A.; Chemistry and Chemical Biology; 

Cornell University Ithaca Office of Sponsored Programs Ithaca, Ny 14853 


Summary: (provided by applicant): This proposal aims to develop technology for 

dramatically increasing the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging. The goal is to 

develop a "molecular microscope" to detect, analyze, and image nanoscale entities of 

relevance to biomedicine. Tools for determining protein structure are central to 

biological research. Improved tools for determining the three dimensional structure of 

large macromolecules and aggregate structures are urgently needed. A majority of 

proteins are not well suited for analysis by current methods because they cannot be 

isolated in large enough quantities or because they do not form crystals. In this proposal 

we present plans for developing a cantilever-based molecular microscope that can 

determine the structure of a single copy of a protein, a task which no current technology 

can achieve. Such an instrument would revolutionize structural biology, dramatically 

impacting a broad spectrum of biological processes, disorders, and diseases. In this 

proposal we detail a stepwise approach to developing a molecular microscope for 

imaging single biomolecules based on a marriage of atomic force microscope and 

magnetic resonance imaging technologies. Our specific aims are: (1) To detect nuclear 

magnetic resonance in a new way, as a change in the spring constant of a magnetically 

tipped microcantilever, (2) Fabricate and characterize nanomagnets suitable for singleproton 

cantilever detected magnetic resonance. Explore experimentally the minimum 

forces and spring constant changes that can be detected when a thin, ultrasensitive, 

silicon microcantilever is brought close to a surface, and (3) Develop and test magnetic 

resonance imaging protocols suited to small ensembles of nuclear spins. 


• Project Title: CBV MAPPING ASSOCIATED WITH CHANGES IN MOOD STATE 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Henry, Michael E.; Mc Lean Hospital (Belmont, Ma) 

Belmont, Ma 02478 


Description (provided by applicant): Candidate (Dr. Michael Henry): I completed my 

residency in Psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, and my 

fellowship in Psychopharmacology at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). 

Currently, I am Director of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) at McLean Hospital. While 

at the NIMH, I was responsible for a positron emission tomography (PET) study of the 

effects of ECT on cerebral glucose metabolism (3). Since my arrival at McLean Hospital I 

have collaborated with Drs Perry Renshaw, Bruce Cohen, and others, using various 

magnetic resonance imaging techniques to study the effects of treatment interruption 

(4,19), the antidepressant effects of CDP-choline, and brain pharmacokinetics (5,20). My 

long-term objectives are to 1) understand the pathophysiology of depression using 

brain-imaging techniques; and 2) define the mechanisms by which treatments for 

depression exert their antidepressant effects. Environment: Bruce Cohen, M.D., Ph.D.,

Studies 15 

the mentor for this proposal, is an internationally respected scientist and teacher, who 

will provide mentoring on research methods, study design, data analysis, and my 

overall development as an independent researcher. The didactic component of this 

proposal includes direct mentoring, tutorials, and consultation from experts at and 

outside McLean Hospital; course work in neuroanatomy, statistics, computers, and 

ethics at Harvard University and MIT; visiting fellowships to three other imaging 

laboratories; and direct hands-on research with the support of three additional MR 

physicists. The Brain Imaging Center (BIC) is well equipped to support this type of 

training. Under the direction of Perry Renshaw, M.D., Ph.D., has a reputation for 

excellence in both rapid sequence imaging techniques and magnetic resonance 

spectroscopy. The techniques to be used in this study have been utilized successfully in 

pilot studies described in the proposal. Research: The present study proposes to use 

dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to define 

changes in regional cerebral blood volume (CBV) that occur when female patients, who 

have responded well to fluoxetine, relapse into depression following medication 

discontinuation. 


• Project Title: CEREBELLAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN ALCOHOLISM 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Sullivan, Edith V.; Professor; Psychiatry and 

Behavioral Sci; Stanford University Stanford, Ca 94305 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2004; Project Start 01-APR-1996; Project End 31-AUG-2009 

Summary: (provided by applicant): Our recent functional and structural magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRI), balance physiology, and neuropsychological studies point to 

cerebellar systems disruption as a principal neural mechanism underlying cognitive and 

motor dysfunction and processing inefficiency in chronic alcoholism. This alcoholisminduced 

brain pathology itself may change cognition and behavior in a manner that can 

perpetuate drinking. We now propose to combine sway path analysis to dissect 

physiological components of static balance control with high resolution structural MRI, 

diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and functional MRI (fMRI) to examine the integrity of 

gray matter components of corticocerebellar circuits, white matter tracts linking them, 

and the pattern and extent of their functional activation. Our proposal aims to delineate 

the specific sites and neural mechanisms by which chronic alcohol use impairs cognition 

and balance. Recovering alcoholic men and women and age- and sex-matched controls 

will undergo balance testing and neuroimaging with MRI, DTI, and fMRI in a series of 

inter-related studies to address three specific aims: 1. Specify sources of interference that 

provoke postural instability in abstinent alcoholic men and women using force platform 

analysis. With sway path analysis, we will test whether benefits provided by a broad 

support base and vision to balance stabilization will be significantly reduced in 

alcoholics more than controls when challenged by a secondary task (mental calculation) 

while balancing. 2. Characterize the integrity of cerebellopontocortical circuitry with 

diffusion tensor imaging and cerebellar tissue with high resolution MR imaging. We 

will use DTI guided by fiber tracking and high resolution MR imaging to characterize 

the integrity of cerebellopontocortical circuitry and relate it to balance abnormality and 

to volumes of cerebellum and prefrontal cortex connected by these circuits. 3. Identify 

neural mechanisms of processing inefficiency with fMRI. We propose two fMRI 

experiments to identify neural systems underlying processing inefficiency in alcoholics. 

Our overarching hypothesis is that alcoholics can perform challenging tasks at normal 

levels by recruiting frontocerebellar systems in excess of those recruited by controls, and

16 


this would have the untoward outcome of reducing processing capacity available for 

simultaneous performance of other tasks, including maintenance of postural stability 


• Project Title: CHARACTERIZATION OF SKELETAL MUSCLE BY MR 

ELASTOGRAPHY 

Principal Investigator & Institution: An, Kai-Nan; Professor & Chair; Mayo Clinic Coll of 

Medicine, Rochester 200 1St St Sw Rochester, Mn 55905 


Summary: (provided by applicant): The goal of this proposal is two-fold: (1) to further 

develop and validate a technology, magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), for 

quantitatively imaging mechanical properties and tension distribution in muscle and (2) 

to apply the technique for in vivo evaluation of patients with four common, and 

clinically significant muscle disorders (spasticity, disuse atrophy, myofascial pain and a 

metabolic myopathy). These studies will employ a magnetic resonance imaging 

sequence with synchronous motion-sensitizing gradients to map propagating shear 

waves in the muscle. The technique will assess the mechanical properties of the muscle 

and its tension distribution. Specifically, the study can be divided into three specific 

aims. Aim 1: Optimize MRE methods of acquisition and analysis for the assessment of 

muscle, including electromechanical drivers, data acquisition techniques, and methods 

for image analysis. Advanced techniques for very rapid MRE assessment of muscle will 

continue to be developed. Aim 2: Validate the MRE assessment of muscle properties and 

tension with phantom, ex-vivo muscle, and Finite Element Modeling (FEM) techniques. 

Finite Element Analysis will be performed by using both phantom and bovine muscles 

to better correlate MRE wave-length findings as function of muscle properties, tension 

and fiber architecture. Aim 3: Study In Vivo Normal and Abnormal Muscle. The MRE 

technique will be applied in vivo to provide elastographic images of abnormal muscle 

with known disorders. The patient groups chosen for study are each important in their 

own right, and furnish unique information across the spectrum of muscular disease and 

dysfunction. Groups to be studied include individuals with new onset of spasticity 

following an ischemic, hemispheric stroke, disuse atrophy as a result of immobilization, 

metabolic (hyperthyroid) myopathy and myofascial pain for trigger point identification. 

The overall hypothesis of this work is that will bring benefits to both basic research and 

clinical care. 


• Project Title: COGNITIVE EFFECTS OF CEREBELLAR DYSFUNCTION IN AUTISM 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Townsend, Jeanne; Associate Professor of 

Neurosciences; Neurosciences; University of California San Diego La Jolla, Ca 920930934 


Summary: (provided by applicant): Cerebellar abnormality may underlie many of the 

cognitive and clinical symptoms in autism. While brain abnormalities in autism are 

diverse and involve cortical and subcortical regions, the cerebellum is the most 

consistently reported site of damage. Developmental abnormality of the cerebellum has 

been found in 95% of postmortem autism cases and in several hundred individuals with 

autism on quantitative MRI studies performed by six independent research groups. 

More than 60 studies have found molecular, metabolic, functional or structural 

abnormalities of the cerebellum in autism. A rapidly growing body of literature suggests 

that the cerebellum controls or modifies diverse cognitive processes, thus altering the

Studies 17 

traditional neurologic view of the cerebellum as a brain structure that supports only 

motor function. Work in our laboratory has linked the cerebellum to both cognitive 

function and neural response not only in autism, but also in normal function. We have 

proposed that some deficits in autism may reflect fundamental cerebellar dysfunction-failure 

to track sensory information, predict future events and prepare a response. We 

now propose to test this emerging model of cerebellar dysfunction in autism using 

functional and structural imaging. We will assess the specificity of cerebellar 

involvement in these cognitive operations (track, predict, prepare) by comparison of 

subjects with autism: 1) to patients with cerebellar damage acquired in early childhood; 

and 2) to those with Asperger syndrome in which the cerebellum may be less affected. 

We will ground our results from these comparisons by performing fMRI (functional 

magnetic resonance imaging) studies in normal control subjects to establish that the 

cerebellum is normally active during these same operations. The fMRI studies of clinical 

groups will allow us to investigate whether patterns of activation suggest abnormal 

interaction of the cerebellum and cerebral cortical systems during these important 

processing operations. Our studies will link both behavioral and neural response (ERP, 

fMRI) to the underlying neuroanatomy (MRI). These results will help us understand the 

specific functional deficits associated with developmental or acquired damage to the 

cerebellum and thereby will contribute to understanding the brain substrates of 

behavioral dysfunction in autism. Such knowledge may enable more effective treatment 

and aid the search for the origins of this debilitating disorder. 


• Project Title: COMBINED MR-DIFFUSE OPTICS FOR FUNCTIONAL IMAGING 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Nalcioglu, Orhan; Professor and Director; 

Radiological Sciences; University of California Irvine Irvine, Ca 926977600 


Summary: (provided by applicant): Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy 

(MRI, MRS) can be used to obtain detailed physiologic and metabolic information 

regarding tumors. Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy and Tomography (DOS, DOT = SDOT) 

can provide unique and complementary information regarding tumor physiology and 

metabolism. Simultaneous employment of both MR and optical modalities may offer 

new insight that is unavailable by use of either of these techniques alone. During the 

past two years, based on funding under an NCI Pre-ICMIC grant, we have built a 

broadband frequency domain photon migration probe (FDPM) that is compatible with 

high magnetic fields, operates inside a 4 Tesla MR system, and provides simultaneous 

optical/MR measurements in small animals. Before such a system can be widely used in 

clinical cancer studies, we believe it is essential to validate our measurements and 

develop a detailed understanding of the factors that influence MRI-optics coregistration. 

One of the limitations for undertaking such a study is the fact that 

nontomographic optical measurement techniques have poor spatial localization that is 

due to their broad point spread function and ambiguity in the origin of the detected 

signals. Consequently, there is a great need to understand the underlying relationship 

between optical and MR signals. Once this relationship is clarified, the spatial 

localization of optical measurements can be improved and functional information can be 

accurately assigned to discrete tumor tissue structures. The long-term goal of this project 

is to construct an MR-compatible optical spectroscopic tomography system for 

improved spatial localization of optical measurements and accurate opticaI-MRI coregistration. 

Such a system can be scaled up for human studies of cancer. During the R21 

phase (Year 01) we will expand the current single transmitter/receiver optical system to

18 


an MR compatible multi-wavelength, multi-detector system and optimize its 

performance for SDOT. During this process, different geometries, detectors, data 

acquisition techniques, and image inversion strategies will be explored. In the 

subsequent R33 phase (Years 02-04) of the application, we will pursue the following 

aims: 1) design and construct a full scale small animal MR-SDOT system, 2) using the 

constructed system investigate the relationship between MRI/MRS and optical 

measurements to improve the spatial localization in SDOT, 3) employ the developed 

dual imaging system for combined dynamic contrast enhanced functional imaging of 

tumors in animal models. 


• Project Title: COMBINED MR-PETT TOMOGRAPH FOR BREAST IMAGING 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Rubashov, Igor B.; President; High Medical 

Technologies, Llc Los Angeles, Ca 90048 


Summary: MRI and PET have demonstrated their strengths in the diagnosis of breast 

cancer. In this proposal we bring the 2 modalities together and build on these strengths. 

The goal of this proposal is to develop a new breast imaging diagnostic instrument 

composed of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and novel positron emission 

tomography (PET) scanner. The PET system will be placed inside the MRI magnetic 

field next to a breast magnetic coil. The integrated MRI-PET system will provide: MR- 

(anatomic/nuclear molecular image), Nuclear (nuclear medicine based molecular 

image) and Combined (fused image) images without the necessity of moving the 

patient. Use of the combined modalities will allow obtaining very high sensitivity and 

specificity of diagnosed lesions during the same exam. The technological novelty of the 

proposed approach lays in the development of a novel PET system and new 

reconstruction software. The PET system will be built in a form of inexpensive small size 

ring scanner, which is not sensitive to magnetic fields present in the MRI systems. In the 

Phase I effort we will develop two PET scanner modules and processing electronics and 

reconstruction software. The two PET modules will be tested for operation in realistic 

conditions using MRI clinical system at UCLA. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL 

APPLICATIONS: In this proposal, we will build a small PET system for imaging the 

breast that can be used in the magnetic field of the MRI scanner. The market for these 

systems is expected to be in the 100's of millions of dollars. In addition, the combination 

MR-PET system could reduce the number of biopsies by giving unequivocal diagnosis 

for breast cancer in many cases that require biopsy today. The cost of one biopsy is 

approximately $3,000. Approximately 2 million biopsies are performed every year. This 

system could save $100's of millions of dollars annually. 


• Project Title: COMPLEX BRAIN BEHAVIOR RELATIONS IN ALCOHOL STUDIES 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Bates, Marsha E.; Research Professor; Center of 

Alcohol Studies; Rutgers the St Univ of Nj New Brunswick Asb Iii New Brunswick, Nj 

08901 


Summary: APPLICANT'S ABSTRACT: This is a proposal for an Independent Scientist 

Award (KO2) to expand the applicant's research program on alcohol-associated 

neuropsychological impairment and treatment-outcome. The aim is to develop a 

multilevel neuroscience approach for studying these complex brain-behavior relations

Studies 19 

by pursuing specialized collaboration and advanced training in quantitative and 

neuroimaging methodologies. The first career objective is to develop further expertise in 

complex variable-centered and person-centered quantitative methods, as well as 

methods for integrating these two analytic approaches. Specialized quantitative skills 

will be developed through collaboration with experts and participation in advanced 

training institutes. These skills will be used to test complex mediation and moderation 

models of the effects of alcohol-related neuropsychological impairment on treatment 

outcomes in three existing NIAAA and private data bases. The second career objective is 

to gain expertise in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional MRI (fMRI) 

methods. Career development in neuroimaging will comprise formal course work, 

hands-on training, and collaboration with experts. Neuroimaging training will be 

applied to a preliminary study of the influence of family histories of alcoholism and 

depression on neuropsychological impairment and neuroanatomical changes in youth 

with psychiatric diagnoses compared to a control group with no psychiatric diagnoses. 

Hypotheses of heightened neurocognitive vulnerability and symptom severity in highrisk 

FH+ youth will be tested. 


• Project Title: CORE--IMAGING 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Ahrens, Eric T.; Magee-Womens Health Corp 

Pittsburgh, Pa 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-2002; Project End 31-AUG-2007 

Summary: To ensure maximum utility of the Imaging Core, we will combine the 

strengths ofnon-invasive magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography 

(PET) imaging techniques essential to this SCOR application. At the macroscopic whole 

animal level, we will utilize new small animal imaging technologies, including MRI, 

microPET, and microCAT. The primary roles of the Imaging Core will be to: monitor the 

number of mouse embryos present in pregnancy and measure the size of the embryo 

and placenta using MRI; perform longitudinal MRI studies of pregnant monkeys and 

monitor viability and phenotypic differences of the fetus and placenta throughout 

pregnancy; employ high-resolution 3D MRI of fixed mouse embryos to examine 

smoking-induced skeletal and vascular alterations; employ non-invasive monitoring of 

normal pregnancy in non-human primates utilizing PET imaging and glucose and 

amino acid tracers; delineate paternal vs. maternal contributions in adrogenotes and 

gynogenotes using reporter gone techniques; to monitor leukocytes invasion and 

inflammatory response related to the progression of physiologic and pathologic labor 

and evaluate the effects of smoking on the transport of glucose and amino acids across 

the placenta. The functions of the Imaging Core will be performed at two locations: MRI 

methods will be performed at the Pittsburgh NMR Center, Carnegie Mellon University 

and microPET/microCAT imaging studies will be performed at the UPMC PET Facility, 

University of Pittsburgh. Both of these facilities are designed for the purpose of 

providing state of the art non-invasive imaging technologies to biomedical researchers. 

The MRI component of the Imaging Core will provide a vital resource to the proposed 

Projects. Projects 1 and 2 will longitudinally follow pregnancies in mouse and in 

monkey. From these time-lapse data the viability and phenotypic differences of the fetus 

and placenta will be monitored throughout pregnancy. In Project 3, novel 3D 

microangiography methods will be utilized to globally examine the impact of smoking 

on the vascularization of the developing fetus. For the mouse studies, specialized MRI 

capabilities will be used called magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM); this is an 

emerging technique capable of imaging biological subjects in vitro and in vivo at

20 


nearcellular resolution. MRI will help bridge the gap between pregnancy models in 

mouse and in primates. The Pittsburgh NMR Center has state-of-the art in vivo imaging 

capabilities for both model systems. 


• Project Title: CORE--MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND SPECTROSCOPY 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Karczmar, Gregory S.; Associate Professor; 

University of Chicago 5801 S Ellis Ave Chicago, Il 60637 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 15-MAY-2002; Project End 31-MAR-2007 

Summary: (provided by applicant): Magnetic Resonance imaging technology has 

important applications to cancer treatment. It provides excellent soft tissue contrast, 

high spatial resolution, and a wide range of functional information. It is completely noninvasive 

and poses no significant risks to patients. Thus the faculty of the UCCRC have 

devoted significant effort towards development and application of MRI methods. The 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Core is a new addition to the 

University of Chicago Cancer Center which will expand the availability of our MR 

resources to Cancer Center investigators. The mission of the MRIS core is to promote the 

development and application of MR technology for 1) early detection of cancer, 2) 

evaluation of new therapeutic agents 3) and image guided design of therapies. The 

MRIS laboratory emphasizes translational research. New methods for detecting cancer 

and evaluating response to therapy are developed and applied in animal models using a 

4.7 Tesla 30 cm bore research MR scanner. Subsequently some of these new methods are 

evaluated on clinical scanners. In addition, the MRIS laboratory uses conventional MRI 

imaging to support clinical research such as evaluation of new drugs. Specifically the 

MRIS Core will provide the following support for studies of animal models of cancer 

and cancer patients; 3-dimensional volumetric high resolution images that depict the 

anatomy and size of tumors and changes during therapy; Measurement of 

hemodynamic parameters, i.e., tumor blood flow, blood volume, capillary permeability, 

and vascular architecture, and changes in these parameters during therapy; 

Measurements of tumor oxygenation. Changes in oxygenation caused by tumor 

oxygenating agents; Measurements of metabolites involved with high energy phosphate 

metabolism, glycolysis, and lipid metabolism; Other important functional 

measurements such as water diffusion rates and pH; Development and testing of new 

MR methods that are likely to increase the sensitivity and specificity of MR scans; 

Development and testing of new contrast agents; High resolution MRI of tissue samples; 

and Teaching: The MRIS Core facility is a focal point for instruction of Radiologists and 

Medical physicists in basic MR technology and its application to cancer treatment. 

Instruction includes lectures and hands on laboratory experience. The primary focus of 

the MRIS core will be to support pilot projects that are evaluated and approved by a 

steering committee. These pilot studies will produce preliminary results in support of 

applications for external funding that will make these projects self-sufficient. The MRIS 

Core will foster strong collaborations between oncologists, radiologists, and imaging 

scientists. Because studies of animal models of disease and clinical studies will be 

supported, this program will be an important source of translational research. 


• Project Title: CORE--NEUROIMAGING 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Singh, Manbir; Professor; University of Southern 

California 2250 Alcazar Street, Csc-219 Los Angeles, Ca 90033


Summary: This abstract is not available. 


• Project Title: CORE--NEUROIMAGING AND MORPHOLOGY 

Studies 21 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Gerig, Guido; Taylor Grandy Professor; University 

of North Carolina Chapel Hill Aob 104 Airport Drive Cb#1350 Chapel Hill, Nc 27599 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-2002; Project End 31-JUL-2007 

Summary: (provided by applicant): The primary objective of the Neuroimaging Core of 

the CCNMD is to serve the pre-clinical project #3 and the clinical projects #1 and #2 

utilizing image acquisition and image processing technology for quantitative 

measurements of confocal microscopydata, structural MRI (SMRI) including diffusion 

tensor imaging DTI, MR spectroscopy (MRS) and functional MR (FMRI). The core will 

provide well-established and validated neuroimage analysis methods but also introduce 

novel leading-edge methods with significantly improved efficiency and reliability. This 

core in the CCNMD is particularly important because of the need to provide 

quantitative methods of image analysis to serve several of the Center projects, the 

unique location of the neuroimage analysis lab close to the CCNMD research groups, 

and the excellent, well established cooperation between neuroimaging research groups 

at UNC and Duke, making it possible to pool the excellent complementary expertise of 

all groups. This close interaction is facilitated by high-speed networking and compatible 

hardware and software environments. The service of the Neuroimage Analysis Core 

will include quality assurance of image acquisition protocols, data transfer of image data 

to the image analysis lab, storing and archiving of clinical study image data, image 

processing to obtain quantitative measurements, rigorous validation and quality control 

of processing with intra- and interrater studies, and transfer of quantitative results to the 

Biostatistics Core for statistical analysis. The combination of the processing of 

volumetric images from confocal microscopy and from neuroimaging in one core such 

as an integrated approach to process SMRI, DRI, FMRI and MRS will make it possible to 

apply optimal state-of-the-art medical image processing technology to various types of 

image data. The Core Leaders primary appointment in Computer Science and his close 

interaction with leading groups in medical image analysis will ensure adaptation of 

software to the local needs and access to latest advances in methodology. 


• Project Title: CORTICAL PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PAIN 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Apkarian, Apkar Vania.; Associate Professor; 

Physiology; Northwestern University Office of Sponsored Research Chicago, Il 60611 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-MAY-1996; Project End 31-MAY-2003 

Summary: (Adapted from the Investigator's Abstract) This proposal is in response to the 

BIOBEHAVIORAL PAIN RESEARCH RFA PA-99-021. It is a COMPETING 

CONTINUATION application for grant NS 35115 funded from 5-1-96 to 4-30-99. In the 

last funding period we developed a new functional brain imaging paradigm, using 

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), that enables us to parcel cortical activity 

associated with painful stimuli along a stimulus-suffering from chronic Reflex 

Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) pain show prefrontal hyperactivity. These abnormal 

activations are reversed to that seen in normal subjects after a sympathetic block. Given 

the new paradigm and our observations in chronic pain patients and normal volunteers 

we propose to extend the studies to extend the studies of the pathophysiology of chronic

22 


pain by testing specific hypotheses, designed to distinguish between two chronic pain 

states: Specific Aim 1 tests the hypothesis that chronic low back pain with radicular 

involvement can be differentiated from acute low back pain, and from normal subjects 

by functional brain imaging studies. These studies are designed to image brain activity 

directly related to the pain from which the patients suffer. The acute back pain patients 

are studied before and three months after spinal cord surgery. Specific Aim 2 tests the 

hypothesis that chronic RSD pain with allodynia is distinct from chronic RSD pain with 

only hyperalgesia, and that chronic RSD pain is distinguishable from chronic low back 

pain. The studies are done using fMRI and again are designed to directly study the pain 

from which the patients suffer. Specific Aim 3 tests the hypothesis that chronic pain 

states are associated with brain biochemistry abnormalities, and that different chronic 

pains may be differentiated by brain biochemistry. Hydrogen-Magnetic Resonance 

Spectroscopy (MRS) will be used to examine different brain regions and chemicals in 

RSD and low back pain patients and compared to normal subjects. Specific Aim 4 tests 

the hypothesis that chronic pain is correlated with cognitive abnormalities. RSD and 

back pain patients will be tested on a battery of cognitive tests: Stroop, WCST, and 

Bechara's Gambling test. The chosen tests examine different frontal abilities and may 

differentiate between types of chronic pain. Overall the studies are designed to examine 

chronic pain by functional imaging, brain biochemistry, and cognitive abilities. The 

results, if successful, have the potential of being used in the clinic as diagnostic or 

prognostic tools. 


• Project Title: CORTICAL SURFACE BASED BRAIN IMAGING 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Dale, Anders M.; Associate Professor; 

Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit St Boston, Ma 02114 


Summary: (Applicant's Abstract) The cerebral cortex underwent a remarkable expansion 

in human evolution and is, by far, the largest part of the human brain. In order to 

facilitate research into cortical function, we propose to create, test, streamline, and make 

user-friendly a new cortical mapping system designed to preserve the physical layout of 

the cerebral cortex, which is most accurately described as a thin, folded, twodimensional 

sheet. Most previous methods have mapped the cerebral cortex and other 

brain structures using a volume-based system with three coordinates for each point 

instead of two. Volume-based systems are straightforward to apply, and they generalize 

to non-cortical structures. However, there are a number of fundamental advantages to 

using a surface-based system for mapping the cerebral cortex. Preliminary results 

indicate that surface-based mapping yields improved inter subject comparisons. In 

addition, it enables many new surface-based computations as well as providing a 

unified, user-comprehensible way to display the constantly growing and 

paradigmatically diverse corpus of brain imaging data. To make it possible to exploit 

the advantages of both two- and three-dimensional approaches, we show how to 

generate a precise mapping between these two systems. We demonstrate many of the 

components of the proposed surface-based analysis and visualization software to show 

that most of the ideas are already prototyped. A number of our recent papers using this 

software further illustrate its usefulness in brain-mapping. In this proposal, we first plan 

to automate, optimize, and validate our existing software, while expanding a surfacebased 

brain mapping database. The database will consist of (1) structural magnetic 

resonance images and cortical surface reconstructions made from them, and (2) 

functional magnetic resonance images analyzed in a surface-based framework both

Studies 23 

taken from the same normal human subjects. This database will be used to construct an 

averaged "canonical" human cortical surface, with much less "blurriness" than current 3- 

D-averaged brains. This database will also be used to implement and validate a novel 2- 

D latitude and longitude coordinate system for the unfolded cortical surface. The 

software tools will be ported to several platforms, including SGI, Sun and PC (Linux), in 

order to facilitate their dissemination to the wider scientific community. 


• Project Title: DETECTION AND MODULATION OF VULNERABLE 

ATHEROSCLEROTIC P 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Ganz, Peter; Brigham and Women's Hospital 75 

Francis Street Boston, Ma 02115 


Summary: (provided by applicant): Episodes of instability caused by plaque disruption 

frequently punctuate the course of stable coronary atherosclerosis. Pathological studies 

have identified critical features of lesions vulnerable to rupture (large lipid pool, 

prominent inflammatory component and thin fibrous cap) but routine testing including 

diagnostic angiography fails to identify these important structural features of vulnerable 

plaques. We aim to develop and validate in atherosclerotic rabbits and in humans, high 

resolution intravascular magnetic resonance imaging to identify the tissue 

characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques. The inflammatory component of the plaques 

will be delineated by the use of contrast agents that are selectively taken up by 

macrophages (particles of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide) or contrast agents 

that localize to sites of increased vascular permeability (gadolinium-labeled albumin)-classical 

characteristics of atheroma formation. We will use high resolution intravascular 

magnetic resonance imaging to characterize changes in plaque features and their time 

course using cholesterol lowering as a well-established intervention. We will test the 

hypothesis in humans, with parallel validation in rabbits, that intensive cholesterollowering 

can rapidly improve the high risk morphometric characteristics and the 

inflammatory component of plaques, thereby leading to rapid stabilization. Future 

extensions of this work might use the technologies validated now to test similar 

hypotheses with novel therapeutic agents that have a putative direct effect on 

atherosclerotic lesions. These projects are considered the necessary cornerstone for 

examining the effects in humans of new therapeutic strategies. These studies provide 

novel approaches to detection and characterization of vulnerable atherosclerotic lesions 

in patients. This much needed information cannot be obtained with conventional 

angiography or with other current clinical means of testing. This work should provide 

new mechanistic insights and promote development and evaluation of therapeutic 

strategies for further protection from plaque rupture, thrombosis and fatal coronary 

events. 


• Project Title: DEVELOPMENT OF FUNCTIONAL MRI FOR MOUSE 

PHENOTYPING 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Yoder, Elizabeth J.; Physics; University of California 

San Diego La Jolla, Ca 920930934 


Summary: (provided by applicant): Candidate: Dr. Elizabeth Yoder has a strong 

background in mouse brain imaging using optical techniques, and has received recent

24 


training in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in humans. Her long-term 

career goal is to become an independent investigator who studies the principles and 

mechanisms of neurovascular coupling using mouse models. Her immediate objective is 

to pursue a rigorous period of developing the fMRI technology to enable this goal. She 

has designed a career development plan that incorporates this development of new 

technology to use fMRI for measurement of cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood 

oxygenation, and cerebral oxygen metabolism in mice. Environment: The rich research 

environment at the University of California, San Diego and its affiliated institutions is 

ideal for the candidate's career development. Dr. Yoder will be mentored by Dr. Buxton, 

Director of the new UCSD Center for fMRI, a facility dedicated to fMRI research in 

humans and animals. Part of the Center's core research program uses fMRI to study 

neurovascular coupling, and Dr. Yoder's participation in this program will provide her 

with valuable contacts and collaborations. The Center has the necessary resources for 

Dr. Yoder to accomplish her goals. Research: The mouse is the species of choice for 

generating animal models of disease and disability. Coordinated international efforts to 

sequence the mouse genome were just successfully completed. Accordingly, the 

research emphasis must now shift to generating genetically-modified animals and 

characterizing their phenotypes. Existing schemes for phenotyping mice utilize 

anatomical and behavioral strategies. This application proposes to develop a 

physiological phenotyping protocol using functional magnetic resonance imaging 

(fMRI). Specifically, technology will be developed that simultaneously and dynamically 

measures both cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood oxygenation. This capability will 

be crucial to the evaluation of mouse models of numerous neurological diseases that 

have vascular deficits, such as Alzheimers Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and stroke. 

Once developed, the proposed technology will not only be useful for characterization of 

mouse phenotypes, it will provide a useful, quantitative physiological metric for 

comparing the efficacy of treatment regimes in these mouse models, and it will enhance 

the usefulness of mouse models for investigation of basic biological processes. The 

proposed technology is not envisaged as a primary screen for "baseline" phenotyping 

but rather as a secondary screening for deficits in cerebral blood flow and energy 

metabolism. The endpoint of the project will be the submission of a novel phenotyping 

protocol to the Mouse Phenome Database. 


• Project Title: DEVELOPMENT OF MAGNETIC SENSORS FOR MRI CANCER 


Principal Investigator & Institution: Perez, J Manuel.; Instructor in Chemistry; 

Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit St Boston, Ma 02114 


Summary: (provided by applicant): The need to understand cancer biology at a cellular 

level requires a comprehensive interrogation of mRNA and proteins at high throughput 

and preferably simultaneously. The overall goal of the proposed research is to expand 

preliminary experiments by the applicant to further develop, validate and optimize 

magnetic nanosensors (magnetic relaxation switches, MRS) capable of sensing different 

types of molecular targets. In preliminary experiments we have shown that when 

monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles self-assemble into oligomeric nanoassemblies, 

there is a corresponding decrease in the spin-spin relaxation times (T2) of surrounding 

water detectable by NMR techniques. This fundamental observation has allowed us to 

measure DNA-DNA, protein-protein, small molecule protein interactions as well as 

enzyme activities (Nat Biotech 2002;20, 816-820). The magnetic relaxation switch (MRS)

Studies 25 

technique is exceedingly sensitive, allowing the detection of target molecules at 

femtomole levels with bench-top detectors and attomole levels by high-resolution MR 

imaging. The assay is performed in solution and does not require isolation or 

purification of the sample. In the proposed research the applicant will pursue three 

specific aims using telomerase as a cancer related target: (1) design and optimize MRS 

probes that independently recognize telomerase-mRNA, -protein and enzyme activity; 

(2) develop and optimize magnetic resonance techniques for simultaneous screening of 

telomerase-mRNA, -protein and -activity; and (3) develop and optimize internalization 

protocols for telomerase MRS probes that would allow detection of a target inside intact 

cells. It is hypothesized that telomerase mRNA, telomerase protein and telomerase 

activity can be detected in cell lysates and tissue extracts without prior purification or 

amplification using the developed MRS technique. Major biotechnical and medical 

applications of the developed technique lie in 1) the development of techniques to 

simultaneously interrogate RNA and proteins, 2) the development of high-throughput 

solution phase arrays, and 3) the ability to image molecular interactions by magnetic 

resonance imaging. The proposed research will be conducted in a multidisciplinary 

environment and the integrated training and research program will enable the candidate 

to establish himself as an independent cancer researcher. 


• Project Title: DYNAMIC FMRI TO MEASURE NEURONAL ACTIVITY 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Maciejewski, Paul K.; Internal Medicine; Yale 


Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 18-SEP-2002; Project End 31-AUG-2007 

Summary: (provided by applicant): Funding is requested to advance the research career 

of the Candidate, Dr. Paul K. Maciejewski. The overall aim of the project is to establish 

the Candidate, whose prior formal training has been in mechanical engineering and 

statistics, as an independent investigator in the areas of neurophysiology and brain 

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The research career development plan 

consists of education/training and research components. Education in neurophysiology 

will be obtained primarily through courses offered in the Graduate Program in 

Neurobiology in the Yale University School of Medicine. Training in magnetic resonance 

spectroscopy (MRS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and metabolic modeling will 

be obtained primarily through training provided by experienced researchers at the Yale 

University Magnetic Resonance Center for Research in Metabolism & Physiology. 

Education and training in the ethical use of animals in research will be obtained 

primarily through the Yale Animal Resources Center. The research plan has three 

Specific Aims. These are: 1) Developing a 13C MRS method for measuring dynamic 

changes in cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption, 2) obtaining dynamic, multimodal 

measurements of functional activation in a rat model, and 3) developing a 

neurovascular model of blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal and 

functional activation. The Aims of the research plan will be achieved through 

applications and extensions of MRS, metabolic modeling, fMRI, electrophysiological 

measurements, and dynamic modeling. The outcomes of this basic research are expected 

to be relevant to diagnostic evaluation in neurology and psychiatry. 


26 


• Project Title: EVALUATION OF ASTROCYTOMAS WITH HRMAS 1HMR 

SPECTROSCOPY 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Cheng, Leo L.; Assistant Professor; Massachusetts 

General Hospital 55 Fruit St Boston, Ma 02114 


Summary: Astrocytomas, the most common type of brain tumors, are primarily 

diagnosed by the histopathological evaluation of cellular morphological changes in 

biopsy samples. In addition to changes in cell morphology, tumors also display altered 

cellular biochemistry. Tumor metabolic alterations may provide valuable information 

for clinical grading, biology-based prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring of 

astrocytomas. Conventional ex vivo 1HMRS has been used to study tumor samples; 

however, it is hampered by the need for the often destructive chemical extraction of 

tissue. We propose to evaluate the diagnostic potential of the newly developed highresolution 

magic angle spinning (HRMAS) proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy 

(1HMRS) on intact specimens of human astrocytomas. We plan to quantify HRMAS 

metabolites and measure histopathological features on the same tumor specimens, to 

select tumor metabolic markers, and to establish biochemical databases for astrocytoma 

diagnosis and prognosis. Our specific aims are: 1) To quantify metabolic concentrations 

with HRMAS 1HMRS in different regions of normal human brain; 2) To quantify 

metabolic alterations in newly diagnosed, adult supratentorial, diffuse fibrillary 

astrocytomas, and to use these measures to identify and define HRMAS 1HMRS 

markers able to type and grade these tumors; 3) To evaluate the capability of HRMAS 

spectroscopic markers in predicting the histological grade of adult cerebral hemisphere 

astrocytomas; and 4) To evaluate the usefulness of HRMAS metabolic markers as 

independent indicators of tumor behavior and predictors of 2 year survival for patients 

with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). If successful, our study will establish astrocytoma 

HRMAS metabolic databases and objective parameters to serve as an adjunct modality 

for predicting tumor development, progression and patient outcome. We expect that 

current diagnostic sensitivity and specificity will be improved by utilizing HRMAS 

1HMRS tumor markers. The results from this study will also further current 

understanding of tumor neurobiology and provide new linkages among fields such as 

clinical pathology, clinical radiology, tumor biology and molecular genetics. 

Astrocytoma metabolic markers obtained from this study will have important 

implications on the future development of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging 

(MRSI) and localized in vivo MR spectroscopy for non-invasive diagnosis and 

therapeutic monitoring of these neoplasms. 


• Project Title: FOLATE DENDRIMERS AS TUMOR SPECIFIC CONTRAST AGENTS 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Wiener, Erik C.; Nuclear , Plasma & Radiological 

Engineering; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Henry Administration Bldg 

Champaign, Il 61820 


Summary: Ovarian cancer is the leading killer of women with tumors of gynecological 

origin, and intracranial ependymomas are the third most common primary brain tumors 

found in children. The long term goal of this project is to develop a magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) contrast agent specific for ovarian tumors, childhood ependymomas, 

and choroid plexus tumors thus improving the specificity of both the diagnosis of these 

tumors and the monitoring of the treatment of these tumors. The specific aim of this

Studies 27 

project is to develop a high relaxivity dendrimer-Gd(III)-chelate based MRI contrast 

agent with strong avidity to cells expressing the high affinity folate receptor using low 

molecular weight targeting agents (folic acid) and actively target it to tumor cells in 

vivo. We are testing two hypotheses. One is that bifunctional Gd(III) chelates with faster 

proton exchange rates will have higher relaxivities (better efficiency) than those already 

achieved with bifunctional chelates of clinically approved agents following conjugation 

to dendrimers, and the other is that these agents have a high enough molecular 

efficiency (relaxivity) to enhance T1 weighted images, at 1.5 T, of tumors that express 

the high affinity folate receptor. The experimental approach consists of attaching a new 

bifunctional Gd(III) macrocyclic chelate to a new class of dendrimers. This class of 

dendrimers allows us to control the exact number of targeting and reporter molecules 

and provides a pure compound. Following the synthesis of this agent we will 

characterize the magnetic properties, determine the optimum number of targeting 

molecules, determine the number of Gd(III)- chelate complexes needed to alter the 

tumor contrast, prove targeting specificity in vivo, and determine the pharmacokinetics 

and biodistribution. We have two in vivo tumor models consisting of human ovarian 

tumor xenografts in nude mice that either express the high affinity folate receptor or 

lack it. The significance of developing a relatively low molecular weight (relative to 

antibody targeted systems) tumor specific MRI contrast agent is that it will allow better 

tumor visualization, interpretation for cancer diagnosis, and most significantly a 

noninvasive method for monitoring tumor therapy. 


• Project Title: FRONTAL PREMOTOR AREAS & CEREBELLUM & COGNITION 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Strick, Peter L.; Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry, 

Neur; University of Minnesota Twin Cities 200 Oak Street Se Minneapolis, Mn 

554552070 


Summary: The present grants of the PI of this collaborative project (P. Strick) are 

directed primarily for connectivity studies and functional mapping in the monkey brain. 

Subsequent to the development of human functional imaging with magnetic resonance 

in 1992, an active collaborative effort has developed on human brain mapping, utilizing 

the 4 Tesla instrument supported as a BTRR at the University of Minnesota. These 

human studies are direct extensions of the monkey work and currently focus on 1) 

identification and somatotopic organization of premotor areas especially in the frontal 

lobe of the human brain and 2) cognitive role of the cerebellum in the human brain. 

Abstracts have been presented in 1996 ISMRM and Brain Map meetings on the first 

topic, and articles in Science magazine has already been published in previous years on 

the second subject. Classically, the primary motor cortex has been viewed as the "upper 

motoneuron" or the "final common pathway" for the central generation of movement. 

According to this concept, the primary motor cortex was the main source of descending 

commands for voluntary movement. The basal ganglia, cerebellum and cortical areas in 

the parietal and frontal lobe were thought to influence these commands largely through 

direct or indirect projections to the primary motor cortex. The results of our recent 

studies have led us to challenge this concept. We have shown that there are at least 6 

premotor areas in the frontal lobe. Each premotor area is somatotopically organized and 

contains largely separate regions for the control of arm and leg movements. Perhaps 

more importantly, our results indicate that each of these premotor areas has substantial 

direct projections to the spinal cord. Furthermore, our data suggests that the 

corticospinal projections from the premotor areas are involved in the control of both

28 


distal and proximal arm movements. These observations raise the possibility that each 

premotor area is an independent source of central commands for the generation of limb 

movement. While the many of these areas are identified in the monkey brain, similar 

exhaustive anatomical identification in the human brain does not exist, especially the six 

premotor areas that were identified in the frontal cortex of the monkey brain. This issue 

is currently being pursued as a collaborative project at the high field national research 

resource at the CMRR, taking advantage of the recent developments in functional 

magnetic resonance imaging and the advantages of high magnetic fields in cortical 

mapping. The specific hypothesis tested is that the general cortical region area often 

referred to as Broca's area (including and near parts of Brodmann's areas BA44, BA45) 

may significantly overlap with and may be the location of a ventral lateral premotor 

area (PMv) described in monkey studies. To test this and to discriminate between 

functional areas, subjects are asked to perform several motor tasks and a covert 

speaking task. These tasks are: (I) random tongue movement, (II) toe movement, (III) 

complex instruction guided finger-tapping, (IV) copying of displayed hand shapes and 

(V) covert speaking task. Task V requires phoneme based word generation. Preliminary 

results demonstrate that the frontal lobe of humans contains a region that is comparable 

to the PMv of monkeys and this area lies in a ventral inferior part of BA6, BA44 and 

BA45. In addition, these studies are being extended to deaf subjects who are native users 

of American sign language (ASL) where the Broca's areas language and motor functions 

are further examined. The advantage in this approach is the similarity of the language 

and motor tasks that can be designed. In previous years we have accumulated a large set 

of data which we are in the process of analyzing. 


• Project Title: FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL CONNECTIVITY IN 

ADOLESCENCE 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Driesen, Naomi R.; Diagnostic Radiology; Yale 



Summary: (provided by applicant): Children gain sophisticated reasoning skills, 

particularly in executive function and working memory, during the adolescent years. 

Yet, little is known of the neurobiological substrate of these changes. The few studies 

bearing on this question implicate the maturation of the frontal lobe and its connections. 

Until recently, it has been difficult to obtain relevant information on frontal lobe 

maturation in vivo. Postmortem samples have been sparse. Recent advances in 

magnetic resonance imaging promise to provide increased knowledge of functional and 

anatomical brain connectivity in vivo. The proposed research exploits these innovations 

to increase knowledge of frontal lobe connectivity during the adolescent years. Normal 

adolescents will be studied using novel magnetic resonance imaging techniques within 

a cross-sectional study. Specifically, developmental changes in functional connectivity 

will be assessed via analysis of temporal correlations in low-frequency fluctuations of 

the blood-oxygenated level dependent signal during rest and during a working memory 

task. Structural connectivity will be evaluated using diffusion tensor imaging and fiber 

tracking. Substantively, the research aims to establish normal patterns of age-related 

change in functional and structural connectivity in the working memory network and 

relate them to pubertal status and hormonal levels. Methodologically, the project seeks 

to create techniques for measuring functional and structural brain connectivity that can 

be extended to clinical populations of interest and other cognitive domains. 


Studies 29 

• Project Title: FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE BRAIN 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Hyde, James S.; Professor; Biophysics; Medical 

College of Wisconsin Po Box26509 Milwaukee, Wi 532260509 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JUL-1995; Project End 31-MAR-2003 

Summary: The central theme of this Program Project competitive renewal proposal is 

the fundamental development of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) into a 

quantitative basis of mental health. Project I proposes a testable model of fMRI contrast 

expressed in terms of cerebral blood flow, blood volume and metabolism. It uses a rat 

fMRI model as well as human subjects to probe issues of fMRI spatial resolution and 

temporal response and of spontaneous fluctuations in these physiological parameters. 

Project II addresses polymodal sensory and attentional interactions. It seeks to 

determine rules governing polymodal interactions using visual and auditory motion 

processing paradigms as an essential step in understanding sensory and attentional 

deficits caused by brain pathology. Project II is designed to understand how temporal 

information is represented in the brain. Using pharmacological probes of normal 

subjects and studies of patients with basal ganglia disease, this project will test the 

hypothesis that a unified neural system mediates both perceptual and motor timing. 

Project IV is built on the experimental observation that "negative" fMRI responses are 

most frequently seen in brain areas that have also been implicated in semantic 

processing. It tests the hypothesis that non-semantic tasks produce decreases in neural 

activity in regions normally engaged in semantic processing. If true, novel research 

approaches to several neuropsychiatric diseases become available. Core A, 

Administration, in addition to normal activities, places emphasis on coordinating 

development of local brain gradient and RF coil technology. Core B focuses on fMRI 

technology development including interactive real time fMRI at 1/5 and 3 Tesla and 

extension of the integrated software system AFNI developed in the previous funding 

period. Core C provides stimulus delivery and subject monitoring capabilities and will 

continue to refine the Mock scanner for acquiring behavioral and psychophysical data in 

a simulated MRI environment. These closely integrated initiatives seek to extend fMRI 

beyond simple mapping into a technique for probing the integration of diverse brain 

systems in order to make further progress towards the long-term goal of application of 

fMRI to neuropsychiatric disease and mental health. 


• Project Title: FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE STUDIES IN 

SCHIZOPHRENIA 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Mcdowell, Jennifer E.; Psychology; University of 

Georgia 617 Boyd, Gsrc Athens, Ga 306027411 


Summary: (provided by applicant) The long-term career goal of the primary investigator 

is to advance the knowledge ot schizophrenia-related functional neuropathology by 

establishing and directing a brain imaging laboratory. The short-term goal is to develop 

an expertise in the design, execution, and analysis of functional magnetic resonance 

imaging (fMRI) studies using a series of saccadic tasks. The realization of these goals 

will occur through a combination of intensive training and the completion of a 

systematic research plan over the course of the proposed funding period. Training in 

functional neuroimaging will occur within the UCSD functional neuroimaging group 

and during yearly 2-week training sessions at the NIMH. Training in neuroanatomy and 

neuropsychology will be completed within the UCSD neuroscience community. The

30 


research plan utilizes the P.I.'s existing studies on the saccadic performance of 

schizophrenia patients and their relatives as a foundation for generating and testing 

hypotheses of basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuitry dysfunction associated with 

schizophrenia. Schizophrenia patients perform normally on refixation saccade tasks, but 

demonstrate characteristic abnormalities on antisaccade and ocular motor delayed 

response tasks. A similar pattern of performance is observed among biological relatives 

of the patients, suggesting that this phenotype may be associated with the liability for 

developing schizophrenia. The pattern of saccadic performance is consistent with 

pathology of prefrontal cortex and its associated cortical and/or subcortical circuitry. 

This hypothesis may be tested using saccadic tasks as behavioral probes during fMRI to 

measure BOLD (blood oxygenation level dependent) signal change while subjects are 

engaged in ongoing behavioral and cognitive activity. Three specific aims are proposed; 

1) evaluate the patterns of neural activation associated with refixation saccade 

performance in schizophrenia and normal subjects, 2) to test hypotheses of differing 

patterns of frontal activation between schizophrenia and normal groups during tasks 

that ostensibly require prefrontally-mediated inhibition (antisaccade and delayed 

response tasks), and 3) to test hypotheses of prefrontal cortex dysfunction among the 

biological relatives of schizophrenia patients. 


• Project Title: FUNCTIONAL MRI OF TASK INDEPENDENT PROCESSING 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Binder, Jeffrey R.; Professor; Medical College of 

Wisconsin Po Box26509 Milwaukee, Wi 532260509 


Summary: Task-induced decreases in cerebral blood flow are a frequent finding in 

functional brain imaging research but have not been adequately explained. Many of the 

brain areas that typically show such decreases have also been implicated in semantic 

processing. One hypothesis accounting for both observations is that attentiondependent, 

unsolicited semantic processing occurs during conscious resting state and is 

interrupted by shifting of attention to non-semantic tasks. Non-semantic tasks thus 

produce decreases in neural activity in regions normally engaged in semantic processing 

during rest or "thinking"). The specific aims of this proposal are to test the main 

predications of this model using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and 

behavioral measures of semantic processing capacity. First, the model predicts that 

changing the attentional demands, or difficulty, or a non-semantic task should produce 

correlated changes in task-induced signal decreases measured with fMRI. More 

importantly, these changes should be correlated with reductions in semantic processing 

capacity measured during the same task conditions. Specific Aim 1 is to test these 

predictions by correlating changes in semantic processing capacity and fMRI signal 

decreases during controlled manipulations of attentional load in non-semantic task. 

Second, the model predicts that semantic tasks should not cause fMRI signal decreases, 

as these tasks engage the same brain areas that are engaged in semantic processing 

during rest. Specific Aim 2 is to test this prediction by measuring fMRI signal decreases 

during controlled manipulations of semantic processing load while attentional load is 

held constant. If correct, the main hypotheses will provide a unifying account of 

disparate findings from functional imaging studies of semantic processing, an 

explanation for at least some task induced "deactivations," and much needed 

information about resting state brain activity that would be broadly applicable to the 

design and interpretation of functional imaging experiments. These data could also 

provide novel research approaches to neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by

Studies 31 

abnormal thought content, including schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, 

affective disorder, and autism. 


• Project Title: FUNCTIONAL NEUROIMAGING IN TURNER SYNDROME 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Belger, Aysenil; Psychiatry; University of North 

Carolina Chapel Hill Aob 104 Airport Drive Cb#1350 Chapel Hill, Nc 27599 


Summary: (provided by applicant): The major goal of the proposed research is to 

examine the neurobiological correlates of visuospatial processing deficits in Turner 

syndrome (TS) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). TS is a 

neurodevelopmental syndrome with a homogeneous etiology, and provides a model for 

the study of brain-behavior relationships. Recent studies have suggested that 

individuals with TS show significant deficits in visuospatial information processing but 

not verbal information processing. Furthermore, these domain-specific visuospatial 

information processing deficits may be secondary to more central working memory 

problems in this syndrome. Although the cognitive deficits have been well documented 

to date, the neural circuitry underlying these deficits have not been characterized. 

Specifically, there have been no published fMRI studies of TS. In the current project the 

investigators will use fMRI to examine the neural circuits underlying visuospatial 

impairments in subjects with TS, with a particular focus on working memory. This 

project capitalizes on the availability of a large sample of individuals with TS, and the 

expertise of the investigators in conducting fMRI studies. Specific Aim 1 is to use 

functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify the cortical circuits activated by 

verbal and nonverbal working memory. The investigators will image 15 control subjects 

and 15 individuals with TS using a modified version of the working memory tasks 

developed by Belger et al. Specific Aim 2 is to characterize the neurocognitive 

functioning of the individuals with this disorder, in particular to explore the hypothesis 

of domain-specific deficits. 


• Project Title: GRADIENT COILS TO ENHANCE MRI RESEARCH IN MENTAL 

HEALTH 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Ferris, Craig F.; Professor; Insight Neuroimaging 

Systems, Inc. 60 Prescott St Worcester, Ma 01605 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-MAR-2002; Project End 31-DEC-2002 

Summary: LONG RANGE OBJECTIVES To develop products that enhance research 

methods and applications in animal research using magnetic resonance imaging to 

study mental illness. PHASE I The planar gradient coil, or PROTOTYPE we propose to 

develop will optimize the working area inside MR spectrometers expanding the 

experimental applications and the types of animals that can be studied in small bore 

ultra-high field magnets. This PROTOTYPE would be an innovative advance in gradient 

coil design that could substitute for the conventional cylindrical gradient coils that 

appreciably reduce the working area in the magnet. The specific aims are: (1) Simulate 

the magnetic field homogeneity and linearity for different wire patterns and planar 

dimensions using numerical modeling programs, (2) Based on the simulation data, 

design, construct and bench test the electrical performance of the PROTOTYPE, and (3) 

Test the performance of the PROTOTYPE in a monkey functional imaging study. 

HEALTH RELATEDNESS Using non-invasive MRI in various animal species,

32 


particularly monkeys to study brain development and function will make it possible to: 

(1) design prospective studies to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of 

mental illness, and (2) evaluate the site of action and efficacy of new drugs developed 

for the treatment of mental illness. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: 

Research in the field of ultra-high field MRI for animal research is growing 

tremendously. Last year alone, there were over 1000 papers published in this area of 

science. The technological innovations proposed by INSL are expected to expand the 

methods and applications of MRI in the study of mental illness in animal models. 


• Project Title: HARMONIC PHASE MRI FOR ULTRAFAST CARDIAC STRAIN 


Principal Investigator & Institution: Prince, Jerry L.; William B. Kouwenhoven Professor; 

Electrical and Computer Engr; Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St Baltimore, 

Md 21218 


Summary: (Adapted from Applicant's Abstract): Heart disease is the leading cause of 

death in the United States today. Cardiac motion analysis using magnetic resonance 

imaging has proven to be a sensitive method to detect and quantify regions of ischemia 

and infarction in the diseased heart. The current methodology, however, is limited by 

slow image acquisition times, non-automated image analysis methods, and sparse threedimensional 

measurement protocols, usually limited to the left ventricle. The goals of 

the proposed research are to develop and validate a new, ultrafast method to image 

myocardial motion and strain using tagged magnetic resonance imaging and the 

concept of harmonic phase images. The applicants reported that harmonic phase images 

are instrumental in automated, accurate imaging of closely spaced tag planes, small 

motion fields, two-dimensional strain, and sequential two-dimensional displacement 

fields. Preliminary results provided in this proposal support the hypothesis that 

harmonic phase images can be used in real-time, two dimensional motion and strain 

imaging and interactive-time three-dimensional motion and strain imaging. The 

applicants propose to 1) characterize and optimize harmonic phase imaging methods; 2) 

develop, implement, and validate real-time 2-D harmonic phase imaging methods; 3) 

develop, implement, and validate single breath-hold 3-D harmonic phase imagine 

methods; and 4) develop and validate a suite of new clinical protocols using harmonic 

phase imaging. All methods will be extensively validated using a computer phantom, 

physical phantoms, and human scans. In addition, comparative studies will be 

conducted throughout the course of research using competing imaging, data processing, 

and visualization approaches. The methods to be developed for the ultrafast, automated, 

and accurate imaging of cardiac strain will be useful in screening for cardiac ischemic 

disease, rapid evaluation of myocardial infarction extent and degree, and for monitoring 

treatment after myocardial infarction. 


• Project Title: HIGH FIELD MR COILS FOR IMPROVED BREAST CANCER 

DETECTION 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Vaughan, John T.; Associate Professor; Radiology; 

University of Minnesota Twin Cities 200 Oak Street Se Minneapolis, Mn 554552070 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JUN-2002; Project End 31-MAY-2005

Studies 33 

Summary: (provided by applicant): According to the National Cancer Institute, breast 

cancer is second only to lung cancer in causing the deaths of American women. An 

estimated one in eight women (12.6%) will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. More 

than 180,000 women per year are now diagnosed, often too late for lifesaving treatment. 

Highly sensitive and specific detection is critical to early diagnoses and successful 

treatments for most breast cancers. MRI has great potential as a tool for imaging and 

spectroscopic detection of breast cancer in women, especially for those under 50 years of 

age. Younger women frequently have "radiodense' breast tissue, rendering breast cancer 

diagnosis with conventional mammography problematic. For this reason and others, 

contrast-enhanced MRI of the breast has emerged as one of the most promising clinical 

tools for detection of breast cancer and delineation of its anatomic extent. NMR 

spectroscopy in vivo of cellular metabolism in tumors may further augment imaging 

diagnostic methods. To encourage the promise of magnetic resonance based diagnostics, 

the NCI has issued at least a dozen program annDuncements over the past decade 

specifically requesting grant applications for MR based investigation of breast cancer. 

Based on preliminary human breast exams performed at 4T, and on additional human 

imaging experience at 4T and 7T, we postulate that the most sensitive and highly 

specific detection of breast cancer by MR imaging and spectroscopy methods will 

require the use of high sensitivity breast coil receivers together with high homogeneity 

chest coil transmitters, at the highest magnetic fields available. We intend to investigate 

this hypothetical assertion by developing a single tuned and multinuclear chest coils 

paired with phased array receivers to make dual breast imaging and spectroscopy 

possible at 4T and 7T. Currently there are no such capabilities for high field breast 

studies. Cancer detection in breasts will be improved with this new high field 

technology by the increased signal-to-noise, spectral resolution and fat suppression it 

facilitates. Specificity will be improved and scan time reduced by imaging both breasts 

simultaneously to facilitate anatomic and metabolic comparison between healthy and 

cancerous breasts for an individual. The chest coils will be actively switched between 

transmit and receive modes, and will be actively decoupled from the independent breast 

receiver coils. This new RF technology will be tested on forty breast cancer patients by 

the breast imaging and spectroscopy methods proposed. Improvements in data quality 

and diagnostics results will be evaluated toprove the new technology and methods 

developed. 


• Project Title: HYPERSCAN:SIMULTANEOUS FMRI ACROSS THE INTERNET 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Berns, Gregory S.; Associate Professor; Psychiatry 

and Behavioral Scis; Emory University 1784 North Decatur Road Atlanta, Ga 30322 


Summary: (provided by the applicant) This project proposes the creation of a new 

technology that will allow the study of the biological basis of human social interaction. 

This technology, termed, "Hyperscan," will allow users to link magnetic resonance 

scanners across the internet so that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can 

be performed on groups of individuals interacting with each other. The first goal of this 

project is to create the software platform necessary for hyperscanning. Bringing together 

a consortium of investigators with expertise in imaging, software development, 

neuroscience, and economics, we will create the software in a platform-independent 

manner and release it as open-source code. Additionally, we will create the architecture 

for locating a network of servers across the Internet to which users can connect during 

the performance of hyperscanning experiments. To demonstrate the utility of this

34 


approach, a single experiment drawn from the field of experimental economics will be 

performed. Linking together two 3 T scanners, one at Emory University and one at 

Princeton University, the biological substrates associated with human-human 

interaction will be compared to human-computer interaction. 


• Project Title: HYPERTENSION, COGNITION, AND THE BRAIN IN OLDER 

ADULTS 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Waldstein, Shari R.; Associate Professor; 

Psychology; University of Maryland Balt Co Campus Baltimore, Md 21250 


Summary: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cerebral infarction, intracranial 

hemorrhage, and vascular dementia, particularly among older adults. Prior to clinical 

manifestations of cerebrovascular disease, subtle neuropsychological deficits are noted 

in hypertensives of all age ranges. In older adults, hypertension is highly prevalent, and 

is considered a critical factor in cognitive aging. The underlying pathogenesis of this 

process is poorly understood. Subtle deficits in neuropsychological performance, and 

accompanying central nervous system abnormalities, may constitute early markers of 

elevated cerebrovascular risk among older hypertensives. In this proposal, it is 

hypothesized that hypertension will be associated with diminished neuropsychological 

function, increased microvascular disease, greater macrovascular disease, and reduced 

cerebral perfusion. These three central nervous system mechanisms will result in subtle 

neuropsychological deficits among non-demented, older hypertensives. The first specific 

aim of this project is to compare 100 unmedicated, mild-to-moderate essential 

hypertensives (ages 60-80) to 100 demographically comparable normotensives with 

respect to: (1) neuropsychological performance; (2) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 

ratings of microvascular disease involving periventricular and deep white matter; (3) 

magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) ratings of macrovascular disease of the cerebral 

and cervicocerebral arteries; and (4) relative ratios of cerebral:cerebellar perfusion 

assessed by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). A second aim is to 

examine MRI, MRA, and SPECT indices of microvascular disease, macrovascular 

disease, and cerebral perfusion as predictors of neuropsychological performance. This 

study will be the first to examine concomitantly three central nervous system 

mechanisms as predictors of neuropsychological function in older adults. 

Understanding the pathogenesis of hypertension-related cognitive impairment in older 

adults may lead to enhanced efforts in prevention, and intervention to reduce 

cerebrovascular risk and improve quality of life. 


• Project Title: IMAGING BRAIN MATURATION AND NEUROBEHAVIORAL 

CORRELATES 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Sowell, Elizabeth R.; Assistant Professor; 

Neurology; University of California Los Angeles 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200 Los 

Angeles, Ca 90024 


Summary: The primary objectives of this proposal are to localized and stage structural 

maturational brain changes between childhood and adolescence using structural 

magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI), and to relate these brain changes to improving 

cognitive abilities assessed with cognitive psychological tests of learning and memory

Studies 35 

and functioning MRI (fMRI). Neurodevelopment in normal children and adolescents is 

not yet well understood, but the few studies in the literature that have focused on this 

topic have shown regionally specific age-related changes in brain morphology. These 

maturational changes are characterized by great variability between individuals, even 

within narrow chronological age ranges. Such variability is also found in normative 

studies of improving cognitive abilities, and correlations have been found between 

cognitive measures and some brain measures. Notably, these relationships do not tend 

to be mediated by age, suggesting that maturational factors that are not well indexed by 

chronological age are involved with the plasticity in brain structure and its 

neurobehavioral correlates. The increased understanding of normal brain development 

obtained through this proposed program of research will be useful in scientific 

endeavors to understand aberrant brain maturation and cognitive impairments in 

children with various neurodevelopmental disorders, understand aberrant brain 

maturation and cognitive impairments in children with various neurodevelopmental 

disorders. This proposal details a plan for didactic study, enabling the candidate to 

acquire new skills in acquisition and analysis of sMRI and fMRI data, with supervised 

research to address the following specific aims: (1) To analyze existing high resolution 

imaging data from 300 normal children and adolescents by adapting measurement tools 

that will provide localized information about structural change throughout 

development. (2) To categorize individuals based on sMRI data in such a way to enable 

reasonable comparisons across developmental stages. It is hypothesized that 

chronological age will only roughly correlate with groups of subjects that are 

categorized by patterns of changing brain structure. (3) To investigate neurobehavioral 

correlates of brain maturation in a small prospective study using sMRI, and modern 

cognitive psychological tests for detailed assessment of learning and memory abilities. 

(4) To assess neurobehavioral assessment. It is hypothesized that dissociative brain 

regions will be involved in distinct cognitive functions (e.g., verbal memory vs. spatial 

memory), and similar brain regions will be implicated in the fMRI studies of memory, 

and the sMRI/memory correlation studies. 


• Project Title: IMAGING OF MOLECULES BY OSCILLATOR COUPLED 


Principal Investigator & Institution: Sidles, John A.; Biological Structure; University of 

Washington Grant & Contract Services Seattle, Wa 98105 


Summary: This proposal is a competing continuation to a 1993 NIH grant entitled 

"Imaging of Molecules by Oscillator-Coupled Resonance" (R01-RR08820-08), as renewed 

in 1996 by the Biomedical Technology Program of the National Center for Research 

Resources. The broad objective of the proposed research is to enable biomedical 

researchers to routinely, quickly, and easily obtain images showing the full threedimensional 

atomic structure of the molecules they are studying, in situ, with all their 

ligands, cross-links, and glycosylation in place. The technical means by which it is 

proposed to achieve this goal is called magnetic resonance force microscopy (MRFM). 

Magnetic resonance force microscopy combines the atomic-scale resolution of scanning 

probe microscopy with the three-dimensional, nondestructive imaging capacity of 

magnetic resonance. The proposed specific aims are: (1) to achieve a reliable theoretical 

understanding of electron and proton spin relaxation and dynamics in the MRFM 

environment, and (2) to apply this knowledge by demonstrating nanometer resolution 

in 3D MRFM imaging. Achieving these two specific aims will allow a feasible path to

36 


practical molecular imaging to be specified in detail and with confidence. The logical 

next step will be to launch a coordinated national research initiative for quantum 

molecular microscopy. 


• Project Title: ISOFLAVONE TREATMENT FOR ALCOHOL ABUSE 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Lukas, Scott E.; Professor of Psychiatry 

(Pharmacology) a; Mc Lean Hospital (Belmont, Ma) Belmont, Ma 02478 


Summary: We propose to continue our studies of the Chinese herb, kudzu (Puerariae 

lobata), as a potential treatment for alcohol abuse/dependence. We are extremely 

encouraged by the results obtained during the first 2.75 years of this project as we have 

demonstrated that a two-day treatment regimen with raw kudzu root attenuates 

ethanol-induced subjective reports of intoxication in light, but not heavy drinkers. Our 

safety data indicate that the isoflavones are devoid of any physiologic, behavioral or 

medical side effects, and subjects cannot detect the active preparation from the placebo. 

A Supplement to this grant was awarded to develop an isoflavone extract and a 

matched placebo under GMP. They are both ready for testing and we now propose to 

explore the consumption-related and sex-related differences in alcohol effects using this 

isoflavone extract. Using a multidisciplinary battery of subjective, physiologic and 

behavioral measures as well as plasma ethanol levels, we propose new studies to 

systematically evaluate the efficacy of this extract in treating alcohol-related problems. 

We will first determine the dose that is effective in reducing the subjective and 

physiologic effects of acute ethanol challenges in male and female non-dependent heavy 

drinkers. The second experiment will determine if the isoflavone extract attenuates 

alcohol-related cue-induced craving. Third, the effects of isoflavone extract on ethanol 

self-administration will be measured in a natural environment to simulate realistic 

drinking conditions. Fourth, the extract's amethystic properties will be assessed in 

acutely intoxicated subjects under controlled laboratory conditions. Finally, using brain 

imaging techniques, we will explore the possible mechanism of action of this isoflavone 

preparation using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to determine whether 

isoflavone pretreatment alters the amount of ethanol that actually enters the brain. We 

plan to continue and expand this experiment and, in addition, will measure changes in 

cerebral blood flow and cerebral vasculature using functional MR imaging (fMRI). The 

results of these studies will help define the role that isoflavones may have in treating 

alcohol-related problems. Because of its complete lack of toxicity this isoflavone 

preparation may be a useful addition to treating alcohol-related problems in special 

populations such as adolescents and pregnant women. Further, its anti-inebriating 

effects may make it useful in keeping "slips" from becoming full relapses. 


• Project Title: MAGNETIC RESONANCE ELASTOGRAPHY IN BREAST CANCER 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Ehman, Richard L.; Professor; Mayo Clinic Coll of 



Summary: (Provided by Applicant): Mortality from breast cancer is stage-dependent 

and thus, early detection is vital if we are to make progress addressing the burden of 

this disease. Imaging methods such as mammography have made a ma contribution in 

the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Yet is clear that the standard imaging techniques

Studies 37 

have significant limitations in detecting the earliest changes of breast cancer and in 

distinguishing benign condition from important premalignant and malignant disease. 

Based on the remarkable efficacy of simple palpation as a clinical tool for detecting 

cancer in accessible parts of the body, it has long been recognized that a sensitive, 

imaging-based method, capable of assessing viscoelastjc properties of tissue, might offer 

considerable potential for discriminating malignant from benign tissues. The goal of this 

research is to develop a practical noninvasive MRJ-based method for quantitatively 

evaluating the mechanical properties of breast tissues. We call this technique magnetic 

resonance elastography (MRE). Preliminary development of MRE in our laboratory has 

demonstrated the feasibility of quantitatively imaging the large differences in the elastic 

properties of normal and cancerous breast tissues in vivo. The specific aims of this 

proposal are (1) to further develop the MR elastography technology for pre imaging and 

(2) to assess the potential of this new imaging technique to differentiate breast 

malignancies fr non-malignant lesions. The MRE technique is implemented on a 

standard MRI scanner. Therefore it is readily combined in the same examination with 

standard contrast-enhanced MRI protocols for breast cancer imaging. This research-will 

provide the first substantial body of quantitative, spatially-resolved data describing the 

viscoelastic properties of benign and malignant breast tissues in vivo. The planned 

technical development work and pilot studies will provide critical prerequisites for 

determining the advisability and most efficient design of a future clinical trial to test the 

value of MRE for distinguishing benign from malignant breast masses. 


• Project Title: MAGNETIC RESONANCE FLUOROSCOPY TRIGGERING FOR 

HIGH RESOL 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Riederer, Stephen J.; Professor and Director; Mayo 

Clinic Coll of Medicine, Rochester 200 1St St Sw Rochester, Mn 55905 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-AUG-1984; Project End 31-DEC-2004 

Summary: We propose to further develop real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 

techniques developed in the previous funding cycle toward high resolution MR 

angiographic imaging. The specific hypothesis is that compared to the current 

performance level of fluoroscopically-triggered elliptical-centric contrast-enhanced 3D 

MRA 30 percent improved spatial resolution and 40 percent improved signal can be 

obtained in imaging many vascular areas. Despite increased interest, contrast-enhanced 

MRA continues to be limited by spatial resolution. In the previous funding cycle we 

developed the technique of fluoroscopically-triggered contrast- enhanced MRA and 

showed that it can reliably provide high spatial resolution, venous-suppressed 

angiograms in virtually all arterial areas from the carotid bifurcation to the pelvis (with 

the exception of the coronary arteries). We have also theoretically determined the 

dependence of spatial resolution in 3D CE-MRA on MR acquisition parameters and 

contrast bolus characteristics. We wish to further apply this real-time MRI capability, 

clinical experience, and theoretical development to generate images with an improved 

level of resolution and signal. Specific projects to be studied are: 1. k-Space Signal 

Enhancement Methods. The general strategy for resolution improvement is to obtain 

increased signal level at the peripheral k-space views. This will be done by TR 

reduction, FOV reduction, prolongation of the contrast bolus, and selection of scan time. 

2. Real-Time MRA Sequence Modification. In order to exploit the risetime of the arriving 

contrast bolus, a centric-in portion of the MRA acquisition will precede the standard 

elliptical centric- (out) sequence. The characteristics of the view order will be modified 

in real time in response to the instantaneously measured bolus transit time. The flip

38 


angle of the readout will be altered dynamically to match the time-dependent Ernst 

angle. 3. Embedded Fluoroscopic/3D MRA. Repetition intervals devoted to 2D 

fluoroscopic imaging will be inserted into the elliptical centric 3D MRA sequence. These 

will be sorted, reconstructed and displayed during the 3D acquisition allowing he 

operator to observe contrast behavior and intervene, such as by triggering another 

temporal frame or advancing the table. 


• Project Title: MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF ALZHEIMER'S AMYLOID 

PLAQUE 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Poduslo, Joseph F.; Professor; Mayo Clinic Coll of 



Summary: (provided by applicant): This project will test the hypothesis that 

modifications of amyloid-beta protein (A beta) or derivatives of A beta can be used for 

the molecular imaging of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This is based on 

the observation that not only does AI3 provide the seed for the formation of plaques, but 

it also binds to pre-existing plaques with high affinity and facilitates their growth. 

Various derivatives of A beta will be examined and compared to A beta 1-40, including 

A beta 1-30, which excludes the cell surface binding domain (A beta 31-34); A beta 1-25, 

which excludes the neurotoxic domain (A beta 25-35); and A beta 1-15, which excludes 

the aggregation domain (A beta 16-20). It is particularly important to develop a 

derivative of A beta that is non-toxic. We have solved an important problem regarding 

the delivery of A beta 1-40 across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after systemic 

administration by using polyamine-modified A beta, which results in an increase in the 

permeability coefficient x surface area product (PS) of the protein at the BBB. Polyamine 

modification increases the binding of A beta to amyloid plaques in AD brain tissue 

sections. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that polyamine-modified A beta 1-40 

labels plaques in vivo following intravenous injection in a transgenic mouse model of 

AD. Our preliminary results document the success of this molecular probe, now coupled 

with an MRI contrast agent, gadolinium, in addition to the polyamine, putrescine, to 

label AD amyloid plaques throughout the cortex, hippocampus, and other brain regions 

of AD transgenic mice following intravenous injection. We are able to image individual 

plaques using high-field-strength 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with high 

resolution and observe alterations in T1-weighted (T1W) and T2-weighted (T2W) 

relaxation that are probe specific. The Specific Aims reflect the further development of 

this contrast agent for characterizing and quantifying the deposition of amyloid plaques 

in AD transgenic mice by MRI. Although this research may raise numerous questions 

concerning the feasibility of MR imaging of AD plaques in humans, we believe that the 

specific aims listed will facilitate answers to these questions in a logical manner by 

minimizing neurotoxicity, by optimizing the molecular probe for targeting and binding 

to AD plaques, and by optimizing imaging parameters both ex vivo and in vivo in the 

AD transgenic mouse. All of these steps are clearly necessary before application to the 

AD patient. The ability of this MR contrast agent to image plaques in vivo in the AD 

transgenic mouse may enable early diagnosis of the AD patient and also provide a direct 

measure of the efficacy of anti-amyloid therapies currently being developed. 


Studies 39 

• Project Title: MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF CORONARY ARTERIES AT 

3.OT 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Li, Debiao; Radiology; Northwestern University 

Office of Sponsored Research Chicago, Il 60611 


Summary: (provided by applicant): Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death 

in the United States. The overall objective of the proposed project is to develop, 

optimize, and validate a high resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol to 

evaluate coronary artery disease noninvasively. The long-term goal is to provide a 

noninvasive screening test for coronary artery disease. This test could potentially be 

combined with other hemodynamic, functional, and metabolic studies available from 

MRI to form a comprehensive examination of coronary artery disease for improved 

patient care and cost savings. The specific goal of the project is to improve the spatial 

resolution, speed, and signal intensity of coronary artery images. We will acquire the 

images on a 3.0-Tesla scanner which can generate images with high signal intensity than 

conventional 1.5-Tesla systems. We will develop and validate the coronary artery 

imaging techniques on 3.0T and compare with 1.5T to verify the improved performance. 

Finally, patients will be studied to determine the capability of the new technique in 

detecting functionally significant coronary artery stenoses by comparing with 

conventional x-ray angiography. Positive results from this study will provide the 

foundation for further technical improvements and clinical validation. The specific aims 

of the project are: Aim 1: To develop a fast coronary artery angiography protocol on 3.0T 

capable of acquiring high-resolution images to accurately define vessel lumen size Aim 

2: To verify that the developed coronary MRA protocol on 3.0T can accurately depict 

coronary artery stenoses in pigs; image SNR and accuracy of stenosis detection on 3.0T 

are better than those on 1.5T Aim 3: To demonstrate that the developed imaging 

protocol on 3.0T can accurately detect coronary artery disease in patients. 


• Project Title: MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF GLUTATHIONE IN 

TUMORS 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Gamcsik, Michael P.; None; Duke University 

Durham, Nc 27710 


Summary: (provided by applicant):Glutathione is a tripeptide normally found in high 

concentration in normal tissue and frequently elevated in tumor tissue. Glutathione and 

its oxidized disulfide form the primary reduction/oxidation (redox) buffer in cells. The 

redox balance in the cell controls gene expression, cell differentiation, proliferation and 

apoptosis and, therefore, it is not surprising that this balance may be elevated in cancer. 

In normal tissue glutathione protects the cell from toxicants and the cancer cell has 

adapted this defense mechanism to shield cells from the effects of anticancer therapies. 

This results in further elevations in glutathione metabolism in therapy-resistant tumors. 

Therefore, the accurate determination of glutathione in extracts from normal and tumor 

tissue has proven to be invaluable to predicting therapy response in patients. This 

proposal outlines the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to 

non-invasively monitor glutathione metabolism in normal and tumor tissue. Several 

MRI methods will be evaluated including the use of 1H-editing, 2H NMR and 13Cchemical 

shift imaging. Using the most sensitive method, in vivo images of glutathione 

content obtained from 9L glioma tumors implanted in the flank of rats will be compared

40 


to the concentrations measured biochemically in tissue extracts. All of the imaging 

modalities will measure static glutathione and require the use of stable isotope 

incorporation. Isotope incorporation-based methods also allow monitoring of the rate of 

glutathione metabolism in tissue. These types of dynamic studies may be as important 

as measuring static glutathione levels to stage tumors and predict therapy response. 

Due to the unique role played by glutathione in cell proliferation, differentiation and 

apoptosis, the non-invasive monitoring of glutathione metabolism would offer novel 

diagnostic and prognostic information on the tumor tissue. 


• Project Title: MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPIC NEOPLASM IMAGING 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Spielman, Daniel M.; Associate Professor; 

Radiology; Stanford University Stanford, Ca 94305 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 23-JUL-1990; Project End 31-JUL-2004 

Summary: The overall goal of this project is the development of proton magnetic 

resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) techniques and their subsequent application 

for aiding in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of patients with tumors. As a 

noninvasive tool providing unique biochemical information supplemental to 

conventional imaging, in vivo MRSI has been shown to have a valuable role in the study 

of cancer. However, significant technical improvements, particularly for the reliable 

acquisition of volumetric MRSI data from tumors throughout the body, are needed to 

fully realize the clinical potential of this powerful imaging modality. This proposal is 

focused on the continued technical development of innovative spectroscopic techniques 

for the robust and efficient collection, quantification, and display of this information. 

The techniques will be tested on phantoms, normal volunteers, as well as patients with 

brain tumors, metastatic neck nodes of squamous cell carcinomas, and breast cancer. In 

parallel with the continued technical development, we will conduct a focused, wellcontrolled 

clinical study comparing the abilities of proton MRSI and FDG PET for 

differentiating radiation necrosis from recurrent glial tumors. 


• Project Title: MR ASSESSMENT OF MAGNESIUM IN ACUTE STROKE 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Kidwell, Stella M.; Assistant Clinical Professor; 

Neurology; University of California Los Angeles 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200 Los 

Angeles, Ca 90024 


Summary: The objectives of this project are to demonstrate that 1) intravenous 

magnesium is beneficial in acute ischemic stroke as evidenced by decrease in the growth 

of infarct volume over time as measured by diffusion weighted magnetic resonance 

imaging (DWI); 2) DWI is a valuable surrogate outcome measure in acute ischemic 

stroke clinical trials; 3) diffusion/perfusion mismatch is a useful entry criterion for 

neuroprotective treatment in acute stroke clinical trials; and 4) intravenous magnesium 

is safe and potentially beneficial in intracerebral hemorrhage. During the first phase of 

the project, objectives 1-3 will be assessed by conducting a randomized, double-blind, 

placebo controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous magnesium as a 

neuroprotective agent in acute ischemic stroke. The trial will use diffusion/perfusion 

magnetic resonance imaging as a surrogate outcome marker. 150 patients will be 

enrolled within 12 hours of symptom onset at 3 UCLA-associated hospitals. The second 

phase of this project will be a parallel pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-

Studies 41 

controlled trial to evaluate the safety and explore the efficacy of intravenous magnesium 

in acute intracerebral hemorrhage, enrolling 40 patients. Additional data will be 

collected to assess the diffusion/perfusion MR signature of acute intracerebral 

hemorrhage. The findings of this project will have direct relevance to future treatment of 

acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke as well as to the design of future trials of 

neuroprotective agents. The results will help establish the utility of novel 

diffusion/perfusion MR techniques as demonstrating physiologic, objective changes 

that can be used as entry and outcome criteria in evaluating stroke patients. During the 

award period, in addition to serving as the principal investigator of these trials, Dr. 

Kidwell will pursue in-depth didactic multidisciplinary training in biostatistics, 

epidemiology, clinimetrics and magnetic resonance radiology. She will be mentored by 

Drs. Jeffrey Saver, Sidney Starkman, Jeffry Alger, and Barbara Vickrey. At the 

completion of this training, Dr. Kidwell will have acquired all requisite experience and 

skills to function as an independent investigator in clinical studies of novel magnetic 

resonance stroke imaging techniques, pivotal trials of promising therapeutic agents, and 

studies of the pathophysiology of acute human cerebral ischemia. 


• Project Title: MR SPECTROSCROPY AND IMAGING IN HEAD AND NECK 

TUMORS 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Poptani, Harish; Radiology; University of 

Pennsylvania 3451 Walnut Street Philadelphia, Pa 19104 


Summary: (provided by applicant): More than 55,000 Americans will develop cancer of 

the head and neck (HN) this year accounting for nearly 3% of all cancers in the United 

States. These cancers are more common in men and in people over age 50. More than 

85% of these cancers are related to tobacco and alcohol consumption. Despite aggressive 

surgery and radiotherapy (RT), which may result in significant functional loss, the 

survival rate of patients with head and neck cancer has remained relatively unchanged 

over the past three decades. The predictive indices based on tumor morphology or 

clinical characteristics are generally less accurate in defining outcome of response. 

Hence, there is an urgent need for a reliable predictor of early response in these tumors. 

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and imaging (MRI) can non-invasively identify 

specific metabolic patterns and tissue physiology that may be used as markers for 

predicting and monitoring early treatment response. Preliminary studies on 41 cases of 

non-Hodgkins Lymphomas and 12 cases of HN tumors indicate that 31p MRS can 

predict response prior to initiation of therapy. 1H MRS and MRI provides higher 

sensitivity and spatial resolution than 31p MRS and would thus facilitate studying 

smaller tumors and investigating heterogeneous tumor response. The overall goal for 

this proposal is to test the hypothesis that NMR spectroscopy and imaging can predict 

and monitor early response to treatment of head and neck tumors. This hypothesis will 

be tested with the following specific aims: Aim 1: To evaluate the utility of the PME/13 

NTP ratio in predicting and detecting treatment response by 31p MRS, Aim 2: To 

determine if total choline (Cho) and lactate (Lac) levels can predict and monitor 

treatment response and Aim 3: To use physiological MRI parameters (T2, ADC and 

DCE) as predictors/monitors of local tumor response to chemotherapy and radiation 

therapy of HN tumors. 31p MRS studies will be performed using proton decoupled and 

NOE enhanced 3D CSI sequence. 1H MRS studies will be performed by implementing a 

selective multi-quantum coherence transfer pulse sequence (Sel-MQC), for detection of 

lactate (Lac) and total choline (TCho) on the clinical scanner. Standard MRI pulse

42 


sequences for implementing dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE), diffusion weighted 

imaging (DWI) and T2 weighted imaging (T2WI) imaging will be streamlined so that a 

complete examination consisting of 31p MRS or 1H MRS combined with DCE, DWI and 

T2WI can be implemented on human HN patients within one hour. 


• Project Title: MRI AND MRS OF HORMONAL INDUCED CHANGES IN BREAST 

CANCER 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Degani, Hadassa; Weizmann Institute of Science 

Box 26 Rehovot, 76100 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2004; Project Start 05-APR-1988; Project End 31-JUL-2009 

Summary: (provided by applicant): The long-range objective of this proposal is to 

develop non-invasive methods for predicting and evaluating the response of breast 

cancer to hormonal therapy, by means of magnetic resonance imaging and 

spectroscopy. Based on the results obtained in the last supported period, we propose to 

continue investigating the molecular basis for estrogen-induced changes in angiogenesis 

and glycolysis. Specifically, we would like to test the hypothesis that estrogen 

interaction with the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) activates the oncogenic nuclear 

transcription factor c-myc, which in turn down-regulates the expression of vascular 

endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and up-regulates the expression of glucose transporter 

1 (GLUT1), thereby affecting tumor perfusion and glucose transport and metabolism 

through glycolysis, Furthermore, in this proposal we describe for the first time a plan to 

develop a new, quantitative and noninvasive approach to evaluate the level of estrogen 

receptors in breast cancer by means of molecular imaging. Accordingly, we intend to 

synthesize and test tamoxifen-derived and estrogen-derived steroidal metal-complexes 

that fluoresce or modify MR parameters of exchanging water, as well as peptides 

conjugated to fluorescent or MRI probes that bind specifically to the ligand bound 

ERalpha. The experimental integration of molecular Biology and MRI will involve 

studies of human breast cancer cells (ERalpha+-positive and ERalpha-negative for 

comparison), including a newly developed ERalpha+-positive clone of HCF7 cells, 35im, 

that is harboring a stably transfected human c-myc gene, whose expression is stringently 

controlled by the bacterial reverse tetracycline transcription activator protein. We will 

proceed to investigate the orthotopic tumors of these cells implanted in mice 

(immunodeficient or sever compromised immunodeficient mice), under varying 

hormonal manipulation by estrogen and antiestrogens. The specific aims are designed to 

test the above hypothesis at the molecular, cellular and whole tumor levels and to 

develop and test targeted probes for molecular imaging of the estrogen receptor. The 

experimental protocols include utilizing molecular and immunohistochemical methods 

that will characterize c-myc expression in conjunction with VEGF and GLUT1 

expression, under varying hormonal treatments of cells and tumors. In addition, efforts 

will be devoted to develop new, non invasive MRI and MRS methods that would enable 

monitoring hormonal induced changes in the vasculature properties as well as glucose 

transport and metabolism. The synthesis of the estrogen receptor targeted probes was 

already initiated. The new probes will tested in vitro and in vivo for their binding 

specificity to ERalpha, the transport parameters into the cells and the pharmacological 

and toxicological effects on cells and whole animals. Prediction based on the presence of 

about 1000 fmol/mg protein of the receptor (the level in MCF7 cells) indicated a small 

but measurable change in T1 and T2*. This work will add to the basic understanding of 

the hormonal regulation of breast cancer and may also help design and improve new 

targets for anti-estrogenic and anti-angiogenic therapy of breast cancer. The methods of

Studies 43 

imaging functional estrogen activities may serve as a basis for measuring the efficacy of 

new selective estrogen receptor modulators in animal models, The current proposal will 

also bring us closer to the capacity of imaging, non-invasively, both the estrogen 

receptor level and the parameters demonstrating its functional activity. This, in turn, 

may improve significantly the assessment of prognosis and the management of the 

approximate 75% of the breast cancer patients with ER-positive tumors. 


• Project Title: MRI BIOMARKERS OF RISK AND PROGRESSION IN 

ALZHEIMER'S 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Jack, Clifford R.; Professor of Radiology; Mayo 

Clinic Coll of Medicine, Rochester 200 1St St Sw Rochester, Mn 55905 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-JUN-1993; Project End 31-JUL-2008 

Summary: (provided by applicant): The overall aims of this renewal application are to 

prove that magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy 

(MRI/MRS) measurements can predict development of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and 

that serial MRI/MRS measurements are valid biomarkers of AD disease progression. 

We will study three clearly distinguishable clinical groups: 1) cognitively normal elderly 

subjects, 2) patients with probable AD and 3) patients with a mild cognitive impairment 

(MCI). Patients and normals will be drawn from the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease patient 

registry (AGO6786) and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (AG16574). We will 

employ five different MR measures: medial temporal lobe structural measures; 1H MRS; 

leukoaraiosis volume; whole brain and ventricular volume, and lobar volume measures. 

In addition to established imaging technology, we will use a very promising new 

method of image registration and subtraction, and a new method for non-linear 

deformation (warping) of structural MRI. The grant contains three specific aims. Aim 1- 

to test the hypothesis that MRI/MRS measurements at baseline can predict the 

development of AD in normals and MCIs. Specific Aim 2 - to test the hypothesis that 

rates of change in MRI/MRS measurements derived from serial imaging studies are 

valid biomarkers of AD disease progression in normals and MCIs. Specific Aim 3 - to 

test the hypothesis that MRI/MRS measures are associated with change in performance 

on formal tests of cognition in normals, MCIs, and subjects with AD; where the 

dependent variables are continuous measures of cognitive performance rather than 

clinical group transitions. Currently no absolute diagnostic marker exists for AD. In 

anticipation of the coming era of therapeutic prevention and treatment for AD, better 

methods are needed to identify the risk of developing the disease and to track 

progression of the disease. Results from this project will provide new information that 

address an area identified as high priority for research by both the National Institute on 

Aging and the FDA. 


• Project Title: MRI STUDY OF IMPULSE & MOOD DISORDERS IN YOUTH 

OFFENDERS 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Olvera, Rene L.; Psychiatry; University of Texas 

Hlth Sci Ctr San Ant 7703 Floyd Curl Dr San Antonio, Tx 78229 


Summary: (provided by applicant): The candidate is an assistant professor of Child and 

Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 

(UTHSCSA). He is proposing a career development plan in patient oriented research to

44 


acquire additional skills in the neuropsychological and neuroimaging assessment of 

aggressive juvenile offenders. This proposal investigates the hypothesis that 60 juvenile 

offenders can be identified by careful study of their weekly mood states and aggressive 

acts combined with a semi-structured diagnostic interview into the following diagnostic 

groups: Conduct Disorder with comorbid Bipolar Disorder (CD-BP) (n=20), Conduct 

Disorder with comorbid Intermittent Explosive Disorder (CD-IED) (n=20), and those 

with Conduct Disorder without bipolar disorder or IED (CD) (n=20). These groups will 

be compared to community controls matched for IQ, socioeconomic status and parental 

education (n=20). We expect the CD/BP group will show impairment in measures of 

executive function and will be impaired in terms of language, verbal memory and visual 

spatial functions. We anticipate the CD/IED group will show impairment in measures 

of executive function. We seek to determine if the three CD groups differ with respect to 

each other and normal controls in terms of neural anatomy and neuronal biochemistry. 

These subjects will undergo a 3-T proton Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and 

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) scan. We anticipate both dorsolateral and 

orbitomedial prefrontal cortex volume will be smaller in our CD-BP and CD-IED groups 

compared to CD and community controls. On MRS we expect to see decreased levels of 

N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) in the frontal and temporal lobes of CD-BP subjects relative to 

the other groups. We expect these differences to be associated with the underlying 

neuropsychological deficits. The career development plan also allows for the candidate 

to study neuroimaging techniques through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 

radiological studies division and the UTHSCSA Research Imaging Center. The 

candidate will also take courses on neuropsychological testing. This plan is designed to 

allow the candidate to transition into an independent career in research. These activities 

are likely to result in contribution to the understanding of the neurocognitive and 

neurophysiology of bipolar disorder and intermittent explosive disorder in juvenile 

offenders. 


• Project Title: MRI, MTI AND MRS AND MPS VII AND KRABBE DISEASE 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Vite, Charles H.; Clinical Studies; University of 



Summary: The MCSDA candidate is a Veterinary Neurologist interested in developing 

and applying NMR methods to study animal models of human neurodegenerative 

diseases. The candidates long-term goal is a career in biomedical research studying the 

pathophysiology and therapy of neurodegeneration in animal models of human disease 

using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI magnetization transfer imaging ((MTI) and 

magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). A career development plan including 

coursework in MR physics and medical genetics, consistent interaction with the 

Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Research Computer Center, as well as a Research Plan 

with specific and testable hypotheses will provide the candidate with the training 

necessary to achieve scientific independence in the study of neurodegeneration. The 

Veterinary School of the University pf Pennsylvania and my mentor, Dr. Jerry Glickson, 

of the Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania, have enthusiastically pledged 

their support for the next three years of training. This application concerns the study of 

canine and murine animal models of lysosomal storage disorders: 

mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VII and globoid-cell leukodystrophy (GCL). Lysosomal 

storage disorders affect approximately 1/1500 humans and no effective therapy has yet 

been developed for those patients with central nervous system manifestations of

Studies 45 

disease. The effectiveness of bone marrow transplantation and neural progenitor cell 

transplantation in canine and murine models of these diseases has yielded promising 

data regarding the treatment of neurodegeneration. Indeed, bone marrow 

transplantation to treat these disorders in human patients is currently being pursued 

based on the success demonstrated in animal models. MRI, MTI, and MRS offer exciting 

potential for increased tissue characterization and can be used to determine, in vivo, 

whether neurodegeneration is progressing, has ceased to progress, or is regressing 

following therapy. Specifically, animal MR scanners will be used to collect MRI, MTI, 

and MRS data in order to compare volumetric data and the concentrations of specific 

MR detectable metabolites between affected and treated animals. The "gold standard" 

for the efficacy of treatment will be post mortem tissue anal analysis for enzyme and 

substrate activity. These post mortem data will be compared to volumetric data and to 

the concentrations of MR detectable metabolites in order to identify MR data which are 

highly correlated with effective therapy. 


• Project Title: MRS LOCALIZATION OF ADULTS/PEDIATRIC EPILEPTIC FOCI 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Ng, Thian C.; Professor of Medicine; Medicine; 

University of Alabama at Birmingham Uab Station Birmingham, Al 35294 


Summary: (Adapted from Applicant's Abstract): The proposal is designed to use proton 

magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) in patients with drug-refractory 

surgically treatable focal temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to determine if MRSI spectra of 

localized abnormal brain metabolites are associated with: 1) the site(s) of maximal 

electroencephalographic (EEG) epileptiform activity, as determined by video-EEG 

monitoring of conventional scalp-sphenoidal or by depth-electrode recordings, 2) postresection 

histopathologic tissue abnormalities in the MRSI abnormal region of interest 

(ROI); and 3) post-resection measurement of seizure control as predicted by the 

locations and extents of qualified anomalies in MSRI metabolites; 4) baseline of 

functional status of memory and the degree of post-surgery memory loss as determined 

by IAP and neuropsychological measures; 5) the study of the mechanism of correlations 

of MRS metabolite disturbances in hippocampal formation (HF) to the HF neuron cell 

loss (by histopathology) and HF atrophy (by MRI-volumetry). There is a history of using 

brain imaging in focal epilepsy, to lateralize temporal lobe epilepsy by fluorodeoxyglucose 

positron emission tomography (18F-PET), and gross anatomic pathologies 

by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, no imaging technique has yet actually 

tested if more subtle but well-established abnormalities in an epileptic focus can be 

reliably imaged, such as alterations in various neurochemicals and changes in their 

concentrations (e.g. glucose-lactate production, high-energy substrate creatine, or 

membrane substrate choline). Pediatric and adult patients with temporal lobe epilepsy 

(TLE) will be imaged interictally and early postictally by MRSI and MRS. Simultaneous 

acquisitions of two-dimensional double-spin echo (echo-time 135 msec.) MRSI and 

conventional MRI (T1, T2 and thin-slice Turbo-Flash) will provide feasibility of in situ 

metabolic maps for correlation to EEG seizure-onset profiles, and to the surgical regions, 

and pathoanatomic region(s) studied. Concentrations of and ratios between N-acetylaspertate 

(NAA), choline, (Cho), Creatine (Cr), and Lactate (Lac) will allow multivariate 

statistical tests with other variables to determine when MSRI of certain chemical 

substrates may be characteristic of epileptogenic areas of hippocampal sclerosis 

(neuronal loss and gliosis) and ultimately of seizure control after resection. This research 

is of great importance to the development of reliable and sensitive diagnostic methods

46 


for isolating surgically treatable focal epilepsies as well as the more difficult surgical 

treatment of childhood focal epilepsy, both of which afflict about 1% of Americans. 


• Project Title: NANOPARTICLE TARGETING TO CONTROL ANGIOGENESIS 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Davidson, Jeffrey M.; Professor of Pathology; 

Pathology; Vanderbilt University 3319 West End Ave. Nashville, Tn 372036917 


Summary: (provided by applicant): The goal of this project is to achieve targeted 

delivery of angiostatic agents to sites of neovascularization. This is a widely accepted 

strategy that is limited in part by technologies of delivery and validation. The proposed 

studies center around a novel, biocompatible delivery device, the nanoparticle (NP), as a 

means to provide sustained, targeted delivery of angiostatic agents to sites of 

angiogenesis: wounds and tumors. The key elements of the delivery system are low 

toxicity and compositional flexibility, based interactions of charged polymer pairs. As a 

model system, we have utilized novel peptide analogs of thrombospondin-l (TSP-1) 

previously shown to have angiostatic properties. To provide retention within NP, these 

peptides have been prepared as polyethylene glycol conjugates that retain both heparin 

binding and biological activity. NP prepared with TSP-1 peptide conjugates show a 

markedly different biodistribution than empty NP and localization to sites of 

neovascularization. This proposal sets out to accomplish three goals: (1) optimization of 

the NP formulation, including dose-setting and incorporation of other targeting agents; 

(2) use of imaging and tracer technologies to ascertain biodistribution of targeted NP in 

mice; (3) validation of the efficacy of targeted delivery of NP containing angiostatic 

agents to wounds and tumors. In further studies, a peptide sequence derived from 

apolipoprotein E will be incorporated into the nanoparticle to enhance selective 

targeting of endothelial cells. Tumor delivery and targeting will be tested by 

noninvasive imaging using luciferase bioluminescence, 123I-scintigraphic imaging, and 

magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium contrast. Conventional tracer 

technologies and microscopic localization of fluorescently labeled NP will be applied as 

well. In vivo, real-time image analysis of tumor vascularity will be determined by power 

Doppler ultrasound, and tumor mass will be determined by magnetic resonance 

imaging. In addition, conventional morphometric and histological techniques will be 

used to quantify the efficacy of this novel drug delivery system. The objective is to 

design drug delivery systems that will specifically target pathological angiogenesis with 

minimal effects on the normal vasculature. 


• Project Title: NEURAL BASIS OF VISUAL PATTERN APPEARANCE 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Heeger, David J.; Associate Professor; Psychology; 

Stanford University Stanford, Ca 94305 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JAN-1998; Project End 31-MAR-2003 

Summary: (Adapted from the Investigator's Abstract): We propose to use functional 

magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in conjunction with psychophysical experiments to 

establish a link between perceptual appearance and neural activity in human visual 

cortex. The goal of the proposed research is to understand the neural computations 

mediated visual pattern appearance. We hypothesize that subjects' psychophysical 

judgments about pattern appearance are reflected by neural activity in particular visual 

brain areas. Because the stimuli and the tasks are similar across the proposed

Studies 47 

experiments, we expect that the neural activity in these brain areas will prove to be good 

predictors of psychophysical performance in all of the experiments. Functional magnetic 

resonance imaging (fMRI) is very well-suited for this goal. FMRI is a noninvasive 

technique that can be used to measure neural activity throughout the occipital lobe of 

the human brain at a spatial resolution of roughly 2 mm. FMRI can be used to identify 

the retinotopically organized visual brain areas, so that subsequent data can be analyzed 

separately within each visual area. A successful demonstration of using fMRI to 

establish the neural basis of pattern vision would benefit the entire neuroscience 

community by opening the door for a wide variety of analogous fMRI studies of 

perception and cognition. To be confident in the proposed approach to this goal, we 

must demonstrate the feasibility of using fMRI to quantitatively characterize the 

neurophysiology of human cortex. Therefore, several of the proposed fMRI experiments 

are designed to measure physiological phenomena that have already been explored with 

other techniques (single unit recording, optical imaging, VEP). Successful 

demonstrations that fMRI accurately reflects the underlying neural activity would help 

lead the way to more powerful uses of this new technology. 


• Project Title: NEUROIMAGING 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Lainhart, Janet E.; University of Utah Salt Lake City, 

Ut 84102 


Summary: Autism is a severe, lifelong developmental disorder that affects 

approximately 1.6/1000 individuals. What goes awry in brain development in autism is 

not known. As a result, there is no treatment targeting the pathologic process 

underlying autism and no way to prevent the disorder. The goal of this component is to 

define morphometric and functional brain abnormalities that are specific to autism and 

to describe how the abnormalities are related to each other and to clinical features of 

autism. To accomplish this goal, we will collect cross-sectional and longitudinal 

morphometric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), 

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy 

(MRS) data on 73 children and adults with autism and 54 controls, with a special focus 

on the temporal lobe. We will describe longitudinal changes in total and regional brain 

volumes in autism, including gray and white and regional temporal lobe volumes. 

Within individuals and study groups, we will describe how abnormalities in volume 

and size relationships of temporal lobe structures are related to 1) abnormalities in the 

integrity and anatomy of white matter tracts on DT1, 2) abnormalities of brain activation 

on fMRI, and 3) chemical abnormalities on MRS. In addition, we will compare the 

variation in morphometric and functional brain phenotypes in related individuals with 

autism in large Utah kindred being studied in the Genetics component. 


• Project Title: NEUROIMAGING LANGUAGE IN THE NORMALLY DEVELOPING 

BRAIN 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Dapretto, Mirella; None; University of California 

Los Angeles 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200 Los Angeles, Ca 90024 


Summary: The proposed study will use both functional and structural magnetic 

resonance imaging (fMRI and MRI) to begin to delineate the neural systems associated

48 


with the emergency of high-level linguistic functions in normally developing children, 

aged 7 to 14. More specifically, this pilot project has two main goals. First, we will use 

fMRI to qualify and quantify developmental changes in the pattern or cortical activity 

(in terms of localization, magnitude, spatial extent, and inter-regional connectivity) 

associated with language processing at the level of closed formal linguistic systems (i.e., 

phonology, semantics, syntax), as well as with language processing in its broader 

communicative context (i.e., prosody, discourse, pragmatics). Second, we will relate the 

developmental changes in the neural networks subserving language processing 

observed with fMRI, to age-related changes in brain morphometry (in terms of regional 

volume, gray and white matter concentrations, shape, and asymmetry) as assessed by 

structural MRI. The findings of the proposed cross-sectional study will form the 

cornerstone of a longitudinal research program aimed at fully elucidating the neural 

developments associated with the emergence of mature linguistic competence in 

normally developing children. Furthermore, these developmental findings will provide 

normative data for evaluating the patterns of brain dysfunction associated with the 

linguistic and communicative impairments observed in a variety of developmental 

disorders (e.g., dyslexia, autism, early-onset schizophrenia). By delineating the 

relationship among language processing, brain function, and brain structure, this study 

will begin to bridge the informational gap on the neural basis of language in the 

normally developing brain. Moreover, the proposed project will highlight how an 

integrated nature of brain-behavior interactions. At a theoretical level, a deeper 

understanding of the neural basis of language processing, particularly of how it changes 

and develops as a function of learning, will enlighten our thinking about the origin and 

modularity of language. 


• Project Title: NEUROIMAGING OF INHIBITION & STIMULANT RESPONSE IN 

ADHD 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Pliszka, Steven R.; Associate Professor and Chief; 

Psychiatry; University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr San Ant 7703 Floyd Curl Dr San Antonio, Tx 

78229 


Summary: (provided by applicant) The overall objective of this project is to develop a 

system-level model of brain-behavior relationships in ADHD. This proposal builds on 

previous findings of the P1 and CoPIs using a combination of event-related potentials 

(ERP), behavioral tasks, anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 

neuropsychology assessments in ADHD children. In the proposed project, we will use a 

within-subject, multi-methodological approach to clarify the relationship between 

anatomical and functional imaging abnormalities in ADHD. We will obtain ERP, eventrelated 

functional MRI (ER-fMRI), and anatomical MRI at baseline in four cohorts of 

subjects: ADHD subjects with no history of psychopharmacological treatment, ADHD 

subjects who have been chronically treated with stimulant medication, subjects with 

Reading Disorders (RD) who have no history of ADHD or psychopharmacological 

treatment, and control subjects. Subjects will perform both the ERP and the Stroop task 

during the ERP and ER-fMRI studies. After baseline studies, ADHD subjects will 

undergo a 5-week double blind placebo controlled trial of methylphenidate to establish 

if a child is a responder or non-responder to methyiphenidate and to determine, for the 

responders, which is the optimal dose. Subjects with ADHD will then undergo ERP and 

er-fMRI twice more, once on placebo and once on the best dose of stimulant, again 

performing the Stroop and Stop Signal Task. Our hypotheses are: 1) Relative to controls

Studies 49 

and RD subjects, ADHD children will show decreased right frontal and anterior 

cingulate volume as well as decreased caudate volume. 2) On ERP, ADHD subjects will 

show decreased N200 and P3a responses to the stop signal on ERP and decreased 

anterior medial negativity to Incongruent vs. Congruent stimuli on the Stroop. 3) On erfMRI, 

they will show decreased activity in the anterior cingulate during the Stroop task, 

and decreased right inferior prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity in response to the stop 

signal. 4) ERP and er-fMRI differences in ADHD children will be attenuated on 

methyiphenidate relative to placebo. The magnitude of these changes will correlate with 

clinical response of ADHD symptoms to methylphenidate. 5) We will control for effects 

of gender and age, in particular girls with ADHD may not show the same 

neurobiological mechanisms as boys. 


• Project Title: NEUROIMAGING/DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY OF 

AUTISM 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Hardan, Antonio Y.; Psychiatry; University of 

Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh 350 Thackeray Hall Pittsburgh, Pa 15260 


Summary: (provided by applicant): The career development and research plans outlined 

in this Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award application are 

designed to enable the candidate to independently design and conduct neuroimaging 

studies investigating the neurobiology of autism by examining increased brain size and 

the involvement of the cerebelo-thalamo-frontal circuit in the pathophysiology of this 

neurodevelopment disorder. Autism is a severe disorder characterized by marked social 

and communication deficits, restricted and stereotyped patterns of behaviors and 

interests. A wide range of abnormalities has been reported and studies of brain structure 

have implicated several aspects of brain development involved in neuronal organization 

including the elaboration of dendritic and axonal ramifications, the establishments of 

synaptic connection, and cell death. Recent neuropathologic and neuroimaging studies 

have reported increased brain size in autism, and evidence supporting the 

underdevelopment of the circuitry of neural networks that involve cerebral cortex, 

limbic system and cerebellum. The proposed longitudinal study will use the 

combination of volumetric measurements obtained from magnetic resonance imaging 

scans and chemical shift imaging proton spectroscopy obtained at 30 months intervals 

from a group of children with autism (8-12 years of age) and individually-matched 

controls to characterize the developmental changes of brain enlargement, and the 

involvement of the cerebello-thalamo-frontal circuit in autism. It will also provide the 

candidate with the experience necessary to apply advanced neuroimaging techniques 

and a solid foundation from which to conduct longitudinal studies investigating the 

developmental neurobiology of autism and possibly identifying clinical, prognostic and 

therapeutic correlates. The candidate is certified in psychiatry, and child and adolescent 

psychiatry with four years of post-graduate clinical experience. Drs. Nancy Minshew, 

and Matchery Keshavan will serve as preceptors. Course work and directed reading in 

biostatistcs, data management, research ethics, neuroanatorny, neuroimaging and 

developmental neuroscience will complement the research training. 


50 


• Project Title: NEUROMETABOLISM AND OUTCOME IN TRAUMATIC BRAIN 

INJURY 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Brooks, William M.; Director & Professor; None; 

University of New Mexico Albuquerque Controller's Office Albuquerque, Nm 87131 


Summary: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and morbidity in 

young, otherwise healthy populations and results in an enormous social and economic 

cost. Although commonly used clinical markers are statistically linked with gross 

functioning in large studies, they are less useful in predicting cognitive functioning in 

individual patients. Similarly, although conventional neuroimaging studies can guide 

acute clinical management, outcome prediction is unreliable, particularly at early stages 

of injury resolution. Preliminary data from our laboratory show that neurometabolite 

markers of brain cellular injury measured by non-invasive magnetic resonance 

spectroscopy are strongly correlated with cognitive function and outcome. Further, our 

data show that certain anatomic locations are more intensely injured than others (i.e., 

anterior brain more than posterior), and that gray matter neurometabolites predict 

cognitive outcome more reliably than white matter, suggesting tissue heterogeneity of 

response to TBI. We also show that recovery of these neurometabolites is temporarily 

associated with cognitive improvement. We propose a novel approach for assessment 

and study of TBI using quantitative magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (SI) and 

MRI to quantify cellular brain injury. These measurements of N- acetylaspartate, 

choline-containing compounds, and water relaxation times are a powerful new tool for 

prediction of brain function and outcome. Using these neurometabolite markers of 

injury in normal-appearing (by MRI) brain, we aim to determine whether specific 

patterns-anatomic and/or tissue-type of injury are associated with specific forms of 

cognitive dysfunction. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging offers a robust new 

tool to investigate the metabolic integrity of the neuron following TBI, and may provide 

new insight into clinical management, patient heterogeneity, prediction of outcome, and 

the determination of effectiveness of therapeutic options. 


• Project Title: NMR AND MR IMAGING STUDIES OF PLAQUE RUPTURE 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Hamilton, James A.; Professor; Physiology and 

Biophysics; Boston University Medical Campus 715 Albany St, 560 Boston, Ma 02118 


Summary: Although the advances have been made in the detection and treatment of 

vascular diseases, myocardial infarctions and strokes often strike apparently healthy 

persons without warning and produce disabilities or death. Atherosclerosis is the 

underlying cause of most heart attacks and strokes. Atherosclerotic plaques can grow 

slowly over time and gradually block blood flow, often producing symptoms that warn 

the patient of the underlying disease. However, less occlusive plaques can produce 

acute events within minutes by rupturing and abruptly forming an occlusive thrombus. 

These plaques appear to have certain physical characteristics, such as a thin fibrous cap 

and lipid-rich core, which distinguish them from less dangerous plaques. There is new 

urgency to evaluate vascular disease in humans by imaging methods that provide data 

about the ultrastructure of plaques, rather than invasive methods such as angiography 

that report only luminal narrowing. This project uses the modified Constantinides 

animal (rabbit) model of plaque rupture to compare plaque components and 

ultrastructure in non-ruptured and ruptured plaques. Magnetic resonance (MR) images

Studies 51 

of the aorta in rabbits (in vivo) will be obtained before and after triggering plaque 

rupture, and 9with higher resolution) after excision. Comparison of the MR images of 

ruptured and non-ruptured plaques will provide markers for plaque rupture and 

determine the value of MR imaging for predicting vulnerable plaques will provide 

markers for plaque rupture and determine the value of MR imaging for predicting 

vulnerable plaques in humans before rupture occurs. Magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR 

spectroscopy will be used to characterize in situ the composition of each lipid phase in 

excised plaques. MAS NMR allows quantitation of crystalline cholesterol, liquid and 

liquid-crystalline cholesteryl esters, and calcium salts in the intact plaque; each of these 

structures alone, or interactions between them, may play a role in plaque vulnerability. 

To enhance the interpretation of MR images, the detailed physical chemical information 

from MAS NMR will be integrated with the spatial information about lipid and protein 

components determined by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and light 

microscopy/histology. Because the ultrastructure of plaques appears to be key to their 

stability and potential for regression, MR imaging has the potential for being a more 

reliable predictor of acute pathological events (heart attack and stroke). 


• Project Title: NONINVASIVE CORONARY ARTERY IMAGING USING MR 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Nishimura, Dwight G.; Professor; Electrical 

Engineering; Stanford University Stanford, Ca 94305 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-AUG-1987; Project End 31-AUG-2007 

Summary: (provided by applicant)The aim of this research project is to develop a 

noninvasive coronary artery imaging method using magnetic resonance (MR) to enable 

the detection of coronary artery lesions in humans. Given the prevalence of coronary 

artery disease, such noninvasive imaging has long been one of the most sought-after 

goals in medical imaging. Visualization of coronary arteries is challenging because the 

vessels are small, moving, and surrounded by muscle, fat, and other blood. Over the 

past ten years, advances in MR imaging technology (hardware and pulse sequences) 

have led to steady progress in coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). 

However, further progress is needed to establish it as a useful clinical method. Because 

of MR's flexibility, significant opportunities exist to improve the effectiveness of current 

methods. A successful approach must integrate solutions to achieve the proper vessel 

contrast, spatial resolution, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), while compensating for 

cardiac motion and respiration. In addition, these features must be achieved with a 

scanning protocol that is efficient and easy to use. In this competing renewal 

application, the research plan is to develop, implement, and evaluate coronary MRA 

methods that address these issues. This plan will include new studies of fast spiral 

scanning, improved respiratory compensation, contrast-preparation methods, and realtime 

interactive MR imaging to achieve improved vessel contrast, higher spatial 

resolution and SNR, and more efficient scanning protocols. This project will build on the 

wide range of technology developed as a result of this research program and which 

have demonstrated considerable potential for effective coronary MRA. Several 

engineering studies will be conducted to optimize the coronary MRA methods. Clinical 

studies will include a comparison of the optimized method with conventional x-ray 

angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Overall, this project 

will combine a proven technical program with constant clinical feedback to facilitate the 

improvement and refinement of the methods. 


52 


• Project Title: NON-INVASIVE NMR IMAGING OF CARDIAC REMODELING IN 

AGING 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Forder, John R.; Medicine; University of Alabama at 

Birmingham Uab Station Birmingham, Al 35294 


Summary: This project is directed toward the effects of aging on the cardiovascular 

system and age-related changes in extracellular matrix. Normal aging results in myocyte 

loss, increased fibrosis and myocardial stiffness, and depressed contractility. Aging is 

also associated with a significant increase in the incidence of cardiac hypertrophy, often 

accompanied by changes in the extracellular matrix such as increased collagen 

deposition and fibrosis. Thus, myocardial remodeling plays an important role in the 

development of cardiac dysfunction seen with increased age. However, the distinct 

between normal aging and the effects of underlying disease processes is difficult to 

assess. Currently the only quantitative methods available to assess the extent of 

remodeling are histological or biochemical, and require fixation or extraction of tissue 

samples. Clearly such methods are not optimal for the investigation of relationships 

between aging, left ventricular (LV) remodeling, and contractile function in humans. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has great clinical potential for the non-invasive 

detection and monitoring of cardiac disease and its response to therapy. In addition to 

high quality anatomic information, it can also be used to obtain quantitative information 

of both global and regional LV function. Recently, we demonstrated that MRI could 

detect changes in the diffusion of water during myocardial ischemia. In exciting new 

studies, we demonstrated that diffusion MRI could be used to determine myocardial 

fiber angle orientation with a high degree of precision, and the use of high diffusion 

gradients uncovers multiple diffusion components that correlate to different 

compartments in the tissue (extracellular, intracellular, etc.) The main hypotheses of this 

proposal are: 1) that decreased diffusion of water will be correlated with a increase in 

collagen accumulation and fibrosis, and 2) that measurements of myocardial fiber angle 

orientation combined with diffusion measurements will be used to distinguish between 

the effects of normal aging and the development of cardiac hypertrophy. In order to test 

these hypotheses diffusion tensor MRI experiments will be carried out on perfused 

hearts isolated from 6 and 18 month old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and 

age-matched non- hypertensively Wister-Kyoto rats. Hydroxyproline content of the 

myocardium will be used as a measure of the total tissue collagen content. This proposal 

will provide the foundation for the application of diffusion MRI in the quantitative 

evaluation of both normal and pathophysiological remodeling that occurs in the 

myocardium. The ability to non-invasively determine changes in the extracellular matrix 

of the myocardium coupled with measurements of fiber orientation will constitute a 

major advance in understanding the effects of aging on cardiac structure and function. 


• Project Title: OMRF MRI SYSTEM 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Floyd, Robert A.; Professor; Oklahoma Medical 

Research Foundation Oklahoma City, Ok 731045005 


Summary: (provided by applicant): We seek funds to help purchase a Bruker BioSpec 

Imaging System in order to do small animal magnetic resonance imaging (MR1) and 

spectroscopy (MRS) that is needed for about 15 active Principal Investigators 

representing over 20 NIH funded proposals and several other funded scientists. This

Studies 53 

unit would represent the only experimental animal MRI system on this campus and as 

such the OMRF MRI Facility would directly benefit about 50 scientists on the 

OMRF/OUHSC campus alone. Usage of the proposed MRI system would mostly 

involve its imaging capabilities associated with projects involving transgenic animal 

models. In vivo morphometetric assessment, including assessment of cancer 

development and the progression of anatomical and skeletal changes in several 

experimental transgenic models will represent about one-half of its intended use. The 

availability of the OMRF MRI facility would significantly speed up assessment of the 

effects of transgenic manipulations and treatment paradigms and overall help reduce 

early sacrificing hence reducing the total number of experimental animals needed (i.e. 

reduction of between animal variations) and enhance accomplishment of the goals of the 

various projects. Very active prominent programs involving fundamental vascular 

biology require contrast-enhanced MRI and MR angiography for monitoring various 

tissue regions (e.g. cardiovascular, hmg, brain). Functional MRI application for 

prominent active programs in neurodegenerative diseases represents another major use 

of the proposed equipment. MRS will also be used to assess hydrogen-containing 

metabolites and high-energy phosphates to study carcinogenesis and various 

neurodenerative diseases. Additionally, new MRI technology will be developed for 

assessing tissue localization of specific flee radicals with a focus on nitric oxide 

intermediates, and tissue-specific contrast enhancement. 


• Project Title: PET IMAGING & MAPPING 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Potkin, Steven G.; Professor; University of 

California Los Angeles 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200 Los Angeles, Ca 90024 


Summary: This project is designed to assess the clinical and brain metabolic progression 

of age-related mental decline in the autosomal dominant form of familial Alzheimer 

disease (FAD). Families with autosomal dominant inheritance patterns for AD are rare, 

but such pedigrees provide information for linkage analysis of the FAD gene(s). 

Longitudinal investigation of "at-risk" relatives in these pedigrees is an efficient 

approach for studying early diagnosis and disease course because 50% of relatives 

eventually develop the disease. Our group already has recruited 21 FAD Pedigrees. with 

410 living relatives potentially available for study. We propose to perform annual 

clinical and W neuropsychological assessments on relatives at risk for FAD. Positron 

emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging scans will also be 

performed annually to explore relationships relating brain structure to clinical and L) 

metabolic decline. Our prior studies demonstrated parietal hypometabolism in patient s 

with mild dementias who later 5 developed probable sporadic (i.e. nonfairnilial) AD, 

with more hypometabolism found in early-onset patients. The proposed project aims to 

replicate such findings in relatives at risk for FAD. We hypothesize that initial cerebral 

metabolic patterns (determined with PET) will predict clinical and metabolic decline. 

We also predict that PET data will improve accuracy of clinical diagnoses earl), in the 

disease course, thus defining neurobiologically homogeneous 5 FAD pedigrees. Our 

previous research has demonstrated that the genetic marker, apolipoprotein E type 4 

allele (APOE-4) is correlated with the increased risk of Alzheimer disease (AD). While a 

variety of neuropsychological and functional imaging tests have been demonstrated to 

predict subsequent cognitive decline, such studies are unlikely to identify very early 

abnormalities because they: (1) assess brain function during a "resting" state when 

mental activity is poorly controlled and the specific mental processes showing

54 


impairment are not activated; (2) often include subjects without genetic risk for 

subsequent decline: and. most importantly (3) emphasize measures sensitive only to 

advanced disease and substantial neuronal loss. We propose to develop methods that 

detect the earliest signs of brain dysfunction when patients would be most likely to 

benefit from experimental interventions: before the onset of irreversible and debilitating 

cognitive impairment. 1a. Develop cognitive behavioral and fMRI procedures that 

demonstrate activation in brain regions associated with neuronal dysfunction and loss 

in AD. 1b. Characterize the brain activation and objective behavioral performance seen 

in subjects with a clinical diagnosis of probable AD and in age-matched controls 2a. 

Identify and recruit a cohort of subjects at high risk for the subsequent development of 

AD, on the basis of genetic markers and pedigree. 2b.Characterize the general 

neuropsychological performance and baseline pattern of activation (using fMRI) and 

structure-specific brain volume in this population. 2c. Follow the performance in 

neuropsychological tests in this cohort in a longitudinal study. 3. Retrospect ively 

evaluate the fMRI structural and neuropsychological data, comparing the performance 

of those who did and did not show cognitive declines beyond normal age-associated 

memory impairment (AAMI). 


• Project Title: PHOSPHORUS MRI OF THE LOWER EXTREMETIES IN DIABETICS 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Greenman, Robert L.; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical 

Center St 1005 Boston, Ma 02215 


Summary: (Provided by applicant): The overall objective of this proposal is to develop a 

three-dimensional MR imaging protocol to investigate the phosphorus-31 metabolism in 

the muscle tissue in the lower extremities of diabetic patients. Fifteen million people 

suffer from diabetes mellitus in the United States and there are 650,000 new cases 

diagnosed each year. Changes in the structure of the basement membrane of capillaries 

and neuropathy of the autonomic nerves create an effective ischemia in localized 

capillary beds in the lower leg and foot. Anatomical methods exist for assessing the 

blood flow and nerve viability in the lower legs and feet of diabetics. However, these 

techniques do not provide a direct assessment of the metabolic state of the affected 

muscle tissue. Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has been used to 

study the metabolism of muscle tissue and assess the metabolic state of ischemic tissue 

in a noninvasive way in humans. The current MRS localization technique that can be 

used to provide a regional assessment of the lower leg and foot with the ability to 

identify focal areas of ischemia is chemical shift imaging (CSI). However, a scan of the 

lower extremities having a resolution that is high enough to identify local areas with 

poor blood flow using the currently available CSI technique would take more than 21 

minutes making the MR examination prohibitively long. We have exploited the recent 

advances in high-speed magnetic resonance imaging techniques to develop a method 

for directly creating images of a single phosphorus metabolite (e.g. phosphocreatine) in 

human skeletal muscle. We have successfully acquired pure phosphocreatine images of 

human skeletal muscle in normal volunteers having a spatial resolution of 0.23 cm3 in 2 

minutes on a whole body MR scanner. We propose to establish a protocol using a 3dimensional 

technique for the study of muscle viability in the lower extremities of 

diabetic patients who suffer from complications resulting from polyneuropathy and 

localized ischemia. 


• Project Title: PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF FUNCTIONAL MRI SIGNALS 

Studies 55 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Kim, Seong-Gi; Professor of Neurobiology; 

Radiology; University of Minnesota Twin Cities 200 Oak Street Se Minneapolis, Mn 

554552070 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 15-MAY-1999; Project End 31-DEC-2002 

Summary: (Verbatim from the Applicant's Abstract): Understanding the origin and the 

limitations of the signal intensity changes detected by functional magnetic resonance 

imaging (fMRI) is critical for full utilization of the capabilities of this technique. This in 

turn requires an in-depth examination of the physiological basis of fMRI signals. The 

most commonly used fMRI technique, based on blood oxygenation level dependent 

(BOLD) effect, is complex and depends on alterations in cerebral metabolic rate of 

oxygen consumption (CNM02), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and cerebral blood volume 

(CBV) in response to increased neuronal activity. Contribution of these metabolic and 

hemodynamic parameters to BOLD is expected to depend on vascular dimensions and 

geometry as well as experimental parameters such as static magnetic field and spatial 

resolution. Our understanding of these relationships remains largely qualitative, derives 

from modeling efforts, and requires additional experimental evaluation. This 

application aims to bring together expertise in spin-physics, BOLD modeling, and 

physiology, together with methods utilizing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and 

spectroscopy, and different magnetic field strengths (going from 4.7 Tesla to 9.4 Tesla), 

to focus on investigating the spatiodynamics of vascular and metabolic basis of fMRI 

signal changes in a well-established animal model. The hypotheses to be tested are: 1) 

During steady state conditions, regional changes in CMR02 Can be calculated from 

BOLD and CBF data; and 2) Dynamically, the CMR02 change during neuronal activity is 

constant except for a transition period in the seconds domain at the onset and the 

termination of the neuronal stimulation, and the temporal characteristics of the BOLD 

response is determined by the temporal behavior of CBF and CBV. 


• Project Title: RANDOMIZED INDOMETHACIN GMH/IVH PREVENTION TRIAL 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Ment, Laura R.; Professor; Pediatrics; Yale 


Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-1989; Project End 31-MAR-2005 

Summary: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), or hemorrhage into the germinal matrix 

tissues of the developing brain, remains a major problem of preterm neonates. We 

enrolled 505 neonates of 600 - 1250 g birth weight in a prospective, randomized, 

placebo- controlled multicenter trial to test the hypothesis that indomethacin would 

lower the incidence of IVH. This study demonstrated that indomethacin both lowered 

the incidence and decreased the severity of IVH in preterm infants with no evidence for 

hemorrhage at 6 - 11 hours (p = 0.03, trend test). Infants randomized to indomethacin 

had less parenchymal hemorrhage (p = 0.01), less cerebral ventriculomegaly at term (p = 

0.04), and improved survival (p = 0.08) compared to placebo infants. At 54 months 

corrected age (C.A.) categorical analysis demonstrated a modest benefit on both the 

Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-R) full scale IQ (p= 0.035) 

and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary - Revised (PPVT-R, p =0.02). At 72 months C.A., 

indomethacin children were found to perform significantly better on the WPPSI-R 

verbal IQ (p = 0.04), the PPVT-R (p = 0.009), and the Vineland Communication Score (p 

= 0.009) when compared to placebo children; the Child Behavior Check List showed 

they had better social skills. We hypothesize that at 96 and 144 months C.A. children

56 


randomized to indomethacin will score significantly better on measures of cognitive 

function and achievement than placebo children. These are ages when and the 

educational demands are great. In addition, based on ultrasound data demonstrating 

less ventriculomegaly in indomethacin children, we hypothesize that indomethacin 

subjects will have significantly less cerebral volumetric abnormalities than placebo 

subjects when the entire cohort is assessed by volume magnetic resonance imaging. 

Because our indomethacin subjects appear to have significantly better verbal skills than 

placebo children, we will perform a verbal activation task using functional magnetic 

resonance imaging to test the hypothesis that indomethacin children will show 

significantly better patterns of fMRI activation than placebo children. Study subjects will 

undergo structured, systematic assessments for neuropsychiatric disorders and adaptive 

capacities in the social domain to test the hypothesis that indomethacin children will 

have less neuropsychiatric disorders, anxiety symptoms and socialization difficulties 

than placebo subjects. Finally, multivariate statistical analyses will be performed to 

determine the independent and important predictors of cognitive outcome and function 

at 8 and 12 years C.A. 


• Project Title: SICKLE-CELL DISEASE: NEUROIMAGING AND COGNITIVE 

DECLINE 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Rule, Randall R.; Radiology; University of 

California San Francisco 3333 California Street, Suite 315 San Francisco, Ca 941430962 


Summary: (provided by applicant): The overall goal of this neuroimaging project is to 

determine the anatomical basis of reduced cognition in sickle cell disease (SCD). 

Specifically to test the hypothesis that impaired cognition is closely associated with 

decreased cortical gray matter and hippocampal volumes, and is less associated with the 

extent of subcortical ischemia/infarction. This will be accomplished by quantitative 

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), long TE proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic 

imaging (1H MRSI), and neuropsychological testing that will include test of executive 

function and memory. These tests will include the California Card Sorting Task (CCST), 

the Self Ordered Pointing Task, tests of written and verbal fluency and the this study 

will focus on adult SCD patients with Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS). no history of 

overt clinical stroke. Overt infarcts are known to be associated with cognitive deficits. 

However, SCD patients with no history of CVAs are known suffer from impairment of 

memory and executive function. This study is designed to test whether cortical and 

hippocampal degeneration subsequent to subcortical ischemia is a marker of cognitive 

decline in these patients with no history of stroke. The ischemia that can occur in 

subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD) is similar to the silent infarcts seen in SCD. 

In SIVD it has been determined that cognitive decline is associated with decreased 

cortical gray matter and hippocampal volumes. This project is designed to look for 

similar relationships in SCD. The primary hypotheses are: 1.) Gray matter volume and 

gray matter NAA are significantly decreased in SCD versus control subjects. 2.) Comical 

gray matter and hippocampal volume and NAA will correlate highly with cognition 

while white matter lesions, lacunars infarcts, and white matter NAA will be less 

correlated with cognition. Secondary hypotheses are: 1.) Gray matter volume and NAA 

reductions in SCD compared with controls will be greater in the frontal lobe than in 

posterior areas. 2) Hippocampal volume will correlate with memory function. And 

frontal cortical gray matter volume will correlate with executive function. 


• Project Title: SKELETAL MUSCLE METABOLISM OF FATTY ACIDS 

Studies 57 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Kelley, David E.; Professor of Medicine and 

Director; Medicine; University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh 350 Thackeray Hall 

Pittsburgh, Pa 15260 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-APR-2000; Project End 31-DEC-2004 

Summary: Skeletal muscle has a crucial role in substrate metabolism and energy balance 

and perturbations can have major implications for health, as exemplified by the 

important role of skeletal muscle insulin resistance in obesity and Type 2 diabetes 

mellitus (DM). A major focus of the candidate's research has been to better understand 

the interaction between glucose and fatty acid metabolism in the pathogenesis of 

skeletal muscle insulin resistance. This research has led to the hypothesis that skeletal 

muscle in obesity and Type 2 DM has a reduced capacity for fat oxidation, that this 

impairment is most clearly manifest during fasting conditions and causes lipid 

accumulation within muscle; a process that aggravates insulin resistant glucose 

metabolism. The thrust of this proposal is to further test this hypothesis. We will seek to 

do this by developing several novel approaches to the clinical investigation of skeletal 

muscle metabolism of fatty acids. During the past 11 years of clinical investigation, the 

candidate has mastered the use of arterio-venous leg balance, radioactive fatty acid and 

glucose isotope dilution, systemic and regional (limb) indirect calorimetry, euglycemic 

insulin infusions and percutaneous muscle biopsy as methods to evaluate skeletal 

muscle physiology in Type 2 DM and obesity. All of these techniques have been in use 

for at least several decades. This field of clinical investigation could benefit considerably 

by application of exciting new modalities, including non-invasive imaging of 

metabolism and tissue composition. During the next five years, with the support of a 

MidCareer Investigator Award, the candidate will work within a multidisciplinary 

collaborative effort, including young colleagues to develop three methods: 1) a stable 

isotope method for in vivo determination of fatty acid uptake and oxidation in skeletal 

muscle; 2) spiral magnetic resonance imaging method for non-invasive determination 

of skeletal muscle lipid content; and 3) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of 

skeletal muscle fatty acid uptake and oxidation. These methods will be used for testing 

the hypothesis of that skeletal muscle oxidation of fatty acids is decreased while fatty 

acid esterification is increased in obesity-related insulin- resistance. 


• Project Title: SMALL ANIMAL 11.75 TESLA MAGNETIC RESONANCE SCANNER 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Ackerman, Joseph J.; Professor and Chairman; 

Radiology; Washington University Lindell and Skinker Blvd St. Louis, Mo 63130 


Summary: (provided by applicant): Small laboratory animal models such as mice, rats 

and hamsters are widely used throughout the biomedical research community at 

Washington University (WU) in St. Louis and other scientific institutions. With the 

recent revolution in molecular biology, transgenic laboratory animal models - in 

particular mice - have become an indispensable part of the biomedical research 

armamentarium. The identification and development of methods for analyzing and 

evaluating the characteristics of interest within animal models remains a significant 

challenge. This is especially true for longitudinal studies, in which members of a sample 

population are followed over an extended period of time. Clearly, invasive and/or 

destructive procedures - especially those that require sacrifice of the subject - are 

incompatible with such studies. Under these circumstances, nondestructive imaging

58 


procedures, such as those offered by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are especially 

valuable. This proposal from the Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory (BMRL) at 

WU requests funds to purchase an 11.75 tesla small animal MRI scanner. The BMRL 

supports resources at the forefront of imaging science through its two 4.7T small-animal 

MRI scanners. However, its user base of leading scientists, representing a diverse range 

of biological and biophysical disciplines, has requirements that can only be met through 

the attributes an ultra high field scanner. The associated improvements in signal-tonoise 

ratio and spectral dispersion provide important advantages for small animal MRI 

and, in particular, for the imaging of mice. This proposal provides documentation of 

need, past imaging performance, organizational and training competence, and 

institutional commitment. 


• Project Title: SMASH IMAGING APPLICATIONS--CARDIAC MAGNETIC 


Principal Investigator & Institution: Sodickson, Daniel K.; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical 

Center St 1005 Boston, Ma 02215 


Summary: Despite significant advances in imaging speed over the past decade, many 

diagnostic applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are still limited by rapid 

physiologic motion. An order of magnitude improvement in imaging speed would 

remedy many of the existing technical limitations associated with motion; however, 

certain basic constraints of conventional MR imaging techniques have made this goal 

difficult to attain. We have recently developed and implemented an MR imaging 

technique called SiMultaneous Acquisition of Spatial Harmonics (SMASH), which can 

relax these constraints by allowing for a significant fraction of signal data points to be 

acquired in parallel, rather than in the traditional sequential order. Cardiac MRI is one 

area which stands to benefit substantially from the improvements in imaging efficiency 

afforded by SMASH. The application of MRI to the diagnosis and assessment of cardiac 

disease has been an area of intensive study in recent years, but its practical clinical 

implementation has generally been hindered by competing constraints of spatial and 

temporal resolution. In preliminary in vivo studies using SMASH, the temporal 

resolution of cardiac scans has been increased as much as threefold without any sacrifice 

in spatial resolution, and spatial resolution has been doubled or tripled at no cost in 

temporal resolution. Recent SMASH imaging studies in phantoms, furthermore, have 

demonstrated that eightfold improvements in spatial and/or temporal resolution are 

feasible using appropriate RF coil array technology. The ability to achieve reliable time 

saving factors as high as eight in cardiac MRI will require several theoretical and 

technical advances. The primary goal of the proposed research is to extend the basic 

capabilities of SMASH imaging so as to achieve an eighfold improvement in the spatial 

and/or temporal resolution of cardiac MR images. A stepwise approach will be 

followed, with the following specific aims: 1)To increase the flexibility of SMASH 

techniques for cardiac imaging, starting at the current level of two- to threefold speed 

improvements. 2)To achieve a factor of four to six improvements through the further 

design and implementation of SMASH hardware and software. 3) To extend these 

improvements to a factor of eight or more, and to apply these improvements to clinical 

cardiac imaging. 


• Project Title: SPIN-LOCK IMAGING OF CARTILAGE 

Studies 59 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Reedy, Ravinder; Radiology; University of 



Summary: (provided by applicant): OA is a major cause of morbidity in the population 

over 50 and affects more than 40 million Americans. Although evidence implicates 

cartilage degeneration as the primary cause for OA, no cure exists as yet. Current 

treatments relieve symptoms but do not inhibit disease progression. However, if the 

disease is detected in early stages then appropriate therapeutic intervention may be 

possible. Currently, there are no noninvasive methods to detect early biochemical 

changes in cartilage. This lack of noninvasive diagnostic methods also hampered the 

research in the development of potential chondroprotective agents. To develop 

sensitive, noninvasive diagnostic tools that target early degenerative changes, one needs 

to understand the structural and biochemical changes that occur during degeneration 

and correlate these properties to measurable parameters obtained by a noninvasive 

method. In this application we propose to exploit proton magnetic resonance (MR) 

relaxation under spin-locking condition to develop a novel MR technique to monitor 

structural and biochemical changes in cartilage that occur during early OA. Both 

spectroscopic and imaging measurements will be performed on cartilage tissue models, 

normal bovine cartilage, on enzymatically degraded bovine cartilage (which are 

subjected to selective degradation of varying degrees of proteoglycans (PG) or collagen 

to mimic the structural and biochemical changes that occur in OA). The results obtained 

from the extracellular matrix (ECM) model systems will enable one to determine 

contributions from different components of ECM to the observed relaxation and 

dispersion behavior, and underlying mechanism. The data from the selective enzymatic 

degradation studies will provide the signal changes and contrast in spin-lock-weighted 

images and will help in developing optimal imaging parameters to measure changes 

induced by specific macromolecular degradation. Since the measured MR properties 

rely not only on tissue contrast, but are also dependent on structural and biochemical 

changes, this proposed research will aid in the development of a sensitive non-invasive 

technique for early diagnosis of OA as well as aid in the development/evaluation of 

potential chondroprotective drugs and treatment therapies. 


• Project Title: STUDY OF FIBER ANATOMY IN MOUSE DEVELOPMENT VIA 

MRI/DTI 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Davatzikos, Christos; Associate Professor; 

Radiology; University of Pennsylvania 3451 Walnut Street Philadelphia, Pa 19104 


Summary: (provided by applicant): The main goal of this project is to characterize the 

development of the murine brain, with emphasis on white matter anatomy, using 

magnetic resonance micro-imaging in conjunction with mathematical methodologies for 

quantitative image analysis. The traditionally used histological methods for examination 

of murine brain sections are limited by tissue distortion or loss, by difficulties in 

constructing a spatially consistent volumetric image from sections, by extensive effort in 

preparation, and by lack of capability for in vivo examination of the mouse brain. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is emerging as a technology with strengths 

complementary to histology, with respect to these limitations. In this project, we will 

develop methods for imaging and analysis of the murine brain, and we will use them to

60 


generate normative data for brain development of the C57BL/6J mouse strain. Our 

emphasis will be on using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to characterize the white 

matter architecture. Building upon current work by several groups in the Human Brain 

Project, we propose to develop mathematical methodologies for computational 

anatomy, which complement traditional analysis methods in mainly two ways. First, 

they can identify very subtle and localized shape characteristics, without the need to 

know the location of an affected brain region a priori. Second, they are highly 

automated and quantitative, thus enabling the examination of a large number of animals 

with minimal effort, using statistical image analysis techniques. Our image analysis 

methodology will involve shape analysis methods for the reconstruction and spatial 

normalization of murine brain structures, and it will utilize the well-established 

framework of stereotaxic space analysis. After mass-preserving spatial normalization of 

MRI images to a stereotaxic space of the respective developmental stage, the normal 

anatomic variation of grey and white matter structures will be measured at a number of 

different developmental stages. This normative data will be useful in subsequent DTIbased 

studies aiming to identify regions of abnormal development in neurogenetic mice, 

by finding regions that fall outside this normal range. We will test this methodology on 

a pilot study of the Emx-1 knockout mouse, a well-characterized strain with abnormal 

cortical lamination and defasciculated white matter fiber tracts, including the corpus 

callosum, and we will validate our MR-based measurements using histological sections 


• Project Title: SUB-VOXEL TISSUE CHARACTERIZATION WITH IN-VIVO MRI 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Does, Mark D.; Radiology & Radiological Scis; 

Vanderbilt University 3319 West End Ave. Nashville, Tn 372036917 


Summary: (provided by applicant): The overall aims of this project are to develop and 

implement novel methods for quantitative, in vivo characterization of tissue by 

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The microscopic compartition of water in tissues 

reflects potentially important structural properties that may be probed by diverse MRI 

measurements. In particular, water diffusion and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) 

relaxation cannot be described by single components in many tissues. With some limited 

success, multiple component characterization of these attributes has been proposed and 

studied in an attempt to extract specific information about the micro-anatomical water 

compartments from which they are derived. The further development of efficient and 

effective methods for acquiring and analyzing subvoxel characteristics promises to be 

useful for assessing structure and pathophysiology in various tissues, particularly nerve 

and muscle. The studies proposed herein will provide faster, more accurate, and more 

informative techniques for compartmental studies using MRI. Experimental studies on 

model tissues will establish comprehensive and quantitative in vivo descriptions of 

water diffusion, longitudinal relaxation and transverse relaxation, and how they 

correlate to each other and the physical compartments from which they are derived. 

These observations will then be used to design novel MRI methods, which are more 

specific for depicting tissue microstructure in vivo. One example, amongst others, is the 

aim to develop rapid and easily implemented MRI methods of visualizing and 

quantifying myelin content in the brain based on detailed compartmental models of 

relaxation and diffusion in white matter. 


Studies 61 

• Project Title: SYMPOSIUM ON IMAGING AGENTS AND MOLECULAR 

BEACONS 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Achilefu, Samuel; Associate Professor; Radiology; 

Washington University Lindell and Skinker Blvd St. Louis, Mo 63130 

Timing: Fiscal Year 2004; Project Start 15-FEB-2004; Project End 31-DEC-2004 

Summary: (provided by applicant): Imaging agents play a vital role in the diagnosis and 

management of a variety of human diseases. With recent advances in molecular biology, 

there is a need to develop new imaging agents that respond to physiopathological 

events at the molecular level. This is within the purview of chemists who are trained to 

design molecules for specific applications. While many conferences on molecular 

imaging are held every year, the focus had not been on the strategy to develop imaging 

agents that are crucial in molecular imaging of diseases. Consequently, we plan to 

organize a chemistry-focused symposium to exchange ideas on the recent advances in 

the chemistry and application of imaging agents in biomedical research and clinical 

settings. To harness the power of the world's largest chemist organization, the American 

Chemical Society (ACS), to attract a large audience, we plan to hold the symposium in 

conjunction with the ACS National Meeting held at Anaheim, CA from March 28 to 

April 1, 2004. Five sessions will be held and will cover topics on nuclear, magnetic 

resonance, ultrasound, radiographic, optical and miscellaneous imaging agents for 

medical applications. 


• Project Title: TRACKING NEURONAL FIBERS IN LIVING HUMAN BRAIN BY 

MRI 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Conturo, Thomas E.; Associate Professor; 

Radiology; Washington University Lindell and Skinker Blvd St. Louis, Mo 63130 


Summary: We propose to extend our developments with magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI) for tracking neuronal fibers in the lining human brain. The method, called 

diffusion tensor tracking (DTT), reconstructs continuous threedimensional trajectories of 

neuronal fiber bundles from diffusion tensor-encoded MRI data (DT-MRI). Compared to 

other methods, the MR procedure is non-invasive, capable of studying connectional 

anatomy unique to humans, and amenable to direct correlation with fMRI activations in 

the same individual subjects, which potentially will uncover the neuronal connections 

used for human tasks. Noninvasive DTT methods are especially important for revealing 

connections in humans associated with cognitive functions like language that cannot be 

extrapolated from non-human primate studies. For Aim I we will further enhance 

current computations of three- dimensional whole-brain fiber trajectories from DT-MRI 

data and develop and refine methods for selecting different fiber groups, especially 

including connections between regions defined by fMRI. For Aim II we will evaluate the 

accuracy and precision of DTT fiber trajectories by computer simulation and test-retest 

evaluation of experimental data. In Aim III we will assess the ability of DTT to 

determine the connectivity between fMRI-defined primary sensory and higher-order 

regions in the somatosensory and visual systems using known monkey neuroanatomy 

as a standard. The visual studies will involve retinotopic fMRI mapping to identify 

higher visual areas and to select functional subsets of the geniculocalcarine tract, and 

motion perception studies to activate remote cognitive regions outside the visual cortex. 

For Aim IV we will examine the potential clinical utility of DTT to characterize the 

functional effects of white matter lesions by correlating the lesion-to-cortex DTT

62 


projections with cortical defects in retinotopic fMRI and with visual field defects in 

patients with focal lesions of the geniculocalcarine tract. In Aim V, we will compare 

visual cortex connections in sighted, early- and late-blind subjects to assess the effects of 

age of blindness on the development and organization of the visual system. Successful 

completion of the proposed research will provide a set of tested tools for interrogating 

the development, functional organization, and reorganization of the human brain in 

normal and disease. 


• Project Title: ULTRA HIGH RESOLUTION HUMAN MRI OF GLIOMAS 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Christoforidis, Gregory A.; Radiology; Ohio State 

University 1960 Kenny Road Columbus, Oh 43210 


Summary: (provided by applicant): The value of 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI) in defining gliomas is well established, but does not necessarily identify the full 

extent of involvement by tumor cells, or markers for tumor grade such as 

neovascularity, pleomorphism, nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, cell density and endothelial 

proliferation. Images acquired from normal volunteers with 8T ultra high field MRI 

(UHFMRI) system have a 4 fold increase in resolution versus typical 1.5 Tesla 

commercial clinical systems (i.e. General Electric Signa Horizon MRI System) and twofold 

increase in signal to noise when compared to the few 4 Tesla research magnetic 

resonance systems operating at other research sites. This could be critical for enhancing 

the sensitivities of MR imaging to gliomas. SPECIFIC AlMS: (1) To determine if the 

improved spatial resolution and magnetic susceptibility-based vascular enhancement 

obtained with UHFMRI allows for the identification of abnormal vascularity in gliomas. 

(2) To determine whether areas of increased vascularity identified at 8T correspond to 

areas of increased vascularity on histopathologic analysis. (3) To determine whether 

areas of increased vascularity identified at 8T correspond to areas of perfusion one 

contrast enhanced 1.5 T MRI. A group of 80 patients with astrocytoma will undergo preoperative 

high-resolution gradient echo imaging at 8T. Subsequently, these same 

patients will undergo contrast enhanced MRI and perfusion MRI at 1.5T. Foci of 

increased vascularity will be identified on 81 images. Semi-quantitative grades for blood 

vessels will be made from the 1.5 and 8 T images by two reviewers. The high vessel 

density foci will then be biopsied using intra-operative stereotactic-guidance. The tissue 

will be histologically evaluated using vessel stains and a semi-quantitative vessel 

grading will be made. Correlation of the various vessel grades will be made between the 

histologic findings and the MR findings. Reliability will be measured on the basis of 

interobserver and intraobserver agreement. Secondary outcome measures will be used 

as pilot data in order to plan future investigations. 


• Project Title: VIRUS BASED BIO-IMAGING & THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY 

SYSTEMS 

Principal Investigator & Institution: Young, Mark A.; Plant and Soil Science; Montana 

State University (Bozeman) Bozeman, Mt 59717 


Summary: Many viruses form stable self-assembled protein cages that function to store, 

protect and transport nucleic acid. We have previously shown that the cage structure of 

viruses can be used as constrained reaction vessels for the encapsulation and release of a

Studies 63 

wide range of materials other than its native RNA genome. In this way virus protein 

cages can be thought of as nanometer sized containers able to encapsulate other 

molecules through well-defined chemical interactions. The current proposal will explore 

the use of these virus cage structures for encapsulation and targeted delivery of 

therapeutic agents as well as development of these cages as magnetic resonance 

imaging contrast agents based on our demonstrated ability to engineer the coat protein. 

The principle objective of this proposal is to develop a model viral system for the use of 

virus cage structures in the high- density packing and release of therapeutic materials 

(molecules and polymers). Packaging within the virus can be driven by electrostatic 

complementarily between the inner protein interface and the relevant therapeutic 

material(s). One objective will be to extend the range of therapeutic materials that can be 

entrapped within the viral protein cage by engineering the electrostatic properties of the 

inner surface of the protein cage. A second major objective is to develop viral protein 

cages as potential magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents by engineering the 

inherent metal binding sites on the virion for binding 180 molecules of the paramagnetic 

Gd(III) ion. A third major objective is to express peptide 11 from the laminin protein on 

the outer surface of the virion and to determine its effectiveness at specifically targeting 

viral cages to cells expressing laminin-binding protein. A fourth major objective is to 

utilize inherent structural transitions in the virion to engineer new well defined 

chemical switches (based on redox potential and pH) to induce gating for selective 

entrapment and release of therapeutic materials. Virion gating results in the reversible 

opening/closing of 60 separate 20Angstrom units holes in the protein cage. We propose 

to use site-directed mutagenesis to engineer disulfide linkages and altered pH gating 

switches at these pores and test for their ability to entrap and release therapeutic 

materials. 


E-Journals: PubMed Central 3 

PubMed Central (PMC) is a digital archive of life sciences journal literature developed and 

managed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the U.S. National 

Library of Medicine (NLM). 4 Access to this growing archive of e-journals is free and 

unrestricted. 5 To search, go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=Pmc, 

and type “magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms) into the search box. This search 

gives you access to full-text articles. The following is a sample of items found for magnetic 

resonance imaging in the PubMed Central database: 

• Activation of Human Primary Visual Cortex During Visual Recall: A Magnetic 

Resonance Imaging Study. by Bihan DL, Turner R, Zeffiro TA, Cuenod CA, Jezzard P, 

Bonnerot V.; 1993 Dec 15; 

http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr 

act&artid=48072 

3 Adapted from the National Library of Medicine: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/about/intro.html. 

4 With PubMed Central, NCBI is taking the lead in preservation and maintenance of open access to electronic 

literature, just as NLM has done for decades with printed biomedical literature. PubMed Central aims to become a 

world-class library of the digital age. 

5 The value of PubMed Central, in addition to its role as an archive, lies in the availability of data from diverse 

sources stored in a common format in a single repository. Many journals already have online publishing operations, 

and there is a growing tendency to publish material online only, to the exclusion of print.

64 


• Autologous chondrocyte implantation for cartilage repair: monitoring its success by 

magnetic resonance imaging and histology. by Roberts S, McCall IW, Darby AJ, 

Menage J, Evans H, Harrison PE, Richardson JB.; 2003; 

http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=154433 

• Brain magnetic resonance imaging with contrast dependent on blood oxygenation. by 

Ogawa S, Lee TM, Kay AR, Tank DW.; 1990 Dec; 

http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt 

ype=pdf&artid=55275 

• Breast imaging technology: Application of magnetic resonance imaging to 

angiogenesis in breast cancer. by Leach MO.; 2001; 


• Breast imaging technology: Application of magnetic resonance imaging to early 

detection of breast cancer. by Schnall MD.; 2001; 


• Cerebral activity associated with auditory verbal hallucinations: a functional 

magnetic resonance imaging case study. by Ait Bentaleb L, Beauregard M, Liddle P, 

Stip E.; 2002 Mar; 


• Contribution of Malic Enzyme, Pyruvate Kinase, Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase, 

and the Krebs Cycle to Respiration and Biosynthesis and to Intracellular pH 

Regulation during Hypoxia in Maize Root Tips Observed by Nuclear Magnetic 

Resonance Imaging and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. by Edwards S, 

Nguyen BT, Do B, Roberts JK.; 1998 Mar 1; 


• Correlations from gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance 

imaging after methotrexate chemotherapy for hemorrhagic placenta increta. by Wehbe 

SA, Ghulmiyyah LM, Carroll KT, Perloe M, Schwartzberg DG, Sills ES.; 2003; 


• Different central manifestations in response to electroacupuncture at analgesic and 

nonanalgesic acupoints in rats: a manganese-enhanced functional magnetic resonance 

imaging study. by Chiu JH, Chung MS, Cheng HC, Yeh TC, Hsieh JC, Chang CY, Kuo 

WY, Cheng H, Ho LT.; 2003 May; 


• Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the sarcopenic muscle. by 

Nicolato E, Farace P, Asperio RM, Marzola P, Lunati E, Sbarbati A, Osculati F.; 2002; 


• Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reveals Stress-Induced 

Angiogenesis in MCF7 Human Breast Tumors. by Furman-Haran E, Margalit R, 

Grobgeld D, Degani H.; 1996 Jun 25; 



• Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of human brain activity during primary 

sensory stimulation. by Kwong KK, Belliveau JW, Chesler DA, Goldberg IE, Weisskoff 

RM, Poncelet BP, Kennedy DN, Hoppel BE, Cohen MS, Turner R, et al.; 1992 Jun 15; 


ype=pdf&artid=49355

Studies 65 

• Echo-Planar Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies of Frontal Cortex Activation 

During Word Generation in Humans. by McCarthy G, Blamire AM, Rothman DL, 

Gruetter R, Shulman RG.; 1993 Jun 1; 



• Effects on media materials of storage in proximity to a magnetic resonance imaging 

scanner. by Kittle PW.; 1989 Jan; 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging of human prefrontal cortex activation during 

a spatial working memory task. by McCarthy G, Blamire AM, Puce A, Nobre AC, Bloch 

G, Hyder F, Goldman-Rakic P, Shulman RG.; 1994 Aug 30; 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging of reorganization in rat brain after stroke. by 

Dijkhuizen RM, Ren J, Mandeville JB, Wu O, Ozdag FM, Moskowitz MA, Rosen BR, 

Finklestein SP.; 2001 Oct 23; 


• Imaging the living human brain: Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission 

tomography. by Volkow ND, Rosen B, Farde L.; 1997 Apr 1; 


• Modeling sickle cell vasoocclusion in the rat leg: quantification of trapped sickle cells 

and correlation with 31P metabolic and 1H magnetic resonance imaging changes. by 

Fabry ME, Rajanayagam V, Fine E, Holland S, Gore JC, Nagel RL, Kaul DK.; 1989 May; 



• Monitoring of implanted stem cell migration in vivo: A highly resolved in vivo 

magnetic resonance imaging investigation of experimental stroke in rat. by Hoehn M, 

Kustermann E, Blunk J, Wiedermann D, Trapp T, Wecker S, Focking M, Arnold H, 

Hescheler J, Fleischmann BK, Schwindt W, Buhrle C.; 2002 Dec 10; 


• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy of Human Brain Function. by 

Shulman RG, Blamire AM, Rothman DL, McCarthy G.; 1993 Apr 15; 



• Object-Related Activity Revealed by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in 

Human Occipital Cortex. by Malach R, Reppas JB, Benson RR, Kwong KK, Jiang H, 

Kennedy WA, Ledden PJ, Brady TJ, Rosen BR, Tootell RB.; 1995 Aug 29; 



• Oscillatory flow in the cochlea visualized by a magnetic resonance imaging 

technique. by Denk W, Keolian RM, Ogawa S, Jelinski LW.; 1993 Feb 15; 



• Overhauser enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for tumor oximetry: Coregistration 

of tumor anatomy and tissue oxygen concentration. by Krishna MC, English S, Yamada

66 


K, Yoo J, Murugesan R, Devasahayam N, Cook JA, Golman K, Ardenkjaer-Larsen JH, 

Subramanian S, Mitchell JB.; 2002 Feb 19; 


• Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Human Brain Perfusion at 1.5 T Using 

Steady-State Inversion of Arterial Water. by Robert DA, Detre JA, Bolinger L, Insko EK, 

Leigh JS Jr.; 1994 Jan 4; 



• Sodium-23 magnetic resonance imaging of the eye and lens. by Garner WH, Hilal SK, 

Lee SW, Spector A.; 1986 Mar; 



• Three-Dimensional Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Human Brain on a 

Clinical 1.5-T Scanner. by Gelderen PV, Ramsey NF, Liu G, Duyn JH, Frank JA, 

Weinberger DR, Moonen CT.; 1995 Jul 18; 



• Use of diffusion and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging as a tool in acute stroke 

clinical trials. by Warach S.; 2001; 


The National Library of Medicine: PubMed 

One of the quickest and most comprehensive ways to find academic studies in both English 

and other languages is to use PubMed, maintained by the National Library of Medicine. 6 

The advantage of PubMed over previously mentioned sources is that it covers a greater 

number of domestic and foreign references. It is also free to use. If the publisher has a Web 

site that offers full text of its journals, PubMed will provide links to that site, as well as to 

sites offering other related data. User registration, a subscription fee, or some other type of 

fee may be required to access the full text of articles in some journals. 

To generate your own bibliography of studies dealing with magnetic resonance imaging, 

simply go to the PubMed Web site at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. Type 

“magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” The 

following is the type of output you can expect from PubMed for magnetic resonance 

imaging (hyperlinks lead to article summaries): 

• A benign soft tissue mass simulating a glenoid labral cyst on unenhanced magnetic 

resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Sherman PM, Sanders TG, De Lone DR. 

Source: Military Medicine. 2004 May; 169(5): 376-8. 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A 

bstract&list_uids=15186003 

6 PubMed was developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Library of 

Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The PubMed database was developed in conjunction 

with publishers of biomedical literature as a search tool for accessing literature citations and linking to full-text 

journal articles at Web sites of participating publishers. Publishers that participate in PubMed supply NLM with 

their citations electronically prior to or at the time of publication.

Studies 67 

• A comparison of magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, and radiography of the 

hand in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. 

Author(s): Hoving JL, Buchbinder R, Hall S, Lawler G, Coombs P, McNealy S, Bird P, 

Connell D. 

Source: The Journal of Rheumatology. 2004 April; 31(4): 663-75. 



• A fronto-parietal network for chewing of gum: a study on human subjects with 

functional magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Takada T, Miyamoto T. 

Source: Neuroscience Letters. 2004 April 29; 360(3): 137-40. 



• A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of local/global processing with 

stimulus presentation in the peripheral visual hemifields. 

Author(s): Lux S, Marshall JC, Ritzl A, Weiss PH, Pietrzyk U, Shah NJ, Zilles K, Fink GR. 

Source: Neuroscience. 2004; 124(1): 113-20. 



• A topography of executive functions and their interactions revealed by functional 


Author(s): Fassbender C, Murphy K, Foxe JJ, Wylie GR, Javitt DC, Robertson IH, 

Garavan H. 

Source: Brain Research. Cognitive Brain Research. 2004 July; 20(2): 132-43. 



• Abnormal left superior temporal gyrus volumes in children and adolescents with 

bipolar disorder: a magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Chen HH, Nicoletti MA, Hatch JP, Sassi RB, Axelson D, Brambilla P, Monkul 

ES, Keshavan MS, Ryan ND, Birmaher B, Soares JC. 

Source: Neuroscience Letters. 2004 June 3; 363(1): 65-8. 



• Accuracy of breath-hold magnetic resonance imaging in preoperative staging of 

organ-confined renal cell carcinoma. 

Author(s): Kamel IR, Hochman MG, Keogan MT, Eng J, Longmaid HE 3rd, DeWolf W, 

Edelman RR. 

Source: Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. 2004 May-June; 28(3): 327-32. 


bstract&list_uids=15100535

68 


• Acute quadriceps muscle strains: magnetic resonance imaging features and prognosis. 

Author(s): Cross TM, Gibbs N, Houang MT, Cameron M. 

Source: The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2004 April-May; 32(3): 710-9. 



• Acute vestibular neuritis visualized by 3-T magnetic resonance imaging with highdose 

gadolinium. 

Author(s): Karlberg M, Annertz M, Magnusson M. 

Source: Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery. 2004 February; 130(2): 229- 

32. 



• An approach to real-time magnetic resonance imaging for speech production. 

Author(s): Narayanan S, Nayak K, Lee S, Sethy A, Byrd D. 

Source: The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2004 April; 115(4): 1771-6. 



• Anomalous prefrontal-subcortical activation in familial pediatric bipolar disorder: a 

functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation. 

Author(s): Chang K, Adleman NE, Dienes K, Simeonova DI, Menon V, Reiss A. 

Source: Archives of General Psychiatry. 2004 August; 61(8): 781-92. 



• Anticoagulation and thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke and the role of diagnostic 


Author(s): Rincon F. 

Source: Archives of Neurology. 2004 May; 61(5): 801-2; Author Reply 802. 



• Application of magnetic resonance imaging to evaluation of femoral neck structure in 

growing girls. 

Author(s): McKay HA, Sievanen H, Petit MA, MacKelvie KJ, Forkheim KM, Whittall KP, 

Forster BB, Macdonald H. 

Source: Journal of Clinical Densitometry : the Official Journal of the International Society 

for Clinical Densitometry. 2004 Summer; 7(2): 161-8. 



• Application of three-tesla magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis and surgery of 

sellar lesions. 

Author(s): Wolfsberger S, Ba-Ssalamah A, Pinker K, Mlynarik V, Czech T, Knosp E, 

Trattnig S. 

Source: Journal of Neurosurgery. 2004 February; 100(2): 278-86. 



Studies 69 

• Assessment of biventricular remodeling by magnetic resonance imaging after 

successful primary stenting for acute myocardial infarction. 

Author(s): Beygui F, Furber A, Delepine S, Prunier F, Helft G, Metzger JP, Le Jeune JJ, 

Geslin P. 

Source: The American Journal of Cardiology. 2004 August 1; 94(3): 354-7. 



• Assessment of cerebral hemodynamics and oxygen extraction using dynamic 

susceptibility contrast and spin echo blood oxygenation level-dependent magnetic 

resonance imaging: applications to carotid stenosis patients. 

Author(s): Kavec M, Usenius JP, Tuunanen PI, Rissanen A, Kauppinen RA. 

Source: Neuroimage. 2004 May; 22(1): 258-67. 



• Assessment of hepatic iron content using magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Li TQ, Aisen AM, Hindmarsh T. 

Source: Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987). 2004 April; 45(2): 119-29. Review. 



• Assessment of pulmonary vein anatomic variability by magnetic resonance imaging: 

implications for catheter ablation techniques for atrial fibrillation. 

Author(s): Mansour M, Holmvang G, Sosnovik D, Migrino R, Abbara S, Ruskin J, Keane 

D. 

Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2004 April; 15(4): 387-93. 



• Association of magnetic resonance imaging of anterior optic pathway with 

glaucomatous visual field damage and optic disc cupping. 

Author(s): Kashiwagi K, Okubo T, Tsukahara S. 

Source: Journal of Glaucoma. 2004 June; 13(3): 189-95. 



• B1AC-MAMBA: B1 array combined with multiple-acquisition micro B0 array parallel 


Author(s): Paley MN, Lee KJ, Wild JM, Fichele S, Whitby EH, Wilkinson ID, Van Beek 

EJ, Griffiths PD. 

Source: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine : Official Journal of the Society of Magnetic 

Resonance in Medicine / Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. 2003 June; 49(6): 

1196-200. 



70 


• Background and clinical impact of tissue congestion in right-lobe living-donor liver 

grafts: a magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Yamamoto H, Maetani Y, Kiuchi T, Ito T, Kaihara S, Egawa H, Itoh K, 

Kamiyama Y, Tanaka K. 

Source: Transplantation. 2003 July 15; 76(1): 164-9. 



• Beyond mismatch: evolving paradigms in imaging the ischemic penumbra with 

multimodal magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Kidwell CS, Alger JR, Saver JL. 

Source: Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation. 2003 November; 34(11): 2729-35. Epub 

2003 October 23. Review. 



• Bilateral chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the dorsal part of the forearm: 

the role of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis: a case report. 

Author(s): Kumar PR, Jenkins JP, Hodgson SP. 

Source: The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume. 2003 August; 85-A(8): 

1557-9. 



• Bilateral giant coronary aneurysms diagnosed non-invasively by dynamic magnetic 


Author(s): Tanabe M, Onishi K, Hiraoka N, Kitamura T, Okinaka T, Ito M, Isaka N, 

Nakano T. 

Source: International Journal of Cardiology. 2004 April; 94(2-3): 341-2. 



• Biliary hamartomas (von Mayenburg complex): magnetic resonance imaging in a case 

report. 

Author(s): Neri S, Mauceri B, Cilio D, Sciacca C, Di Prima P, Finazzo M. 

Source: Internal Medicine Journal. 2004 January-February; 34(1-2): 71-2. 



• Biological effects of exposure to magnetic resonance imaging: an overview. 

Author(s): Formica D, Silvestri S. 

Source: Biomedical Engineering Online [electronic Resource]. 2004 April 22; 3(1): 11. 

Review. 



Studies 71 

• Biometric and magnetic resonance imaging assessment of dentofacial abnormalities 

in a case of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. 

Author(s): Defraia E, Baccetti T, Marinelli A, Tollaro I. 

Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics. 

2004 January; 97(1): 127-32. 



• Bladder imaging using multidetector row computed tomography, volume rendering, 

and magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Lawler LP, Fishman EK. 

Source: Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. 2003 July-August; 27(4): 553-63. 

Review. 



• Blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging in patients with stressinduced 

angina. 

Author(s): Friedrich MG, Niendorf T, Schulz-Menger J, Gross CM, Dietz R. 

Source: Circulation. 2003 November 4; 108(18): 2219-23. Epub 2003 October 13. 



• BOLD magnetic resonance imaging of skeletal muscle. 

Author(s): Noseworthy MD, Bulte DP, Alfonsi J. 

Source: Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology. 2003 December; 7(4): 307-15. Review. 



• Bone edema scored on magnetic resonance imaging scans of the dominant carpus at 

presentation predicts radiographic joint damage of the hands and feet six years later 

in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Author(s): McQueen FM, Benton N, Perry D, Crabbe J, Robinson E, Yeoman S, McLean 

L, Stewart N. 

Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2003 July; 48(7): 1814-27. 



• Brain activation pattern during a verbal fluency test in healthy male and female 

volunteers: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Weiss EM, Siedentopf C, Hofer A, Deisenhammer EA, Hoptman MJ, Kremser 

C, Golaszewski S, Felber S, Fleischhacker WW, Delazer M. 

Source: Neuroscience Letters. 2003 December 11; 352(3): 191-4. 



72 


• Brain activation to phobia-related pictures in spider phobic humans: an event-related 

functional magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Dilger S, Straube T, Mentzel HJ, Fitzek C, Reichenbach JR, Hecht H, Krieschel 

S, Gutberlet I, Miltner WH. 

Source: Neuroscience Letters. 2003 September 4; 348(1): 29-32. 



• Brain activity during automatic semantic priming revealed by event-related 


Author(s): Copland DA, de Zubicaray GI, McMahon K, Wilson SJ, Eastburn M, Chenery 

HJ. 

Source: Neuroimage. 2003 September; 20(1): 302-10. 



• Brain edema after human cerebral hemorrhage: a magnetic resonance imaging 

volumetric analysis. 

Author(s): Carhuapoma JR, Hanley DF, Banerjee M, Beauchamp NJ. 

Source: Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology. 2003 July; 15(3): 230-3. 



• Brain magnetic resonance imaging white-matter lesions and cerebrospinal fluid 

findings in patients with acute intermittent porphyria. 

Author(s): Bylesjo I, Brekke OL, Prytz J, Skjeflo T, Salvesen R. 

Source: European Neurology. 2004; 51(1): 1-5. Epub 2003 November 18. 



• Brain processing of visual sexual stimuli in healthy men: a functional magnetic 

resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Mouras H, Stoleru S, Bittoun J, Glutron D, Pelegrini-Issac M, Paradis AL, 

Burnod Y. 

Source: Neuroimage. 2003 October; 20(2): 855-69. 



• B-waves in cerebral and spinal cerebrospinal fluid pulsation measurement by 


Author(s): Friese S, Hamhaber U, Erb M, Klose U. 

Source: Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. 2004 March-April; 28(2): 255-62. 



Studies 73 

• Calcific tendinosis and periarthritis: classic magnetic resonance imaging appearance 

and associated findings. 

Author(s): Chung CB, Gentili A, Chew FS. 




• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and core cardiology training II (COCATS-2): can 

we get there from here? 

Author(s): Reichek N. 

Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2004 June 2; 43(11): 2113-5. 



• Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Darty SN, O'Neal J, Wesley-Farrington D, Davis AD, Link KM, Hundley G. 

Source: Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing. 2004 Spring; 19(2): 60-7. Review. 



• Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging: current applications and future 

directions. 

Author(s): Desai MY, Lima JA, Bluemke DA. 

Source: Methods Enzymol. 2004; 386: 122-48. No Abstract Available. 



• Cerebral and cerebellar motor activation abnormalities in a subject with Joubert 

syndrome: functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. 

Author(s): Parisi MA, Pinter JD, Glass IA, Field K, Maria BL, Chance PF, Mahurin RK, 

Cramer SC. 

Source: Journal of Child Neurology. 2004 March; 19(3): 214-8. 



• Cerebral cortex three-dimensional profiling in human fetuses by magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Sbarbati A, Pizzini F, Fabene PF, Nicolato E, Marzola P, Calderan L, Simonati 

A, Longo L, Osculati A, Beltramello A. 

Source: Journal of Anatomy. 2004 June; 204(6): 465-74. 



• Cervical magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities not predictive of cervical spine 

instability in traumatically injured patients. Invited submission from the Joint 

Section Meeting on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, March 2004. 

Author(s): Horn EM, Lekovic GP, Feiz-Erfan I, Sonntag VK, Theodore N. 

Source: J Neurosurg Spine. 2004 July; 1(1): 39-42. 



74 


• Clinical applications of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with multiple 

myeloma. 

Author(s): Tariman JD. 

Source: Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2004 June; 8(3): 317-8. 



• Clinical characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging-defined subcortical ischemic 

depression. 

Author(s): Krishnan KR, Taylor WD, McQuoid DR, MacFall JR, Payne ME, Provenzale 

JM, Steffens DC. 

Source: Biological Psychiatry. 2004 February 15; 55(4): 390-7. 



• Clinical role, accuracy, and technical aspects of cardiovascular magnetic resonance 

imaging in infants. 

Author(s): Tsai-Goodman B, Geva T, Odegard KC, Sena LM, Powell AJ. 

Source: The American Journal of Cardiology. 2004 July 1; 94(1): 69-74. 



• Clinical, electrophysiological and magnetic resonance imaging findings in carpal 

tunnel syndrome. 

Author(s): Musluoglu L, Celik M, Tabak H, Forta H. 

Source: Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol. 2004 April-May; 44(3): 161-5. 



• Clinical, hormonal and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predictors of 

transsphenoidal surgery outcome in acromegaly. 

Author(s): Bourdelot A, Coste J, Hazebroucq V, Gaillard S, Cazabat L, Bertagna X, 

Bertherat J. 

Source: European Journal of Endocrinology / European Federation of Endocrine 

Societies. 2004 June; 150(6): 763-71. 



• Cognitive impairment in dementia: correlations with atrophy and cerebrovascular 

disease quantified by magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Swartz RH, Black SE, Sela G, Bronskill MJ. 

Source: Brain and Cognition. 2002 July; 49(2): 228-32. 



Studies 75 

• Combined magnetic resonance tractography and functional magnetic resonance 

imaging in evaluation of brain tumors involving the motor system. 

Author(s): Parmar H, Sitoh YY, Yeo TT. 




• Comparison of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging diagnoses in patients with 

TMD history. 

Author(s): Usumez S, Oz F, Guray E. 

Source: Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 2004 January; 31(1): 52-6. 



• Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in Japanese encephalitis 

and acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood. 

Author(s): Wang HS. 

Source: Archives of Neurology. 2004 July; 61(7): 1149-50; Author Reply 1150. 



• Comparison of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in 100 singleton 

pregnancies with suspected brain abnormalities. 

Author(s): Whitby EH, Paley MN, Sprigg A, Rutter S, Davies NP, Wilkinson ID, Griffiths 

PD. 

Source: Bjog : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2004 August; 

111(8): 784-92. 



• Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings in cases of dermoid 

cyst coexisting with surface epithelial tumors in the same ovary. 

Author(s): Okada S, Ohaki Y, Ogura J, Ishihara M, Kawamura T, Kumazaki T. 




• Continuous arterial spin labeled perfusion magnetic resonance imaging in patients 

before and after carotid endarterectomy. 

Author(s): Ances BM, McGarvey ML, Abrahams JM, Maldjian JA, Alsop DC, Zager EL, 

Detre JA. 

Source: Journal of Neuroimaging : Official Journal of the American Society of 

Neuroimaging. 2004 April; 14(2): 133-8. 



76 


• Cost comparison of auditory brainstem response versus magnetic resonance imaging 

screening of acoustic neuroma. 

Author(s): Cheng G, Smith R, Tan AK. 

Source: The Journal of Otolaryngology. 2003 December; 32(6): 394-9. 



• Decomposing components of task preparation with functional magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Brass M, von Cramon DY. 

Source: Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience. 2004 May; 16(4): 609-20. 



• Demonstration of systematic variation in human intraorbital optic nerve size by 

quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and histology. 

Author(s): Karim S, Clark RA, Poukens V, Demer JL. 

Source: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2004 April; 45(4): 1047-51. 



• Detection of right atrial and pulmonary artery thrombosis after the Fontan procedure 

by magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Casolo G, Rega L, Gensini GF. 

Source: Heart (British Cardiac Society). 2004 July; 90(7): 825. 



• Determining the position and size of the subthalamic nucleus based on magnetic 

resonance imaging results in patients with advanced Parkinson disease. 

Author(s): Richter EO, Hoque T, Halliday W, Lozano AM, Saint-Cyr JA. 

Source: Journal of Neurosurgery. 2004 March; 100(3): 541-6. 



• Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of mandibular 

involvement in oral-oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective study. 

Author(s): Bolzoni A, Cappiello J, Piazza C, Peretti G, Maroldi R, Farina D, Nicolai P. 

Source: Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery. 2004 July; 130(7): 837-43. 



• Diagnostic accuracy of staging renal cell carcinomas using multidetector-row 

computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging: a prospective study with 

histopathologic correlation. 

Author(s): Hallscheidt PJ, Bock M, Riedasch G, Zuna I, Schoenberg SO, Autschbach F, 

Soder M, Noeldge G. 




Studies 77 

• Diagnostic imaging for pancreatic cancer: computed tomography, magnetic resonance 

imaging, and positron emission tomography. 

Author(s): Saisho H, Yamaguchi T. 

Source: Pancreas. 2004 April; 28(3): 273-8. 



• Diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging of the forefeet in early rheumatoid 

arthritis when findings on imaging of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the hands 

remain normal. 

Author(s): Ostendorf B, Scherer A, Modder U, Schneider M. 




• Differential cerebellar activation on functional magnetic resonance imaging during 

working memory performance in persons with multiple sclerosis. 

Author(s): Li Y, Chiaravalloti ND, Hillary FG, Deluca J, Liu WC, Kalnin AJ, Ricker JH. 

Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2004 April; 85(4): 635-9. 



• Differential growth rates of the cerebellum and posterior fossa assessed by post 

mortem magnetic resonance imaging of the fetus: implications for the pathogenesis of 

the chiari 2 deformity. 

Author(s): Griffiths PD, Wilkinson ID, Variend S, Jones A, Paley MN, Whitby E. 

Source: Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987). 2004 April; 45(2): 236-42. 



• Differentiation of anal sphincters with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging 

using contrast-enhanced fast low-angle shot 3-dimensional sequences. 

Author(s): Schaefer O, Oeksuez MO, Lohrmann C, Langer M. 




• Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and neurobiochemical markers after 

aortic valve replacement: implications for future neuroprotective trials? 

Author(s): Stolz E, Gerriets T, Kluge A, Klovekorn WP, Kaps M, Bachmann G. 

Source: Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation. 2004 April; 35(4): 888-92. Epub 2004 

February 19. 



78 


• Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in internal carotid artery dissection. 

Author(s): Koch S, Rabinstein AA, Romano JG, Forteza A. 

Source: Archives of Neurology. 2004 April; 61(4): 510-2. 



• Direct comparison of visual cortex activation in human and nonhuman primates 

using functional magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Dubowitz DJ. 




• Dissociable brain activation responses to 5-Hz electrical pain stimulation: a high-field 

functional magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Alkire MT, White NS, Hsieh R, Haier RJ. 

Source: Anesthesiology. 2004 April; 100(4): 939-46. 



• Distal-type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy: assessment of pathophysiology from 

radiological findings on magnetic resonance imaging and epidurally recorded spinal 

cord responses. 

Author(s): Kaneko K, Taguchi T, Toyoda K, Kato Y, Azuma Y, Kawai S. 

Source: Spine. 2004 April 23; 29(9): E185-8. 



• Distribution of cerebral atrophy assessed by magnetic resonance imaging reflects 

patterns of neuropsychological deficits in Alzheimer's dementia. 

Author(s): Pantel J, Schonknecht P, Essig M, Schroder J. 

Source: Neuroscience Letters. 2004 May 6; 361(1-3): 17-20. 



• Documenting damage progression in a two-year longitudinal study of rheumatoid 

arthritis patients with established disease (the DAMAGE study cohort): is there an 

advantage in the use of magnetic resonance imaging as compared with plain 

radiography? 

Author(s): Bird P, Kirkham B, Portek I, Shnier R, Joshua F, Edmonds J, Lassere M. 

Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2004 May; 50(5): 1383-9. 



Studies 79 

• Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in monitoring bone 

metastases in breast cancer patients receiving bisphosphonates and endocrine 

therapy. 

Author(s): Montemurro F, Russo F, Martincich L, Cirillo S, Gatti M, Aglietta M, Regge 

D. 

Source: Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987). 2004 February; 45(1): 71-4. 



• Dynamic weight-bearing cervical magnetic resonance imaging: technical review and 

preliminary results. 

Author(s): Vitaz TW, Shields CB, Raque GH, Hushek SG, Moser R, Hoerter N, Moriarty 

TM. 

Source: Southern Medical Journal. 2004 May; 97(5): 456-61. 



• Early exploration of diplopia with magnetic resonance imaging after peribulbar 

anaesthesia. 

Author(s): Taylor G, Devys JM, Heran F, Plaud B. 

Source: British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2004 June; 92(6): 899-901. Epub 2004 April 19. 



• Effect of magnetic resonance imaging on internal magnet strength in Med-El Combi 

40+ cochlear implants. 

Author(s): Wackym PA, Michel MA, Prost RW, Banks KL, Runge-Samuelson CL, Firszt 

JB. 

Source: The Laryngoscope. 2004 August; 114(8): 1355-61. 



• Effect of titrated mandibular advancement and jaw opening on the upper airway in 

nonapneic men: a magnetic resonance imaging and cephalometric study. 

Author(s): Gao X, Otsuka R, Ono T, Honda E, Sasaki T, Kuroda T. 

Source: American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics : Official 

Publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, Its Constituent Societies, and 

the American Board of Orthodontics. 2004 February; 125(2): 191-9. 



• Effectiveness of preoperative staging in rectal cancer: digital rectal examination, 

endoluminal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging? 

Author(s): Brown G, Davies S, Williams GT, Bourne MW, Newcombe RG, Radcliffe AG, 

Blethyn J, Dallimore NS, Rees BI, Phillips CJ, Maughan TS. 

Source: British Journal of Cancer. 2004 July 5; 91(1): 23-9. 



80 


• Effects of Burch colposuspension on the relative positions of the bladder neck to the 

levator ani muscle: An observational study that used magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Digesu GA, Bombieri L, Hutchings A, Khullar V, Freeman R. 

Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2004 March; 190(3): 614-9. 



• Effects of off-pump versus on-pump coronary surgery on reversible and irreversible 

myocardial injury: a randomized trial using cardiovascular magnetic resonance 

imaging and biochemical markers. 

Author(s): Selvanayagam JB, Petersen SE, Francis JM, Robson MD, Kardos A, Neubauer 

S, Taggart DP. 

Source: Circulation. 2004 January 27; 109(3): 345-50. Epub 2004 Jan 19. 



• Electroencephalogram-triggered functional magnetic resonance imaging in focal 

epilepsy. 

Author(s): Kikuchi S, Kubota F, Nishijima K, Hirai N, Washiya S, Fukuda J, Takahashi 

A, Shibata N, Kato S. 

Source: Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 2004 June; 58(3): 319-23. 



• Endorectal magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy for the detection of tumor 

foci in men with prior negative transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy. 

Author(s): Yuen JS, Thng CH, Tan PH, Khin LW, Phee SJ, Xiao D, Lau WK, Ng WS, 

Cheng CW. 

Source: The Journal of Urology. 2004 April; 171(4): 1482-6. 



• Endplate degeneration observed on magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine: 

correlation with pain provocation and disc changes observed on computed 

tomography diskography. 

Author(s): Kokkonen SM, Kurunlahti M, Tervonen O, Ilkko E, Vanharanta H. 

Source: Spine. 2002 October 15; 27(20): 2274-8. 



• Enlarged axillary nodes and position of the arms in axillary irradiation--a computed 

tomography and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. 

Author(s): Pergolizzi S, Settineri N, Ascenti G, Blandino A, Santacaterina A, Frosina P, 

De Renzis C, Di Pasquale A, Gaeta M. 

Source: Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden). 2004; 43(2): 182-5. 



Studies 81 

• Estimation of femoral head bone density using magnetic resonance imaging: 

comparison between men with and without hip osteoarthritis. 

Author(s): Arokoski JP, Arokoski MH, Vainio P, Kroger H, Jurvelin JS. 

Source: Journal of Clinical Densitometry : the Official Journal of the International Society 

for Clinical Densitometry. 2004 Summer; 7(2): 183-91. 



• Evaluation of brain injury after coronary artery bypass grafting. A prospective study 

using neuropsychological assessment and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Knipp SC, Matatko N, Wilhelm H, Schlamann M, Massoudy P, Forsting M, 

Diener HC, Jakob H. 

Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery : Official Journal of the European 

Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. 2004 May; 25(5): 791-800. 



• Evaluation of cancer therapy using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Ross BD, Moffat BA, Lawrence TS, Mukherji SK, Gebarski SS, Quint DJ, 

Johnson TD, Junck L, Robertson PL, Muraszko KM, Dong Q, Meyer CR, Bland PH, 

McConville P, Geng H, Rehemtulla A, Chenevert TL. 

Source: Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. 2003 June; 2(6): 581-7. Review. 



• Evaluation of hemispheric language dominance in adult craniopagus twins with 

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). 

Author(s): Sitoh YY, Ho YC, Hong WT, Chua GE, Hui F, Goh K. 

Source: Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2003 September; 32(5 Suppl): S52-3. No Abstract 

Available. 



• Evaluation of positron emission tomography with tracer 18-fluorodeoxyglucose in 

addition to magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer in selected 

women after ultrasonography. 

Author(s): Kawahara K, Yoshida Y, Kurokawa T, Suzuki Y, Nagahara K, Tsuchida T, 

Okazawa H, Fujibayashi Y, Yonekura Y, Kotsuji F. 




• Evaluation of the response of metastatic brain tumors to stereotactic radiosurgery by 

proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, 201TlCl single-photon emission 

computerized tomography, and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Kimura T, Sako K, Tanaka K, Gotoh T, Yoshida H, Aburano T, Tanaka T, Arai 

H, Nakada T. 

Source: Journal of Neurosurgery. 2004 May; 100(5): 835-41. 



82 


• Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging of reward-related brain 

circuitry in children and adolescents. 

Author(s): May JC, Delgado MR, Dahl RE, Stenger VA, Ryan ND, Fiez JA, Carter CS. 

Source: Biological Psychiatry. 2004 February 15; 55(4): 359-66. 



• Ex vivo high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in Joubert's 

syndrome. 

Author(s): Padgett KR, Maria BL, Yachnis AT, Blackband SJ. 

Source: Journal of Child Neurology. 2002 December; 17(12): 911-3. 



• Eye dominance in visual cortex in amblyopia using functional magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Liu GT, Miki A, Francis E, Quinn GE, Modestino EJ, Bonhomme GR, 

Haselgrove JC. 

Source: Journal of Aapos : the Official Publication of the American Association for 

Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus / American Association for Pediatric 

Ophthalmology and Strabismus. 2004 April; 8(2): 184-6. 



• F-18-FDG uptake is a reliable predictory of functional recovery of akinetic but viable 

infarct regions as defined by magnetic resonance imaging before and after 

revascularization. 

Author(s): Schmidt M, Voth E, Schneider CA, Theissen P, Wagner R, Baer FM, Schicha 

H. 

Source: Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 2004 February; 22(2): 229-36. 



• Fabry disease: renal sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings in 

affected males and carrier females with the classic and cardiac variant phenotypes. 

Author(s): Glass RB, Astrin KH, Norton KI, Parsons R, Eng CM, Banikazemi M, Desnick 

RJ. 




• Factors associated with impaired clinical status in long-term survivors of tetralogy of 

Fallot repair evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Geva T, Sandweiss BM, Gauvreau K, Lock JE, Powell AJ. 

Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2004 March 17; 43(6): 1068-74. 



Studies 83 

• Fat necrosis of the breast: mammographic, sonographic, computed tomography, and 

magnetic resonance imaging findings. 

Author(s): Chala LF, de Barros N, de Camargo Moraes P, Endo E, Kim SJ, Pincerato KM, 

Carvalho FM, Cerri GG. 

Source: Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology. 2004 May-June; 33(3): 106-26. 

Review. 



• Fetal and early postnatal magnetic resonance imaging--is there a difference? 

Author(s): Blaicher W, Bernaschek G, Deutinger J, Messerschmidt A, Schindler E, Prayer 

D. 

Source: Journal of Perinatal Medicine. 2004; 32(1): 53-7. 



• Fetal lung volume estimated by 3-dimensional ultrasonography and magnetic 

resonance imaging in cases with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia. 

Author(s): Ruano R, Joubin L, Sonigo P, Benachi A, Aubry MC, Thalabard JC, Brunelle 

F, Dumez Y, Dommergues M. 

Source: Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine : Official Journal of the American Institute of 

Ultrasound in Medicine. 2004 March; 23(3): 353-8. 



• Fetal magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Levine D. 

Source: J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2004 February;15(2):85-94. Review. 



• Fetal skeletal deformities - the diagnostic accuracy of prenatal ultrasonography and 

fetal magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Blaicher W, Mittermayer C, Messerschmidt A, Deutinger J, Bernaschek G, 

Prayer D. 

Source: Ultraschall in Der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980). 2004 June; 25(3): 195-9. 



• Flow patterns in the aortic root and the aorta studied with time-resolved, 3dimensional, 

phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging: implications for aortic 

valve-sparing surgery. 

Author(s): Kvitting JP, Ebbers T, Wigstrom L, Engvall J, Olin CL, Bolger AF. 

Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2004 June; 127(6): 1602-7. 



84 


• Follow-up of acute pulmonary complications in cystic fibrosis by magnetic resonance 

imaging: a pilot study. 

Author(s): Hebestreit A, Schultz G, Trusen A, Hebestreit H. 

Source: Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). 2004 March; 93(3): 414-6. 



• Fully automated localization of the human primary somatosensory cortex in one 

minute by functional magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Stippich C, Romanowski A, Nennig E, Kress B, Hahnel S, Sartor K. 

Source: Neuroscience Letters. 2004 July 1; 364(2): 90-3. 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and effects of L-dopa on visual 

function in normal and amblyopic subjects. 

Author(s): Rogers GL. 

Source: Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 2003; 101: 401-15. 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging during auditory verbal working memory in 

nonpsychotic relatives of persons with schizophrenia: a pilot study. 

Author(s): Thermenos HW, Seidman LJ, Breiter H, Goldstein JM, Goodman JM, 

Poldrack R, Faraone SV, Tsuang MT. 

Source: Biological Psychiatry. 2004 March 1; 55(5): 490-500. 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging examination of two modular architectures for 

switching multiple internal models. 

Author(s): Imamizu H, Kuroda T, Yoshioka T, Kawato M. 

Source: The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for 

Neuroscience. 2004 February 4; 24(5): 1173-81. 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging in a low-field intraoperative scanner. 

Author(s): Schulder M, Azmi H, Biswal B. 

Source: Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. 2003; 80(1-4): 125-31. 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging in schizophrenia: cortical response to motor 

stimulation. 

Author(s): Rogowska J, Gruber SA, Yurgelun-Todd DA. 

Source: Psychiatry Research. 2004 April 30; 130(3): 227-43. 



Studies 85 

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging of macaque monkeys performing visually 

guided saccade tasks: comparison of cortical eye fields with humans. 

Author(s): Koyama M, Hasegawa I, Osada T, Adachi Y, Nakahara K, Miyashita Y. 

Source: Neuron. 2004 March 4; 41(5): 795-807. 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging of macaque monkeys. 

Author(s): Nakahara K. 




• Functional magnetic resonance imaging of working memory among multiple sclerosis 

patients. 

Author(s): Sweet LH, Rao SM, Primeau M, Mayer AR, Cohen RA. 





• Functional magnetic resonance imaging provides new constraints on theories of the 

psychological refractory period. 

Author(s): Jiang Y, Saxe R, Kanwisher N. 

Source: Psychological Science : a Journal of the American Psychological Society / Aps. 

2004 June; 15(6): 390-6. 



• Gadolinium enhanced endorectal coil and air enema magnetic resonance imaging as a 

useful tool in the preoperative examination of patients with rectal carcinoma. 

Author(s): Matsuoka H, Masaki T, Sugiyama M, Nakamura A, Takahara T, Hachiya J, 

Atomi Y. 

Source: Hepatogastroenterology. 2004 January-February; 51(55): 131-5. 



• Gadolinium enhancement of spinal subdural collection on magnetic resonance 

imaging after lumbar puncture. 

Author(s): Teksam M, Casey SO, McKinney A, Michel E, Truwit CL. 

Source: Neuroradiology. 2003 August; 45(8): 553-6. Epub 2003 July 16. 



• Gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents in interventional 

radiology. 

Author(s): Atar E. 

Source: Isr Med Assoc J. 2004 July; 6(7): 412-4. Review. 



86 


• Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: 

in vivo imaging of the pathologic substrate for premature cardiac death? 

Author(s): Kim RJ, Judd RM. 

Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2003 May 7; 41(9): 1568-72. 



• Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging predicts response to 

methylprednisolone in multiple sclerosis. 

Author(s): Sellebjerg F, Jensen CV, Larsson HB, Frederiksen JL. 

Source: Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England). 2003 February; 9(1): 102- 

7. 



• Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: a useful radiological tool in 

diagnosing pediatric IBD. 

Author(s): Darbari A, Sena L, Argani P, Oliva-Hemker JM, Thompson R, Cuffari C. 

Source: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 2004 March; 10(2): 67-72. 



• Gambling urges in pathological gambling: a functional magnetic resonance imaging 

study. 

Author(s): Potenza MN, Steinberg MA, Skudlarski P, Fulbright RK, Lacadie CM, Wilber 

MK, Rounsaville BJ, Gore JC, Wexler BE. 

Source: Archives of General Psychiatry. 2003 August; 60(8): 828-36. 



• Gender differences in neural correlates of recognition of happy and sad faces in 

humans assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Lee TM, Liu HL, Hoosain R, Liao WT, Wu CT, Yuen KS, Chan CC, Fox PT, 

Gao JH. 

Source: Neuroscience Letters. 2002 November 15; 333(1): 13-6. 



• Gender differences in the processing of standardized emotional visual stimuli in 

humans: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Wrase J, Klein S, Gruesser SM, Hermann D, Flor H, Mann K, Braus DF, Heinz 

A. 




Studies 87 

• Generalised dystonia with an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging signal in the 

basal ganglia: a case of adult-onset GM1 gangliosidosis. 

Author(s): Campdelacreu J, Munoz E, Gomez B, Pujol T, Chabas A, Tolosa E. 

Source: Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society. 2002 

September; 17(5): 1095-7. 



• Giant bladder diverticulum due to previous bullet injury: findings of gadoliniumenhanced 


Author(s): Suzuki K, Tanaka O, Saito T, Tokue A. 

Source: International Journal of Urology : Official Journal of the Japanese Urological 

Association. 2002 September; 9(9): 517-9; Discussion 520. 



• Giant fibroma in the left ventricle of an infant: imaging findings in magnetic 

resonance imaging, echocardiography and angiography. 

Author(s): Gutberlet M, Abdul-Khaliq H, Stiller B, Schubert U, Stoltenburg-Didinger G, 

Lange PE, Hetzer R, Felix R. 

Source: European Radiology. 2002 December; 12 Suppl 3: S143-8. Epub 2002 February 

15. 



• Glioma surgery evaluated by intraoperative low-field magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Nimsky C, Ganslandt O, Buchfelder M, Fahlbusch R. 

Source: Acta Neurochir Suppl. 2003; 85: 55-63. 



• Glutaric aciduria type I: value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for 

diagnosing acute striatal necrosis. 

Author(s): Elster AW. 

Source: Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. 2004 January-February; 28(1): 98- 

100. 



• Gradenigo's syndrome: findings on computed tomography and magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Mathew L, Singh S, Rejee R, Varghese AM. 

Source: Journal of Postgraduate Medicine. 2002 October-December; 48(4): 314-6. 



88 


• Grading of anterior cruciate ligament injury. Diagnostic efficacy of oblique coronal 

magnetic resonance imaging of the knee. 

Author(s): Hong SH, Choi JY, Lee GK, Choi JA, Chung HW, Kang HS. 

Source: Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. 2003 September-October; 27(5): 814- 

9. 



• Growth of hepatocellular carcinoma into the right atrium. A case of antemortem 

diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging of the heart. 

Author(s): Lazaros G, Samara C, Nikolakopoulou Z, Tassopoulos N. 

Source: Acta Cardiol. 2003 December; 58(6): 563-5. 



• Guidelines for using quantitative magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging 

for monitoring treatment of multiple sclerosis. 

Author(s): Horsfield MA, Barker GJ, Barkhof F, Miller DH, Thompson AJ, Filippi M. 

Source: Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : Jmri. 2003 April; 17(4): 389-97. 



• Haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome: ultrasound and 

magnetic resonance imaging findings in the liver. 

Author(s): Maher MM, Kalra MK, Lucey BC, Jhaveri K, Sahani DV, Hahn PF, O'Neill MJ, 

Mueller PR. 

Source: Australasian Radiology. 2004 March; 48(1): 64-8. 



• Head-to-head comparison between contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging 

and dobutamine magnetic resonance imaging in men with ischemic cardiomyopathy. 

Author(s): Kaandorp TA, Bax JJ, Schuijf JD, Viergever EP, van Der Wall EE, de Roos A, 

Lamb HJ. 

Source: The American Journal of Cardiology. 2004 June 15; 93(12): 1461-4. 



• Hearts late after fontan operation have normal mass, normal volume, and reduced 

systolic function: a magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Eicken A, Fratz S, Gutfried C, Balling G, Schwaiger M, Lange R, Busch R, 

Hess J, Stern H. 

Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2003 September 17; 42(6): 1061-5. 



Studies 89 

• Hemodynamic parameters by color Doppler ultrasound and dynamic enhanced 

magnetic resonance imaging in palpable T1 breast cancers. 

Author(s): Cheung YC, Lo YF, See LC, Chen SC, Chao TC. 

Source: Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. 2003 June; 29(6): 881-6. 



• Hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: evaluation through magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI). 

Author(s): Sehgal VN, Sehgal N, Sehgal R, Bajaj P, Kumar S, Kapur R. 

Source: The Journal of Dermatology. 2002 September; 29(9): 606-8. 



• High resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative 

assessment of cochlear implant patients. 

Author(s): Gleeson TG, Lacy PD, Bresnihan M, Gaffney R, Brennan P, Viani L. 

Source: The Journal of Laryngology and Otology. 2003 September; 117(9): 692-5. 



• High resolution magnetic resonance imaging of retinoblastoma. 

Author(s): Schueler AO, Hosten N, Bechrakis NE, Lemke AJ, Foerster P, Felix R, Foerster 

MH, Bornfeld N. 

Source: The British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2003 March; 87(3): 330-5. 



• High-intensity zone, intradiscal electrothermal therapy, and magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Narvani AA, Tsiridis E, Wilson LF. 

Source: Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques. 2003 April; 16(2): 130-6. 



• Highly efficient endosomal labeling of progenitor and stem cells with large magnetic 

particles allows magnetic resonance imaging of single cells. 

Author(s): Hinds KA, Hill JM, Shapiro EM, Laukkanen MO, Silva AC, Combs CA, 

Varney TR, Balaban RS, Koretsky AP, Dunbar CE. 

Source: Blood. 2003 August 1; 102(3): 867-72. Epub 2003 April 03. 



• High-resolution longitudinal screening with magnetic resonance imaging in a murine 

brain cancer model. 

Author(s): Bock NA, Zadeh G, Davidson LM, Qian B, Sled JG, Guha A, Henkelman RM. 

Source: Neoplasia (New York, N.Y.). 2003 November-December; 5(6): 546-54. 



90 


• High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of disparities in the transcapillary 

transfer rates in orthotopically inoculated invasive breast tumors. 

Author(s): Dadiani M, Margalit R, Sela N, Degani H. 

Source: Cancer Research. 2004 May 1; 64(9): 3155-61. 



• High-resolution transthoracic real-time three-dimensional echocardiography: 

quantitation of cardiac volumes and function using semi-automatic border detection 

and comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Kuhl HP, Schreckenberg M, Rulands D, Katoh M, Schafer W, Schummers G, 

Bucker A, Hanrath P, Franke A. 

Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2004 June 2; 43(11): 2083-90. 



• HLA genotypes and disease severity assessed by magnetic resonance imaging 

findings in patients with multiple sclerosis. 

Author(s): Zivadinov R, Uxa L, Zacchi T, Nasuelli D, Ukmar M, Furlan C, Pozzi-Mucelli 

R, Tommasi MA, Locatelli L, Ulivi S, Bratina A, Bosco A, Grop A, Cazzato G, Zorzon M. 

Source: Journal of Neurology. 2003 September; 250(9): 1099-106. 



• How much should one rely on computed tomography in patients with TIA in the era 

of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging? 

Author(s): Ay H, Koroshetz WJ. 

Source: Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation. 2004 April; 35(4): E72; Author Reply 

E72. Epub 2004 March 11. 



• Huge cavernous hemangioma of the adrenal gland: sonographic, computed 

tomographic, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. 

Author(s): Xu HX, Liu GJ. 

Source: Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine : Official Journal of the American Institute of 

Ultrasound in Medicine. 2003 May; 22(5): 523-6. 



• Human cardiovascular and gustatory brainstem sites observed by functional magnetic 


Author(s): Topolovec JC, Gati JS, Menon RS, Shoemaker JK, Cechetto DF. 

Source: The Journal of Comparative Neurology. 2004 April 12; 471(4): 446-61. 



Studies 91 

• Human cerebellum: surface-assisted cortical parcellation and volumetry with 


Author(s): Makris N, Hodge SM, Haselgrove C, Kennedy DN, Dale A, Fischl B, Rosen 

BR, Harris G, Caviness VS Jr, Schmahmann JD. 

Source: Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience. 2003 May 15; 15(4): 584-99. 



• Hydranencephaly owing to twin-twin transfusion: serial fetal ultrasonography and 


Author(s): Hahn JS, Lewis AJ, Barnes P. 

Source: Journal of Child Neurology. 2003 May; 18(5): 367-70. 



• Hydrogen peroxide neurotoxicity in childhood: case report with unique magnetic 

resonance imaging features. 

Author(s): Cannon G, Caravati EM, Filloux FM. 

Source: Journal of Child Neurology. 2003 November; 18(11): 805-8. 



• Hyperpolarized helium-3 gas magnetic resonance imaging of the lung. 

Author(s): Kauczor HU. 

Source: Topics in Magnetic Resonance Imaging : Tmri. 2003 June; 14(3): 223-30. Review. 



• Identification of wrist and metacarpophalangeal joint erosions using a portable 

magnetic resonance imaging system compared to conventional radiographs. 

Author(s): Crues JV, Shellock FG, Dardashti S, James TW, Troum OM. 

Source: The Journal of Rheumatology. 2004 April; 31(4): 676-85. 



• Images in cardiology: Persistent left and absent right superior vena cava documented 

by magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Brueck M, Rauber K, Kramer W. 

Source: Clin Cardiol. 2004 March; 27(3): 141. No Abstract Available. 



• Impact of magnetic resonance imaging versus CT on nasopharyngeal carcinoma: 

primary tumor target delineation for radiotherapy. 

Author(s): Chung NN, Ting LL, Hsu WC, Lui LT, Wang PM. 

Source: Head & Neck. 2004 March; 26(3): 241-6. 



92 


• Implanon implant detection with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Westerway SC, Picker R, Christie J. 

Source: The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2003 

October; 43(5): 346-50. 



• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator dysfunction during and after magnetic 


Author(s): Anfinsen OG, Berntsen RF, Aass H, Kongsgaard E, Amlie JP. 

Source: Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : Pace. 2002 September; 25(9): 1400-2. 



• In vivo application of 3D-line skeleton graph analysis (LSGA) technique with highresolution 

magnetic resonance imaging of trabecular bone structure. 

Author(s): Pothuaud L, Newitt DC, Lu Y, MacDonald B, Majumdar S. 

Source: Osteoporosis International : a Journal Established As Result of Cooperation 

between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis 

Foundation of the Usa. 2004 May; 15(5): 411-9. Epub 2004 March 11. 



• In which patients is diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging most useful in 

routine stroke care? 

Author(s): Keir SL, Wardlaw JM, Bastin ME, Dennis MS. 





• Increased serum matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels in systemic lupus erythematosus 

patients with neuropsychiatric manifestations and brain magnetic resonance imaging 

abnormalities. 

Author(s): Ainiala H, Hietaharju A, Dastidar P, Loukkola J, Lehtimaki T, Peltola J, 

Korpela M, Heinonen T, Nikkari ST. 

Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2004 March; 50(3): 858-65. 



• Inferior vena caval hemodynamics quantified in vivo at rest and during cycling 

exercise using magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Cheng CP, Herfkens RJ, Taylor CA. 

Source: American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2003 April; 

284(4): H1161-7. Epub 2002 December 05. 



Studies 93 

• Inter- and intratumoral variability in magnetic resonance imaging of pleomorphic 

adenoma: an attempt to interpret the variable magnetic resonance findings. 

Author(s): Motoori K, Yamamoto S, Ueda T, Nakano K, Muto T, Nagai Y, Ikeda M, 

Funatsu H, Ito H. 




• Intraaneurysmal flow visualization by using phase-contrast magnetic resonance 

imaging: feasibility study based on a geometrically realistic in vitro aneurysm model. 

Author(s): Tateshima S, Grinstead J, Sinha S, Nien YL, Murayama Y, Villablanca JP, 

Tanishita K, Vinuela F. 

Source: Journal of Neurosurgery. 2004 June; 100(6): 1041-8. 



• Intracranial fluid dynamics in normal and hydrocephalic states: systems analysis with 

phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): de Marco G, Idy-Peretti I, Didon-Poncelet A, Baledent O, Onen F, Feugeas 

MC. 




• Investigations of the human visual system using functional magnetic resonance 

imaging (FMRI). 

Author(s): Kollias SS. 

Source: European Journal of Radiology. 2004 January; 49(1): 64-75. Review. 



• Involvement of classical anterior and posterior language areas in sign language 

production, as investigated by 4 T functional magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Kassubek J, Hickok G, Erhard P. 

Source: Neuroscience Letters. 2004 July 8; 364(3): 168-72. 



• Ipsilateral motor cortex activation on functional magnetic resonance imaging during 

unilateral hand movements is related to interhemispheric interactions. 

Author(s): Kobayashi M, Hutchinson S, Schlaug G, Pascual-Leone A. 

Source: Neuroimage. 2003 December; 20(4): 2259-70. 



94 


• Is fetal magnetic resonance imaging superior to neurosonography for detection of 

brain anomalies? 

Author(s): Malinger G, Lev D, Lerman-Sagie T. 

Source: Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology : the Official Journal of the International 

Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2002 October; 20(4): 317-21. 



• Is there a role for extremity magnetic resonance imaging in routine clinical 

management of rheumatoid arthritis? 

Author(s): Peterfy CG. 

Source: The Journal of Rheumatology. 2004 April; 31(4): 640-4. Review. 



• Isolated acromioclavicular joint pathology in the symptomatic shoulder on magnetic 

resonance imaging: a pictorial essay. 

Author(s): Gordon BH, Chew FS. 




• Jaccoud's arthropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus: differentiation of deforming 

and erosive patterns by magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Ostendorf B, Scherer A, Specker C, Modder U, Schneider M. 

Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2003 January; 48(1): 157-65. 



• Juvenile and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: magnetic resonance imaging evaluation 

and clinical indications. 

Author(s): Maenza RA. 

Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. Part B / European Paediatric Orthopaedic 

Society, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. 2003 September; 12(5): 295-302. 



• Kinematic magnetic resonance imaging in Y pattern exodeviations. 

Author(s): Ozkan SB, Aribal EM, Can D, Karaman ZC. 

Source: Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. 2003 January-February; 

40(1): 39-43. 



• Kinematic magnetic resonance imaging of a thoracic spinal extradural arachnoid cyst: 

an alternative suggestion for exacerbation of symptoms during straining. 

Author(s): Doita M, Nishida K, Miura J, Takada T, Kurosaka M, Fujii M. 

Source: Spine. 2003 June 15; 28(12): E229-33. 



Studies 95 

• Kinematics of the patella in deep flexion. Analysis with magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Nakagawa S, Kadoya Y, Kobayashi A, Tatsumi I, Nishida N, Yamano Y. 

Source: The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume. 2003 July; 85-A(7): 

1238-42. 



• Knees of Ironman triathletes: magnetic resonance imaging assessment of older (>35 

years old) competitors. 

Author(s): Shellock FG, Hiller WD, Ainge GR, Brown DW, Dierenfield L. 

Source: Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : Jmri. 2003 January; 17(1): 122-30. 



• k-Space based summary motion detection for functional magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Caparelli EC, Tomasi D, Arnold S, Chang L, Ernst T. 




• Language functional magnetic resonance imaging in preoperative assessment of 

language areas: correlation with direct cortical stimulation. 

Author(s): Roux FE, Boulanouar K, Lotterie JA, Mejdoubi M, LeSage JP, Berry I. 

Source: Neurosurgery. 2003 June; 52(6): 1335-45; Discussion 1345-7. 



• Large diaphragmatic defect as the cause of hydrothorax in a cirrhotic patient: 

demonstration with peritoneal scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Ajmi S, Hassine H, Arifa N, Karmani M, Guezguez M, Elajmi S, Essabbah H. 

Source: Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 2004 April; 22(3): 431-3. 



• Leukoaraiosis and mobility decline: a high resolution magnetic resonance imaging 

study in older people with mild cognitive impairment. 

Author(s): Onen F, Feugeas MC, Baron G, De Marco G, Godon-Hardy S, Peretti II, 

Ravaud P, Legrain S, Moretti JL, Claeys ES. 

Source: Neuroscience Letters. 2004 January 30; 355(3): 185-8. 



• Leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter: from magnetic resonance 

imaging pattern to five genes. 

Author(s): Leegwater PA, Pronk JC, van der Knaap MS. 

Source: Journal of Child Neurology. 2003 September; 18(9): 639-45. Review. 



96 


• Limited benefit of intraoperative low-field magnetic resonance imaging in 

craniopharyngioma surgery. 

Author(s): Nimsky C, Ganslandt O, Hofmann B, Fahlbusch R. 

Source: Neurosurgery. 2003 July; 53(1): 72-80; Discussion 80-1. 



• Limited-sequence magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of the 

ultrasonographically indeterminate pelvic mass. 

Author(s): Chang SD, Cooperberg PL, Wong AD, Llewellyn PA, Bilbey JH. 

Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal = Journal L'association 

Canadienne Des Radiologistes. 2004 April; 55(2): 87-95. 



• Localization of local anesthetic solution by magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Niemi-Murola L, Krootila K, Kivisaari R, Kangasmaki A, Kivisaari L, 

Maunuksela EL. 

Source: Ophthalmology. 2004 February; 111(2): 342-7. 



• Locked knee caused by meniscal subluxation: magnetic resonance imaging and 

arthroscopic verification. 

Author(s): George M, Wall EJ. 

Source: Arthroscopy : the Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery : Official 

Publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International 

Arthroscopy Association. 2003 October; 19(8): 885-8. Review. 



• Loss of sensory discrimination after median nerve injury and activation in the 

primary somatosensory cortex on functional magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Hansson T, Brismar T. 

Source: Journal of Neurosurgery. 2003 July; 99(1): 100-5. 



• Low-field magnetic resonance imaging for intraoperative use in neurosurgery: a 5year 

experience. 

Author(s): Nimsky C, Ganslandt O, Tomandl B, Buchfelder M, Fahlbusch R. 

Source: European Radiology. 2002 November; 12(11): 2690-703. Epub 2002 May 01. 



Studies 97 

• Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities with septic encephalopathy. 

Author(s): Finelli PF, Uphoff DF. 

Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. 2004 August; 75(8): 1189- 

91. 



• Magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of acute leukoencephalopathy in 

children treated with tacrolimus. 

Author(s): Lacaille F, Hertz-Pannier L, Nassogne MC. 

Source: Neuropediatrics. 2004 April; 35(2): 130-3. 



• Magnetic resonance imaging identifies the fibrous cap in atherosclerotic abdominal 

aortic aneurysm. 

Author(s): Kramer CM, Cerilli LA, Hagspiel K, DiMaria JM, Epstein FH, Kern JA. 

Source: Circulation. 2004 March 2; 109(8): 1016-21. Epub 2004 February 16. 



• Magnetic resonance imaging in comparison to clinical palpation in assessing the 

response of breast cancer to epirubicin primary chemotherapy. 

Author(s): Bodini M, Berruti A, Bottini A, Allevi G, Fiorentino C, Brizzi MP, Bersiga A, 

Generali D, Volpi D, Marini U, Aguggini S, Tampellini M, Alquati P, Olivetti L, Dogliotti 

L. 

Source: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 2004 June; 85(3): 211-8. 



• Magnetic resonance imaging in stress fractures and shin splints. 

Author(s): Aoki Y, Yasuda K, Tohyama H, Ito H, Minami A. 

Source: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2004 April; (421): 260-7. 



• Magnetic resonance imaging of brain function. 

Author(s): Clare S. 




• Magnetic resonance imaging of the coracoclavicular ligaments: its role in defining 

pathoanatomy at the acromioclavicular joint. 

Author(s): Barnes CJ, Higgins LD, Major NM, Basamania CJ. 

Source: J Surg Orthop Adv. 2004 Summer; 13(2): 69-75. 



98 


• Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart and great vessels. 

Author(s): Aviram G, Fishman JE. 

Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal = Journal L'association 

Canadienne Des Radiologistes. 2004 April; 55(2): 96-101. Review. 



• Meningioma presenting with only urinary symptoms which is diagnosed by 

magnetic resonance imaging followed by urodynamic study. 

Author(s): Ozkurkcugil C, Ilbay K, Evliyaoglu C, Gokalp A. 

Source: Int J Clin Pract. 2004 March; 58(3): 316-7. 



• Minocycline reduces gadolinium-enhancing magnetic resonance imaging lesions in 

multiple sclerosis. 

Author(s): Metz LM, Zhang Y, Yeung M, Patry DG, Bell RB, Stoian CA, Yong VW, 

Patten SB, Duquette P, Antel JP, Mitchell JR. 

Source: Annals of Neurology. 2004 May; 55(5): 756. 



• Near complete surgical resection predicts a favorable outcome in pediatric patients 

with nonbrainstem, malignant gliomas: results from a single center in the magnetic 

resonance imaging era. 

Author(s): Bucci MK, Maity A, Janss AJ, Belasco JB, Fisher MJ, Tochner ZA, Rorke L, 

Sutton LN, Phillips PC, Shu HK. 

Source: Cancer. 2004 August 15; 101(4): 817-24. 



• Near-miss accident during magnetic resonance imaging by a "flying sevoflurane 

vaporizer" due to ferromagnetism undetectable by handheld magnet. 

Author(s): Zimmer C, Janssen MN, Treschan TA, Peters J. 

Source: Anesthesiology. 2004 May; 100(5): 1329-30. 



• Neural activation during experimental allodynia: a functional magnetic resonance 

imaging study. 

Author(s): Maihofner C, Schmelz M, Forster C, Neundorfer B, Handwerker HO. 

Source: The European Journal of Neuroscience. 2004 June; 19(12): 3211-8. 



Studies 99 

• Neural correlates of switching set as measured in fast, event-related functional 


Author(s): Smith AB, Taylor E, Brammer M, Rubia K. 

Source: Human Brain Mapping. 2004 April; 21(4): 247-56. 



• Neural correlates underlying mental calculation in abacus experts: a functional 

magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Hanakawa T, Honda M, Okada T, Fukuyama H, Shibasaki H. 

Source: Neuroimage. 2003 June; 19(2 Pt 1): 296-307. 



• Neural substrates of emotion as revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Lee GP, Meador KJ, Loring DW, Allison JD, Brown WS, Paul LK, Pillai JJ, 

Lavin TB. 

Source: Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology : Official Journal of the Society for 

Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology. 2004 March; 17(1): 9-17. 



• Neuroanatomy of coprolalia in Tourette syndrome using functional magnetic 


Author(s): Gates L, Clarke JR, Stokes A, Somorjai R, Jarmasz M, Vandorpe R, Dursun 

SM. 

Source: Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry. 2004 March; 

28(2): 397-400. 



• Nobel Prizes for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging: 2003 and historical 

perspectives. 

Author(s): Boesch C. 

Source: Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : Jmri. 2004 May; 19(5): 517-9. 



• Non-herpetic acute limbic encephalitis: cerebrospinal fluid cytokines and magnetic 

resonance imaging findings. 

Author(s): Asaoka K, Shoji H, Nishizaka S, Ayabe M, Abe T, Ohori N, Ichiyama T, 

Eizuru Y. 

Source: Intern Med. 2004 January; 43(1): 42-8. 



100 


• Noninvasive assessment of the injured human spinal cord by means of functional 


Author(s): Stroman PW, Kornelsen J, Bergman A, Krause V, Ethans K, Malisza KL, 

Tomanek B. 

Source: Spinal Cord : the Official Journal of the International Medical Society of 

Paraplegia. 2004 February; 42(2): 59-66. 



• OMERACT Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies. Core set of 

MRI acquisitions, joint pathology definitions, and the OMERACT RA-MRI scoring 

system. 

Author(s): Ostergaard M, Peterfy C, Conaghan P, McQueen F, Bird P, Ejbjerg B, Shnier 

R, O'Connor P, Klarlund M, Emery P, Genant H, Lassere M, Edmonds J. 

Source: The Journal of Rheumatology. 2003 June; 30(6): 1385-6. Review. Erratum In: J 

Rheumatol. 2004 January; 31(1): 198. 



• OMERACT Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies. Summary of 

OMERACT 6 MR Imaging Module. 

Author(s): McQueen F, Lassere M, Edmonds J, Conaghan P, Peterfy C, Bird P, O'Connor 

P, Ejbjerg B, Klarlund M, Stewart N, Emery P, Shnier R, Genant H, Ostergaard M. 

Source: The Journal of Rheumatology. 2003 June; 30(6): 1387-92. Review. 



• Oncogenic osteomalacia: culprit tumour detection whole body magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Dissanayake AM, Wilson JL, Holdaway IM, Reid IR. 

Source: Internal Medicine Journal. 2003 December; 33(12): 615-6. 



• Open-label study of infliximab treatment for psoriatic arthritis: clinical and magnetic 

resonance imaging measurements of reduction of inflammation. 

Author(s): Antoni C, Dechant C, Hanns-Martin Lorenz PD, Wendler J, Ogilvie A, Lueftl 

M, Kalden-Nemeth D, Kalden JR, Manger B. 

Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2002 October 15; 47(5): 506-12. 



• Optic neuritis: correlation of pain and magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Fazzone HE, Lefton DR, Kupersmith MJ. 

Source: Ophthalmology. 2003 August; 110(8): 1646-9. 



Studies 101 

• Optimal acquisition parameters for contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging 

after chronic myocardial infarction. 

Author(s): Grebe O, Paetsch I, Kestler HA, Herkommer B, Schnackenburg B, Hombach 

V, Fleck E, Nagel E. 

Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance : Official Journal of the Society 

for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. 2003; 5(4): 575-87. 



• Orbital schwannoma: correlation of magnetic resonance imaging and pathologic 

findings. 

Author(s): Gunduz K, Shields CL, Gunalp I, Erden E, Shields JA. 

Source: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2003 July;241(7):593-7. Epub 2003 June 18. 

Erratum In: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2004 February;242(2):188. 



• Organophosphate poisoning case with atypical clinical survey and magnetic 


Author(s): Teke E, Sungurtekin H, Sahiner T, Atalay H, Gur S. 

Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. 2004 June; 75(6): 936-7. 



• Outcome after treatment of patients with mammographically occult, magnetic 

resonance imaging-detected breast cancer presenting with axillary lymphadenopathy. 

Author(s): Chen C, Orel SG, Harris E, Schnall MD, Czerniecki BJ, Solin LJ. 

Source: Clinical Breast Cancer. 2004 April; 5(1): 72-7. 



• Overactive action monitoring in obsessive-compulsive disorder: evidence from 


Author(s): Ursu S, Stenger VA, Shear MK, Jones MR, Carter CS. 

Source: Psychological Science : a Journal of the American Psychological Society / Aps. 

2003 July; 14(4): 347-53. 



• Patient safety during anaesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Kampen J, Tonner PH, Scholz J. 

Source: European Journal of Anaesthesiology. 2004 April; 21(4): 320-1; Author Reply 

321. 



102 


• Perfusion homogeneity of hepatic parenchyma in magnetic resonance imaging during 

splenoportography. 

Author(s): Zhong Q, Zhang XL, Zhang YZ, Guo T, Chang RM, Cang P, Chen B, Yu LJ. 

Source: Di Yi June Yi Da Xue Xue Bao. 2004 February; 24(2): 216-9. 



• Pheochromocytoma with posthemorrhagic cystic degeneration: magnetic resonance 

imaging findings. 

Author(s): Goshima S, Kanematsu M, Kondo H, Yokoyama R, Hoshi H, Moriyama N. 




• Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee joint: magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) using standard and dynamic paramagnetic contrast media. Report of 

52 cases surgically and histologically controlled. 

Author(s): Barile A, Sabatini M, Iannessi F, Di Cesare E, Splendiani A, Calvisi V, 

Masciocchi C. 

Source: Radiol Med (Torino). 2004 April; 107(4): 356-66. English, Italian. 



• Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging in 15 patients with Prop1 gene mutations: 

pituitary enlargement may originate from the intermediate lobe. 

Author(s): Voutetakis A, Argyropoulou M, Sertedaki A, Livadas S, Xekouki P, Maniati- 

Christidi M, Bossis I, Thalassinos N, Patronas N, Dacou-Voutetakis C. 

Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2004 May; 89(5): 2200-6. 



• Prediction of neuropsychological impairment in multiple sclerosis: comparison of 

conventional magnetic resonance imaging measures of atrophy and lesion burden. 

Author(s): Benedict RH, Weinstock-Guttman B, Fishman I, Sharma J, Tjoa CW, Bakshi R. 

Source: Archives of Neurology. 2004 February; 61(2): 226-30. 



• Preparation of magnetically labeled cells for cell tracking by magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Bulte JW, Arbab AS, Douglas T, Frank JA. 




Studies 103 

• Probabilistic independent component analysis for functional magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Beckmann CF, Smith SM. 

Source: Ieee Transactions on Medical Imaging. 2004 February; 23(2): 137-52. 



• Progressive change in primary progressive multiple sclerosis normal-appearing white 

matter: a serial diffusion magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Schmierer K, Altmann DR, Kassim N, Kitzler H, Kerskens CM, Doege CA, 

Aktas O, Lunemann JD, Miller DH, Zipp F, Villringer A. 

Source: Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England). 2004 April; 10(2): 182-7. 



• Protocol for volumetric segmentation of medial temporal structures using highresolution 

3-D magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Bonilha L, Kobayashi E, Cendes F, Min Li L. 

Source: Human Brain Mapping. 2004 June; 22(2): 145-54. 



• Quantification of myocardial infarct size and transmurality by contrast-enhanced 

magnetic resonance imaging in men. 

Author(s): Schuijf JD, Kaandorp TA, Lamb HJ, van der Geest RJ, Viergever EP, van der 

Wall EE, de Roos A, Bax JJ. 

Source: The American Journal of Cardiology. 2004 August 1; 94(3): 284-8. 



• Quantification of patellofemoral joint contact area using magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Heino Brechter J, Powers CM, Terk MR, Ward SR, Lee TQ. 

Source: Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 2003 November; 21(9): 955-9. 



• Quantifying the impact of seminal vesicle invasion identified using endorectal 

magnetic resonance imaging on PSA outcome after radiation therapy for patients with 

clinically localized prostate cancer. 

Author(s): Nguyen PL, Whittington R, Koo S, Schultz D, Cote KB, Loffredo M, Tempany 

CM, Titelbaum DS, Schnall MD, Renshaw AA, Tomaszewski JE, D'Amico AV. 

Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics. 2004 June 1; 59(2): 

400-5. 



104 

• 

• 

• 


Quantitative analysis of uterosacral ligament origin and insertion points by magnetic 


Author(s): Umek WH, Morgan DM, Ashton-Miller JA, DeLancey JO. 

Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2004 March; 103(3): 447-51. 



Quantitative assessment of bone marrow cellularity by magnetic resonance imaging 

in workers with long-term exposure to solvents. 

Author(s): Cheong HK, Choi DS, Park KU, Kim JR, Ha KI, Yun HJ, Yang SO, Kim Y. 

Source: Ind Health. 2004 April; 42(2): 179-88. 



Quantitative assessment of cartilage status in osteoarthritis by quantitative magnetic 

resonance imaging: technical validation for use in analysis of cartilage volume and 

further morphologic parameters. 

Author(s): Graichen H, von Eisenhart-Rothe R, Vogl T, Englmeier KH, Eckstein F. 




• Quantitative assessment of myocardial scar in delayed enhancement magnetic 


Author(s): Setser RM, Bexell DG, O'Donnell TP, Stillman AE, Lieber ML, Schoenhagen P, 

White RD. 

Source: Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : Jmri. 2003 October; 18(4): 434-41. 



• Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of knee osteoarthritis 

progression over two years and correlation with clinical symptoms and radiologic 

changes. 

Author(s): Raynauld JP, Martel-Pelletier J, Berthiaume MJ, Labonte F, Beaudoin G, de 

Guise JA, Bloch DA, Choquette D, Haraoui B, Altman RD, Hochberg MC, Meyer JM, 

Cline GA, Pelletier JP. 

Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2004 February; 50(2): 476-87. 



• Quantitative T1 mapping of hepatic encephalopathy using magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Shah NJ, Neeb H, Zaitsev M, Steinhoff S, Kircheis G, Amunts K, Haussinger 

D, Zilles K. 

Source: Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.). 2003 November; 38(5): 1219-26. 



Studies 105 

• Quantitative ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of the parotid gland: 

can they replace the histopathologic studies in patients with Sjogren's syndrome? 

Author(s): El Miedany YM, Ahmed I, Mourad HG, Mehanna AN, Aty SA, Gamal HM, 

El Baddini M, Smith P, El Gafaary M. 

Source: Joint, Bone, Spine : Revue Du Rhumatisme. 2004 January; 71(1): 29-38. 



• Registered computed tomography images as an alternative to postimplantation 

magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of subthalamic electrode placement. 

Author(s): O'Gorman RL, Selway RP, Reid CJ, Hotton GR, Hall E, Jarosz JM, Polkey CE, 

Hill DL. 




• Relationship between the area of cartilage shown on the magnetic resonance imaging 

middle-slice image of the medial and lateral tibial cartilages with cartilage volume 

and grade of osteoarthritis over time. 

Author(s): Dashti M, Wluka AE, Geso M, Davis SR, Stuckey S, Cicuttini FM. 

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. 2004; 33(2): 87-93. 



• Relationship of structural magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance 

perfusion, and other disease factors to neuropsychological outcome in sickle cell 

disease. 

Author(s): Grueneich R, Ris MD, Ball W, Kalinyak KA, Noll R, Vannatta K, Wells R. 

Source: Journal of Pediatric Psychology. 2004 March; 29(2): 83-92. 



• Results of contemporary surgical management of radiation necrosis using frameless 

stereotaxis and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): McPherson CM, Warnick RE. 

Source: Journal of Neuro-Oncology. 2004 May; 68(1): 41-7. 



• Retinotopic mapping of the visual cortex using functional magnetic resonance 

imaging in a patient with central scotomas from atrophic macular degeneration. 

Author(s): Sunness JS, Liu T, Yantis S. 

Source: Ophthalmology. 2004 August; 111(8): 1595-8. 



106 


• Retromammary fluid collection as a late complication of breast implants: magnetic 


Author(s): Pineda V, Caceres J, Pernas JC, Catala J. 




• Risk factor of radiation pneumonitis: assessment with velocity-encoded cine 

magnetic resonance imaging of pulmonary artery. 

Author(s): Muryama S, Akamine T, Sakai S, Oshiro Y, Kakinohana Y, Soeda H, Toita T, 

Adachi G. 




• Role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of myocardial 

viability. 

Author(s): Shan K, Constantine G, Sivananthan M, Flamm SD. 

Source: Circulation. 2004 March 23; 109(11): 1328-34. Review. 



• Role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for deep venous 

thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. 

Author(s): Kanne JP, Lalani TA. 

Source: Circulation. 2004 March 30; 109(12 Suppl 1): I15-21. Review. 



• Role of magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of tumors in the cardiac region. 

Author(s): Kaminaga T, Takeshita T, Kimura I. 

Source: European Radiology. 2003 December; 13 Suppl 4: L1-10. 



• Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary in pregnancy: clinical, ultrasonography, and 


Author(s): Calabrese M, Zandrino F, Giasotto V, Rissone R, Fulcheri E. 

Source: Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987). 2004 April; 45(2): 189-92. 



• Screening for vestibular schwannoma by magnetic resonance imaging: analysis of 

1821 patients. 

Author(s): Kwan TL, Tang KW, Pak KK, Cheung JY. 

Source: Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi / Hong Kong Academy 

of Medicine. 2004 February; 10(1): 38-43. 



Studies 107 

• Selection of the optimum b factor for diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance 

imaging assessment of ischemic stroke. 

Author(s): Kingsley PB, Monahan WG. 

Source: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine : Official Journal of the Society of Magnetic 

Resonance in Medicine / Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. 2004 May; 51(5): 

996-1001. 



• Semiquantitative assessment of myelination using magnetic resonance imaging in 

normal fetal brains. 

Author(s): Abe S, Takagi K, Yamamoto T, Okuhata Y, Kato T. 

Source: Prenatal Diagnosis. 2004 May; 24(5): 352-7. 



• Silent functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) of tonotopicity and stimulus 

intensity coding in human primary auditory cortex. 

Author(s): Yetkin FZ, Roland PS, Christensen WF, Purdy PD. 

Source: The Laryngoscope. 2004 March; 114(3): 512-8. 



• Skeletal muscle lipid concentration quantified by magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Goodpaster BH, Stenger VA, Boada F, McKolanis T, Davis D, Ross R, Kelley 

DE. 

Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004 May; 79(5): 748-54. 



• Structural magnetic resonance imaging of the adolescent brain. 

Author(s): Giedd JN. 

Source: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2004 June; 1021: 77-85. 



• Study of magnetic resonance imaging-based arteriovenous malformation delineation 

without conventional angiography. 

Author(s): Yu C, Petrovich Z, Apuzzo ML, Zelman V, Giannotta SL. 

Source: Neurosurgery. 2004 May; 54(5): 1104-; Discussion 1108-10. 



• Symptoms before and after surgical removal of colorectal endometriosis that are 

assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and rectal endoscopic sonography. 

Author(s): Thomassin I, Bazot M, Detchev R, Barranger E, Cortez A, Darai E. 

Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2004 May; 190(5): 1264-71. 



108 


• Systematic correlation of transcranial magnetic stimulation and magnetic resonance 

imaging in cervical spondylotic myelopathy. 

Author(s): Lo YL, Chan LL, Lim W, Tan SB, Tan CT, Chen JL, Fook-Chong S, Ratnagopal 

P. 

Source: Spine. 2004 May 15; 29(10): 1137-45. 



• Temporal lobe abnormalities in semantic processing by criminal psychopaths as 

revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Kiehl KA, Smith AM, Mendrek A, Forster BB, Hare RD, Liddle PF. 

Source: Psychiatry Research. 2004 April 30; 130(3): 297-312. 



• The application of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to gene therapy. 

Author(s): Bhakoo KK, Bell JD, Cox IJ, Taylor-Robinson SD. 




• The deep infrapatellar bursa: prevalence and morphology on routine magnetic 

resonance imaging of the knee. 

Author(s): Aydingoz U, Oguz B, Aydingoz O, Comert RB, Akgun I. 




• The magnetic resonance imaging-based fetal-pelvic index: a pilot study in the 

community hospital. 

Author(s): Fox LK, Huerta-Enochian GS, Hamlin JA, Katz VL. 

Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2004 June; 190(6): 1679-85; 

Discussion 1685-8. 



• The radiation doses to erectile tissues defined with magnetic resonance imaging after 

intensity-modulated radiation therapy or iodine-125 brachytherapy. 

Author(s): Buyyounouski MK, Horwitz EM, Uzzo RG, Price RA, McNeeley SW, Azizi D, 

Hanlon AL, Milestone BN, Pollack A. 

Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics. 2004 August 1; 

59(5): 1383-91. 



Studies 109 

• The role of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in early rheumatoid 

arthritis. 

Author(s): Wakefield RJ, Kong KO, Conaghan PG, Brown AK, O'Connor PJ, Emery P. 

Source: Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2003 September-October; 21(5 Suppl 31): S42-9. Review. 



• The spectrum of cranial ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in 

congenital cytomegalovirus infection. 

Author(s): de Vries LS, Gunardi H, Barth PG, Bok LA, Verboon-Maciolek MA, 

Groenendaal F. 

Source: Neuropediatrics. 2004 April; 35(2): 113-9. 



• Transient cortical abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging after status 

epilepticus: case report. 

Author(s): Cohen-Gadol AA, Britton JW, Worrell GA, Meyer FB. 

Source: Surgical Neurology. 2004 May; 61(5): 479-82; Discussion 482. 



• Transient ischemic attacks before ischemic stroke: preconditioning the human brain? 

A multicenter magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Wegener S, Gottschalk B, Jovanovic V, Knab R, Fiebach JB, Schellinger PD, 

Kucinski T, Jungehulsing GJ, Brunecker P, Muller B, Banasik A, Amberger N, Wernecke 

KD, Siebler M, Rother J, Villringer A, Weih M; MRI in Acute Stroke Study Group of the 

German Competence Network Stroke. 

Source: Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation. 2004 March; 35(3): 616-21. Epub 2004 

February 12. 



• Tumor-third ventricular relationships in supradiaphragmatic craniopharyngiomas: 

correlation of morphological, magnetic resonance imaging, and operative findings. 

Author(s): Steno J, Malacek M, Bizik I. 

Source: Neurosurgery. 2004 May; 54(5): 1051-58; Discussion 1058-60. 



• Ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging of the neonate in a magnetic resonancecompatible 

incubator with a built-in coil. 

Author(s): Whitby EH, Griffiths PD, Lonneker-Lammers T, Srinivasan R, Connolly DJ, 

Capener D, Paley MN. 

Source: Pediatrics. 2004 February; 113(2): E150-2. 



110 


• Ultrasonography of salivary glands in primary Sjogren's syndrome. A comparison 

with magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance sialography of parotid 

glands. 

Author(s): Niemela RK, Takalo R, Paakko E, Suramo I, Paivansalo M, Salo T, Hakala M. 

Source: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). 2004 July; 43(7): 875-9. Epub 2004 April 27. 



• Ultrasonography of the metatarsophalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis: 

comparison with magnetic resonance imaging, conventional radiography, and clinical 

examination. 

Author(s): Szkudlarek M, Narvestad E, Klarlund M, Court-Payen M, Thomsen HS, 

Ostergaard M. 




• Understanding magnetic resonance imaging interpretations. 

Author(s): Tariman JD. 

Source: Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2004 June; 8(3): 318-20. Review. 



• Unusual presentations of hematologic malignancies: CASE 1. Solitary bone 

plasmacytoma: role of magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission 

tomography. 

Author(s): Chim CS, Ooi GC, Loong F, Liang R. 

Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical 

Oncology. 2004 April 1; 22(7): 1328-30. 



• Use of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in empyema after 

cranioplasty. 

Author(s): Tamaki T, Eguchi T, Sakamoto M, Teramoto A. 

Source: British Journal of Neurosurgery. 2004 February; 18(1): 40-4. 



• Use of multispectral magnetic resonance imaging analysis to quantify erosive 

changes in the hands of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: short-term and long-term 

longitudinal studies. 

Author(s): Ostrowitzki S, Redei J, Lynch JA, Carano RA, Zaim S, Miaux Y, Genant HK. 




Studies 111 

• Use of the time-signal intensity curve from dynamic magnetic resonance imaging to 

evaluate remnant pancreatic fibrosis after pancreaticojejunostomy in patients 

undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. 

Author(s): Tajima Y, Matsuzaki S, Furui J, Isomoto I, Hayashi K, Kanematsu T. 

Source: The British Journal of Surgery. 2004 May; 91(5): 595-600. 



• Using magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging to assess brain 

damage in alcoholics. 

Author(s): Rosenbloom M, Sullivan EV, Pfefferbaum A. 

Source: Alcohol Research & Health : the Journal of the National Institute on Alcohol 

Abuse and Alcoholism. 2003; 27(2): 146-52. Review. 



• Using magnetic resonance imaging to characterize pedicle asymmetry in both normal 

patients and patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. 

Author(s): Rajwani T, Bagnall KM, Lambert R, Videman T, Kautz J, Moreau M, Mahood 

J, Raso VJ, Bhargava R. 

Source: Spine. 2004 April 16; 29(7): E145-52. 



• Vaginal metastasis from uterine leiomyosarcoma. Magnetic resonance imaging 

features with pathological correlation. 

Author(s): Cantisani V, Mortele KJ, Kalantari BN, Glickman JN, Tempany C, Silverman 

SG. 

Source: Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. 2003 September-October; 27(5): 805- 

9. Review. 



• Validation of cartilage volume and thickness measurements in the human shoulder 

with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Graichen H, Jakob J, von Eisenhart-Rothe R, Englmeier KH, Reiser M, 

Eckstein F. 

Source: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage / Oars, Osteoarthritis Research Society. 2003 July; 

11(7): 475-82. 



• Value of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of sex-reassignment surgery 

in male-to-female transsexuals. 

Author(s): Cova M, Mosconi E, Liguori G, Bucci S, Trombetta C, Belgrano E, Pozzi- 

Mucelli R. 

Source: Abdominal Imaging. 2003 September-October; 28(5): 728-32. 



112 


• Vancouver Consortium of MS Centers' Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guidelines. 

Author(s): Radue EW, Kappos L. 

Source: Int Ms J. 2003 December; 10(4): 131-3. 



• Variability and validity of a simple visual rating scale in grading white matter 

changes on magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Fan YH, Lam WW, Mok VC, Huang RX, Wong KS. 


Neuroimaging. 2003 July; 13(3): 255-8. 



• Variability in position of the subthalamic nucleus targeted by magnetic resonance 

imaging and microelectrode recordings as compared to atlas co-ordinates. 

Author(s): Littlechild P, Varma TR, Eldridge PR, Fox S, Forster A, Fletcher N, Steiger M, 

Byrne P, Tyler K, Flintham S. 

Source: Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. 2003; 80(1-4): 82-7. 



• Ventricular function after coronary artery bypass grafting: evaluation by magnetic 

resonance imaging and myocardial strain analysis. 

Author(s): Maniar HS, Cupps BP, Potter DD, Moustakidis P, Camillo CJ, Chu CM, 

Pasque MK, Sundt TM 3rd. 

Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2004 July; 128(1): 76-82. 



• Virtopsy-postmortem multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRI) in a fatal scuba diving incident. 

Author(s): Plattner T, Thali MJ, Yen K, Sonnenschein M, Stoupis C, Vock P, Zwygart- 

Brugger K, Kilchor T, Dirnhofer R. 

Source: J Forensic Sci. 2003 November; 48(6): 1347-55. 



• Visual perceptual impairment in children at 5 years of age with perinatal 

haemorrhagic or ischaemic brain damage in relation to cerebral magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): van den Hout BM, de Vries LS, Meiners LC, Stiers P, van der Schouw YT, 

Jennekens-Schinkel A, Wittebol-Post D, van der Linde D, Vandenbussche E, van 

Nieuwenhuizen O. 

Source: Brain & Development. 2004 June; 26(4): 251-61. 



Studies 113 

• Visualization of morphological details in congenitally malformed hearts: virtual 

three-dimensional reconstruction from magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Sorensen TS, Pedersen EM, Hansen OK, Sorensen K. 

Source: Cardiology in the Young. 2003 October; 13(5): 451-60. 



• Water diffusion in biomedical systems as related to magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Khanafer K, Vafai K, Kangarlu A. 

Source: Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 2003 January; 21(1): 17-31. 



• Wernicke's encephalopathy: unusual contrast enhancement revealed by magnetic 


Author(s): Kavuk I, Agelink MW, Gaertner T, Kastrup O, Doerfler A, Maschke M, 

Diener HC. 

Source: European Journal of Medical Research. 2003 November 12; 8(11): 492-4. 



• White matter structural integrity in healthy aging adults and patients with Alzheimer 

disease: a magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Bartzokis G, Cummings JL, Sultzer D, Henderson VW, Nuechterlein KH, 

Mintz J. 

Source: Archives of Neurology. 2003 March; 60(3): 393-8. 



• Whole body magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Eustace SJ, Nelson E. 

Source: Bmj (Clinical Research Ed.). 2004 June 12; 328(7453): 1387-8. 



• Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS) of the knee in 

osteoarthritis. 

Author(s): Psychiatry Res. 2004 Apr 30;130(3):297-312 

Source: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage / Oars, Osteoarthritis Research Society. 2004 March; 

12(3): 177-90. 



• Word retrieval in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a functional magnetic resonance 


Author(s): Abrahams S, Goldstein LH, Simmons A, Brammer M, Williams SC, 

Giampietro V, Leigh PN. 

Source: Brain; a Journal of Neurology. 2004 July; 127(Pt 7): 1507-17. Epub 2004 May 26. 



114 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE 

Overview 


In this chapter, we will show you how to find studies dedicated specifically to nutrition and 


Finding Nutrition Studies on Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) offers a searchable 

bibliographic database called the IBIDS (International Bibliographic Information on Dietary 

Supplements; National Institutes of Health, Building 31, Room 1B29, 31 Center Drive, MSC 

2086, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2086, Tel: 301-435-2920, Fax: 301-480-1845, E-mail: 

ods@nih.gov). The IBIDS contains over 460,000 scientific citations and summaries about 

dietary supplements and nutrition as well as references to published international, scientific 

literature on dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and botanicals. 7 The IBIDS 

includes references and citations to both human and animal research studies. 

As a service of the ODS, access to the IBIDS database is available free of charge at the 

following Web address: http://ods.od.nih.gov/databases/ibids.html. After entering the 

search area, you have three choices: (1) IBIDS Consumer Database, (2) Full IBIDS Database, 

or (3) Peer Reviewed Citations Only. 

Now that you have selected a database, click on the “Advanced” tab. An advanced search 

allows you to retrieve up to 100 fully explained references in a comprehensive format. Type 

“magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” To 

narrow the search, you can also select the “Title” field. 

7 Adapted from http://ods.od.nih.gov. IBIDS is produced by the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the 

National Institutes of Health to assist the public, healthcare providers, educators, and researchers in locating 

credible, scientific information on dietary supplements. IBIDS was developed and will be maintained through an 

interagency partnership with the Food and Nutrition Information Center of the National Agricultural Library, U.S. 

Department of Agriculture. 

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116 


The following information is typical of that found when using the “Full IBIDS Database” to 

search for “magnetic resonance imaging” (or a synonym): 

• Methotrexate induced seizures associated with acute reversible magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) changes in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

Author(s): Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. 

Source: Rao, R D Swanson, J W Dejesus, R S Hunt, C H Tefferi, A Leuk-Lymphoma. 2002 

June; 43(6): 1333-6 1042-8194 

• Successful and safe perfusion of the primate brainstem: in vivo magnetic resonance 

imaging of macromolecular distribution during infusion. 

Author(s): Surgical Neurology Branch and Biomedical Engineering and Instrumentation 

Program, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of 

Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. lonserr@ninds.nih.gov 

Source: Lonser, R R Walbridge, S Garmestani, K Butman, J A Walters, H A Vortmeyer, A 

O Morrison, P F Brechbiel, M W Oldfield, E H J-Neurosurg. 2002 October; 97(4): 905-13 

0022-3085 

• Using radiotracers to characterize magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. 

Author(s): Ernst Felder Laboratories, Bracco Research USA, 305 College Road East, 

Princeton, NJ 06540, USA. Mtweedle@bru.bracco.com 

Source: Tweedle, M F Invest-Radiol. 2002 March; 37(3): 107-13 0020-9996 

Federal Resources on Nutrition 

In addition to the IBIDS, the United States Department of Health and Human Services 

(HHS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide many sources of 

information on general nutrition and health. Recommended resources include: 

• healthfinder®, HHS’s gateway to health information, including diet and nutrition: 

http://www.healthfinder.gov/scripts/SearchContext.asp?topic=238&page=0 

• The United States Department of Agriculture’s Web site dedicated to nutrition 

information: www.nutrition.gov 

• The Food and Drug Administration’s Web site for federal food safety information: 

www.foodsafety.gov 

• The National Action Plan on Overweight and Obesity sponsored by the United States 

Surgeon General: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/ 

• The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has an Internet site sponsored by the 

Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services: 

http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/ 

• Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion sponsored by the United States Department 

of Agriculture: http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/ 

• Food and Nutrition Information Center, National Agricultural Library sponsored by the 

United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/ 

• Food and Nutrition Service sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: 

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/

Additional Web Resources 

Nutrition 117 

A number of additional Web sites offer encyclopedic information covering food and 

nutrition. The following is a representative sample: 

• AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=174&layer=&from=subcats 

• Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/med_nutrition.html 

• Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Nutrition/ 

• Healthnotes: http://www.healthnotes.com/ 

• Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Nutrition/ 

• Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Nutrition/ 

• WebMD ® Health: http://my.webmd.com/nutrition 

• WholeHealthMD.com: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/reflib/0,1529,00.html

CHAPTER 3. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND MAGNETIC 

Overview 

RESONANCE IMAGING 

In this chapter, we will begin by introducing you to official information sources on 

complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) relating to magnetic resonance imaging. At 

the conclusion of this chapter, we will provide additional sources. 


The Combined Health Information Database (CHID) is a bibliographic database produced 

by health-related agencies of the U.S. federal government (mostly from the National 

Institutes of Health) that can offer concise information for a targeted search. The CHID 

database is updated four times a year at the end of January, April, July, and October. Check 

the titles, summaries, and availability of CAM-related information by using the “Simple 

Search” option at the following Web site: http://chid.nih.gov/simple/simple.html. In the 

drop box at the top, select “Complementary and Alternative Medicine.” Then type 

“magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms) in the second search box. We recommend that 

you select 100 “documents per page” and to check the “whole records” options. The 

following was extracted using this technique: 

• Magnet Therapy 

Source: Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine. 3(1): 26-31, 33. Spring-Summer 1999. 

Summary: This journal article reviews the literature on magnet therapy. It discusses the 

basic physics of magnetism, biological effects of magnetism in animal studies, the use of 

magnetism by migratory birds, reports of harmful effects of magnets, useful 

applications of magnets, the effects of magnets on pain, and possible mechanisms by 

which magnets might reduce pain. Although static magnetism has been shown to be of 

benefit in medicine, particularly in the well-established diagnostic technique of 

magnetic resonance imaging, the author concludes that magnet therapy remains an 

unproven treatment. The experimental evidence to date for magnets affecting pain or 

synovitis ranges from 'not yet proven' to 'highly unlikely.' Furthermore, static magnetic 

fields of much greater strength than those used in magnetic healing have shown little or 

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120 


no effect. Although there are many claims that magnets heal, and while many profitable 

commercial products exist, in the author's opinion there is no clear experimental 

evidence of their ability to heal. The article has 79 references. 

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine 

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the 

National Institutes of Health (http://nccam.nih.gov/) has created a link to the National 

Library of Medicine’s databases to facilitate research for articles that specifically relate to 

magnetic resonance imaging and complementary medicine. To search the database, go to the 

following Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nccam/camonpubmed.html. Select “CAM on 

PubMed.” Enter “magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms) into the search box. Click 

“Go.” The following references provide information on particular aspects of complementary 

and alternative medicine that are related to magnetic resonance imaging: 

• “Cascade-release dendrimers” liberate all end groups upon a single triggering event 

in the dendritic core. 

Author(s): de Groot FM, Albrecht C, Koekkoek R, Beusker PH, Scheeren HW. 

Source: Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English). 2003 September 29; 42(37): 

4490-4. 



• “Hey John”: signals conveying communicative intention toward the self activate 

brain regions associated with “mentalizing,” regardless of modality. 

Author(s): Kampe KK, Frith CD, Frith U. 


Neuroscience. 2003 June 15; 23(12): 5258-63. 



• Acupuncture using laser needles modulates brain function: first evidence from 

functional transcranial Doppler sonography and functional magnetic resonance 

imaging. 

Author(s): Litscher G, Rachbauer D, Ropele S, Wang L, Schikora D, Fazekas F, Ebner F. 

Source: Lasers in Medical Science. 2004; 19(1): 6-11. Epub 2004 March 31. 



• Altered habituation in the auditory cortex in a subgroup of depressed patients by 


Author(s): Michael N, Ostermann J, Soros P, Schwindt W, Pfleiderer B. 

Source: Neuropsychobiology. 2004; 49(1): 5-9. 



• An EEG-driven brain-computer interface combined with functional magnetic 

resonance imaging (fMRI). 

Author(s): Hinterberger T, Weiskopf N, Veit R, Wilhelm B, Betta E, Birbaumer N.

Alternative Medicine 121 

Source: Ieee Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering. 2004 June; 51(6): 971-4. 



• An emotion-based facial expression word activates laughter module in the human 

brain: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Osaka N, Osaka M, Kondo H, Morishita M, Fukuyama H, Shibasaki H. 




• An investigation to dissociate the analgesic and anesthetic properties of ketamine 

using functional magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Rogers R, Wise RG, Painter DJ, Longe SE, Tracey I. 

Source: Anesthesiology. 2004 February; 100(2): 292-301. 



• Applications of magnetic resonance imaging for cardiac stem cell therapy. 

Author(s): Rickers C, Gallegos R, Seethamraju RT, Wang X, Swingen C, Jayaswal A, 

Rahrmann EP, Kastenberg ZJ, Clarkson CE, Bianco R, O'Brian T, Verfaillie C, Bolman 

RM 3rd, Wilke N, Jerosch-Herold M. 

Source: Journal of Interventional Cardiology. 2004 February; 17(1): 37-46. 



• Brain activation during manipulation of the myoelectric prosthetic hand: a functional 


Author(s): Maruishi M, Tanaka Y, Muranaka H, Tsuji T, Ozawa Y, Imaizumi S, Miyatani 

M, Kawahara J. 

Source: Neuroimage. 2004 April; 21(4): 1604-11. 



• Combretastatin A4 phosphate has tumor antivascular activity in rat and man as 

demonstrated by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. 

Author(s): Galbraith SM, Maxwell RJ, Lodge MA, Tozer GM, Wilson J, Taylor NJ, 

Stirling JJ, Sena L, Padhani AR, Rustin GJ. 


Oncology. 2003 August 1; 21(15): 2831-42. Epub 2003 June 13. 



• Different central manifestations in response to electroacupuncture at analgesic and 

nonanalgesic acupoints in rats: a manganese-enhanced functional magnetic resonance 


Author(s): Chiu JH, Chung MS, Cheng HC, Yeh TC, Hsieh JC, Chang CY, Kuo WY, 

Cheng H, Ho LT.

122 


Source: Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research = Revue Canadienne De Recherche 

Veterinaire. 2003 May; 67(2): 94-101. 



• Dimensions of the lumbar intervertebral foramina as determined from the sagittal 

plane magnetic resonance imaging scans of 95 normal subjects. 

Author(s): Cramer GD, Cantu JA, Dorsett RD, Greenstein JS, McGregor M, Howe JE, 

Glenn WV. 

Source: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2003 March-April; 

26(3): 160-70. 



• Effect of pre-instruction on anxiety levels of patients undergoing magnetic resonance 

imaging examination. 

Author(s): Selim MA. 

Source: East Mediterr Health J. 2001 May; 7(3): 519-25. 



• Effect of stage 1 sleep on auditory cortex during pure tone stimulation: evaluation by 

functional magnetic resonance imaging with simultaneous EEG monitoring. 

Author(s): Tanaka H, Fujita N, Takanashi M, Hirabuki N, Yoshimura H, Abe K, 

Nakamura H. 

Source: Ajnr. American Journal of Neuroradiology. 2003 November-December; 24(10): 

1982-8. 



• Effects of amino acid supplementation on left ventricular remodeling in patients with 

chronic heart failure with decreased systolic function and diabetes mellitus: rationale 

and design of a magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Klein L, Gattis WA, Borrello F, Wu E, O'Connor CM, Gheorghiade M. 

Source: The American Journal of Cardiology. 2004 April 22; 93(8A): 44A-46A. 



• Effects of noise from functional magnetic resonance imaging on auditory eventrelated 

potentials in working memory task. 

Author(s): Novitski N, Anourova I, Martinkauppi S, Aronen HJ, Naatanen R, Carlson S. 




• Evaluation of myocardial iron by magnetic resonance imaging during iron chelation 

therapy with deferrioxamine: indication of close relation between myocardial iron 

content and chelatable iron pool. 

Author(s): Jensen PD, Jensen FT, Christensen T, Eiskjaer H, Baandrup U, Nielsen JL.


Source: Blood. 2003 June 1; 101(11): 4632-9. Epub 2003 February 06. 



• Evidence of correlated functional magnetic resonance imaging signals between 

distant human brains. 

Author(s): Standish LJ, Johnson LC, Kozak L, Richards T. 

Source: Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003 January-February; 9(1): 128, 

122-5. 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging before and after aphasia therapy: shifts in 

hemodynamic time to peak during an overt language task. 

Author(s): Peck KK, Moore AB, Crosson BA, Gaiefsky M, Gopinath KS, White K, Briggs 

RW. 

Source: Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation. 2004 February; 35(2): 554-9. Epub 2004 

January 22. 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging of activation in subcortical auditory pathway. 

Author(s): Yetkin FZ, Roland PS, Mendelsohn DB, Purdy PD. 

Source: The Laryngoscope. 2004 January; 114(1): 96-101. 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging of source versus item memory. 

Author(s): Fan J, Gay Snodgrass J, Bilder RM. 

Source: Neuroreport. 2003 December 2; 14(17): 2275-81. 



• Functional magnetic resonance imaging of verbal fluency and confrontation naming 

using compressed image acquisition to permit overt responses. 

Author(s): Abrahams S, Goldstein LH, Simmons A, Brammer MJ, Williams SC, 

Giampietro VP, Andrew CM, Leigh PN. 

Source: Human Brain Mapping. 2003 September; 20(1): 29-40. 



• Haloperidol challenge in healthy male humans: a functional magnetic resonance 


Author(s): Brassen S, Tost H, Hoehn F, Weber-Fahr W, Klein S, Braus DF. 




124 


• In vivo monitoring of cellular transplants by magnetic resonance imaging and 

positron emission tomography. 

Author(s): Modo M, Roberts TJ, Sandhu JK, Williams SC. 

Source: Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. 2004 February; 4(2): 145-55. Review. 



• Infarct remodeling after intracoronary progenitor cell treatment in patients with acute 

myocardial infarction (TOPCARE-AMI): mechanistic insights from serial contrastenhanced 


Author(s): Britten MB, Abolmaali ND, Assmus B, Lehmann R, Honold J, Schmitt J, Vogl 

TJ, Martin H, Schachinger V, Dimmeler S, Zeiher AM. 

Source: Circulation. 2003 November 4; 108(18): 2212-8. Epub 2003 October 13. 



• Intensity-dependent activation of the primary auditory cortex in functional magnetic 


Author(s): Lasota KJ, Ulmer JL, Firszt JB, Biswal BB, Daniels DL, Prost RW. 




• Is functional magnetic resonance imaging capable of mapping transcranial magnetic 

cortex stimulation? 

Author(s): Bestmann S, Baudewig J, Siebner HR, Rothwell JC, Frahm J. 

Source: Suppl Clin Neurophysiol. 2003; 56: 55-62. No Abstract Available. 



• Magnetic resonance imaging and neurosphere therapy of stroke in rat. 

Author(s): Zhang ZG, Jiang Q, Zhang R, Zhang L, Wang L, Zhang L, Arniego P, Ho KL, 

Chopp M. 

Source: Annals of Neurology. 2003 February; 53(2): 259-63. 



• Phase I trial of the antivascular agent combretastatin A4 phosphate on a 5-day 

schedule to patients with cancer: magnetic resonance imaging evidence for altered 

tumor blood flow. 

Author(s): Stevenson JP, Rosen M, Sun W, Gallagher M, Haller DG, Vaughn D, 

Giantonio B, Zimmer R, Petros WP, Stratford M, Chaplin D, Young SL, Schnall M, 

O'Dwyer PJ. 


Oncology. 2003 December 1; 21(23): 4428-38. 




• Phonological grammar shapes the auditory cortex: a functional magnetic resonance 


Author(s): Jacquemot C, Pallier C, LeBihan D, Dehaene S, Dupoux E. 


Neuroscience. 2003 October 22; 23(29): 9541-6. 



• Physiological self-regulation of regional brain activity using real-time functional 

magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI): methodology and exemplary data. 

Author(s): Weiskopf N, Veit R, Erb M, Mathiak K, Grodd W, Goebel R, Birbaumer N. 

Source: Neuroimage. 2003 July; 19(3): 577-86. 



• Potential myocardial iron content evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging in 

thalassemia major patients treated with Deferoxamine or Deferiprone during a 

randomized multicenter prospective clinical study. 

Author(s): Galia M, Midiri M, Bartolotta V, Morabito A, Rizzo M, Mangiagli A, Malizia 

R, Borsellino Z, Capra M, D'Ascola DG, Magnano C, Gerardi C, Rigano P, Maggio A; 

Multicenter Trial Group of the Society for the Study of Thalassemia and 

Haemoglobinopathies. 

Source: Hemoglobin. 2003 May; 27(2): 63-76. 



• Prefrontal cortex transcranial magnetic stimulation does not change local diffusion: a 

magnetic resonance imaging study in patients with depression. 

Author(s): Li X, Nahas Z, Lomarev M, Denslow S, Shastri A, Bohning DE, George MS. 

Source: Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology : Official Journal of the Society for 

Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology. 2003 June; 16(2): 128-35. 



• Principles of a brain-computer interface (BCI) based on real-time functional magnetic 

resonance imaging (fMRI). 

Author(s): Weiskopf N, Mathiak K, Bock SW, Scharnowski F, Veit R, Grodd W, Goebel 

R, Birbaumer N. 

Source: Ieee Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering. 2004 June; 51(6): 966-70. 



• Relations between brain network activation and analgesic effect induced by low vs. 

high frequency electrical acupoint stimulation in different subjects: a functional 


Author(s): Zhang WT, Jin Z, Cui GH, Zhang KL, Zhang L, Zeng YW, Luo F, Chen AC, 

Han JS. 

Source: Brain Research. 2003 August 29; 982(2): 168-78. 



126 


• Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the prediction of tumor response in patients 

with locally advanced breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemo-therapy. 

Author(s): Martincich L, Montemurro F, Cirillo S, Marra V, De Rosa G, Ponzone R, 

Aglietta M, Regge D. 

Source: Radiol Med (Torino). 2003 July-August; 106(1-2): 51-8. English, Italian. 



• Semantic processing in the left inferior prefrontal cortex: a combined functional 

magnetic resonance imaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation study. 

Author(s): Devlin JT, Matthews PM, Rushworth MF. 

Source: Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience. 2003 January 1; 15(1): 71-84. 



• Sequential effects of propofol on functional brain activation induced by auditory 

language processing: an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging study. 

Author(s): Heinke W, Fiebach CJ, Schwarzbauer C, Meyer M, Olthoff D, Alter K. 

Source: British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2004 May; 92(5): 641-50. Epub 2004 April 02. 



• Serial contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopic imaging of 

acute multiple sclerosis lesions under high-dose methylprednisolone therapy. 

Author(s): Schocke MF, Berger T, Felber SR, Wolf C, Deisenhammer F, Kremser C, Seppi 

K, Aichner FT. 




• Spatial working memory in heavy cannabis users: a functional magnetic resonance 


Author(s): Kanayama G, Rogowska J, Pope HG, Gruber SA, Yurgelun-Todd DA. 

Source: Psychopharmacology. 2004 June 16 [epub Ahead of Print] 



• The effect of musical training on music processing: a functional magnetic resonance 

imaging study in humans. 

Author(s): Schmithorst VJ, Holland SK. 




• Thiamine deficiency in a dog: clinical, clinicopathologic, and magnetic resonance 

imaging findings. 

Author(s): Garosi LS, Dennis R, Platt SR, Corletto F, de Lahunta A, Jakobs C.


Source: J Vet Intern Med. 2003 September-October; 17(5): 719-23. No Abstract Available. 



• Uptake of MnCl2 and mangafodipir trisodium in the myocardium: a magnetic 

resonance imaging study in pigs. 

Author(s): Eriksson R, Johansson L, Bjerner T, Briley Saebo K, Ahlstrom H. 




• What neural correlates underlie successful encoding and retrieval? A functional 

magnetic resonance imaging study using a divided attention paradigm. 

Author(s): Kensinger EA, Clarke RJ, Corkin S. 


Neuroscience. 2003 March 15; 23(6): 2407-15. 



Additional Web Resources 

A number of additional Web sites offer encyclopedic information covering CAM and related 

topics. The following is a representative sample: 

• Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.: http://www.herbmed.org/ 


• Chinese Medicine: http://www.newcenturynutrition.com/ 

• drkoop.com ® : http://www.drkoop.com/InteractiveMedicine/IndexC.html 

• Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/med_altn.htm 

• Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Alternative/ 

• Healthnotes: http://www.healthnotes.com/ 

• MedWebPlus: 

http://medwebplus.com/subject/Alternative_and_Complementary_Medicine 

• Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Alternative/ 

• HealthGate: http://www.tnp.com/ 

• WebMD ® Health: http://my.webmd.com/drugs_and_herbs 

• WholeHealthMD.com: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/reflib/0,1529,00.html 

• Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Alternative_Medicine/

128 


The following is a specific Web list relating to magnetic resonance imaging; please note that 

any particular subject below may indicate either a therapeutic use, or a contraindication 

(potential danger), and does not reflect an official recommendation: 

• General Overview 

Alzheimer's Disease 

Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com 

Amenorrhea 


Bone Infection 


Brain Cancer 


Breast Cancer 


Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 


Depression 


Edema 


Fainting 


Fever of Unknown Origin 


Frostbite 


Hemophilia 


Hyperparathyroidism 


Low Back Pain 


Lung Cancer 

Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com

Meningitis 


Multiple Sclerosis 


Osteomyelitis 


Prostate Cancer 


Stroke 


Syncope 


TIAs 


Transient Ischemic Attacks 


Water Retention 


• Alternative Therapy 


Magnet Therapy 

Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com 

Hyperlink: 

http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,715,00.html 

General References 

A good place to find general background information on CAM is the National Library of 

Medicine. It has prepared within the MEDLINEplus system an information topic page 

dedicated to complementary and alternative medicine. To access this page, go to the 

MEDLINEplus site at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alternativemedicine.html. 

This Web site provides a general overview of various topics and can lead to a number of 

general sources.

CHAPTER 4. DISSERTATIONS ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE 

Overview 


In this chapter, we will give you a bibliography on recent dissertations relating to magnetic 

resonance imaging. We will also provide you with information on how to use the Internet to 

stay current on dissertations. IMPORTANT NOTE: When following the search strategy 

described below, you may discover non-medical dissertations that use the generic term 

“magnetic resonance imaging” (or a synonym) in their titles. To accurately reflect the results 

that you might find while conducting research on magnetic resonance imaging, we have not 

necessarily excluded non-medical dissertations in this bibliography. 

Dissertations on Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

ProQuest Digital Dissertations, the largest archive of academic dissertations available, is 

located at the following Web address: http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations. From this 

archive, we have compiled the following list covering dissertations devoted to magnetic 

resonance imaging. You will see that the information provided includes the dissertation’s 

title, its author, and the institution with which the author is associated. The following covers 

recent dissertations found when using this search procedure: 

• Characterization of soft-tissue response to mechanical loading using nuclear magnetic 

resonance (NMR) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of neuronal 

activity during sustained cognitive-stimulus paradigms by Wellen, Jeremy Wayne, 

PhD from WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, 2003, 186 pages 

http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/3097861 

• Clinical/pathological assessment and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance 

imaging of gene therapy of a naturally occurring CNS disease in the cat by Vite, 

Charles Herman, PhD from UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 2003, 202 pages 


131

132 


• Design factors in Medicare prospective reimbursement of computerized tomography 

and magnetic resonance imaging in hospital outpatient departments by Jackson, Terri 

Jurgens, PhD from BRANDEIS U., THE F. HELLER GRAD. SCH. FOR ADV. STUD. IN 

SOC. WEL., 1993, 350 pages 


• Design of radio frequency coils for magnetic resonance imaging applications: A 

computational electromagnetic approach by Ibrahim, Tamer Selim, PhD from THE 

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, 2003, 268 pages 


• Design of radiofrequency coils for magnetic resonance imaging applications: A 

computational electromagnetic approach by Ibrahim, Tamer S., PhD from THE OHIO 

STATE UNIVERSITY, 2003, 298 pages 


• Dynamic contrast agent-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging assessment of tumor 

microvasculature by Orth, Robert Chappell, PhD from THE UNIV. OF TEXAS H.S.C. 

AT HOUSTON GRAD. SCH. OF BIOMED. SCI., 2003, 156 pages 


• Extended role of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating 

obesity by Liu, Kin Hung, PhD from CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG 

(PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA), 2003, 200 pages 


• Fast magnetic resonance imaging by data sharing: Generalized series imaging and 

parallel imaging by Ji, Jim Xiuquan, PhD from UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT 

URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, 2003, 132 pages 


• Functional magnetic resonance imaging of eye movements and response to 

pharmacological challenge in schizophrenia by Tregellas, Jason Richard, PhD from 

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER, 2003, 88 pages 


• High spectral and spatial resolution magnetic resonance imaging with echo-planar 

acquisition by Du, Weiliang, PhD from THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, 2003, 149 

pages 


• Implementation of functional magnetic resonance imaging and applications to 

psychiatric research by Willson, Morgan Charles, MSc from UNIVERSITY OF 

ALBERTA (CANADA), 2003, 169 pages 

http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/MQ82364 

• Localization capabilities of VEP source localization and functional magnetic 

resonance imaging in human visual cortex by Baker, Suzanne Lyn, PhD from 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, 2003, 108 pages 


• Localized NMR relaxation time measurement using magnetic resonance imaging 

techniques by Crawley, Adrian Philip, PhD from UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 

(CANADA), 1988 

http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/NL46428

Dissertations 133 

• Modelling effective connectivity in functional magnetic resonance imaging data by 

state space models by Ho, Moon-ho Ringo, PhD from UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT 

URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, 2003, 130 pages 


• Multivariate study of the diagnostic and prognostic value of magnetic resonance 

imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (hydrogen atom- 

MRSI) parameters for brain tumors by Li, Xiaojuan, PhD from UNIV. OF CALIF., 

BERKELEY WITH THE UNIV. OF CALIF., SAN FRANCISCO, 2003, 147 pages 


• Natural image coding in early visual areas: Functional magnetic resonance imaging 

and psychophysical studies of the human visual system by Olman, Cheryl Annette, 

PhD from UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, 2003, 177 pages 


• Parcellation of the prefrontal cortex in persons with antisocial personality disorder: A 

magnetic resonance imaging study by Kopp, Lisa Michelle, PhD from UNIVERSITY OF 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, 2003, 67 pages 


• Perception of facial affect: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of 

adolescents and adults with and without nonverbal learning disabilities by Vallabha, 

Taube Lubart, PhD from FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY, 2003, 167 pages 


• The effects of equilibrium transcytolemmal water exchange on magnetic resonance 

imaging measurement of contrast reagent pharmacokinetics by Yankeelov, Thomas 

Edward, PhD from STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT STONY BROOK, 2003, 358 

pages 


• Variations in the utilization of medical technology as influenced by socioeconomic 

factors in the case of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by Azari, Rasool A., DSc from 

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, 1996, 112 pages 


• Verification of the child crash test dummy neck response using magnetic resonance 

imaging and physiologic muscle stress by Miller, Harold John, III, PhD from WAYNE 

STATE UNIVERSITY, 2003, 421 pages 


• What functional magnetic resonance imaging can tell us about theory of mind by 

Saxe, Rebecca R., PhD from MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 2003 

http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/f858321 

Keeping Current 

Ask the medical librarian at your library if it has full and unlimited access to the ProQuest 

Digital Dissertations database. From the library, you should be able to do more complete 

searches via http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations.

CHAPTER 5. PATENTS ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE 

Overview 


Patents can be physical innovations (e.g. chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment) or 

processes (e.g. treatments or diagnostic procedures). The United States Patent and 

Trademark Office defines a patent as a grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by 

the Patent and Trademark Office. 8 Patents, therefore, are intellectual property. For the 

United States, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date when the patent application 

was filed. If the inventor wishes to receive economic benefits, it is likely that the invention 

will become commercially available within 20 years of the initial filing. It is important to 

understand, therefore, that an inventor’s patent does not indicate that a product or service is 

or will be commercially available. The patent implies only that the inventor has “the right to 

exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the invention in the United 

States. While this relates to U.S. patents, similar rules govern foreign patents. 

In this chapter, we show you how to locate information on patents and their inventors. If 

you find a patent that is particularly interesting to you, contact the inventor or the assignee 

for further information. IMPORTANT NOTE: When following the search strategy 

described below, you may discover non-medical patents that use the generic term “magnetic 

resonance imaging” (or a synonym) in their titles. To accurately reflect the results that you 

might find while conducting research on magnetic resonance imaging, we have not 

necessarily excluded non-medical patents in this bibliography. 

Patents on Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

By performing a patent search focusing on magnetic resonance imaging, you can obtain 

information such as the title of the invention, the names of the inventor(s), the assignee(s) or 

the company that owns or controls the patent, a short abstract that summarizes the patent, 

and a few excerpts from the description of the patent. The abstract of a patent tends to be 

more technical in nature, while the description is often written for the public. Full patent 

8 Adapted from the United States Patent and Trademark Office: 

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/whatis.htm. 

135

136 


descriptions contain much more information than is presented here (e.g. claims, references, 

figures, diagrams, etc.). We will tell you how to obtain this information later in the chapter. 

The following is an example of the type of information that you can expect to obtain from a 

patent search on magnetic resonance imaging: 

• Acoustic gating monitor for magnetic resonance imaging system 

Inventor(s): Chang; Hsu (Fremont, CA) 

Assignee(s): Toshiba America MRI, Inc. (Tustin, CA) 

Patent Number: 6,741,879 

Date filed: May 6, 2003 

Abstract: An MRI imaging system provides an audible feedback signal in the gantry 

room triggered by a physiological sensor on the patient. The feedback signal is a sound 

generated by one of the MRI gradient coils. The sensor output signal may be indicative 

of the patient's heartbeat, or other physiological event. The application of the sequence 

causes the coil to emit a sound that is associated with the sensor output signal. 

Excerpt(s): This invention relates generally to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging 

techniques. In particular, the invention relates to MR imaging that is triggered and/or 

synchronized with patient sensors that detect physiological conditions, such as a 

heartbeat, blood pulse, or respiration of the patient being imaged. Magnetic Resonance 

Imaging (MRI) is a widely accepted and commercially available technique for obtaining 

digitized visual images representing the internal structure of objects (such as the human 

body) having substantial populations of atomic nuclei that are susceptible to nuclear 

magnetic resonance (MR) phenomena. In MRI, nuclei in the body of a patient to be 

imaged are polarized by imposing a strong main magnetic field (B.sub.0) on the nuclei. 

The nuclei are excited by a radio frequency (RF) signal at characteristic MR (Lamor) 

frequencies. By spatially distributing localized magnetic fields surrounding the body 

and analyzing the resulting RF responses from the nuclei, a map or image of these nuclei 

responses as a function of their spatial location is generated and displayed. An image of 

the nuclei responses provides a non-invasive view of a patient's internal organs and of 

other tissues. The MRI system operator controls the system through a computer 

workstation 22 with a keyboard, screen and other operator input/output devices. The 

MRI system operator positions the patient within the imaging volume using a movable 

table 20, and may attach sensors 21 that monitor the patient during imaging. 

Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06741879__ 

• Apparatus and method for magnetic resonance imaging employing partial parallel 

acquisition with formation of signal combinations and solving of an equation system 

based thereon 

Inventor(s): Agrikola; Juergen (Eltmann, DE) 

Assignee(s): Siemens Aktiengesellschaft (Munich, DE) 


Date filed: September 6, 2002 

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus and a method for operating 

such an apparatus employing a "partially parallel acquisition" (PPA), the number of the 

k-rows to be determined in a readout cycle corresponds to the number of coils, so that

Patents 137 

exposure time for acquiring an MR image is shortened for a given image quality, or the 

image quality is enhanced for a given exposure time. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention is directed in general to magnetic resonance 

tomography (MRT) as employed in medicine for examining patients. The present 

invention is particularly directed to a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus as well 

as to a method for operating such an apparatus wherein data are acquired by a 

technique known as "partially parallel acquisition" (PPA). The constant technical 

improvement of the components of MRT apparatus and the introduction of fast imaging 

sequences have increased the areas of employment in medicine for MRT. Real-time 

imaging for supporting minimally invasive surgery, functional imaging in neurology 

and perfusion measurement in cardiology represent only a few examples. Despite the 

technical progress designing the components of an MRT apparatus, the exposure time of 

an MRT image remains the limiting factor for many applications of MRT in medical 

diagnostics. A limit is placed on a further enhancement of the performance of MRT 

apparatus from a technical point of view (feasibility) and for reasons of patient 

protection (stimulation and tissue heating). In recent years, many efforts therefore were 

made to develop and establish new approaches in order to achieve further shortening of 

the image measurement time. One approach for shortening the acquisition time is to 

reduce the quantity of image data to be recorded. In order to obtain a complete image 

from such a reduced dataset, either the missing data must be reconstructed with suitable 

algorithms or the faulty image from the reduced data must be corrected. The 

registration of the data in MRT occurs in an arrangement referred to as k-space 

(synonym: frequency domain). The MRT image in the image domain is obtained by an 

operation on the MRT data in the k-space by means of Fourier transformation. The 

location coding of the subject that arises the k-space occurs by means of gradients in all 

three spatial directions. A distinction is made between the slice selection (determines an 

exposure slice in the subject, usually the z-axis), the frequency coding (determines a 

direction in the slice, usually the x-axis), and the phase coding (defines the second 

dimension within the slice, usually the y-axis). Without limitation placed on the 

universality, a Cartesian k-space is assumed below, this being sampled row-by-row. The 

data of a single k-space row are frequency-coded with a gradient when read out. Each 

row in the k-space has the spacing.DELTA.k.sub.y that is generated by a phase-coding 

step. Since the phase coding requires a long time compared to the other location 

codings, most methods for shortening the image measurement time are based on a 

reduction in the number of time-consuming phase coding steps. All method of the type 

known as "partially parallel acquisition" (referred to below as PPA) are based on this 

approach. 


• Apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging having a planar strip array antenna 

including systems and methods related thereto 

Inventor(s): Lee; Ray F (Clifton-Park, NY) 

Assignee(s): Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) 


Date filed: March 30, 2001 

Abstract: Featured is a device for detecting electromagnetic signals, more specifically, 

the magnetic resonance signals from excited nuclei as well as related apparatuses, 

systems and methods. The detection device includes a planar strip array antenna

138 


including a plurality, and in more particular embodiments a multiplicity of parallel 

conductors (e.g., 4, 16, 32 or more of conductors). The length of the conductors is 

adjusted to substantially reduce the coupling of a signal in one conductor to an adjacent 

conductor(s). In a more specific embodiment the length is set so as to be equal to be 

about n.lambda./4, where n is an integer.gtoreq.1 and.lambda. is the wavelength of the 

signal to be detected (e.g., the wavelength corresponding to the NMR resonance 

frequency for the nuclei). The device also is configured so that the electromagnetic wave 

on each conductor is one of a standing wave or a traveling wave. Additionally, the 

device is configurable to provide broad band de-coupling by controlling a ratio of the 

spacing between conductors and the height of an encapsulation member so as to be less 

than or equal to a given value. Such a device can further include an EMF interference 

guard so as to isolate at least a portion of the conductors. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for 

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), also known as nuclear magnetic resonance 

imaging (NMRI). More particularly the present invention relates to an apparatus having 

a near-field radio-frequency planar strip array antenna that can be used for parallel 

spatial encoded and for conventional series spatial encoded MRI. The present invention 

also relates to methods and MRI systems related thereto. Magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI) is a technique that is capable of providing three-dimensional imaging of an object. 

A conventional MRI system typically includes a main or primary magnet(s) that 

provides the background magnetic field B.sub.o, gradient coils and radio frequency (RF) 

coils, which are used for spatial encoding, exciting and detecting the nuclei for imaging. 

Typically, the main or primary magnet(s) are designed to provide a homogeneous 

magnetic field in an internal region within the main magnet, for example, in the air 

space of a large central bore of a solenoid or in the air gap between the magnetic pole 

plates of a C-type magnet. The patient or object to be imaged is positioned in the 

homogeneous field region located in such air space. The gradient field and the RF coils 

are typically located external to the patient or object to be imaged and inside the 

geometry of the main or primary magnet(s) surrounding the air space. There is shown in 

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,968,937 and 5,990,681, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by 

reference, some exemplary MRI systems. In MRI, the uniform magnetic field B.sub.o 

generated by the main or primary magnet(s) is applied to an imaged object by 

convention along the Z-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, the origin of which is 

within the imaged object. The uniform magnetic field B.sub.o being applied has the 

effect of aligning the nuclear spins, a quantum mechanical property of macroscopic 

particles comprising the imaged object, along the Z-axis. In response to RF pulses of the 

proper frequency, that are orientated within the XY plane, the nuclei resonate at their 

Larmor frequencies. In a typical imaging sequence, the RF signal centered about the 

desired Larmor frequency is applied to the imaged object at the same time a magnetic 

field gradient G.sub.z is being applied along the Z-axis. This gradient field G.sub.z 

causes only the nuclei in a slice with a limited width through the object along the XY 

plane, to have the resonant frequency and to be excited into resonance. 

Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06771070__

• Audible feedback from positional guidance systems 

Inventor(s): Gildenberg; Philip L. (Houston, TX) 

Assignee(s): Houston Stereotactic Concepts, Inc. (Houston, TX) 


Date filed: February 28, 2002 

Patents 139 

Abstract: A computer-based system generating audible feedback to assist with guidance 

of at least one trackable point in space is provided. Surgical embodiments include 

generating audible feedback (to supplement visual and tactile feedback) to a surgeon 

moving the tip of a probe, for example, in a surgical field with respect to a volume of 

interest such as a tumor. Other surgical embodiments include generating audible 

feedback to assist with the precise insertion of a pedicle screw. In such surgical 

embodiments, as a surgeon moves a probe or instrument within the surgical field, a 

computer analyzes the current position of the probe and/or instrument in space with 

respect to a system of fiducial markers. The computer then provides audible feedback to 

the surgeon as to the position of the probe and/or instrument with respect to 

predetermined feature(s) of interest (such as a tumor) previously identified on a 

computer reconstruction of the surgical view obtained, for example, by a magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRI) scan, a computerized tomography (CT) scan and/or an 

ultrasound scan. The audible feedback may vary in numerous ways, such as in tone, 

volume, pattern and/or style, as the probe and/or instrument moves relative to the 

feature(s) of interest. 

Excerpt(s): This application relates generally to audible feedback from 3-dimensional (3- 

D) imagery, and more specifically to embodiments in which a surgeon receives audible 

feedback based on the location of a surgical instrument as mapped on reconstructed 

surgical views. Stereotactic surgery is known in the art as a technique for localizing a 

target in surgical space. The use of stereotactic instrumentation based on tomographic 

imaging is conventional in surgery. When used for brain or other neurosurgery, such 

methods may involve attaching a headring apparatus to the patient's skull, and then 

using conventional techniques to acquire imaging data where the data is space-related 

to the headring. A surgeon may use an arc system to relate the position of the head to 

the radiographic image. An indexing device, localizer structure or other fiducial 

apparatus is generally used to specify quantitative coordinates of targets (such as 

tumors) within the patient's head relative to the fiducial apparatus. An exoscope may be 

used to aid in visualization during the procedure. Current technology also allows use of 

a frameless system, to provide a visual reference in the operating room. Again with 

reference to brain surgery, fiducial markers are placed around the patient's head so as to 

be apparent on the pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized 

tomography (CT) scan. Techniques known in the art are used pre-operatively to localize 

the fiducial markers located on the patient, and a computer compares this information 

to that from the previous imaging. The actual location of the patient's head may thus be 

registered to, and correlated with, the computerized three-dimensional reconstruction of 

the patient's head. 


140 


• Cable routing and potential equalizing ring for magnetic resonance imaging coils 

Inventor(s): Jevtic; Jovan (West Allis, WI), Johnson, Jr.; William T. (Milwaukee, WI), 

Menon; Ashok (Milwaukee, WI), Pikelja; Velibor (Milwaukee, WI), Seeber; Derek 

(Wauwatosa, WI) 

Assignee(s): IGC-Medical Advances, Inc. (Milwaukee, WI) 


Date filed: August 22, 2002 

Abstract: A cable routing system for an MRI coil having multiple loops and multiple 

signal cables provides a non-resonant conductive ring surrounding the loops and 

grounded to define a low electrical field region along which the signal cables may be 

routed for reduced interference. 

Excerpt(s): Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to generate medical diagnostic 

images by measuring faint radio frequency signals (magnetic resonance) emitted from 

atomic nuclei of tissue (for example, hydrogen atoms in water molecules) in the 

presence of a strong magnetic field after radio frequency stimulation. The radio 

frequency stimulation may be applied, and the resulting resonance signal detected with 

a "local coil" having one or more "loops" serving as antennas. The loops of the local coil 

are tuned to a narrow band (e.g., 64 megahertz for a one and one half Tesla magnetic 

field strength) and adapted to be placed near or on the patient to decrease the effects of 

external electrical noise on the detected signal. The detected signal may be conducted 

through one or more signal cables to the MRI system for processing. Signals from 

multiple loops may be combined prior to being processed by the MRI system, for 

example, as in a quadrature-type coil where perpendicular loops are combined with a 

ninety degree phase shift, or the signals may be conducted independently to the MRI 

system to provide for so-called phased array operation. The low strength of the detected 

resonance signals requires that the signal cables be shielded from external radio 

frequency interference. This interference may come from the external hospital 

environment, the gradient coils of the MRI machine, or from other loops of the local coil 

itself. Particularly, for phased array operation, it is important that the signals of each 

loop of the local coils be kept isolated from the signals from the other loops. 


• Combining unfold with parallel magnetic resonance imaging 

Inventor(s): Madore; Bruno (Brookline, MA) 

Assignee(s): Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. (Boston, MA) 


Date filed: April 19, 2002 

Abstract: A method for combining UNFOLD with a parallel magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) technique, such as SMASH, SENSE, or SPACE-RIP is provided. When 

acquiring only one n.sup.th of the usual amount of k-space data, data is acquired n 

times faster, but n signals will overlap in the resulting images. By spreading the n 

signals over all of the available temporal frequency bandwidth, UNFOLD reduces the 

amount of overlap to n/2. A parallel imaging method with an acceleration n/2 can 

finish the reconstruction by separating the n/2 overlapped signals. The result is a time 

series of non-corrupted images that are acquired n times faster than normal.

Patents 141 

Excerpt(s): The present application relates generally to reconstruction methods for 

magnetic resonance (MR) image data. It has previously been proposed to combine the 

methods of UNFOLD with SENSE or SMASH in the publication entitled Method for 

Combining UNFOLD with SENSE or SMASH, 8 PROC. INTL. SOC. MAG. RESON. 

MED. 1507 (2000) by Peter Kellman & Elliot R. McVeigh. When the UNFOLD method is 

combined with SENSE or SMASH, acceleration is nearly doubled compared to using 

SMASH or SENSE alone. With the disclosed method, however, the dynamic portion of 

the field of view (FOV) is typically constrained to one quarter of the FOV. Thus, the 

remaining three-quarters of the FOV typically cannot display fully dynamic features of 

the image sought to be viewed. In contrast, the present method provides high temporal 

resolution to a region twice bigger; i.e., half the FOV. One embodiment of the invention 

is a method for combining an UNFOLD technique with a parallel MR imaging technique 

to obtain of an object an MR image having a one-half dynamic portion. The method 

includes (a) obtaining k-space information about the object at a first time point and a 

first set of k-space locations; (b) obtaining k-space information about the object at a 

second time point and a second set of k-space locations, wherein at least one of the kspace 

locations in said second set is not contained in said first set, (c) obtaining 

information for images at the first and the second time points using the first and the 

second sets of k-space data, respectively, said images containing spatially aliased and 

non-aliased components, the image having image pixels; (d) decomposing time 

variations of one of the image pixels into its frequency content; (e) for a predetermined 

frequency of the frequency content, using a parallel imaging technique to separate the 

aliased and the non-aliased components that are overlapped; (f) repeating step (e) for a 

plurality of frequencies; and (g) repeating steps (d) through (f) for a plurality of image 

pixels. 


• Decoupling circuit for magnetic resonance imaging local coils 

Inventor(s): Jectic; Jovan (West Allis, WI), Menon; Ashok (Milwaukee, WI), Seeber; 

Derek (Wauwatosa, WI) 

Assignee(s): IGC Medical Advanced, Inc. (Milwaukee, WI) 


Date filed: November 22, 2002 

Abstract: A decoupling circuit for decoupling an local coil during the application of an 

RF excitation signal in a magnetic resonance imaging system includes a passive 

switching circuit for switching an inductor in parallel with a capacitive circuit in the 

local coil, and a discharge circuit for discharging residual currents from the circuit, 

therefore allowing for rapid coupling and decoupling of the local coil. 

Excerpt(s): The field of the invention is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and in 

particular decoupling circuits for local coils for use in receiving MRI signals. In MRI, a 

uniform magnetic field B.sub.0 is applied to an imaged object along the z-axis of a 

Cartesian coordinate system, the origin of which is approximately centered within the 

imaged object. The effect of the magnetic field B.sub.0 is to align the object's nuclear 

spins along the z-axis. where.omega. is the Larmor frequency, and.gamma. is the 

gyromagnetic ratio which is constant and a property of the particular nuclei. 


142 


• Failure prediction apparatus for superconductive magnet and magnetic resonance 

imaging system 

Inventor(s): Kono; Kazuhiro (Tokyo, JP) 

Assignee(s): GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC (Waukesha, WI) 



Abstract: In order to allow easy estimation of the operating condition of a magnet by a 

technician of any skill level, and to allow accurate prediction of a potential failure 

beforehand, a data processing section 52 is provided for resolving pressure data for a 

cooling helium gas, level (remaining amount) data for a liquid helium, first temperature 

data for a first stage of a refrigerator, second temperature data for a second stage of the 

refrigerator, and third temperature (room temperature) data for an equipment room 13 

in which a compressor 40 is placed, as prespecified parameters, into a plurality of 

elements, using the elements as magnet data, calculating the Mahalanobis distance 

D.sup.2 of the normalized magnet data, and comparing the calculated Mahalanobis 

distance D.sup.2 with data stored in a database 53 obtained by developing magnet data 

in a normal condition into a Mahalanobis reference space to estimate the operating 

condition. 

Excerpt(s): This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2001-279881 

filed Sep. 14, 2001. The present invention relates to a failure prediction apparatus and 

method for predicting a failure of a superconductive magnet for forming a static 

magnetic field space employed in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and a 

magnetic resonance imaging system employing such a failure prediction apparatus and 

method. In magnetic resonance imaging processing, spins within a subject are excited 

by an excitation pulse for each TR, and a magnetic resonance signal generated by the 

excitation is collected in a two-dimensional Fourier space as a spin echo or gradient 

echo, for example. 


• Focused ultrasound system with MRI synchronization 

Inventor(s): Ezion; Avner (Haifa, IL), Freundlich; David (Haifa, IL), Vitek; Shuki (Haifa, 

IL) 

Assignee(s): Insightec-Txsonics LTD (IT) 


Date filed: June 19, 2001 

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a focused ultrasound procedure 

monitored using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is provided. An MRI system uses a 

timing sequence for transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals and detecting magnetic 

resonance (MR) response signals from a patient's body in response to the RF pulse 

sequences. A piezoelectric transducer is driven with drive signals such that the 

transducer emits acoustic energy towards a target tissue region within the patient's 

body. Parameters of the drive signals are changed at times during the timing sequence 

that minimize interference with the MRI system detecting MR response signals, e.g., 

during transmission of RF signals by the MRI system.

Patents 143 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for 

minimizing interference between a magnetic imaging ("MRI") system and other 

electrical or electronic systems used in conjunction with an MRI system, such as focused 

ultrasound and/or ultrasound imaging systems, and more particularly to systems and 

methods for synchronizing changes in operating parameters or other electrical activities, 

e.g., during focused ultrasound procedures, with the timing of magnetic resonance 

imaging cycles. Focused ultrasound systems have been suggested for directing heat to a 

target tissue region within a patient, such as a cancerous or benign tumor, to necrose or 

otherwise treat the tissue region with thermal energy. For example, a piezoelectric 

transducer located outside the patient's body may be used to focus high intensity 

acoustic waves, such as ultrasonic waves (acoustic waves with a frequency greater than 

about twenty kilohertz (20 kHz), and more typically between fifty kiloHertz and five 

Megahertz (0.05-5 MHz)), at an internal tissue region of a patient to therapeutically treat 

the tissue region. The ultrasonic waves may be used to ablate a tumor, thereby obviating 

the need for invasive surgery. During such procedures, it is often desirable to image the 

tissues being treated, for example, using magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI"). 

Generally, an MRI system includes a static field magnet, a gradient field amplifier, a 

radio frequency ("RF") transmitter, and an RF receiver. The magnet includes a region for 

receiving a patient therein, and provides a static, relatively homogeneous magnetic field 

over the patient. A gradient field amplifier generates magnetic field gradients that vary 

the static magnetic field. The RF transmitter transmits RF pulse sequences over the 

patient to cause the patient's tissues to emit MR response signals. Raw MR response 

signals may be sensed by the RF receiver and then passed to a computation unit that 

computes an MR image, which may then be displayed. 


• Magnetic field correcting method, magnetic field generating apparatus, and magnetic 

resonance imaging apparatus 

Inventor(s): Goto; Takao (Tokyo, JP) 




Abstract: For the purpose of efficiently correcting a quadratic term component of a static 

magnetic field, when an inhomogeneity error of a static magnetic field generated by a 

pair of magnets supported by yokes so that the magnets face each other across a space is 

to be corrected, a quadratic term component of the static magnetic field is corrected by a 

quadratic term component of a magnetic field generated by a pair of circular loop coils, 

and a zero-th order term component of the magnetic field from the pair of circular loop 

coils is compensated by a zero-th order term component of a magnetic field generated 

by coils wound around the yokes. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a magnetic field correcting method, magnetic 

field generating apparatus, and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and more 

particularly to a method of correcting an inhomogeneity error of a static magnetic field 

generated by a pair of magnets that are supported by yokes so that the magnets face 

each other across a space, an apparatus for generating a static magnetic field of which an 

inhomogeneity error is corrected, and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 

comprising such a magnetic field generating apparatus. In a conventional apparatus for 

generating a homogeneous static magnetic field in a space by a pair of magnets facing

144 


each other, two pairs of circular loop coils disposed symmetrically with respect to a 

center of the static magnetic field space are employed to cancel (correct) a quadratic 

term component of the static magnetic field by quadratic term components of magnetic 

fields generated by the circular loop coil pairs. The magnetic fields generated by the two 

pairs of circular loop coils are made to have opposite polarities to reduce the effect of 

their zero-th order term components on the static magnetic field. In such a conventional 

method, since the polarities of the magnetic fields generated by the two pairs of circular 

loop coils are opposite to each other, the quadratic term component of the static 

magnetic field is corrected by the difference between the quadratic term components of 

the magnetic fields from the circular loop coil pairs. Accordingly, efficiency of the 

correction is poor considering the power supplied to the two pairs of circular loop coils. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging agents for the delivery of therapeutic agents 

Inventor(s): Meade; Thomas J. (Altadena, CA) 

Assignee(s): Research Corporation Technologies (Tucson, AZ) 


Date filed: October 27, 1998 

Abstract: The invention relates to novel magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents 

and methods of delivering therapeutically active agents. 

Excerpt(s): The invention relates to novel magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents 

and methods of delivering therapeutically active substances. Magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic and research procedure that uses high magnetic fields and 

radio-frequency signals to produce images. The most abundant molecular species in 

biological tissues is water. It is the quantum mechanical "spin" of the water proton 

nuclei that ultimately gives rise to the signal in all imaging experiments. In MRI the 

sample to be imaged is placed in a strong static magnetic field (1-12 Tesla) and the spins 

are excited with a pulse of radio frequency (RF) radiation to produce a net 

magnetization in the sample. Various magnetic field gradients and other RF pulses then 

act on the spins to code spatial information into the recorded signals. MRI is able to 

generate structural information in three dimensions in relatively short time spans. The 

measured intensities in the final image will accurately reflect the spin density (i.e. water 

content). Regions with long T.sub.1 values compared to the time between scans will 

progressively lose signal until a steady state condition is reached and will appear as 

darker regions in the final image. Changes in T.sub.2 (spin-spin relaxation time) result in 

changes in the signal linewidth (shorter T.sub.2 values) yielding larger linewidths. In 

extreme situations the linewidth can be so large that the signal is indistinguishable from 

background noise. In clinical imaging, water relaxation characteristics vary from tissue 

to tissue, providing the contrast which allows the discrimination of tissue types. 

Moreover, the MRI experiment can be setup so that regions of the sample with short 

T.sub.1 values and/or long T.sub.2 values are preferentially enhanced so called T.sub.1 - 

weighted and T.sub.2 -weighted imaging protocol. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging coated assembly 

Patents 145 

Inventor(s): Gray; Robert W. (Rochester, NY), Greenwald; Howard J. (Rochester, NY), 

Helfer; Jeffrey L. (Webster, NY), Wang; Xingwu (Wellsville, NY), Weiner; Michael L. 

(Webster, NY) 

Assignee(s): Nanoset, LLC (East Rochester, NY) 



Abstract: An assembly for shielding an implanted medical device from the effects of 

high-frequency radiation and for emitting magnetic resonance signals during magnetic 

resonance imaging. The assembly includes an implanted medical device and a magnetic 

shield comprised of nanomagnetic material disposed between the medical device and 

the high-frequency radiation. In one embodiment, the magnetic resonance signals are 

detected by a receiver, which is thus able to locate the implanted medical device within 

a biological organism. 

Excerpt(s): An assembly for imaging an implanted medical device, wherein the medical 

device is shielded by nanomagnetic material which, in addition to shielding the medical 

device from high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, emits high frequency 

electromagnetic radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI") has been developed as 

an imaging technique adapted to obtain both images of anatomical features of human 

patients as well as some aspects of the functional activities and characteristics of 

biological tissue. These images have medical diagnostic value in determining the state of 

health of the tissue examined. Unlike the situation with fluoroscopic imaging, a patient 

undergoing magnetic resonance imaging procedure may remain in the active-imaging 

system for a significant amount of time, e.g. a half-hour or more, without suffering any 

adverse effects. In an MRI process, a patient is typically aligned to place the portion of 

the patient's anatomy to be examined in the imaging volume of the MRI apparatus. Such 

an MRI apparatus typically comprises a primary magnet for supplying a constant 

magnetic field (B.sub.0) which, by convention, is along the z-axis and is substantially 

homogeneous over the imaging volume and secondary magnets that can provide linear 

magnetic field gradients along each of three principal Cartesian axes in space (generally 

x, y, and z, or x.sub.1, x.sub.2 and x.sub.3, respectively). As is known to those skilled in 

the art, a magnetic field gradient (.DELTA.B.sub.0 /.DELTA.x.sub.i) refers to the 

variation of the field with respect to each of the three principal Cartesian axes, x.sub.i. 

The MRI apparatus also comprises one or more RF (radio frequency) coils which 

provide excitation and detection of the MRI signal. Additionally, or alternatively, 

detection coils may be designed into the distal end of a catheter to be inserted into a 

patient. When such catheters are employed, their proximal ends are connected to the 

receiving signal input channel of the magnetic resonance imaging device. The detected 

signal is transmitted along the length of the catheter from the receiving antenna and/or 

receiving coil in the distal end to the MRI input channel connected at the proximal end. 

Other components of an MRI system are the programmable logic unit and the various 

software programs which the programmable logic unit executes. Construction of an 

image from the received signals is performed by the software of the MRI system. 


146 


• Magnetic resonance imaging devices with a contrast medium for improved imaging 

Inventor(s): Talpade; Dnyanesh (Plymouth, MN) 

Assignee(s): SciMed Life Systems, Inc. (Maple Grove, MN) 



Abstract: Described herein is a medical device, such as a catheter or guidewire, which 

comprises an elongate body, a MRI imaging sensor and a contrast medium contained 

within the medical device, the contrast medium enhancing the MRI image of body 

tissue. The contrast medium may be contained or encapsulated in the elongate body, the 

imaging sensor, or a reservoir(s) in the elongate body or imaging sensor. The contrast 

medium may be, for example, gadolinium or a superparamagnetic contrast medium. 

Excerpt(s): The field of the invention is medical devices for magnetic resonance imaging 

("MRI") and more specifically, medical devices having a contrast medium for enhancing 

MRI images of body tissues and devices. Medical devices are often inserted into the 

body of a patient. These medical devices include catheters, guidewires and other 

devices. After insertion of the medical device into a patient's body, medical personnel 

may use imaging techniques to take images of the body tissue near the medical device. 

For example, it may be desirable to insert a catheter having an angioplasty balloon into 

the body and then image the blood vessel near the balloon in order to determine the 

appropriate placement of the balloon relative to a partial occlusion. Alternatively, one 

may want to image the blood vessel after the balloon has treated the partial occlusion in 

order to ascertain the effectiveness of the treatment. Commonly used medical devices 

are often difficult to see on MRI scans because they fail to produce sufficient contrast 

with respect to the surrounding body tissue or structures and/or are too small to be 

readily detected. Specifically, this is true for foreign objects such as catheters which are 

introduced into the body. U.S. Pat. No. 4,572,198 appreciated this problem and stated 

that if the structural portions of the catheter are simply more hydrogenous than the 

tissue surrounding the catheter, the catheter is detectable, but a limit is placed on the 

available contrast. Because of the electronic noise that they introduce to the imaging 

apparatus, additional functional elements such as electrode wires and the like employed 

in U.S. Pat. No. 4,572,198 significantly degrade the magnetic resonance image often to 

the point of complete image obliteration. If it is usable at all, the resulting image would 

be clinically less diagnostic and would make accurate localization of the implanted 

catheter difficult if not impossible. This appears at best to be a difficult and tenuous 

solution to the problem. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging method and apparatus 

Inventor(s): Takahashi; Tetsuhiko (Souka, JP), Takizawa; Masahiro (Kashiwa, JP) 

Assignee(s): Hitachi Medical Corporation (Tokyo, JP) 



Abstract: An MRI apparatus is provided for obtaining an image of a wide area using a 

multiple-coil, where a plural number of small receiving coils are arranged such that 

adjacent coils overlap spatially. An image is picked up while thinning a part of the

Patents 147 

measured data, such that the low spatial frequency region of the k space is dense and 

the high spatial frequency region thereof is sparse. The substantial sensitivity 

distribution of each small receiving coil is determined using data related to the low 

spatial frequency region, and an image is composed using the sensitivity distribution 

and the measured data to produce a high resolution image having no aliasing artifact in 

a short time. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI) method and to apparatus for continuously measuring a nuclear magnetic 

resonance (hereinafter this is referred to as "NMR") signal obtained from hydrogen or 

phosphorus in an object to be examined, and for imaging the density distribution and 

relaxation time distribution or the like of a nuclear particle in the object. As a receiving 

coil to detect an NMR signal generated from an object in an MRI apparatus, a high 

sensitivity coil called a "multiple RF coil" or "phased array coil" has been used in recent 

years (Japanese Patent laid open No. 2-500175). A multiple RF coil is a coil dedicated to 

signal reception composed of an array of small type RF coils having a relatively high 

sensitivity, which is capable of receiving a signal in a wide field of view with high 

sensitivity. Various types of multiple RF coils have been proposed, including a static 

magnetic field type or a detecting part. In operation, the signals received with the 

respective unit coils of this multiple RF coil are combined to produce an image of the 

object to be imaged. On the other hand, a method to shorten the imaging time by 

thinning out data in the phase encoding direction and using multiple coils has been 

proposed, for example, by [4] Daniel K Sodickson and Warren J Manning in an article 

entitled "Simultaneous obtainment of spatial harmonics(SMASH): fast imaging with 

radio frequency coil arrays", in Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Vol. 38, pages 591-603, 

(1997), and by [5] J.Wang and A.Reykowski in an article entitled "A SMASH/SENSE 

related method using ratios of array coil profiles", in ISMRM 99. This kind of technology 

is referred to as a space encoding method or parallel MRI. An aliasing artifact in 

thinning phase encoded data is removed using the spatial difference between respective 

sensitivity distributions of a multiple RF coil. However, for the removal of this aliasing 

artifact, a highly accurate calculation using a highly accurate sensitivity distribution of 

the RF coil is necessary. This operation is performed in a measurement space (k space) in 

the method described in the above literature [4]. And, in the method described in the 

literature [5], the operation is performed in real space after Fourier transformation. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging method and apparatus with adherence to SAR limits in 

a scan using data from a previous scan 

Inventor(s): Brinker; Gerhard (Erlangen, DE), Koellner; Richard (Weisendorf, DE), 

Ludwig; Klaus (Nurnberg, DE) 

Assignee(s): Siemens Aktiengesellschaft (Munich, DE) 



Abstract: In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging with adherence 

to SAR limits, a patient is exposed to a radio-frequency pulse sequence via at least one 

transmission antenna for the implementation of a measurement and the magnetic 

resonance signals that are generated are acquired in a spatially resolved manner via at 

least one reception antenna and are further-processed for generating magnetic 

resonance images or spectra, with current SAR values for planned parameters of the

148 


measurement being identified before the implementation of the measurement and the 

parameters being modified as needed until the current SAR values lie within the SAR 

limits. The determination of the current SAR values ensues employing stored data that 

contain the time curve of the RF stressing of the patient during one or more preceding 

measurements, as well as information from which the temporal spacing of the RF stress 

of the preceding measurements from the planned measurement can be determined. 

Better utilization of the performance capability of the magnetic resonance tomography 

apparatus is achieved by the patient throughput, which is of particular interest for 

economic feasibility, being increased with adherence to the SAR limit values. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention is directed to a method for magnetic resonance 

imaging with adherence to SAR limits, wherein a patient is exposed to a radiofrequency 

pulse sequence via at least one transmission antenna for the implementation 

of a measurement in a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus and the magnetic 

resonance signals that are generated are acquired in a spatially resolved manner via at 

least one reception antenna and are further-processed for generating magnetic 

resonance images or spectra, and wherein current SAR values for planned parameters of 

the measurement are identified before the implementation of the measurement and the 

parameters are modified as needed until the current SAR values lie within the SAR 

limits. The invention also is directed to a magnetic resonance installation for the 

implementation of such a method. Magnetic resonance tomography is a known 

technique for acquiring images of the inside of the body of an examination subject. For 

implementation of magnetic resonance tomography, a basic field magnet generates a 

static, relatively homogeneous basic magnetic field. Rapidly switched gradient fields for 

location coding that are generated by gradient coils, are superimposed on this basic 

magnetic field during the data acquisition for exposure of magnetic resonance images. 

Sequences of radio-frequency pulses for triggering magnetic resonance signals are 

emitted into the examination subject with one or more radio-frequency transmission 

antennas. The magnetic resonance signals occasioned by these radio-frequency pulses 

are produced by radio-frequency reception antennas. Tomograms of the inside of the 

body of the patient are calculated and displayed on the basis of the magnetic resonance 

signals received from the field of view (FoV) under observation, which may cover one or 

more body slices of the patient. All body regions from the head to the foot can be 

measured in this way by displacement of the patient bed within the magnetic resonance 

tomography apparatus. A critical demand in modern magnetic resonance tomography is 

the capability for fast imaging. This demand results from economic considerations of 

being able to examine as many patients as possible per time interval and due to specific 

medical inquiries wherein a fast imaging is required for the examination result. One 

example of this is the reduction of motion artifacts due to movement of the patient 

during the measurement. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging method and device 

Inventor(s): Takahashi; Tetsuhiko (Soka, JP), Yatsui; Yumiko (Abiko, JP) 




Abstract: In order to improve image quality in MRI using an EPI method without 

extending imaging time excessively, reference data is acquired in the absence of

Patents 149 

substantial phase encoding gradients by using an EPI sequence in combination with an 

echo shift (ETS) method, at times related to the timing of echo signals for image data. 

The reference data is used for phase correcting the image data acquired with application 

of phase encoding. The reference data can be measured for a single shot, or a few shots, 

and used to estimate reference data for the rest of the shots in which imaging data is 

acquired. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method 

and apparatus, particularly to techniques for removing artifacts in ultra fast MR imaging 

methods. An EPI (Echo Planar Imaging) method has been used as a high-speed imaging 

method for MRI. In image data derived by the EPI method, a phase errors can be 

introduced that causes artifacts. The main sources of such phase error in image data 

from the EPI method include non-uniformities in the MRI static magnetic field and eddy 

currents caused by the inversion of gradient magnetic field. An ETS (echo time shifting) 

technique has been developed to reduce artifacts caused by phase error due to nonuniformities 

in the static magnetic field. The ETS method is described in publications 

such as "Phase Error Corrected Interlaced Echo Planar Imaging"; Z. H Cho and C. B Ahn 

et. al.; Proceedings of Annual Meetings of the Society of Magnetic Resonance in 

Medicine (=SMRM), No.912, 1987, and "Phase Error in Multi-Shot Echo Planar Imaging"; 

David A. Feinberg and Koichi Oshio: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Vol.32, 535-539 

(1994), etc. These publications pertain to configuring pulse sequences in data 

acquisition. Techniques also have been proposed for reducing artifacts due to both nonuniformities 

in the static magnetic field and eddy currents generated by inversion of 

polarity of gradient magnetic fields. Such techniques seek to compensate phase values of 

image data by reference data being acquired to detect turbulence of phase of echo 

signals. See, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Heisei 5-68674. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging method and device therefor 

Inventor(s): Watanabe; Shigeru (Moriya-machi, JP) 




Abstract: A plurality of time-series NMR signal groups are obtained before and after 

administration of a contrast agent, on an individual image basis, for the same region of 

the object. One of the obtained NMR signal group obtained before the administration is 

defined as standard data, a plurality of subtracted NMR signal groups are produced by 

performing subtraction between the standard NMR signal group and each of the other 

NMR signal groups obtained after the administration. The subtracted NMR signal 

groups are subjected to weighted-addition or cumulative addition to obtain an MR 

angiographic image excellent in contrast throughout the image, in which processes 

through which an optimal concentration portion of the contrast agent moves are joined 

into a single image. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for magnetic 

resonance imaging for obtaining tomograms of desired portions of an object to be 

examined using nuclear magnetic resonance (abbreviated as NMR hereinafter). In 

particular, it relates to a magnetic resonance imaging method and apparatus capable of 

obtaining a desired range of images of excellent quality in minimal time to enable

150 


visualization of movement in the vascular system. A magnetic resonance imaging 

apparatus (abbreviated as MRI apparatus hereinafter) utilizes NMR to measure density 

distribution and relaxation time etc. of atomic nuclei in a desired portion of an object to 

be examined utilizing NMR and,displays images of desired slices of the object produced 

from the measured data. Conventional MRI apparatuses have a blood flow imaging 

function called MR angiography (abbreviated as MRA hereinafter). This function 

includes a method using a contrast agent and a method using no contrast agent. In a 

common method using a contrast agent, a gradient echo type sequence of short TR 

(repetition time) is used in combination with a T1-shortening type contrast agent such as 

Gd-DTPA. The principle of this method will be explained briefly. In the MRI apparatus, 

when excitation by an RF magnetic field is repeatedly performed at a short interval of 

several tens of milliseconds for the same area, nuclear spins (sometimes referred to 

simply as "spins" hereinafter) included in tissues of the area saturate and, consequently, 

the strength of NMR signals (echo signals) obtained therefrom decreases. On the other 

hand, blood spins containing a T1 shortening contrast agent are not likely to be 

saturated by the repeated excitation of a short TR because the blood spins have a shorter 

T1 than those of surrounding tissues, and generate high-strength signals relative to the 

surrounding tissues. As a result, blood vessels filled with blood containing a contrast 

agent can be visualized with high contrast relative to the other tissues. Utilizing this fact, 

NMR measurement of the region is conducted while the contrast agent remains in the 

blood, of the region concerned, and the obtained three-dimensional image data are 

processed to image the blood vessel. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging method and system 

Inventor(s): Van Vaals; Johannes Jacobus (Eindhoven, NL) 

Assignee(s): Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Eindhoven, NL) 


Date filed: June 1, 2001 

Abstract: A method of forming a magnetic resonance image involves separate 

measurement of the position of a measuring site. The magnetic resonance image is 

corrected on the basis of the measured position of the measuring site. 

Excerpt(s): The invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging method. In order to 

form a magnetic resonance image of an object, the object is arranged in a steady, as 

uniform as possible magnetic field. Often only a part of the object is imaged; to this end, 

the part of the object to be imaged is then arranged in the steady magnetic field. The 

steady magnetic field orients spins in the object to be examined predominantly in the 

direction of the steady magnetic field. According to such a magnetic resonance imaging 

method, spins in an object to be examined are excited. Relaxation of the excited spins 

produces magnetic resonance signals which are acquired. A magnetic resonance image 

is reconstructed from the magnetic resonance signals acquired. A magnetic resonance 

imaging method of this kind is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,987. The known 

magnetic resonance imaging method is dedicated notably to measurement, on the basis 

of the magnetic resonance signals, of a temperature distribution in the object to be 

examined. The cited United States patent deals with the problems caused by 

displacements of the object to be examined. The cited United States patent mentions 

notably that the measured temperature distribution may be spoiled by displacement of 

the object to be examined. The known magnetic resonance imaging method offers a

Patents 151 

rather cumbersome, time-consuming solution to this problem. The known magnetic 

resonance imaging method notably necessitates the execution of separate magnetic 

resonance excitation sequences for the detection of displacements of the object and for 

the measurement of the frequency shift due to variation of the temperature, referred to 

as "chemical shift data", respectively. According to the known magnetic resonance 

imaging method, such magnetic excitation sequences must both be repeated for 

different values of the echo time in the measurement of the chemical shift. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging method with adherence to SAR limits 

Inventor(s): Brinker; Gerhard (Erlangen, DE), Renz; Wolfgang (Erlangen, DE) 

Assignee(s): Siemens Akiengesellschaft (Munich, DE) 



Abstract: In a method for magnetic resonance imaging with adherence to SAR limit 

values, a patient is charged with a radio-frequency pulse sequence via at least one 

transmission antenna for the implementation of a measurement in a magnetic resonance 

tomography apparatus, and the magnetic resonance signals that are produced are 

acquired in a spatially resolved manner via at least one reception antenna and are 

further-processed for producing magnetic resonance images or spectra. SAR values are 

determined before the implementation of the measurement on the basis of patient data 

and the position of the patient relative to the transmission antenna for planned 

parameters of the measurement, and the parameters are modified as needed until the 

SAR values lie within the SAR limit values. The position of the patient relative to the 

transmission antenna is exactly determined by an imaging magnetic resonance premeasurement. 

The method enables adherence to the SAR limit values without having to 

take large tolerances into consideration. No additional hardware whatsoever and no 

positioning rule for the user are required for the realization of the method. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention is directed to a method for magnetic resonance 

imaging with adherence to SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) limit values of the type, 

wherein a patient is subjected to a radio-frequency pulse sequence via at least one 

transmission antenna for the implementation of a measurement in a magnetic resonance 

tomography apparatus, and magnetic resonance signals that are produced are acquired 

in a spatially resolved manner via at least one reception antenna and further-processed 

for producing magnetic resonance images or spectra, with current SAR values being 

determined before the implementation of the measurement on the basis of patient data 

and the position of the patient relative to the transmission antenna for planned 

parameters of the measurement, and wherein the parameters are modified as warranted 

until the current SAR values lie within the SAR limit values. Magnetic resonance 

tomography is a known technique for acquiring images of the inside of the body of an 

examination subject. For implementation of magnetic resonance tomography, a basic 

field magnet generates a static, relatively homogeneous basic magnetic field. Rapidly 

switched gradient fields for location coding that are generated by, gradient coils, are 

superimposed on this basic magnetic field during the exposure of magnetic resonance 

images. Sequences of radio-frequency pulses for triggering magnetic resonance signals 

are emitted into the examination subject with one or more radio-frequency transmission 

antennas. The magnetic resonance signals produced as a result of these radio-frequency 

pulses are received by radio-frequency reception antennas. Tomograms of the inside of

152 


the body of the patient are calculated and displayed on the basis of the magnetic 

resonance signals received from the field of view (FoV) under observation, possibly 

covering one or more body slices of the patient. All body regions from the head to the 

foot can be measured in this way by displacement of the patient bed within the 

magnetic resonance tomography apparatus. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging receiver/transmitter coils 

Inventor(s): Misic; George J. (Allison Park, PA) 

Assignee(s): Medrad, Inc. (Indianola, PA) 



Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging receiver/transmitter coil system for providing 

images for regions of interest includes a first phased array formed of a plurality of 

electrically conductive members and defining an array volume and a second phased 

array formed of a second plurality of electrically conductive members and disposed at 

least partially within the defined array volume. At least one of the first and second 

phased arrays is adapted to apply a magnetic field to the defined array volume. At least 

one of the first and second phased arrays is further adapted to receive said applied 

magnetic field. The first phased array is extendible to define a further array volume and 

is provided with a switch for electrically coupling and decoupling an extension to 

effectively extend the length of the first phased array and thereby define the further 

array volume. In this manner the length of the first phased array is effectively extended 

to approximately twice its unextended length. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to the field of magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI) systems and, more particularly, to coils for use in such systems. It is well known 

in the field of MRI systems to provide radio frequency signals in the form of circularly 

polarized or rotating magnetic fields having an axis of rotation aligned with a main 

magnetic field. It is also well known to use receiving coils to intercept a radio frequency 

magnetic field generated by a human subject or an object in the presence of the main 

magnetic field in order to provide an image of the human subject or the object. 

Receiving coils of this type were formed as volume coils in order to enclose a volume for 

receiving a body part such as a leg, arm or hand and intercept the radio magnetic field. 

See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,270 issued to Damadian and U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,459 

issued to Nambu. Additionally, surface receiving coils were developed for this purpose. 

The surface receiving coils were placed adjacent a region of interest. For a surface 

receiving coil, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,356 to Misic et al., for example. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging using a reduced number of echo acquisitions 

Inventor(s): Brown; David Gerald (College Station, TX), McDougall; Mary Preston 

(College Station, TX), Wright; Steven M. (College Station, TX) 

Assignee(s): The Texas A&M University System (College Station, TX) 



Patents 153 

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for magnetic 

resonance imaging is provided. The apparatus includes a detection surface defined by a 

plurality of sensors. Each of the sensors is operable to receive image information 

concerning a particular portion of a target surface by substantially confining to the each 

of the sensors magnetic flux associated with the particular portion of the target surface. 

The detection surface is operable to acquire all image information for generating a 

magnetic resonance image resembling the target surface by receiving, at the each of the 

sensors, a single echo signal from the particular portion of the target surface that 

correspondingly underlies the each of the sensors. The magnetic resonance image has a 

resolution of at least sixty-four pixels by a number of pixels equal to M. M is an integer. 

Excerpt(s): This invention relates generally to the field of imagery and more particularly 

to magnetic resonance imaging using a reduced number of echo acquisitions. Magnetic 

Resonance Imaging ("MRI") is a widely used imaging technique. For example, MRI may 

be used to obtain an image of a patient's tumor, lesion, or other internal feature without 

performing invasive medical procedures. Recent advances in MRI make possible new 

medical procedures, such as magnetic resonance guided intervention procedures and 

patient interactive diagnosis. However, the practical application of these procedures 

using MRI has been limited because of slow imaging speed. Imaging speed depends on 

the number of sensors used to acquire image information and the time required to 

perform a required repetition of scans to produce an image of acceptable resolution. A 

number of different MRI techniques have been developed to improve imaging speed by 

increasing the number of sensors and/or reducing the time of scan repetition by 

increasing the rate of scan. However, the points to which these measures may be taken 

to improve the overall imaging speed are limited for a number of reasons. For example, 

as the number of sensors increases, the difficulty of decoupling the sensors from one 

another for independent data collection also increases. Up to sixteen sensors may have 

been successfully used to simultaneously acquire image information. As the scan rate is 

increased, the probability of bio-hazards, such as unintended neural stimulation and 

patient heating due to the pulse power of the radio frequency signal, may also increase. 

These limitations have hindered further improvement of imaging speed for MRI. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging using preparation scan for optimizing pulse sequence 

Inventor(s): Miyazaki; Mitsue (Otawara, JP), Takai; Hiroshi (Nasu-Gun, JP) 

Assignee(s): Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba (Tokyo, JP) 



Abstract: To optimize in advance a desired image quality determining pulse sequence 

parameter incorporated in an imaging scan, a preparation scan is adopted. The

154 


preparation scan is performed with the amount of at least one desired image quality 

parameter changed for each of plural preparatory images, so that a plurality of 

preparatory images at the desired same region of the object are acquired. For example, 

one such image quality parameter is TI (inversion time). The acquired preparatory scan 

data are processed into a plurality of preparatory images for display. A desired 

preparatory image is then selected from the plural preparatory images displayed, and 

the amount of the desired parameter used for that selected preparatory image is then set 

for use in the pulse sequence for a complete diagnostic imaging scan. Hence the desired 

image quality determining parameter of the pulse sequence is caused to have an 

optimum value before an actual complete diagnostic imaging scan. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging including noncontrast 

angiography, that uses a preparation scan to optimize a desired pulse sequence 

image quality parameter incorporated in an imaging scan in order to provide improved 

quality MR images. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique of applying a 

radio-frequency (RF) signal at a Larmor frequency to an object so that nuclear spins 

positioned in a static magnetic field are magnetically excited and then reconstructing an 

image from MR signals induced in response to the excitation. However, it is not always 

true that an MR imaging scan is performed under the best imaging conditions. That is, 

an imaging scan is frequently performed under an unfavorable condition where one or 

more pulse sequence parameters of the imaging scan, which can significantly influence 

MR image of quality, has not been optimized. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging with real-time SNR measurement 

Inventor(s): Schirmer; Timo (Munich, DE) 

Assignee(s): GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company LLC (Waukesha, WI) 


Date filed: July 15, 2002 

Abstract: An apparatus for calculating the real-time SNR of a magnetic resonance 

imaging system 10 is provided, including an image processing engine 16 in 

communication with the magnetic resonance imaging system 14, said image processing 

engine 16 calculating an acquired real-time signal-to-noise ratio 54 for each of a plurality 

of real-time images 18 received from the magnetic resonance imaging system 14 and 

comparing said acquired real-time signal-to-noise ratios 54 with a reference signal-tonoise 

ratio to develop a relative signal-to-noise variance 26, and an audio feedback 

device 24 broadcasting an audio signal in response to said relative SNR variance 26. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for 

measuring the SNR during magnetic resonance imaging, and more particularly, to a 

method and apparatus for real-time SNR measurement during magnetic resonance 

imaging. The use of magnetic resonance imaging has expanded from simple diagnostic 

imaging into the field of guided surgical imaging. The development of a variety of open 

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems has facilitated such usages and has resulted 

in an increase in MR guided surgical interventions. Despite the recent improvements in 

MR instrumentation, interventional MR imaging often still suffers from low signal-tonoise 

ratios (SNR) during some interventional procedures. Open MRI systems can be 

particularly susceptible to such low SNRs. A good portion of the SNR restrictions are 

often related to the MR system specifications. These portions can often only be

Patents 155 

improved by a redesign of the MR system. Often this is not a practical solution. Existing 

MR systems can represent a significant investment of capital and therefore may not be 

slated for replacement or reconfiguration for some time. Additionally, design and 

manufacturing timelines may represent a considerable hurdle for implementation of 

improvements to the MR instrumentation. Again, while such design improvements are 

desirable and undoubtedly eventual, an approach to improving SNR that can be 

implemented on existing systems would be highly valuable. 


• Method and apparatus for decoupling RF detector arrays for magnetic resonance 

imaging 

Inventor(s): Lee; Ray Fli (Clifton Park, NY) 

Assignee(s): General Electric Company (Niskayuna, NY) 



Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) detector array assembly for use in a magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRI) system comprises at least one RF detector array, wherein the 

array has a plurality of RF detector elements for use in simultaneously acquiring radio 

frequency (RF) signals from the MRI system, and, a decoupling interface coupled to 

each of the plurality of detector elements for decoupling each detector element from the 

remaining detector elements. A method for decoupling radio frequency (RF) detector 

array elements in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The method 

comprises the steps of providing at least one RF detector array, wherein the detector 

array has a plurality of RF detector elements, and, providing a decoupling interface 

coupled to each of the plurality of detector elements for decoupling each detector 

element from the remaining detector elements. 

Excerpt(s): This invention relates generally to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 

more particularly, to decoupling radio frequency (RF) detector arrays used for MRI. 

Generally, MRI is a well-known imaging technique. A conventional MRI device 

establishes a homogenous magnetic field, for example, along an axis of a person's body 

that is to undergo MRI. This homogeneous magnetic field conditions the interior of the 

person's body for imaging by aligning the nuclear spins of nuclei (in atoms and 

molecules forming the body tissue) along the axis of the magnetic field. If the orientation 

of the nuclear spin is perturbed out of alignment with the magnetic field, the nuclei 

attempt to realign their nuclear spins with an axis of the magnetic field. Perturbation of 

the orientation of nuclear spins may be caused by application of radio frequency (RF) 

pulses. During the realignment process, the nuclei precess about the axis of the magnetic 

field and emit electromagnetic signals that may be detected by one or more coils placed 

on or about the person. The frequency of the magnetic resonance (MR) signal emitted by 

a given precessing nucleus depends on the strength of the magnetic field at the nucleus' 

location. As is well known in the art, it is possible to distinguish radiation originating 

from different locations within the person's body by applying a field gradient to the 

magnetic field across the person's body. For the sake of convenience, direction of this 

field gradient may be referred to as the left-to-right direction. Radiation of a particular 

frequency may be assumed to originate at a given position within the field gradient, and 

hence at a given left-to-right position within the person's body. The application of such a 

field gradient is also referred to as frequency encoding.

156 



• Method and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging of arteries using a magnetic 

resonance contrast agent 

Inventor(s): Prince; Martin R. (2745 Windwood Dr., Apt. 240, Ann Arbor, MI 48105) 

Assignee(s): none reported 



Abstract: The present invention is a technique and apparatus for providing preferential 

enhancement of an artery of interest relative to adjacent veins and background tissue by 

correlating the collection of a predetermined portion of data of a magnetic resonance 

contrast image during the arterial phase of the magnetic resonance contrast 

enhancement. The arterial phase of the contrast enhancement may be described as a 

period of a maximum, substantially elevated, or elevated contrast concentration in the 

artery of interest relative to adjacent veins. The present invention includes a detection 

system for monitoring and detecting the arrival of the contrast agent in the artery and 

tissues of interest. When the concentration of contrast agent in the artery of the region of 

interest is maximum, substantially elevated or elevated (e.g., about 20-50% greater than 

the response of the region of interest to a series of magnetic resonance pulses before 

administration of a magnetic resonance contrast agent), a predetermined portion of the 

magnetic resonance image data (e.g., data which is representative of the center of kspace) 

may be acquired. Thus, the present invention facilitates synchronization between 

collecting the central portion of k-space image data with the arterial phase of contrast 

enhancement. The center of k-space corresponds to the lowest spatial frequency data 

which dominates image contrast. 

Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a method of, and apparatus for use in, magnetic 

resonance imaging; and more particularly, to contrast agent enhanced magnetic 

resonance angiography for examining, detecting, diagnosing, and treating arterial 

diseases and injuries, including defining anatomic features relevant to performing aorta 

and aortic surgery for aneurysmal disease. Arterial diseases and injuries are common 

and often have severe consequences including death. Imaging arteries serves to detect 

and characterize arterial disease before these consequences occur as well as defining 

anatomic features to assist in performing surgery for aneurysmal disease. A 

conventional method of arterial imaging includes inserting a catheter into the artery of 

interest (the artery under study) and injecting radiographic contrast, for example, an 

iodinated contrast, while taking radiographs of the artery. Radiographs are commonly 

referred to as X-rays. In this technique, the contrast remains in the arteries for a few 

seconds during which the arteries appear distinct from both the veins and background 

tissue in the radiographs. 


• Method and apparatus for performing neuroimaging 

Patents 157 

Inventor(s): Allard; Arthur C. (Templeton, MA), Bogdanov; Gene (Manchester, CT), 

Ferris; Craig F. (Holden, MA), King; Jean A (Worcester, MA), Ludwig; Reinhold (Paxton, 

MA) 

Assignee(s): Insight Neuroimaging Systems, Inc. (Worcester, MA) 



Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of performing magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRI) in awake animals. The invention utilizes head and body 

restrainers to position an awake animal relative to a radio frequency dual coil system 

operating in a high field magnetic resonance imaging system to provide images of high 

resolution without motion artifact. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging, and more 

particularly to a method and apparatus for performing functional magnetic resonance 

imaging (fMRI) in conscious animals. Human studies utilizing fMRI have advanced our 

understanding of the regional and functional interplay between populations of neurons 

serving sensory, integrative and motor functions. Changes in neuronal activity are 

accompanied by specific changes in hemodynamics such as cerebral blood flow, cerebral 

blood volume, and blood oxygenation. Functional MRI has been used to detect these 

changes in response to visual stimulation, somatosensory activation, motor tasks, and 

emotional and cognitive activity. When the brain is activated by any of these conditions, 

the blood flow and delivery of oxygen to the active regions the tissue oxygen uptake 

resulting in an increase in blood oxy-hemoglobin (HbO.sub.2) content. The 

susceptibility difference between diamagnetic oxy-hemoglobin and paramagnetic 

deoxy-hemoglobin (Hb) creates local magnetic field distortions that affect the 

processional frequency of the water protons. The consequential change in magnetic 

resonance (MR) signal intensity which is proportional to the ratio of HbO.sub.2 to Hb. 

These signal-intensity alterations related to blood oxygenation are termed the BOLD 

(blood oxygenation-level-dependent) effect. The voxels in paramagnetic Hb content is 

decreased are illuminated in the image. While most work on fMRI has been done in 

humans, it has been difficult to use this technology in conscious animals because of 

motion artifact. As a result, most studies to date have been limited to animals which are 

typically anesthetized in order to minimize this problem of motion artifacts. The low 

level of arousal during anesthesia either partially or completely suppresses the fMRI 

response and has impeded fMRI application to the more physiologically relevant 

functions that have been noted in humans. 


• Method for compensating for effects of object motion in an image 

Inventor(s): Stoyle; Peter N R (Malvern, GB) 

Assignee(s): QinetiQ Limited (Farnborough, GB) 


Date filed: December 6, 2002 

Abstract: A method for compensation for object motion during scan, especially an 

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is provided. The method involves taking a first

158 


data set corresponding to a first focussed image and adding a number of data points to 

form a sligthly higher resolution image. The first data set is then used to predict what 

the next data points would be. The prediction can be performed in k-space, image space 

or in a hybrid space. The predicted data points arm then compared with the actual data 

points acquired as a means of determining any displacements. The displacements may 

be determined by comparing the phases of the actual and predicted data points and the 

k-space data corrected to compensate for any detected motion. 

Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a method of reducing the effects of motion of objects 

in an image, in particular to a method of reducing the effects of motion in magnetic 

resonance imaging. The invention particularly relates to a method of compensating for 

patient motion to produce a focussed image. Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is a 

well known medical imaging technique. In essence the technique relies on the reaction 

of the magnetic moments of certain nuclei to applied magnetic fields. Protons and 

neutrons, the basic constituents of nuclei, posses magnetic dipole moments. In nuclei 

with an even number of protons and an even number of neutrons the net effect is no 

residual magnetic moment. However nuclei with uneven atomic number (or uneven 

atomic mass) have a net magnetic dipole and hence a magnetic moment. At room 

temperature in the absence of an external magnetic field one would expect to find a 

random orientation of magnetic moments in a medium. In an MRI imaging system an 

intense magnetic field is applied to the area to be imaged. This field is applied in one 

direction, conventionally referred to as the z-direction. The effect of the applied field is 

to align the magnetic dipoles in the item being imaged. The dipoles do not all line up in 

exactly the same way however. The dipoles tend to adopt either an orientation lined up 

in the same direction as the field, referred to as parallel, or an orientation where the 

dipoles align opposite the field direction, the antiparallel orientation. At room 

temperature, due to the parallel state being slightly more energetically favourable, 

slightly more nuclei tend to adopt the parallel configuration than the antiparallel 

configuration. This results in a net overall magnetic moment for the medium, parallel to 

the applied field. 


• Method of fast and reliable tissue differentiation using diffusion-weighted magnetic 

resonance imaging 

Inventor(s): Maier; Stephan E. (Brookline, MA), Mulkern, Jr.; Robert V. (Waban, MA) 

Assignee(s): Brigham & Womens' Hospital (Boston, MA) 



Abstract: Quantified differences, such as chi.sup.2 error parameters, between a monoexponential, 

logarithmic best fit of a series of line scan diffusion-weighted magnetic 

resonance signals taken over a range of b-factors between about 100 and about 5000 

sec/mm.sup.2 are obtained. The quantified differences so generated are displayed as an 

image wherein the brightness of each pixel depends upon the size of its associated 

quantified difference. The resulting image is characterized by high signal to noise ratio 

and distinctness between varying tissue types. 

Excerpt(s): The invention generally relates to methods for obtaining, processing and 

displaying parameters associated with in vivo tissue water diffusion as pathologically 

significant images using magnetic resonance imaging. More particularly, the invention

Patents 159 

relates to methods for obtaining and processing diffusion weighted output signals from 

a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and to the fast creation of high definition 

images of internal bodily tissue(s) utilizing the so processed magnetic resonance output 

signals. Tissue differentiation and localization always have been basic goals of magnetic 

resonance imaging. Indeed, the desire to distinguish between normal tissue and tumor 

tissue using magnetic resonance imaging techniques was recognized at least thirty 

years ago. At that time, it was realized that the spin-lattice, so-called "T1", as well as the 

spin-spin, so-called "T2", relaxation parameters are different between normal and 

cancerous tissues. Accordingly, by appropriately mapping the various T1 and/or T2 

relaxation times determined from magnetic resonance signals of various voxels in an 

anatomical slice of interest as relative image amplitudes, it was possible to create images 

generally showing the demarcation of tumor tissue from adjacent normal tissue. In the 

intervening time period, methods of obtaining T1- or T2-weighted images using 

magnetic resonance imaging techniques have improved. In addition, a large amount of 

experience has been gained in the in vivo application of these methods in conjunction 

with the use of various paramagnetic contrast agents. In fact, the latter methodology has 

evolved to the point that presently the use of contrast agent enhanced T1- and/or T2weighted 

imaging for the purpose of demarcating tissue boundaries is considered to be 

basically conventional. Nevertheless, the determination of tumor margins using this 

"conventional" methodology still is not entirely successful. 


• Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 

Inventor(s): Biglieri; Eugenio (Masio, IT), Pugliese; Osvaldo (Genoa, IT) 

Assignee(s): Esaote, S.p.A. (Casale Monferrato, IT) 



Abstract: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging apparatus, comprising a unit (1) for 

exciting and receiving nuclear spin signals, an electronic driver unit (3) for driving the 

devices of the signal exciting and receiving unit, an electronic unit for controlling the 

electronic driver units, a unit (6) for processing the received signals, a unit (5) for 

displaying the image data processed, a unit (6) for filing and storing the image data, a 

unit (4) for entering commands, the said units being formed partially by specific 

hardware and partially by a commercial available personal computer running specific 

programs, a bidirectional communication bus (7') being further provided for the 

communication between the different units, which bus encodes data consistently with 

the communication buses normally used to interface computer peripheral devices, 

and/or in communication networks, or the like, characterized in that at least one part of 

the personal computer hardware is formed by a client computer (30) and part by a 

server computer (Server PC) communicating one with the other by means of a 

conventional network (7). 

Excerpt(s): This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.sctn.sctn. 119 and/or 365 to 

IT SV2001A00017 filed in Italy on May 28, 2001; the entire content of which is hereby 

incorporated by reference. The invention relates to a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance 

imaging apparatus. In document U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,717 B1 a medical examination 

system, particularly a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is disclosed showing the 

above described architecture. The apparatus has a host computer unit, a control 

computer unit and an image computer unit. The three computer units are integrated in a

160 


commercially obtainable personal computer that contains at least two of the said 

computers, preferably all three of the said computers. The integrated hardware 

architecture is further operated also by a commercially available operating system such 

as Windows.RTM. or other kinds of operating systems. Part of the hardware and 

specifically, the units for driving the apparatuses specific exciting and receiving units as 

well as the analog to digital and digital to analog converters for transforming the digital 

control signals in analog signals for controlling the driving units and for transforming 

the analog received data in digital data, are housed within the frame of the nuclear 

magnetic resonance apparatuses, while the conventional personal computer hardware is 

housed in a separated case or console. Thus U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,717 B1 teaches to 

separate the said personal computer hardware from the nuclear magnetic resonance 

excitation and receipt unit. 


• Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging using phase encoding with non-linear gradient 

fields 

Inventor(s): Ganesan; Krishnamurthy (Sugar Land, TX) 

Assignee(s): Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Sugar Land, TX) 


Date filed: January 18, 2002 

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for nuclear magnetic 

resonance imaging of an investigation region of formation surrounding a wellbore. The 

method comprises the steps of applying a series of magnetic field gradients to phase 

encode nuclear spins within the investigation region, wherein the strength of the 

magnetic field gradient applied is different from at least one previously applied 

magnetic field gradient within the series. Nuclear magnetic resonance signals are 

detected from the investigation region resulting from the series of magnetic field 

gradients. 

Excerpt(s): This invention relates to the field of wellbore logging and, more particularly, 

to a method and apparatus for determining nuclear magnetic resonance logging 

characteristics of earth formations surrounding a wellbore, as a function of angular 

position about the borehole, either during the drilling of the wellbore or after drilling. 

Hydrocarbon fluids, such as oil and natural gas, are obtained from a subterranean 

geologic formation, referred to as a reservoir, by drilling a wellbore that penetrates the 

hydrocarbon-bearing formation. An understanding of the reservoir physical properties, 

often referred to as formation evaluation, is needed to determine the well's productive 

capacity, recoverable reserves, size and type of production equipment needed, and 

many other issues relating to the well's drilling, completion and production. Specific 

reservoir properties that are desired include, for example, porosity, permeability, and 

water saturations. Electrical "logging" dates back to 1912, when Conrad Schlumberger 

began studying the problem of exploring the underground by means of surface 

electrical measurements. Since that time, various types of well logging techniques have 

been developed, such as acoustic, temperature, resistivity, nuclear, and gamma-ray 

measurement techniques. 


• Open type magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 

Inventor(s): Tsuda; Munetaka (Mito, JP) 




Patents 161 

Abstract: Within upper and lower cryostats for a super conducting magnet level sensors 

which measure respective amounts of liquid helium therein are assembled and are 

connected to a measuring circuit. When a control signal of a computer is provided to the 

measurement circuit via a sequencer, the measurement circuit performs automatic 

measurement of a remaining amount of liquid helium and the measured data is 

transferred to the computer. The computer records the measured data as well as 

performs computation processing thereof and causes a display unit to display the 

processing result as an effective management parameter of the liquid helium. Thereby, 

an open type MRI apparatus using a super conducting magnet with liquid helium 

monitoring system which is suitable for maintenance and management of liquid helium 

for the super conducting magnet can be provided. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates an open type magnetic resonance imaging 

(hereinafter will be referred to as MRI) apparatus using a super conducting magnet 

which does not give a pressing feeling to a person to be inspected and, more specifically, 

relates to such MRI apparatus in which maintenance and management of cooling 

medium for the super conducting magnet is accurate and easy. An MRI apparatus 

which produces a tomographic picture image of a human body by making use of 

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) phenomenon is broadly used in medical facilities. 

In such MRI apparatus a magnet for generating a uniform static magnetic field in a 

space where a person to be inspected is laid is provided. As such static magnetic field 

generation magnet, a permanent magnet, a normal conducting magnet and a super 

conducting magnet are conventionally used. Among these, application of the super 

conducting magnet to the MRI apparatus is widespreading because with the super 

conducting magnet a strong static magnetic field can be generated, thereby, a high 

speed image taking and a high quality picture image can be realized. As conventional 

coils for static magnetic field generation long and narrow cylindrical solenoid coils were 

generally used, however, an MRI apparatus having such a magnet structure which 

requires a person to be inspected to be laid in a long and narrow space gives the person 

to be inspected a pressing feeling and is not appropriate for inspecting such as a 

claustrophobia and a child. In contrast thereto, an open type MRI apparatus is in these 

days becoming popular in which a pair of magnets generating comparatively low 

magnetic field are disposed so as to locate the image taking space therebetween and the 

image taking space is opened in which the person to be inspected is laid. Further, for the 

magnet in such open type MRI apparatus, in place of the conventional permanent 

magnet and normal conducting magnet coils, a development of a magnet in which super 

conducting coils are assembled is now advancing. 


162 


• Parallel magnetic resonance imaging techniques using radiofrequency coil arrays 

Inventor(s): Sodickson; Daniel K. (Newton, MA) 

Assignee(s): Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. (Boston, MA) 



Abstract: Advanced processing techniques can be used to enhance the robustness, 

efficiency, and quality of several parallel imaging techniques, such as SMASH, SENSE 

and subencoding. Specifically, a magnetic resonance image is formed by measuring RF 

signals in an array of RF coils, and tailoring a set of spatial harmonic functions to form a 

set of tailored spatial harmonics that are adjusted for variations in at least one of 

angulation of an image plane, field of view, and coil sensitivity calibration. The 

harmonics may be tailored by selecting automatically a subset of the set of spatial 

harmonic functions, adjusting the set of spatial harmonic functions by a function not 

equal to 1, to adjust for sensitivity variations along a phase encode direction, and/or 

performing separate spatial harmonic fits of the coil sensitivities at different spatial 

positions to the set of tailored spatial harmonics. The magnetic resonance image may 

also be formed by generating a set of encoding functions representative a spatial 

distribution of receiver coil sensitivities and spatial modulations corresponding to the 

gradient encoding steps, transforming the set of encoding functions to generate a new 

set of functions representative of distinct spatial positions in the image, and applying 

the new set of functions to a set of MR signals to form the magnetic resonance image. 

Matrices inverted during the process of forming the magnetic resonance image may be 

conditioned by thresholding the eigenvalues of the matrix prior to inversion. 

Excerpt(s): This invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging and, more 

particularly, to a method and corresponding apparatus for capturing and providing 

MRI data suitable for use in a multi-dimensional imaging processes. Magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) is a well known method of non-invasively obtaining images 

representative of internal physiological structures. In fact, there are many commercially 

available approaches and there have been numerous publications describing various 

approaches to MRI. Although MRI will be described herein as applying to a person's 

body, it may be applied to visualize the internal structure of other objects as well, and 

the invention is not limited to application of MRI in a human body. A plurality of 

surface coils 20a, 20b. 20i may be provided to simultaneously acquire NMR signals for 

simultaneous signal reception, along with corresponding signal processing and 

digitizing channels. 


• Patient transport system for multiple imaging systems 

Inventor(s): Josephson; Sean S. (Brookfield, WI), Kerwin; Edward M. (New Berlin, WI), 

Park; Mary A. (New Berlin, WI), Subirana; Jason I. (New Berlin, WI) 

Assignee(s): GE Medical Systems (Waukesha, WI) 



Abstract: A patient transport system for transporting a patient from a magnetic 

resonance imaging system to a second imaging system includes an elongated member

Patents 163 

and first and second coupling mechanisms. The elongated member has an upper surface 

configured to support a patient. The first coupling mechanism is coupled to the 

elongated member and is configured to removably couple the elongated member to the 

magnetic resonance imaging system. The second coupling mechanism is coupled to the 

elongated member and is configured to removably couple the elongated member to a 

second imaging system. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to imaging systems and imaging 

techniques. More specifically, the present invention relates to patient transport systems 

for multiple imaging systems. Currently, patients and objects can be imaged using a 

wide variety of different imaging technologies. Such imaging technologies can include 

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), x-ray imaging, and 

others. Each imaging technology has unique advantages and disadvantages in imaging 

certain types of physiological or physical characteristics. As an example, x-ray images of 

human patients have excellent spatial and temporal resolution and, therefore, show 

features such as coronary arteries with extreme clarity. MRI images provide excellent 

soft tissue contrast with no exposure to ionizing radiation. MRI images also provide 

three-dimensional image acquisition. One advantage of x-ray images is that they can 

show vessels which are too small to be seen on MRI images. 


• Retracting MRI head coil 

Inventor(s): Gyori; Matthias (Brookfield, WI), Jevtic; Jovan (West Allis, WI), Menon; 

Ashok (Milwaukee, WI), Mercier; Matthew J. (Menomonee Falls, WI), Seeber; Derek 

(Wauwatosa, WI), Zwolinski; Steven M. (Brookfield, WI) 

Assignee(s): IGC-Medical Advances, Inc. (Milwaukee, WI) 



Abstract: A head coil for magnetic resonance imaging may be shortened longitudinally 

to provide for better access by a patient. Extension of the coil may be performed after the 

positioning of the patient's head significantly simplifying patient positioning with 

respect to the coil. A portion of a conductor support sliding over the patient's head 

removable to allow endotracheal tubes or the like to remain undisturbed.CROSS- 

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 

Excerpt(s): The field of the invention is magnetic resonance imaging, and in particular 

local coils for using in magnetic resonance imaging of the head. Magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) provides images, for example, of a human patient, by detecting faint 

signals from precessing hydrogen protons under the influence of a strong magnetic field 

and after a radio frequency excitation. The quality of the image produced by MRI is 

strongly dependent on the strength of the received signal. For this reason, it is known to 

use radio frequency receiving coils placed in close proximity to the area being imaged. 

Such coils are called local coils. 


164 


• RF surface resonator for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 

Inventor(s): Leussler; Christoph Guenther (Hamburg, DE), Zahn; Daniel (Hamburg, DE) 

Assignee(s): Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Eindhoven, NL) 


Date filed: July 16, 2002 

Abstract: The invention relates to an RF surface resonator (RF coil) for transmitting 

and/or receiving circularly polarized electromagnetic waves, which resonator is 

intended in particular for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus in which a 

basic magnetic field (vertical field) that extends perpendicularly through an object to be 

examined and a circularly polarized RF field are generated. Various steps are proposed 

so as to achieve a desired variation of the field strength in the radial direction as well as 

in the direction of circulation. These steps concern the selection of the number, the shape 

and the length of radially extending conductor structures (30x, 31x, 32x, 33x; 40x, 41x, 

42x, 43x) as well as of conductor loops (310 to 390; 410 to 490) for the return current, the 

shape of RF shields (12, 13), and the insertion of capacitive elements (Cix, Cax) between 

the conductor structures and the conductor loops on the one side and a reference 

potential on the other side, and also capacitive elements (Clx) in the conductor 

structures and/or conductor loops. Finally, a desirable variation of the field strength can 

also be achieved by the separation of parts of the surface resonator by means of diodes 

(Dx) that can be switched. 

Excerpt(s): The invention relates to an RF surface resonator (RF coil) for transmitting 

and/or receiving circularly polarized electromagnetic waves, notably for magnetic 

resonance imaging apparatus (MRI apparatus) in which a basic magnetic field (vertical 

field) that extends perpendicularly through an object to be examined and a circularly 

polarized RF field are generated, and also relates to an MR apparatus that is provided 

with such an RF surface resonator. In MRI apparatus of this kind the basic magnetic 

field is generated generally between two pole plates wherebetween an examination 

zone, for example for a patient, is situated. The basic magnetic field extends through a 

patient essentially in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof (generally 

speaking, vertically) so that, as opposed to imaging apparatus with a tubular 

examination space in which the basic magnetic field extends in the direction of the 

longitudinal axis of the patient, the patient remains suitably accessible from practically 

all sides, that is, also during image acquisition; in particular it is also possible to carry 

out interventional examinations. Systems of this kind, therefore, are also referred to as 

open MR systems or open MR imaging apparatus. In order to generate an adequately 

strong and homogeneous basic magnetic field it is advantageous to keep the distance 

between the pole plates as small as possible. On the other hand, in order to avoid 

deterioration of the accessibility of the examination zone that is situated between the 

pole plates and of the patient comfort, an as large as possible distance is required; 

however, such a large distance may give rise to an inhomogeneous field. Therefore, as 

flat as possible (or at least flattish) RF conductor structures (surface resonators) are used 

to generate the RF field as well as to detect MR relaxation events; these structures are 

arranged over the pole plates and as near as possible thereto (or on an RF shield). 


• System combining proton beam irradiation and magnetic resonance imaging 

Patents 165 

Inventor(s): Bucholz; Richard D. (St. Louis, MO), Miller; D. Douglas (St. Louis, MO) 

Assignee(s): St. Louis University (St. Louis, MO) 



Abstract: A system which coordinates proton beam irradiation with an open magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRI) unit to achieve near-simultaneous, noninvasive localization 

and radiotherapy of various cell lines in various anatomic locations. A reference image 

of the target aids in determining a treatment plan and repositioning the patient within 

the MRI unit for later treatments. The patient is located within the MRI unit so that the 

target and the proton beam are coincident. MRI monitors the location of the target. 

Target irradiation occurs when the target and the proton beam are coincident as 

indicated by the MRI monitoring. The patient rotates relative to the radiation source. 

The target again undergoes monitoring and selective irradiation. The rotation and 

selective irradiation during MRI monitoring repeats according to the treatment plan. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to systems for localization and radiotherapy of 

various cell lines in various anatomic locations. In particular, this invention relates to a 

system which coordinates proton beam irradiation with an open magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) unit to achieve near-simultaneous, noninvasive localization and 

radiotherapy of various cell lines in various anatomic locations by maintaining 

coincidence between the target and the proton beam. Proton beam irradiation therapy 

treats tumors found in selected locations that are not subject to significant physiologic 

motion. Examples of such tumors include prostatic cancer, spinal chordomas, and 

certain retinal or orbital tumors. The proton beam generated by a medical cyclotron has 

similar biological activity for the destruction of tumors as standard radiation therapy 

techniques to target a fixed tumor site with minimal radiotoxicity to the surrounding 

normal tissues. Because protons of a specific energy have a specific penetration depth, 

adjusting the specific energy of the protons manipulates the distance the proton beam 

travels into the patient. Because protons deposit most of their energy at the end of the 

penetration depth, the highest concentration of radiation occurs in the area around the 

penetration depth. This area is known as the Bragg peak of the proton beam. The 

focused delivery of protons to a fixed site permits the radiotherapy of tumors or the 

destruction of tissue causing functional problems. However, tumors and tissue located 

in organs subject to significant physiologic motion cannot be treated without significant 

collateral radiotoxicity. There is a need for a system which allows proton beam delivery 

to a target subject to significant physiologic motion that minimizes the collateral damage 

to the surrounding normal tissues. 


• Systems and methods for achieving a recovery of spins of nuclei 

Inventor(s): Asano; Kenji (Tokyo, JP), Kosugi; Susumu (Tokyo, JP) 



Date filed: July 9, 2002

166 


Abstract: The present invention aims at making it possible to successfully achieve fast 

recovery during magnetic resonance imaging in which the fast spin echo technique 

combined with the inversion recovery technique is implemented. A 180.degree. x pulse 

is applied in order to excite spins. Thereafter, when an inversion time TI has elapsed, a 

90.degree. x pulse is applied in order to excite the spins. Thereafter, when a half of a 

time esp has elapsed, a 180.degree. y pulse is applied in order to excite the spins. 

Thereafter, when the time esp has elapsed, the 180.degree. y pulse is applied an odd 

number of times in order to sequentially excite the spins. Thereafter, when a half of the 

time esp has elapsed, the 90.degree. x pulse is applied in order to excite the spins. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a spin exciting method, a magnetic 

resonance imaging method, and a magnetic resonance imaging system. More 

particularly, the present invention relates to a spin exciting method, a magnetic 

resonance imaging method, and a magnetic resonance imaging system for performing 

magnetic resonance imaging according to a fast spin echo (FSE) technique combined 

with an inversion recovery (IR) technique. In a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 

system, a subject of imaging is carried into a bore of a magnet system, that is, an 

imaging space in which a static magnetic field is created. Magnetic field gradients and a 

radio-frequency magnetic field are applied to the subject in order to excite spins in the 

subject. Consequently, a magnetic resonance signal is induced, and an image is 

reconstructed based on the signal received. A sequence of exciting spins so as to induce 

a magnetic resonance signal and receiving the signal is repeated at predetermined 

intervals of a repetition time TR. The TR is often set to a time long enough for the 

excited spins to recover to exhibit an original longitudinal magnetization. When an 

imaging time must be shortened, the TR is set to a short time and spins are forcibly 

recovered. The forcible recovery of spins is achieved with additional excitation. This 

technique is referred to as fast recovery. 


• Systems and methods for simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics 

Inventor(s): Lee; Ray Fli (Niskayuna, NY) 

Assignee(s): General Electric Company (Niskayuna, NY) 



Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method is described. The method 

includes simultaneously acquiring partial radial backprojection signals from a 

cylindrical array of m detectors surrounding an object, generating, in a k-space, 

additional backprojection signals with decimated b-fold backprojection steps. The 

generating includes producing 2-dimensional (2D) spatial harmonics to replace the 

decimated b-fold backprojection steps. The producing includes assuming that a sum of 

weighted sensitivity profiles of at least one of the detectors is a function of an angle 

between a vector k and an axis k.sub.x of the k-space and a function of a radius of a 

cylindrical surface formed by the array of detectors. The angle is an angle along which 

reconstruction of an image of the object is performed. 

Excerpt(s): This invention relates generally to magnetic resonance imaging systems and 

methods and more particularly to radially simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics 

(radial SMASH) systems and methods. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a 

technique that is capable of providing three-dimensional imaging of an object. An MRI

Patents 167 

system includes a main magnet that provides a magnetic field, gradient coils and radio 

frequency (RF) coils, which are used for spatial encoding, exciting and detecting nuclei 

of the object for imaging. The object to be imaged is positioned in a homogeneous field 

region located in an air space between poles of the magnet. The gradient coils and the 

RF coils are typically located external to the object to be imaged and inside the geometry 

of the main magnet. One technique for decreasing imaging time has concentrated on 

increasing speed of sequential scanning of a k-space in which the object is located and 

thus acquisition of MR data by reducing intervals between scanned lines in a slice of the 

object. Two recent techniques, SMASH technique in a time domain or the k-space and 

Sensitivity Encoded (SENSE) technique in a frequency domain, changes such sequential 

data acquisition into a partially parallel process by using an array of detectors, thereby 

reducing scan time as compared to the sequential data acquisition technique. In the 

SMASH and SENSE techniques, it is recognized that the data sampled below the 

Nyquist sampling rate can be recovered if sensitivity profiles of the detectors of the 

array can provide enough spatial information to either interpolate the data in the time 

domain or unwrap the data in the frequency domain. The SMASH technique uses a 

numerical fitting routine to interpolate a decimated number of phase encoding steps 

and thus, achieve reductions in scan time. There is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,728. 

However, in the SMASH and SENSE techniques, a maximum aliasing fold that can be 

unwrapped is limited to the number of detectors in the array. 


• Vascular stent with composite structure for magnetic reasonance imaging capabilities 

Inventor(s): Alt; Eckhard (Ottobrunn, DE), Kuhling; Michael (Munich, DE), 

Scheuermann; Torsten (Munich, DE) 

Assignee(s): Inflow Dynamics Inc. (Springfield, VA) 



Abstract: A stent is adapted to be implanted in a duct of a human body to maintain an 

open lumen at the implant site, and to allow viewing body tissue and fluids by 

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) energy applied external to the body. The stent 

constitutes a metal scaffold. An electrical circuit resonant at the resonance frequency of 

the MRI energy is fabricated integral with the scaffold structure of the stent to promote 

viewing body properties within the lumen of the stent. 

Excerpt(s): Interventional cardiology, interventional angiology and other interventional 

techniques in cardiovascular and other vessels, ducts and channels of the human body 

have demonstrated marked success in recent years. Studies of interventions in the 

treatment of acute myocardial infarction (MI), for example, indicate the effectiveness of 

primary angioplasty. Implantation of coronary stents has improved the outcome of such 

interventional treatment. For example, these results are described in an article in the 

Journal of American College of Cardiology 2000, 36: 1194-1201. Stents are being 

implanted in increasing numbers throughout the world to treat heart and cardiovascular 

disease, and are also coming into greater use outside strictly the field of cardiology. For 

example, other vascular interventions utilizing stents which are proving to be of equal 

importance to use in cardiology include stenting of the carotid, iliac, renal, and femoral 

arteries. Moreover, vascular intervention with stents in cerebral circulation is exhibiting 

quite promising results, especially in patients suffering acute stroke. Stents are 

implanted in vessels, ducts or channels of the human body to act as a scaffolding to

168 


maintain the patency of the vessel, duct or channel lumen. A drawback of stenting is the 

body's natural defensive reaction to the implant of a foreign object. In many patients, the 

reaction is characterized by a traumatic proliferation of tissue as intimal hyperplasia at 

the implant site, and, where the stent is implanted in a blood vessel such as a coronary 

artery, formation of thrombi which become attached to the stent. Each of these adverse 

effects contributes to restenosis--a re-narrowing of the vessel lumen--to compromise the 

improvements that resulted from the initial re-opening of the lumen by implanting the 

stent. Consequently, a great number of stent implant patients must undergo another 

angiogram, on average about six months after the original implant procedure, to 

determine the status of tissue proliferation and thrombosis in the affected lumen. If renarrowing 

has occurred, one or more additional procedures are required to stem or 

reverse its advancement. 


• Vitronectin receptor antagonist pharmaceuticals 

Inventor(s): Harris; Thomas D. (Salem, NH), Rajopadhye; Milind (Westford, MA) 

Assignee(s): Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company (Princeton, NJ) 



Abstract: The present invention describes novel compounds of the formula:(Q).sub.d -- 

L.sub.n --C.sub.h,useful for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, methods of imaging 

tumors in a patient, and methods of treating cancer in a patient. The present invention 

also provides novel compounds useful for monitoring therapeutic angiogenesis 

treatment and destruction of new angiogenic vasculature. The present invention further 

provides novel compounds useful for imaging atherosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac 

ischemia, and myocardial reperfusion injury. The present invention still further 

provides novel compounds useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The 

pharmaceuticals are comprised of a targeting moiety that binds to a receptor that is 

upregulated during angiogenesis, an optional linking group, and a therapeutically 

effective radioisotope or diagnostically effective imageable moiety. The imageable 

moiety is a gamma ray or positron emitting radioisotope, a magnetic resonance 

imaging contrast agent, an X-ray contrast agent, or an ultrasound contrast agent. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention provides novel pharmaceuticals useful for the 

diagnosis and treatment of cancer, methods of imaging tumors in a patient, and 

methods of treating cancer in a patient. The pharmaceuticals are comprised of a 

targeting moiety that binds to the vitronectin receptor that is expressed in tumor 

vasculature, an optional linking group, and a therapeutically effective radioisotope or 

diagnostically effective imageable moiety. The therapeutically effective radioisotope 

emits a gamma ray or alpha particle sufficient to be cytotoxic. The imageable moiety is a 

gamma ray or positron emitting radioisotope, a magnetic resonance imaging contrast 

agent, an X-ray contrast agent, or an ultrasound contrast agent. Cancer is a major public 

health concern in the United States and around the world. It is estimated that over 1 

million new cases of invasive cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 1998. The 

most prevalent forms of the disease are solid tumors of the lung, breast, prostate, colon 

and rectum. Cancer is typically diagnosed by a combination of in vitro tests and 

imaging procedures. The imaging procedures include X-ray computed tomography, 

magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging and radionuclide scintigraphy. 

Frequently, a contrast agent is administered to the patient to enhance the image

Patents 169 

obtained by X-ray CT, MRI and ultrasound, and the administration of a 

radiopharmaceutical that localizes in tumors is required for radionuclide scintigraphy. 

Treatment of cancer typically involves the use of external beam radiation therapy and 

chemotherapy, either alone or in combination, depending on the type and extent of the 

disease. A number of chemotherapeutic agents are available, but generally they all 

suffer from a lack of specificity for tumors versus normal tissues, resulting in 

considerable side-effects. The effectiveness of these treatment modalities is also limited, 

as evidenced by the high mortality rates for a number of cancer types, especially the 

more prevalent solid tumor diseases. More effective and specific treatment means 

continue to be needed. 


Patent Applications on Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

As of December 2000, U.S. patent applications are open to public viewing. 9 Applications are 

patent requests which have yet to be granted. (The process to achieve a patent can take 

several years.) The following patent applications have been filed since December 2000 

relating to magnetic resonance imaging: 

• Ablation therapy using chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging 

Inventor(s): Leigh, John S. JR.; (Philadelphia, PA), Roberts, David A.; (Bryn Mawr, PA), 

Rosen, Mark A.; (Bala Cynwyd, PA) 

Correspondence: Nath & Associates Pllc; Sixth Floor; 1030 15th Street, N.W.; 

Washington; DC; 20005; US 

Patent Application Number: 20040166062 


Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for direct visualization of the 

distribution of therapeutic agents, such as acetic acid, in the tissue of an animal, utilizing 

chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Said methods are particularly useful 

for percutaneous chemical ablation procedures to provide an optimal dosage of 

chemical ablation agent such as acetic acid to target tissues such as tumors, and for 

limiting damage to surrounding tissues. 

Excerpt(s): U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,658, issued Aug. 18, 1987 to Quay, discloses the use of 

homologs of Diester-DTPA-Paramagnetic compounds (such as dimethyl acetyl 

diethylene triamine triacetic acid) as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI). U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,059, issued Aug. 25, 1998 to Stembridge, et al., discloses a 

transparent phantom apparatus for monitoring patient support table movements during 

computer assisted tomography (CAT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The 

phantom is made of a hollow straight tube of transparent material filled with air or a 

liquid, wherein for CAT scan systems, the liquid may optionally have distilled water 

with a few drops of weak acetic acid as an algicide, and for MRI the liquid may 

optionally have a contrast enhancer which is preferably a copper sulfate solution. 

Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html 

9 This has been a common practice outside the United States prior to December 2000.

170 


• Apparatus and method for use in medical imaging 

Inventor(s): Bonutti, Peter M.; (Effingham, IL) 

Correspondence: Paul D. Bianco: Fleit, Kain, Gibbons,; Gutman, Bongini, & Bianco P.L.; 

601 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 404; Miami; FL; 33131; US 



Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging system that 

includes a stationary electromagnet, a patient support for maintaining a patient in a 

standing or seated position, and an actuator for raising and lowering the patient relative 

to a magnetic field of the electromagnet such that the patient is located within the 

magnetic field. 

Excerpt(s): This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/118,665, filed Jul. 

17, 1998. The aforementioned application Ser. No. 09/118,665 is itself a divisional of 

application Ser. No. 08/455,074, filed May 31, 1995. The aforementioned application Ser. 

No. 08/455,074 is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/221,848, filed Apr. 1, 1994, now 

U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,503. The aforementioned application Ser. No. 08/221,848 is itself a 

divisional of application Ser. No. 07/802,358, filed Dec. 4, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 

5,349,956. The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in medical 

imaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and method for 

positioning a patient and/or a secondary imaging coil inside a primary imaging coil. In 

magnetic resonance imaging, a patient is placed inside a coil (the "primary" coil) which 

is large enough in diameter to receive the patient while he is lying prone on a table 

slidable into and out of the coil. A selected portion of the patient is then imaged by the 

use of electromagnetic radiation from the primary coil. 


• Artifact removal from an electric signal 

Inventor(s): Rantala, Tor Borje; (Helsinki, FI), Uutela, Kimmo Henrik; (Helsinki, FI), 

Virtanen, Juha Petri; (Helsinki, FI) 

Correspondence: Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall, Llp; 100 East Wisconsin Avenue, 

Suite 1100; Milwaukee; WI; 53202; US 



Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for suppressing interference 

in an electric signal, particularly for suppressing interference in an electrocardiogram 

(ECG) signal in connection with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In order to 

improve the accuracy of the suppression, the electric signal is first sampled at a high 

sampling frequency, whereby a first sequence of samples is obtained. Some of the 

samples in the first sequence of samples are then selected on the basis of predetermined 

criteria. The first sequence is then downsampled using the selected samples, whereby a 

second sequence of samples is obtained. The second sequence forms a digital 

presentation of the electric signal in which the interference is suppressed. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for 

suppressing or removing artifacts from an electric signal. The term "artifact" here refers 

to interference which has a certain structure and is therefore not noise-like random

Patents 171 

interference. The invention is intended especially for medical technology to eliminate 

artifact components from an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal in connection with 

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but the method can be applied to any systems in 

which an artifact component similar to the one caused by an MRI device to an ECG 

signal is superimposed on a useful signal. Artifact components are typically caused by 

sources which are external to the apparatus receiving the useful signal. As is known, 

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a technique used for getting images of a body 

without the use of X-rays. In MRI, the patient is placed within a rapidly changing 

magnetic field created by the MRI device. Radio waves are simultaneously transmitted 

to the patient, and images of the interior of the body are obtained by means of a 

computer analysis of the radio waves received from the patient. During the imaging, the 

condition of the patient is constantly monitored. This includes the monitoring of the 

ECG signal of the patient, for example. One drawback related to the monitoring is that 

the intense magnetic fields of the imaging device induce interference with the ECG 

signal of the patient. This interference, which is termed here an artifact, is short-termed 

and strong, and appears very frequently. 


• Bioactivated diagnostic imaging constrast agents 

Inventor(s): Dumas, Stephane; (Cambridge, MA), Dunham, Stephen O.; (Madison, NJ), 

Lauffer, Randall B.; (Brookline, MA), McMurry, Thomas J.; (Winchester, MA), Parmelee, 

David J.; (Belmont, MA), Scott, Daniel M.; (Acton, MA) 

Correspondence: Fish & Richardson P.C.; 3300 Dain Rauscher Plaza; 60 South Sixth 

Street; Minneapolis; MN; 55402; US 



Abstract: The present invention relates to improved diagnostic agents for Magnetic 

Resonance Imaging and optical imaging. In particular, this invention relates to MRI and 

optical imaging agents that allow for the sensitive detection of a specific bioactivity 

within a tissue. These agents are prodrug contrast agents which are bioactivated in vivo 

in the presence of the specific bioactivity. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical 

compositions comprising these agents and to methods of using the agents and 

compositions comprising the agents. 

Excerpt(s): This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 

08/823,643, filed Mar. 25, 1997, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 

No. 60/014,448, filed Apr. 1, 1996. This invention relates to improved diagnostic agents 

for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and optical imaging. These agents permit the 

sensitive detection of a specific bioactivity within a tissue. This invention also relates to 

pharmaceutical compositions comprising these agents and to methods of using the 

agents and compositions comprising the agents. Diagnostic imaging techniques, such as 

MRI, x-ray imaging, nuclear radiopharmaceutical imaging, ultraviolet/visible/infrared 

light imaging, and ultrasound imaging, have been used in medical diagnosis for a 

number of years. 

Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

172 


• Brain therapy 

Inventor(s): Atalar, Ergin; (Columbia, MD), Berger, Ronald D.; (Baltimore, MD), Calkins, 

Hugh; (Baltimore, MD), Halperin, Henry R.; (Pikesville, MD), Lardo, Albert; (Baldwin, 

MD), Lima, Joao; (Timonium, MD), McVeigh, Elliot R.; (Potomac, MD) 

Correspondence: Foley Hoag, Llp; Patent Group, World Trade Center West; 155 Seaport 

Blvd; Boston; MA; 02110; US 



Abstract: A method of performing brain therapy may include placing a subject in a main 

magnetic field, introducing into the subject's brain a combination imaging and 

therapeutic probe, the probe including a magnetic resonance imaging antenna and an 

electrical energy application element, acquiring a first magnetic resonance image from 

the antenna of the combination probe, acquiring a second magnetic resonance image 

from a surface coil, combining the first and second magnetic resonance images to 

produce a composite image, positioning the combination probe within the brain with 

guidance from at least one of the images, and delivering electrical energy to the brain 

from the electrical energy application element of the combination probe thus positioned. 

Excerpt(s): This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 

09/428,990, filed Oct. 29, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,176 B1, which claims the benefit 

of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/106,965, filed Nov. 4, 1998. The 

aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their 

entireties. The invention relates in general to ablation and electrophysiologic diagnostic 

and therapeutic procedures, and in particular to systems and methods for guiding and 

providing visualization during such procedures. Atrial fibrillation and ventricular 

tachyarrhythmias occurring in patients with structurally abnormal hearts are of great 

concern in contemporary cardiology. They represent the most frequently encountered 

tachycardias, account for the most morbidity and mortality, and, despite much progress, 

remain therapeutic challenges. 


• Circular pole piece and MRI system 

Inventor(s): Inoue, Yuji; (Tokyo, JP) 

Correspondence: Patrick W. Rasche; Armstrong Teasdale Llp; One Metropolitan Square, 

Suite 2600; ST. Louis; MO; 63102; US 



Abstract: The object of the present invention is to minimize the residual magnetic 

induction in a circular pole piece included in a magnetic circuit for magnetic resonance 

imaging. A circular pole piece is divided into two portions, that is, a center portion and 

a marginal portion. A soft magnetic material that exhibits a high permeability (for 

example, 10000 or more) with a relatively small external magnetic field (for example, 

ranging from 20 A/m to 60 A/m) applied thereto is adopted as a soft magnetic material 

to be made into a center-portion laminate block. A soft magnetic material that exhibits a 

high permeability (for example, 6000 or more) with a relatively large external magnetic 

field (for example, ranging from 50 A/m to 150 A/m) applied thereto is adopted as a

Patents 173 

soft magnetic material to be made into a marginal-portion laminate block 103b. 

Consequently, since the residual magnetic induction in the circular pole piece can be 

minimized, the degradation in image quality attributable to a residual magnetic 

induction can be prevented. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a circular pole piece included in a magnetic 

circuit for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an MRI system. More particularly, 

the present invention relates to a circular pole piece capable of minimizing a residual 

magnetic induction and an MRI system employing the circular pole piece. The soft 

magnetic material tiles are made of, for example, a silicon steel sheet and exhibit a 

hysteresis. Therefore, after a magnetic field gradient is applied to the circular pole piece, 

a residual magnetic induction occurs in the circular pole piece. The magnetic induction 

varies depending on a change in the magnetic field gradient. However, when the 

residual magnetic induction in the circular pole piece varies, it affects an image. In the 

past, efforts have been made to devise a pulse sequence that is effective in suppressing 

the adverse effect (refer to, for example, Patent Document 2). 


• Combination magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and patient table 

Inventor(s): Contrada, Orfeo; (Genova, IT), Satragno, Luigi; (Genova, IT) 

Correspondence: Burns Doane Swecker & Mathis L L P; Post Office Box 1404; 

Alexandria; VA; 22313-1404; US 



Abstract: A combination Magnetic Resonance imaging apparatus and patient table, 

which apparatus has a magnet structure, defining a cavity for accommodating a part of 

the body under examination, which is supported by a base block, the patient table and 

the apparatus having a base block and a supporting structure respectively, that are 

slidable in at least one, or more directions. The patient table and the Magnetic 

Resonance imaging apparatus have a mechanism for removable connection 

therebetween and guide thereof along predetermined relative displacement paths. 

Excerpt(s): The present application claims priority to Italian Application No. 

SV2002A000057 filed Nov. 28, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is herein expressly 

incorporated by reference. The present invention relates to a combination Magnetic 

Resonance imaging apparatus and patient table, which apparatus has a magnet 

structure, a cavity for accommodating a part of the body under examination, which is 

supported by a base block. The patient table and the apparatus have a base block and a 

supporting structure respectively, that are slidable in at least one, and possibly more 

directions. Such combinations are used in prior art and are provided in a number of 

different variants. Typically, a Magnetic Resonance imaging apparatus, including at 

least the magnet structure for exciting and receiving Magnetic Resonance signals, is 

fitted on a carriage whereto the magnetic structure is linked by combinations of arms, 

saddles, carriages, joints and rotary supports to allow the magnetic structure to be 

positioned coincident with the anatomic regions of the patient, who lies on a reclining 

chair, table/chair or table. 


174 


• CONDUCTION COOLED PASSIVELY-SHIELDED MRI MAGNET 

Inventor(s): HUANG, Xianrui; (Clifton Park, NY), LASKARIS, Evangelos; (Schenectady, 

NY), OGLE, Michele Dollar; (Burnt Hills, NY) 

Correspondence: Foley And Lardner; Suite 500; 3000 K Street NW; Washington; DC; 

20007; US 



Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device for imaging a volume is 

provided with at least one main magnet for generating a magnetic field, and at least one 

gradient coil for manipulating the magnetic field generated by the at least one main 

magnet to image the volume. The magnetic fields generated by the at least one gradient 

coil are substantially unshielded. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI) devices, and more particularly to MRI devices including at least one gradient coil 

for manipulating the magnetic field generated by the MRI magnet, wherein the 

magnetic fields generated by the gradient coil are substantially magnetically unshielded. 

MRI devices are widely used in the medical community as a diagnostic tool for imaging 

items such as tissue and bone structures. Conventional MRI devices are described, for 

example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,225,782; 5,285,181; and 5,304,934 which are all incorporated 

by reference herein in their entirety. When the gradient coils 50 in the bore of the MRI 

device 10 are electrically pulsed, the resulting time changing magnetic flux in any of the 

electrically conducting cylinders surrounding the gradient coils induces eddy currents. 

These eddy currents in turn produce their own magnetic fields which degrade the 

quality of the desired gradient field in space and time. A second set of gradient coils 60 

(i.e., shield gradient coils) in the magnet bore compensate for the aggressive pulse 

sequences which are routinely used in MR imaging today. These shield gradient coils 60 

set up fields which counteract those of the main gradient coil 50 in the region outside of 

the shield coil 60, thus greatly reducing any mutual inductance with conducting 

members, such as the thermal shields, and minimizing the resultant eddy currents. The 

present inventors have found that, in a typical implementation, the shield coils 60 

generally cancel about 50% of the magnetic field produced by the gradient coils 50. 


• Eddy current correction method and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 

Inventor(s): Uetake, Nozomu; (Tokyo, JP) 

Correspondence: Patrick W. Rasche; Armstrong Teasdale Llp; Suite 2600; One 

Metropolitan Square; ST. Louis; MO; 63102; US 



Abstract: For the purpose of conducting optimal eddy current correction within a 

limited output range, a corrective value for eddy current correction for a gradient 

magnetic field is calculated (501-505), if the calculated value does not exceed a 

predetermined upper limit value, correction is conducted on the gradient magnetic field 

using the calculated value (507, 521, 525), and if the calculated value exceeds the 

predetermined upper limit value, a plurality of gradient magnetic fields affected by

Patents 175 

eddy current are simulated using a plurality of candidate corrective values not greater 

than the upper limit value (507-517), and correction is conducted on the gradient 

magnetic field using a candidate corrective value by which a relatively optimal gradient 

magnetic field can be obtained (519-525). 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to an eddy current correction method and 

magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a method of 

correcting an effect by eddy current on a gradient magnetic field, and a magnetic 

resonance imaging apparatus comprising eddy current correcting means. In a magnetic 

resonance imaging apparatus, a corrective signal is appended to a gradient magnetic 

field signal to correct an effect by eddy current on a gradient magnetic field generated 

by a gradient magnetic field generating apparatus (for example, see Patent Document 1). 

The appending of the corrective signal for correcting eddy current of short time constant 

is sometimes referred to as pre-emphasis. This term is derived from a technique of, 

allowing for weakening of the waveform of an effective gradient magnetic field due to 

an effect by eddy current, emphasizing the waveform beforehand. However, the preemphasis 

sometimes cannot be done as required because of the output limit of a 

gradient power supply or the like, so that it becomes impossible to perform the eddy 

current correction properly. 


• Enhanced relaxivity monomeric and multimeric compounds 

Inventor(s): Pillai, Radhakrishna; (Kendall Park, NJ), Ranganathan, Ramachandran S.; 

(Princeton, NJ), Ratsep, Peter C.; (Hamilton Square, NJ), Shukla, Rajesh; (Lawrenceville, 

NJ), Tweedle, Michael F.; (Princeton, NJ), Zhang, Xun; (Kendall Park, NJ) 

Correspondence: Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel Llp; Intellectual Property 

Department; 919 Third Avenue; New York; NY; 10022; US 



Abstract: Metal chelates capable of exhibiting an immobilized relativity between about 

60 and 200 mM.sup.-1s.sup.-1/metal atom are useful as magnetic resonance imaging 

agents. Additionally, a compound which is useful as a metal-chelating ligand has the 

following formula: 1whereinQ is a 4- to an 8-membered carbocyclic ring which may be 

fully or partially saturated;t is an integer from 2 to 16;each R group is independently 

hydrogen, --OH, --CH.sub.2-A, --OCH.sub.2CH(OH)CH.sub.2-A or a functional group 

capable of forming a conjugate with a biomolecule, provided that at least two of the R 

groups are selected from --CH.sub.2-A or --OCH.sub.2CH(OH)CH.sub.2-A; andA is a 

moiety capable of chelating a metal atom. 

Excerpt(s): In accordance with the present invention, novel monomeric and multimeric 

compounds having enhanced relaxivities are provided. These compounds are useful, for 

example, as metal-chelating ligands. The compounds are also useful in the form of metal 

complexes as diagnostic contrast agents. When the metal in the complex is 

paramagnetic, the diagnostic contrast agents are especially suitable for magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRI). or a salt or multimeric form thereof. Listed below are 

definitions of various terms used in the description of this invention. These definitions 

apply to the terms as they are used throughout this specification, unless otherwise 

limited in specific instances, either individually or as part of a larger group. 


176 


• Ferromagnetic object detector 

Inventor(s): Keene, Mark Nicholas; (Malvern, GB) 

Correspondence: Mcdonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff Llp; 300 S. Wacker Drive; 

32nd Floor; Chicago; IL; 60606; US 



Abstract: An apparatus for detecting ferromagnetic objects in the vicinity of a magnetic 

resonance imaging scanner. The apparatus comprises primary sensor means adapted to 

measure a magnetic field, arranged in communication with signal processing means 

configured to identify temporal variations in the measured magnetic field due to the 

movement of a ferromagnetic object within an ambient magnetic field and to provide an 

output indicative of the presence of a ferromagnetic object in the vicinity of the primary 

sensor means. The apparatus further comprises secondary, non-magnetic, sensor means 

adapted to detect the movement of objects in the vicinity of the primary sensor means in 

order to reduce false alarms. The output from the signal processing means may be used 

to operate an audible alarm, a visual alarm, an automatic door lock or a physical barrier. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting ferromagnetic 

objects and in particular to a device for detecting the presence of ferromagnetic objects 

in the vicinity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. Most major hospitals 

have rooms for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. These scanners have a 

large magnet that is usually superconducting and produces a very high magnetic field 

up to several Tesla within the bore of the MRI scanner. The magnetic field strength 

outside of the magnet falls rapidly with distance creating very large magnetic field 

gradients in the surrounding room. Any ferromagnetic metal object in the vicinity of the 

magnet will experience a force attracting it towards the magnet. The force exerted by the 

magnet may be sufficiently strong to accelerate an unrestrained ferromagnetic object 

towards the MRI scanner, where it will come to rest in or near to the bore of the MRI 

scanner. This is called the projectile effect or missile effect and it can be very dangerous 

and damaging. Large ferromagnetic metal objects undergoing the projectile effect can 

enter the bore of the MRI scanner with sufficient kinetic energy to injure a patient or 

damage the MRI machine extensively. Furthermore, such objects may be impossible to 

remove from the bore without switching the magnetic field off. It can take over a week 

to restore the field and the down-time can be expensive for the hospital. 


• Flow imaging using balanced phase contrast steady state free precession magnetic 


Inventor(s): Alley, Marcus; (Palo Alto, CA), Markl, Michael; (Palo Alto, CA), Pelc, 

Norbert J.; (Los Altos, CA) 

Correspondence: Beyer Weaver & Thomas Llp; P.O. Box 778; Berkeley; CA; 94704-0778; 

US 


Date filed: December 11, 2002

Patents 177 

Abstract: A novel technique for velocity measurements (PC-SSFP) is disclosed that 

combines CINE Phase Contrast (PC) MRI and balanced Steady State Free Precession 

(SSFP) imaging. Flow encoding is performed without the introduction of additional 

velocity encoding gradients in order to permit data acquisition with short TR 

comparable to repetition times of typical SSFP imaging sequences. Sensitivity to through 

plane velocities is instead established by inverting (i.e. negating) all gradients along the 

slice select direction. Velocity sensitivity (venc) can be adjusted by altering the first 

moments of the slice select gradients. Disturbances of the SSFP steady state are avoided 

by acquiring different flow echoes in consecutively (i.e. sequentially) executed scans, 

each over several cardiac cycles, using separate steady state preparation periods. 

Comparison of phantom measurements with those from established 2D-CINE-PC MRI 

excellent correlation between both modalities. Results of volunteer examinations exhibit 

advantages of PC-SSFP, which include the intrinsic high signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 

balanced SSFP and consequently low phase noise in measured velocities. An additional 

benefit of PC-SSFP is its lower reliance on in-flow dependent signal enhancement, 

therefore yielding more uniform SNR and better depiction of vessel geometry 

throughout the whole cardiac cycle in structures with slow and/or pulsatile flow. 

Excerpt(s): This invention relates generally to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 

more particularly, the invention relates to flow imaging using a phase contrast Steady 

State Free Precession MRI sequence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires 

placing an object to be imaged in a static magnetic field, exciting nuclear spins in the 

object within the magnetic field, and then detecting signals emitted by the excited spins 

as they precess within the magnetic field. Through the use of magnetic gradient and 

phase encoding of the excited magnetization, detected signals can be spatially localized 

in three dimensions. Investigation of blood flow in the heart and vessels can provide 

insight in the function of the cardiovascular system. Magnetic resonance imaging with 

multidirectional CINE velocity mapping can be used to study relationships between 

aortic and left ventricular blood flow patterns and the geometry of the thoracic aortic 

aneurysms and grafts. Recognizable altered flow patterns were found to be associated 

with altered vessel geometry. The results of velocity mapping of aortic wall motion as 

well as pulse wave velocities can be combined with distensibility and stiffness index in 

order to find potential correlations of these parameters. 


• Magnetic pole magnet device using the magnetic pole, and magnetic resonance 

imaging apparatus 

Inventor(s): Kakugawa, Shigeru; (Hitachi, JP), Sakakiba, Kenji; (Kashiwa, JP), 

Takeshima, Hirotaka; (Ryugasaki, JP), Wadayama, Yoshihide; (Hitachioka, JP), Yatsuo, 

Takeshi; (Kashiwa, JP) 

Correspondence: Mattingly, Stanger & Malur, P.C.; 1800 Diagonal Road; Suite 370; 

Alexandria; VA; 22314; US 



Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a magnetic pole, a magnet 

apparatus, and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that the magnetic structure of 

the magnet apparatus for generating a uniform magnetic field is formed in a lower burst 

mode, and the profitability is increased, and at the same time, the uniformity of the 

magnetic field is improved.According to the present invention, the magnetic poles

178 


arranged opposite to each other across a measuring space have at least one of a plurality 

of hollows and a single hollow having a shape continuously changing on the section 

perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field formed in the measuring space and 

particularly in order to make the magnetic field uniform, the arrangement of the 

plurality of hollows and the shape of the single hollow are adjusted. The magnet 

apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present invention are 

structured as mentioned above. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a new magnetic pole, a magnet apparatus 

using it, and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. In recent years, in the field of a 

nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, an MRI apparatus using the socalled 

open type magnet that static magnetic field generation sources are arranged 

opposite to each other vertically or horizontally across a scanning space is underdevelopment. 

Such an MRI apparatus has a sufficient open character, permits the socalled 

IVR (interventional radiology), and greatly expands medical possibilities. It is 

essential for a magnet for an MRI apparatus to produce a uniform static magnetic field 

of several ppm in a scanning space. The method for making the magnetic field of the 

scanning space uniform is broadly divided into two ways such as a method for using a 

plurality of coils and optimizing the arrangement thereof and a method for using the socalled 

magnetic pole and optimizing the surface shape thereof. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and image processing method 

Inventor(s): Takahashi, Tetsuhiko; (Chiba, JP), Yatsui, Yumiko; (Chiba, JP) 

Correspondence: Antonelli, Terry, Stout & Kraus, Llp; 1300 North Seventeenth Street; 

Suite 1800; Arlington; VA; 22209-9889; US 



Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having control means for fetching a 

plurality of image data and obtaining an image by a calculation. The control means 

performs an unwrap processing to a plurality of regions for removing a main value of a 

phase rotation amount so as to obtain a distribution diagram of a phase rotation amount 

caused by magnetostatic unevenness, obtains a plurality of evaluation values based on 

the phase value between a plurality of regions, selects a desired evaluation values based 

on the phase value from the plurality of evaluation values, and adjusts the phase values 

between the regions in accordance with the desired evaluation value. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 

(hereinafter referred to as MRI apparatus); and, more particularly, the invention relates 

to a technique for accurately obtaining a water/fat separated image of each of two or 

more island-like regions included in one image. When a magnetic resonance imaging 

apparatus is used to obtain an image, images showing the contrast between various 

tissues can be obtained by changing parameters of the time of echo (TE), the time of 

repetition (TR), and performing image calculations. The methods of obtaining an image 

having the contrast include the Dixon method. The Dixon method is a method of 

obtaining a water/fat separated image by utilizing the phase change of water MR 

signals and fat MR signals in one region. Recently, in clinical settings, opportunities of 

imaging both right and left crural regions at the same time, or of imaging a transverse 

cross section of brain-basilar region of head, or of imaging a coronal cross-section of

Patents 179 

abdomen are increasing in diagnosing from the water/fat separated image. A 

conventional technique of accurately obtaining a water/fat separated image when the 

imaging region is separated into a plurality of island-like portions since an object to be 

examined includes a plurality of spatially-separated portions, or an object includes 

portions without signals, such as air is disclosed in "A New Two-Dimensional Phase 

Unwrapping Algorithm for MRI Images"; M. Hedley and D. Rosenfeld; Magnetic 

Resonance in medicine, Vol.24, 177-181 (1992). According to this technique, when there 

are two island-like regions, only the phases of the points of the first region and the 

second region closest to each other are simply compared. However, since, with the 

above technique, it is difficult to obtain a desired image of a portion where there is a 

local rapid change of phases, or where the island-like regions are greatly separated, the 

water image and the fat image cannot be separated, and portions where the water 

signals are extracted and portions where the fat signals are extracted are mixed up in 

one image. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method incorporating multi-mode 

gradient coil unit 

Inventor(s): Sakakura, Yoshitomo; (Tokyo, JP) 

Correspondence: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC; 1100 N Glebe Road; 8th Floor; Arlington; VA; 

22201-4714; US 



Abstract: A gradient coil or shield coil includes a first gradient coil part and a second 

gradient coil part having at least one different characteristic of (a) intensity of gradient 

magnetic field, (b) slew rate, (c) linearity and/or (d) changing rate of the magnetic field 

(as compared to characteristics of the first gradient coil part. In another aspect, a 

gradient coil includes a first portion close to a center of the gradient coil, a second 

portion which is outside of the first portion and which has a lower winding density than 

the first portion and a third portion which is outside of the second portion and which 

has a higher winding density than the second portion. 

Excerpt(s): This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior 

Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-381384 filed on Dec. 27, 2002, and Japanese Patent 

Application No. 2003-205734 filed on Aug. 4, 2003, the entire contents of which are both 

hereby incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates generally to 

magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method incorporating a multi-mode 

gradient coil unit. In magnetic resonance phenomenon, a group of nuclei with a 

magnetic moment are placed in a homogeneous static magnetic field. The nuclei absorb 

energy from a high frequency (RF) magnetic field rotating at a specific (Larmor) 

frequency, and emit the absorbed energy as an NMR response after the high frequency 

(RF) magnetic field is removed. In order to create an image of chemical or physical 

information in a living body using such a phenomenon, it is necessary to find the spatial 

position where the magnetic resonance response signal is created, and 2-Dimensional 

Fourier Transform (2DFT) method is common. By the 2DFT method, first, a high 

frequency (RF) pulse is imposed together with a gradient magnetic field for slice 

selection. Only nuclei in a specific slice volume is selectively exited, and a transverse 

relaxation magnetization of nuclei is generated. When a gradient magnetic field for 

phase encoding is impressed after the high frequency (RF) pulse, although the

180 


magnetization rotates at a frequency related to the magnetic field at a particular spatial 

position, even after the magnetic field is removed, the difference of the frequency is kept 

as a phase difference. While the gradient magnetic field for frequency encoding is 

impressed, the received nuclei magnetic resonance (NMR) response signal (echo signal) 

that is created from the transverse relaxation magnetization and that is picked up by a 

high frequency (RF) coil is amplified by a first amplifier, and is sampled by an analogdigital 

converter to output a digital signal. When the magnetization rotates at a 

frequency according to the magnetic field at the spatial location provided by the 

gradient magnetic field pulse for frequency encoding, the difference of the frequency is 

reflected in the frequency of the NMR echo signal. A plurality of echo signals are 

collected by repeatedly changing the phase encoding in successive such procedures. 

When Fourier transformation is performed on the collected echo signal f(t) along a 

frequency encoding axis, a projection F(.omega.x) along the spatial X-axis is obtained. 

When Fourier transformation is performed on the projection F(.omega.x) along a phase 

encoding axis, a spatial distribution F(.omega.x,.omega.y) of the chemical or physical 

information in the living body is obtained. Thus, the gradient magnetic field pulse is 

used for encoding spatial position information in the NMR echo signal. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and static magnetic field generating device 

used therefor 

Inventor(s): Miyawaki, Shouichi; (Chiba, JP), Takeuchi, Hiroyuki; (Chiba, JP), Tsuda, 

Munetaka; (Ibaraki, JP), Yoshino, Hitoshi; (Chiba, JP) 

Correspondence: Antonelli, Terry, Stout & Kraus, Llp; 1300 North Seventeenth Street; 

Suite 1800; Arlington; VA; 22209-9889; US 



Abstract: An MRI apparatus having an open structure includes a static magnetic field 

generating magnet including magnetic field generating sources arranged above and 

below an imaging space and magnetic field fluctuation reducing plates arranged inside 

the magnet. Gradient magnetic field coils are fixed to the static magnetic field 

generating magnet so as to not be in contact with the magnetic field fluctuation reducing 

plates. When the strength of the magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field 

generating magnet fluctuates due to vibration of the gradient magnetic field coils or 

other devices during an imaging operation of the MRI apparatus, an eddy current is 

generated on the magnetic field fluctuation reducing plates in response to the magnetic 

field fluctuation components. Magnetic flux which cancels the static magnetic field 

fluctuation components is generated due to this eddy current, and consequently, a timesequentially 

stable static magnetic field can be obtained. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter 

referred to as MRI) apparatus; and, more particularly, the invention relates to an MRI 

apparatus and a static magnetic field generating device for use therein, in which an 

open-type magnet, which will not give an oppressive feeling to an object to be 

examined, is employed, and in which the magnetic field stability in the examination 

space during operation of the apparatus is improved. An MRI apparatus for obtaining a 

tomogram of a human body utilizing the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) 

phenomenon is used widely as a means for performing a diagnostic medical procedure. 

The MRI apparatus requires a static magnetic field generating device for generating a

Patents 181 

static magnetic field having a uniform magnetic field strength in the space where an 

object to be examined is inserted (hereinafter referred to as an examination space or 

imaging space) so as to accurately show an image of the inside structure of an examined 

portion of the object. Since a uniform static magnetic field can be obtained within a 

solenoid coil having an infinite length, many of the static magnetic field generating 

devices used in an MRI apparatus employ a magnet structure, including a solenoid coil 

having a long, narrow cylindrical shape for generating a magnetic field with high 

strength and high uniformity in a space having a predetermined size, and a shim 

mechanism for further improving the magnetic field stability of the static magnetic field 

generated by the solenoid coil. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging capable catheter assembly 

Inventor(s): Gray, Robert W.; (Rochester, NY), Helfer, Jeffrey L.; (Webster, NY), Weiner, 

Michael L.; (Webster, NY) 

Correspondence: Howard J. Greenwald P.C.; 349 W. Commercial Street Suite 2490; East 

Rochester; NY; 14445-2408; US 



Abstract: A catheter assembly which is provided with a distally positioned magnetic 

resonance imaging coil, comprising a cable assembly having a proximal end and a 

distal end, the cable assembly further comprising an outer tube, a first electronics 

assembly disposed within the distal end of the cable assembly, a first fiber optic strand 

disposed within the tube, and connected to the first electronic assembly; and a tip 

assembly connected to the distal end of the cable assembly further comprising a thin 

structural wall forming a cavity, and a coil assembly disposed within the cavity. The 

catheter assembly enables high resolution magnetic resonance imaging of tissue 

proximate to the assembly, as well as other beneficial diagnostic and therapeutic 

procedures. 

Excerpt(s): This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent 

application Serial No. 60/357,935 filed Feb. 19, 2002. This invention relates in one 

embodiment to a catheter assembly, and more particularly to a catheter assembly that 

includes the capability to perform magnetic resonance imaging. A catheter assembly 

which is provided with a distally positioned magnetic resonance imaging coil, thereby 

enabling high resolution magnetic resonance imaging of tissue proximate to the 

assembly. 


182 


• Magnetic resonance imaging screening method and apparatus 

Inventor(s): Avrin, William F.; (San Diego, CA), Burnett, Lowell J.; (El Cajon, CA), 

Czipott, Peter V.; (San Diego, CA), Kumar, Sankaran; (San Marcos, CA), Massengill, R. 

Kemp; (Leucadia, CA), McClure, Richard J.; (San Diego, CA), Wolff, Stephen; (San 

Diego, CA) 

Correspondence: Gerald W Spinks; P. O. Box 2467; Bremerton; WA; 98310; US 



Abstract: A method and apparatus to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or 

ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter the high-field 

region of an MRI suite. The device comprises either a screening portal or a compact, 

hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The device places all of the sensor 

arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes. 

Excerpt(s): This application relies upon U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 60/440,697, filed 

Jan. 17, 2003, for "Method and Apparatus to Use Magnetic Entryway Detectors for Pre- 

MRI Screening", and U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 60/489,250, filed Jul. 22, 2003, for 

"Ferromagnetic Wand Method and Apparatus for Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

Screening". The present invention is in the field of methods and apparatus used to 

prevent the presence of paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects near a magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRI) system. Paramagnetic and ferromagnetic objects are highly 

unsafe near MRI systems, because the strong magnetic gradients caused by MRI 

magnets exert a strong force on such objects, potentially turning them into dangerous 

missiles. Several accidents, some fatal, are known to have occurred as the result of 

someone inadvertently carrying such an object into the MRI room. Current MRI safety 

practices rely on signage and training to prevent people from taking such objects into 

the MRI chamber. There is currently no known technical means in use to prevent the 

accidental transportation of such objects into the MRI chamber, or even to warn of such 

an occurrence. 


• Magnetic resonance imaging system and methods for the detection of brain iron 

deposits 

Inventor(s): Alsop, David Charles; (Newton, MA), Alyassin, Abdalmajeid Musa; 

(Niskayuna, NY), Cline, Harvey Ellis; (Schenectady, NY), Lorensen, William Edward; 

(Ballston Lake, NY), Schenck, John Frederick; (Voorheesville, NY) 

Correspondence: General Electric Company; Global Research; Patent Docket RM. BLDG. 

K1-4a59; Schenectady; NY; 12301-0008; US 



Abstract: A method and system for detecting iron using magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI) is provided. The method comprises acquiring magnetic resonance (MR) images 

by a selected pulse sequence to enhance brain iron deposits using a MRI system having 

a substantially high magnetic field strength and characterizing regions of interest within 

the MR images having statistically relevant quantities of iron deposits to indicate a 

given disease.

Patents 183 

Excerpt(s): The invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and image 

processing methods. More particularly, the invention relates to detection of brain iron 

deposits using MRI and image processing techniques. It has been known for some time 

that specific regions of the brain contain deposits of iron in a storage pool consisting of 

iron atoms in a mineral matrix associated with and largely surrounded by associated 

proteins. The total complex of mineralized iron and proteins is referred to as ferritin or 

in other cases as hemosiderin. It has also been recognized that these deposits are to some 

extent capable of being visualized on MR images because of the tendency of the 

magnetized iron atoms to alter the local magnetic field and to thereby to reduce the MR 

signal from protons in water molecules and other compounds in their vicinity of the 

iron deposits. This effect is referred to as iron-dependent shortening of the local T2 

relaxation time. It is known that this effect is more prominent and more easily observed 

at higher magnetic field strengths. However, this imaging phenomenon has not been 

widely used for diagnostic purposes because of the difficulty in making diagnostic 

inferences due to the limited sensitivity of standard MR scanners and the complex and 

irregular shapes of the affected brain regions. Consequently, there is a need for an 

invention to improve the sensitivity of MR imaging to the presence of brain iron 

deposits and to improve the methods of analysis of the MR images to detect diseaserelated 

changes. One urgent need in neurology is an imaging method capable of 

detecting abnormal deposits in the brain, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary 

tangles, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease and related diseases. It is known 

that iron in the form of ferritin or related proteinaceous compounds is often associated 

with these deposits. Although these deposits are often too small to be imaged as 

individual structures within the brain by MRI, the presence of several such deposits 

within an MR imaging voxel may lead to reduced overall signal strength for this voxel 

because of the iron content. Thus, by a process of signal averaging across a single voxel, 

this technique may be used to establish the presence of these pathological structures. 

Furthermore, a number of degenerative brain diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease, 

Hallervorden Spatz disease and many others) have been found to be associated with 

increased regional iron deposition. To date, most efforts to utilize brain-iron dependent 

contrast have utilized relatively thick slice (e.g., 3-5 mm), low-field (e.g., 1.5 T) images 

analyzed by visual inspection or by measurements of the image intensity variation or T2 

relaxation of individual voxels. This method is cumbersome and time-consuming and, 

unless high-resolution imaging is used, local details of the iron distribution are not 

resolved. 


• Magnetic resonance method for forming a fast dynamic imaging 

Inventor(s): Fuderer, Miha; (Eindhoven, NL), Harvey, Paul Royston; (Eindhoven, NL) 

Correspondence: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards; P.O. Box 3001; Briarcliff 

Manor; NY; 10510; US 



Abstract: A magnetic resonance method is described for fast dynamic imaging from a 

plurality of signals acquired by an array of multiple sensors. The k-space will be 

segmented into regions of different acquisition. In the region of a first acquisition type a 

first partial image will be reconstructed by data of normal magnetic resonance imaging 

with a full set of phase encoding steps or by data of fast dynamic imaging with a

184 


number of phase encoding steps being with a low reduction factor with respect to the 

full set thereof and in the region of a second acquisition type a second partial image will 

be reconstructed by data of fast dynamic imaging with a full reduction factor. Thereafter 

the first and the second partial images will be formed to the full image of the scanned 

object. 

Excerpt(s): The invention relates to a magnetic resonance method for forming a fast 

dynamic imaging form a plurality of signals acquired by an array of multiple sensors 

according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a magnetic 

resonance imaging apparatus for obtaining a fast dynamic image according to the 

preamble of claim 11 and to a computer program product according to the preamble of 

claim 12. In magnetic resonance imaging there is a general tendency to obtain 

acceptable images in shorter time. For this reason there have been developed recently 

the sensitivity encoding method called "SENSE" by the Institute of Biomedical 

Engineering and Medical Informations, University and ETH Zurich, Switzerland. The 

SENSE method is based on an algorithm which directly acts on the image as detected by 

the coils of the magnetic resonance apparatus, wherein subsequent encoding steps can 

be skipped and thus an acceleration of the signal acquisition for imaging of a factor two 

to three can be obtained. Crucial for the SENSE method is the knowledge of the 

sensitivity of the coils, which are arrange in so called sensitivity maps. In order to 

accelerate this method there are proposals to use raw sensitivity maps which can be 

obtained through division by either the "sum-of-squares" of the single coil references or 

by an optional body coil reference (see e.g. K. Pruessmann et. al. in Proc. ISMRM, 1998, 

abstracts p. 579, 799, 803 and 2087. The SENSE method is preferred for acceleration of 

the signal acquisition for magnetic resonance imaging, which results in an enormous 

reduction in operating time. However, the method can only be used properly if the coil 

sensitivity is exactly known. Otherwise imperfections will cause fold-over artefacts 

which provide wrong images. In practice the coil sensitivity cannot be estimated 

perfectly and will be dependent on fluctuations in time (movement of the patient, 

temperature influences, etc.). 


• Measurement and correction of gradient-induced cross-term magnetic fields in an EPI 

sequence 

Inventor(s): Zhang, Weiguo; (Foster City, CA) 

Correspondence: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC; 1100 N Glebe Road; 8th Floor; Arlington; VA; 

22201-4714; US 



Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a gradient-induced cross-term magnetic 

field in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system involving the steps of: positioning 

an object in a static magnetic field; applying a radio frequency (RF) excitation pulse that 

spatially selects a slice of the object; applying an incremented phase-encoding magnetic 

gradient field along a phase encoding gradient field direction parallel to the slice phase; 

applying a selective RF refocusing pulse to select a line in the slice; applying a switched 

readout magnetic gradient; which causes a cross-term magnetic field, generating a data 

array of a phase-encoding gradient and a corresponding sample data point along the 

selected line, and determining a center frequency distribution (CF) for the selected line, 

where the CFR is indicative of a gradient-induced cross-term magnetic field.

Patents 185 

Excerpt(s): The invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in 

particular to high speed echo-planer imaging (EPI) techniques. EPI is a commonly used 

MRI technique for high speed acquisition of NMR data, in which scan times are 

generally about 100 msec. For the simplicity of discussion, the Z-axis is used as the slice 

selection direction, the X-axis is used as the phase-encoding direction, and the Y-axis is 

used as the readout direction. However, other orientations may be applied when using 

the invention described herein. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a conventional EPI pulse 

sequence, a 90.degree. radio frequency (RF) excitation pulse 10 with a slice selective 

magnetic field gradient (G.sub.slice) 12 is applied along an axis perpendicular to the 

imaging plane, e.g., (G.sub.z), to excite the nuclei in the imaging plane of the body being 

imaged. A phase encoding gradient (G.sub.phase) 14 and 24 is applied, along an axis 

(G.sub.x) parallel to the imaging plane, after the excitation pulse to spatially encode the 

nuclei. Similarly, a phase shift gradient (G.sub.read) 16 is applied, along an axis 

(G.sub.y) parallel to the imaging plane and orthogonal to the phase encoding gradient, 

to center the subsequent scanning of the k-space (raw data space). A 180.degree. RF 

rephasing pulse 18 is applied to generate a spin echo (SE) response (ADC) 20 from the 

excited nuclei. A slice specific gradient 19 may also be applied in conjunction with the 

180.degree. RF pulse. 


• Medical devices visible under magnetic resonance imaging 

Inventor(s): Dao, Kinh-Luan; (Randolph, MA), Ma, Enxin; (Natick, MA), Zhong, Sheng- 

Ping; (Shrewsbury, MA) 

Correspondence: Mayer, Fortkort & Williams, PC; 251 North Avenue West; 2nd Floor; 

Westfield; NJ; 07090; US 



Abstract: A medical device comprising a substrate and a hydrogel coating disposed over 

at least a portion of the substrate surface. The hydrogel coating contains an MRI contrast 

agent and includes inner and outer regions. The inner region comprises a first hydrogel 

polymer, and the outer region comprises a second hydrogel polymer that can be the 

same as or different from the first hydrogel polymer. The inner region exhibits more 

absorption upon hydration than does the outer region. Examples of hydrogel polymers 

include polysaccharide and polypeptide hydrogel polymers such as alginic acid, 

hyaluronic acid, chitin, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, collagen, and 

gelatin, as well as salts and copolymers thereof. Upon insertion or implantation of the 

medical device into a patient, the hydrogel coating is differentiable from the 

environment surrounding the hydrogel coating under magnetic resonance imaging. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to medical devices that are adapted to be 

visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). More particularly, the present 

invention relates to medical devices provided with a coating, which is adapted to render 

the medical device visible under MRI; the use of such medical devices in a medical 

procedure during or after which the position of the medical device is viewed by MRI; 

and, the use of such coatings to render medical devices coated therewith visible under 

MRI. The ability to non-invasively image internal body structures and diseased tissues 

within a patient's body is an extremely important diagnostic tool in the practice of 

modern medicine. Such non-invasive imaging techniques include magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI), x-ray imaging, ultrasonic imaging, x-ray computed tomography,

186 


emission tomography, and others. Magnetic resonance imaging can provide twodimensional 

cross-sectional images through a patient, providing color or gray scale 

contrast images of a portion of the body. These two-dimensional images can then be 

reconstructed to provide a 3-dimensional image of a portion of the body. MRI is 

advantageous, inter alia, because it does not expose the patient or medical practitioner 

to harmful radiation and it can provide detailed images of the observed area. These 

detailed images are valuable diagnostic aids to medical practitioners and can be used, 

for example, to devise, monitor or alter a treatment approach. Magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) produces images by differentiating detectable magnetic species in the 

portion of the body being imaged. In the case of.sup.1H MRI, the detectable species are 

protons (hydrogen nuclei) that possess an inherent spin magnetic moment such that 

these protons behave like tiny magnets. Images are typically obtained by placing an area 

of interest within a powerful, highly uniform, static magnetic field. The protons in the 

area of interest align like tiny magnets in this field. Radiofrequency pulses are then 

utilized to create an oscillating magnetic field perpendicular to the main field, from 

which the nuclei absorb energy and move out of alignment with the static field in a state 

of excitation. As the nuclei return from excitation to the equilibrium or relaxed state, a 

signal induced in the receiver coil of the instrument by the nuclear magnetization can 

then be transformed by a series of algorithms into diagnostic images. Images based on 

different tissue characteristics can be obtained by varying the number and sequence of 

pulsed radiofrequency fields in order to take advantage of magnetic relaxation 

properties of the detectable protons in the area of interest. 


• Method 

Inventor(s): Mansson, Sven; (Malmo, SE), Petersson, Stefan; (Malmo, SE) 

Correspondence: Amersham Health, INC.; IP Department; 101 Camegie Center; 

Princeton; NJ; 08540; US 



Abstract: The present invention provides a method of magnetic resonance imaging of a 

sample, said method comprising:i) administering a hyperpolarised MR imaging agent 

comprising non-zero nuclear spin nuclei into said sample;ii) exposing said sample to a 

radiation at a frequency selected to excite nuclear spin transitions in said non-zero 

nuclear spin nuclei;iii) detecting MR signals from said sample utilising spectral-spatial 

excitation, in combination with line scanning, point scanning and/or steady state 

imaging techniques; andiv) optionally generating an image, physiological data or 

metabolic data from said detected signals. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to methods of magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI), in particular to the study of metabolites and methods of extracting metabolic 

information. In order to achieve effective contrast between MR images of different tissue 

types, it has long been known to administer to a subject under examination MR contrast 

agents (the term "MR contrast agent" in the context of the present application can be 

interchangeably used with the term "imaging agent", "MR imaging agent" or "contrast 

agent"), e.g. paramagnetic metal species which affect relaxation times in the zones in 

which they are administered or at which they congregate. MR signal strength is 

dependent on the population difference between the nuclear spin states of the imaging 

nuclei. This population difference is governed by a Boltzmann distribution and is

Patents 187 

dependent on temperature and magnetic field strength. Techniques have been 

developed which involve ex vivo nuclear spin polarisation of agents containing non 

zero nuclear spin nuclei (e.g.sup.3He,.sup.13C,.sup.15N,), prior to administration and 

MR signal measurement. The term "polarisation" in the context with the present 

application can be interchangeably used with the term "hyperpolarisation". Some such 

techniques involve the use of polarising agents, for example conventional OMRI 

imaging agents or hyperpolarised gases to achieve ex vivo nuclear spin polarisation of 

non zero nuclear spin nuclei in an administrable MR imaging agent. By polarising agent 

is meant any agent suitable for performing ex vivo polarisation of an MR imaging agent. 


• Method and magnetic resonance apparatus for calibrating coil sensitivities 

Inventor(s): Kiefer, Berthold; (Erlangen, DE), Laub, Gerhard; (Chicago, IL), Simonetti, 

Orlando; (Chicago, IL), Wang, Jianmin; (Shenzhen, CN), Zhang, Qiang; (Chicago, IL) 

Correspondence: Schiff Hardin, Llp; Patent Department; 6600 Sears Tower; Chicago; IL; 

60606-6473; US 



Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus wherein magnetic 

resonance signals are simultaneously received from an examination subject by multiple 

reception coils, a single, uninterrupted pulse sequence is executed which includes 

reference scans of the subject with a first sequence kernel that is optimized for coil 

sensitivity calibration, immediately followed by a series of accelerated image scans with 

a second sequence kernel, different from the first sequence kernel, that is optimized for 

imaging. Coil sensitivity maps for the respective coils are calculated from the data 

acquired in the reference scans, and an image of the subject is reconstructed by 

operating on the image data with a parallel reconstruction algorithm employing the 

calculated coil sensitivity maps. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention is directed to a method and magnetic resonance MR 

apparatus of the type employing multiple coils for obtaining magnetic resonance 

signals, and in particular to a method and apparatus for calibrating the sensitivities of 

those coils. Magnetic resonance signals are received with multiple coils in a magnetic 

resonance imaging apparatus in many types of magnetic resonance imaging sequences. 

These types of sequences are generally referred to as partially parallel acquisition (PPA) 

techniques, and include the known SMASH and SENSE sequences, as well as others. 

Details that are common to most PPA techniques are described in co-pending 

Application Ser. No. 10/117,396, filed Apr. 5, 2002 ("Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

Method and Apparatus Employing Partially Parallel Acquisition," Griswold), the 

teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. In sequences employing PPA, 

an accelerated imaging acquisition is possible because magnetic resonance signals are 

being simultaneously received by multiple reception antennas (reception coils). The 

received signals are processed in parallel, however, it is important to have knowledge of 

the coil sensitivity of each reception coil in the processing of the received signals. 

Processing errors would occur if the signals were processed based on the assumption 

that all of the coil sensitivities are identical. Currently, two methods are known for 

calibrating the coil sensitivities for this purpose. 


188 


• METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RETROSPECTIVE PHASE CORRECTION FOR 

FAST SPIN ECHO MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING 

Inventor(s): Hinks, Richard Scott; (Waukesha, WI), Peters, Robert Donald; (Sussex, WI) 

Correspondence: Artz & Artz, P.C.; 28333 Telegraph RD.; Suite 250; Southfield; MI; 

48034; US 



Abstract: A phase correction method for MR devices includes collecting non-phase 

encoded reference data, calculating phase coefficients, and then phase correcting the 

regular phase-encoded image dataset based on these coefficients. The phase correction 

method can be used for two dimensional or three dimensional FSE imaging and variants 

thereof. As the method is conducted after signal acquisition, it is considered a 

retrospective phase correction. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

(MRI) systems, and more particularly, to a method and system for improving image 

quality through phase correction. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a well-known 

medical procedure for obtaining detailed, one, two and three-dimensional images of 

patients, using the methodology of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). MRI is well 

suited to the visualization of soft tissues and is primarily used for diagnosing disease 

pathologies and internal injuries. Typical MRI systems include a superconducting 

magnet capable of generating a strong, homogenous magnetic field around a patient or 

portion of the patient; a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver system, including 

transmitter and receiver coils, also surrounding or impinging upon a portion of the 

patient; a magnetic gradient coil system also surrounding a portion of the patient; and a 

computer processing/imaging system, receiving the signals from the receiver coil and 

processing the signals into interpretable data, such as visual images. 


• Method for processing magnetic resonance imaging image information and magnetic 

resonance imaging system 

Inventor(s): Eda, Hideo; (Tokyo, JP), Matsuo, Masahiko; (Fukuoka, JP), Miyauchi, 

Satoru; (Tokyo, JP) 

Correspondence: Banner & Witcoff; 1001 G Street N W; Suite 1100; Washington; DC; 

20001; US 



Abstract: A method for processing magnetic resonance imaging image information is 

characterized by that a magnetic resonance spectral intensity value is measured at each 

of a plurality of measuring points that are arranged at predetermined intervals along a 

lengthwise direction, a crosswise direction and a height direction on an object to be 

measured and several kinds of magnetic resonance imaging image information as a set 

of the magnetic resonance spectral intensity values measured at the measuring point are 

obtained by a plurality of different spectral intensity measuring methods with respect to 

the object to be measured, a magnetic resonance spectral intensity value at the

Patents 189 

predetermined position is obtained directly or indirectly from a measured results of the 

magnetic resonance spectral intensity values that is included in the magnetic resonance 

imaging image information and the predetermined position is set to be identical for all 

of the several varieties of magnetic resonance imaging image information with respect 

to each of the magnetic resonance imaging image information, and new image 

information at the predetermined position is derived by linear calculation between the 

spectral intensity values. 

Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a method for processing magnetic resonance 

imaging image information that is preferably used for a nondestructive inspection of an 

internal of a three-dimensional object such as a human body and also relates to a 

magnetic resonance imaging system used in the method. Conventionally, X-ray 

photography has been widely used for inspecting an internal of a human body. The Xray 

irradiating a human body transmits the human body, however, transmittance 

becomes low in bones. Then fracture of the bone can be diagnosed with an X-ray 

photograph. However, there is a problem that X-rays cannot irradiate often on a human 

body because enormous quantity of X-rays irradiated on a human body will damage 

cellular of the human body. 


• Method for reducing spin-lattice relaxation time of silicone fluids used in magnetic 


Inventor(s): Skloss, Timothy W.; (Waukesha, WI) 

Correspondence: Steven W. Hays; 28333 Telegraph Road, Suite 250; Southfield; MI; 

48034; US 



Abstract: A method for reducing the calibration time of magnetic imaging resonance 

systems at fields of 1 Tesla or higher utilizing silicone oil type phantom tanks. A small 

amount of a non-ionic paramagnetic compound such as gadolinium beta-diketonate (a 

common metallocomplex) is added to the silicone oil to reduce the spin-lattice relaxation 

time of the silicone oil in magnetic resonance phantoms. The amount of reduction of the 

spin lattice relaxation time is inversely proportional to the amount of paramagnetic 

compound added to the silicone oil in a given phantom tank and thus can be controlled 

in a precise manner. 


systems and more particularly to a method for reducing spin-lattice relaxation time of 

silicone fluids used in magnetic resonance imaging. The invention is suitable for use 

with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques, and in particular, although not 

exclusively, with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques, but may also be used 

in Nuclear Quadruple Resonance, Electron Spin Resonance, and other such techniques. 

NMR is a technique in which a radio frequency (RF) excitation pulse is applied to a 

sample in the presence of a magnetic field, and echoes or other signals resulting from 

the excitation of atomic nuclei with net magnetic moments in the sample are 

subsequently detected. Hydrogen, whose nuclei are essentially single protons, are the 

nuclei most commonly probed by MR due to their high abundance in water and fat and 

their relatively high receptivity (signal amplitude) to the MR experiment. In MRI, the 

magnitudes of the echo signals are used to construct an image. The concentration of

190 


hydrogen atoms will generally correspond to the water and/or fat density in the 

sample. MRI is therefore widely used for imaging tissue in the human body. 


• METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING DATA 

TO BODY MOTION 

Inventor(s): Larson, Andrew C.; (Washington, DC), Laub, Gerhard; (Los Angeles, CA), 

Simonetti, Orlando P.; (Naperville, IL), White, Richard D.; (Chagrin Falls, OH) 

Correspondence: Fish & Richardson PC; 225 Franklin ST; Boston; MA; 02110; US 



Abstract: Synchronizing MR images to the motion of a patient, e.g., to the beating of the 

heart, respiration of the lungs, or motion of a limb, by extracting timing information 

from the MR imaging data, itself, rather than relying solely on additional data acquired 

solely for timing. 

Excerpt(s): The invention relates to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and more 

particularly to synchronization of MR imaging data to motion of a patient. 

Synchronizing MR images to the motion of a patient, e.g., to the beating of the heart, 

respiration of the lungs, or motion of a limb, gives the diagnostician images that have a 

known correspondence to the motion of interest, e.g., to the phase of the cardiac cycle. 

Such synchronization can be useful for both cine and still MR images. To achieve 

synchronization, it is necessary to have a timing signal that is indicative of the phase or 

position of the body. E.g., in cardiac imaging the timing signal might indicate the start of 

each cardiac cycle. One technique for providing a timing signal in cardiac imaging is to 

connect appropriate electrodes to the patient for monitoring the patient's ECG while MR 

imaging data is collected. However, the magnetic fields and pulsed magnetic field 

gradients used in MR can interfere with the collection of the ECG signal. Special 

algorithms have been developed in an effort to overcome these difficulties. Chia et al., 

"Performance of QRS Detection for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging with a Novel 

Vectorcardiographic Triggering Method," Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 

12:678-688 (2000). Fischer et al., "Novel Real-Time R-Wave Detection Algorithm Based 

on the Vectorcardiogram for Accurate Gated Magnetic Resonance Acquisitions," 

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 42:361-370 (1999). Applying the ECG electrodes to the 

patient, and setting up to acquire the ECG data, is relatively complex and time 

consuming. And it can become necessary during imaging to relocate the electrodes for a 

viable ECG signal, and this typically requires that MR image acquisition be stopped and 

the patient withdrawn from the bore of the MR unit. 


Patents 191 

• Method of and device for the compensation of variations of the main magnetic field 

during magnetic resonance imaging 

Inventor(s): Ham, Cornelis L. G.; (Eindhoven, NL), Mulder, Gerardus B.J.; (Eindhoven, 

NL) 

Correspondence: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards; P.O. Box 3001; Briarcliff 

Manor; NY; 10510; US 



Abstract: At least one quantity which is characteristic of the temperature-dependent 

magnetic properties of magnetizable material which interacts with the magnetic fields of 

a magnetic resonance imaging device is determined in order to compensate the 

temporally varying strength of the main magnetic field of a main magnet of such a 

device. On the basis of this quantity a compensation signal is formed for the correction 

of the influence of the varying field strength on the imaging result. 

Excerpt(s): The invention relates to a method of determining a compensation signal for 

the compensation of a temporally varying field strength of the main magnetic field of a 

main magnet of a magnetic resonance imaging device which also includes at least one 

gradient field coil for generating a gradient magnetic field and a magnetizable material 

which interacts with the magnetic fields of the device. Magnetic resonance imaging 

devices are known per se, for example for the imaging, by way of magnetism, of a body, 

such as the human body, or parts of a body. In literature such imaging is also referred to 

as "Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)" or "Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)". A 

typical magnetic resonance imaging device, for example as known from U.S. Pat. No. 

5,214,383, includes a receiving space for accommodating an object to be imaged. A 

steady or main magnetic field is generated in said receiving space by means of a magnet. 

In order to select a region to be imaged in the relevant object, one or more so-called 

gradient coils are provided so as to superpose magnetic field gradients on the main 

magnetic field. Generally speaking, the gradient field coils produce linear variations of 

the main magnetic field along the x, the y and the z axis of a Cartesian co-ordinate 

system. In order to achieve resonance for nuclei in a selected body region to be imaged, 

there are provided one or more RF coils which are also capable of acting as a receiver for 

signals emitted by resonating nuclei. 


• Method to determine the ADC coefficients in diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance 

imaging given use of steady-state sequences 

Inventor(s): Deimling, Michael; (Mohrendorf, DE) 

Correspondence: Schiff Hardin & Waite; Patent Department; 6600 Sears Tower; 233 

South Wacker Drive; Chicago; IL; 60606; US 



Abstract: In a magnetic resonance apparatus and method to acquire a diffusionweighted 

image in diffusion-weighted MRT imaging, a non-diffusion-weighted data set 

and a diffusion-weighted data set are measured and stored by means of a DESS 

sequence (Double Echo Steady State Sequence), with two readout gradients being

192 


switched successively for the non-diffusion-weighted data set, and a bipolar diffusion 

gradient pulse sequence being switched between two readout gradients for the 

diffusion-weighted data set. A diffusion-weighted MRT image is calculated is calculated 

based on the non-diffusion-weighted data set and the diffusion-weighted data set, as 

well as on the basis of a value characterizing the diffusion-weighted measurement. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention in general concerns magnetic resonance tomography 

(MRT) as applied in medicine to examine patients. The present invention concerns in 

particular concerns a method to determine the ADC coefficients in diffusion-weighted 

magnetic resonance imaging. MRT is based on the physical phenomenon of nuclear 

magnetic resonance and has been successfully used as an imaging method for over 15 

years in medicine and biophysics. In this examination modality, the subject is exposed to 

a strong, constant magnetic field. The nuclear spins of the atoms in the subject, which 

were previously randomly oriented, thereby align. Radio-frequency energy can now 

excite these "ordered" nuclear spins to a specific oscillation. This oscillation generates 

the actual measurement signal that is acquired by appropriate reception coils. By the use 

of inhomogeneous magnetic fields generated by gradient coils, the signals from the 

measurement subject can be spatially coded in all three spatial directions, what is 

generally known as "spatial coding". In the assessment of pathophysiological events, in 

particular in the human brain (for example given a stroke), a relatively new MR 

technique has proven to be particularly effective: diffusion-weighted magnetic 

resonance tomography. 


• Method, apparatus, and facility for magnetic resonance imaging dual scanning 

Inventor(s): Damadian, Raymond V.; (Woodbury, NY) 

Correspondence: Lerner, David, Littenberg,; Krumholz & Mentlik; 600 South Avenue 

West; Westfield; NJ; 07090; US 



Abstract: A method, apparatus and facility for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The 

method comprises selectively directing patients to either a first magnetic resonance 

scanner or a second magnetic resonance scanner, so that the patient's entire body, 

including the torso, extremities and head can be scanned, while at the same time not 

requiring either scanner to have the capability to perform a full functional body scan. In 

accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for magnetic 

resonance imaging is disclosed wherein the apparatus occupies or requires clearance 

space of approximately nine feet. 

Excerpt(s): The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 

60/428,846, entitled "Method, Apparatus, and Facility For Magnetic Resonance 

Imaging Dual Scanning," filed on Nov. 25, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated 

by reference herein in its entirety. The present invention relates to magnetic resonance 

imaging and more specifically to apparatuses and facilities that allow dual magnetic 

resonance image scanning of patients. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI") is 

utilized for scanning and imaging biological tissue as a diagnostic aid, and is one of the 

most versatile and fastest growing modalities in medical imaging. Because MRI does not 

use x-rays or other ionizing radiation, it offers safety advantages over techniques such as 

conventional ray imaging, fluoroscopy and computerized axial tomography (CAT)

Patents 193 

imaging. Furthermore, MRI allows visualization of tissues that are difficult or 

impossible to depict using other techniques. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging 

can show abnormal tissues in contrast to surrounding normal tissues. 


• Modular local coil set for magnetic resonance imaging 

Inventor(s): Jevtic, Jovan; (West Allis, WI), Menon, Ashok; (Milwaukee, WI), Seeber, 

Derek; (Wauwatosa, WI) 

Correspondence: Quarles & Brady Llp; 411 E. Wisconsin Avenue; Suite 2040; 

Milwaukee; WI; 53202-4497; US 



Abstract: A modular lower coil provides for a head, a vascular and, a thoracic/lumbar 

element that may interfit or be separated to provide individual imaging of these areas or 

a combined imaging region stretching from the head to the lower spine. A switch box 

allows individual ones of these elements to be connected to the MRI machine if 

necessary because of a limitation of inputs to the machine and provides for decoupling 

currents to minimize interference between the coil elements when one element is being 

used. 

Excerpt(s): This application is based on U.S. Provisional application 60/429,878 filed 

Nov. 27, 2002 and hereby claims the benefit of the application. This application is also a 

continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/303,582 filed Nov. 22, 2002, and 

hereby incorporated by reference. The present invention relates to magnetic resonance 

imaging and, in particular, to local coils for use in magnetic resonance imaging. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects the faint nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) 

signals given off by protons in the presence of a strong magnetic field after excitation of 

the protons with a radio frequency signal. The NMR signals are detected using loop 

antennas termed "coils". 


• Multiple tuned radio frequency coil for resonance imaging and spectroscopic analysis 

Inventor(s): Srinivasan, Ravi; (Beachwood, OH) 

Correspondence: Mark D. Saralino; Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, Llp; Nineteenth 

Floor; 1621 Euclid Avenue; Cleveland; OH; 44115-2191; US 



Abstract: A multi-tune radio frequency (RF) coil for concurrent magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is disclosed. The multi-tune 

RF coil includes a first end ring having a generally annular opening and a first plurality 

of elongated segments coupled to and positioned circumferentially around the first end 

ring. The first plurality of elongated segments are azimuthally offset from one another 

by a substantially equal angular distance. A second RF coil includes a second end ring 

having a generally annular opening and a second plurality of elongated segments 

coupled to and positioned circumferentially around the second end ring. The second

194 


plurality of elongated segments are azimuthally offset from one another by a 

substantially equal angular distance. The first and second plurality of elongated 

segments are coupled to and positioned circumferentially around at least one of an a 

third end ring having a generally annular opening and an end cap, thereby forming a 

coil volume, and the first and second plurality of elongated segments lie in a same 

circumferential plane. 

Excerpt(s): This Application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 

60/429,909 filed Nov. 29, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. The present 

invention relates to magnetic resonance (MR) systems. Specifically, the invention relates 

to concurrent imaging and spectroscopy examination in a one patient setting. More 

specifically, the invention relates to a multiple tuned radio-frequency (RF) coil and 

method for use in such systems. In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems and 

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) systems, a static magnetic field (B) is applied to a 

body under investigation. The static magnetic field defines an equilibrium axis of 

magnetic alignment in a region of the body under investigation. An RF field is applied 

in the region being examined in a direction orthogonal to the static field direction. The 

RF field excites magnetic resonance in the region, and resulting RF signals are detected 

and processed. Generally, the resulting RF signals are detected by RF coil arrangements 

placed close to the body. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,270 to Damadian and U.S. 

Pat. No. 4,793,356 to Misic et al. Typically, these coils are either surface type or volume 

type coils, and, depending on the application, are used to transmit RF and receive NMR 

signals from the region of interest (ROI). 


• Particles for imaging cells 

Inventor(s): Dunbar, Cynthia E.; (Washington, DC), Hinds, Kathleen Allison; (Rockville, 

MD) 

Correspondence: Merchant & Gould PC; P.O. Box 2903; Minneapolis; MN; 55402-0903; 

US 



Abstract: The invention includes a particle that includes at least one magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) active material, at least one fluorescent material, and at least one 

polymer. The invention also includes a method of tracking at least one cell that includes 

labeling the cell with a particle in accordance with the invention, and monitoring the cell 

using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), flow cytometry, fluorescent techniques, 

microscopy studies, or combinations thereof. 

Excerpt(s): The invention relates to particles for imaging cells. More specifically, the 

invention relates to particles that can be used to image cells with a number of imaging 

techniques, such as, for example magnetic resonance imaging, flow cytometry, and 

microscopy studies. Tracking of individual cells within a subject, such as a human or an 

animal may offer important information on a number of biological and/or clinically 

important processes. For example, in the case of bone marrow transplants, tracking of 

hematopoietic stem and/or progenitor cells in vivo could offer important insight into 

this biologically complex and clinically important procedure. Tracking of cells in vivo 

can be accomplished with a number of different techniques. Once the cell has reached its 

final destination, magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI") can be used to monitor the cells

Patents 195 

in their microenvironment. To obtain a more clear picture of the fate of the cells in vivo 

it would be helpful to be able to utilize other techniques as well. For example, the use of 

flow cytometry would allow the monitoring of intracellular distribution and sorting of 

the cells based on whether or not they had been labeled. Furthermore, the use of 

fluorescence or confocal microscopy could be utilized to further locate and image cells. 


• Pole face for permanent magnet MRI with laminated structure 

Inventor(s): Aksel, Bulent; (Clifton Park, NY), Benz, Mark Gilber; (Lincoln, VT), Inoue, 

Yuji; (Tokyo, JP), Marte, Judson Sloan; (Wynantskill, NY), Shei, Juliana Chiang; 

(Niskayuna, NY) 

Correspondence: Foley And Lardner; Suite 500; 3000 K Street NW; Washington; DC; 

20007; US 



Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device is 

provided including providing at least one magnet positioned between a keeper device 

and a yoke, the keeper device being positioned at a pole region of the at least one 

magnet, positioning at least one pole device at the pole region of the at least one magnet, 

and removing the keeper device from the pole region to allow the at least one pole 

device to be positioned at the pole region of the at least one magnet. 


(MRI) devices, and more particularly to MRI devices with a removable keeper plate. 

MRI devices are widely used in the medical community as a diagnostic tool for imaging 

items such as tissue and bone structures. As described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 

5,680,086 (which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), a conventional MRI 

device may include opposing pole pieces which define between them an imaging 

volume for the item to be imaged, the pole pieces having pole plates which are 

fabricated from wound high permeability soft magnetic material, and/or laminated 

members. One conventional MRI manufacturing technique is described in European 

Patent Application EP 0 978 727 A2 (EP "727 hereafter), filed on Jul. 22, 1999, which is 

incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In conventional MRI device 

manufacturing techniques, a yoke is assembled between two ends of the MRI device, 

and two pole pieces are positioned thereon with a gap provided underneath the pole 

piece at each end for the MRI magnet. The MRI magnet is then formed by pushing 

individual pre-magnetized permanent magnet blocks in place under the pole pieces on 

each end of the MRI device. Once all of the pre-magnetized permanent magnet blocks 

are positioned and secured in place, the pole pieces are lowered to their ultimate 

position and secured in place. 


196 


• Pulse tube refrigerator 

Inventor(s): Hughes, Timothy; (Eynsham, GB), Pan, Huaiyu; (Oxford, GB), White, Keith; 

(Abingdon, GB) 

Correspondence: Crowell & Moring Llp; Intellectual Property Group; P.O. Box 14300; 

Washington; DC; 20044-4300; US 



Abstract: The present invention relates to pulse tube refrigerators for recondensing 

cryogenic liquids. In particular, the present invention relates to the same for magnetic 

resonance imaging systems. In many cryogenic applications components, e.g. 

superconducting coils for magnetic resonance imaging (mri), superconducting 

transformers, generators, electronics, are cooled by keeping them in contact with a 

volume of liquified gases (e.g. helium, neon, nitrogen, argon, methane). In a first aspect, 

the present invention provides a pulse tube refrigerator PTR pulse tube refrigerator 

(PTR) arrangement within a cryogenic apparatus, wherein a regenerator tube of the PTR 

is finned. In this configuration the fins or baffles, are believed to increase the surface 

area available for distributed heat transfer from the helium atmosphere to the 

regenerator. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to pulse tube refrigerators for recondensing 

cryogenic liquids. In particular, the present invention relates to the same for magnetic 

resonance imaging systems. In many cryogenic applications components, e.g. 

superconducting coils for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), superconducting 

transformers, generators, electronics, are cooled by keeping them in contact with a 

volume of liquefied gases (e.g. Helium, Neon, Nitrogen, Argon, Methane). Any 

dissipation in the components or heat getting into the system causes the volume to part 

boil off. To account for the losses, replenishment is required. This service operation is 

considered to be problematic by many users and great efforts have been made over the 

years to introduce refrigerators that recondense any lost liquid right back into the bath. 

The second stage of the coldhead is acting as a recondensor at about 4.2 K. As it is 

slightly colder than the surrounding He gas, gas is condensed on the surface (which can 

be equipped with fins to increase surface area) and is dripped back into the liquid 

reservoir. Condensation locally reduces pressure, which pulls more gas towards the 

second stage. It has been calculated that there are hardly any losses due to natural 

convection of Helium, which has been verified experimentally provided that the 

coldhead and the sock are vertically oriented (defined as the warm end pointing 

upwards). Any small differences in the temperature profiles of the Gifford McMahon 

cooler and the walls would set up gravity assisted gas convection, as the density change 

of gas with temperature is great (e.g. at 4.2. K the density is 16 kg/m.sup.3; at 300 K the 

density is 0.16 kg/m.sup.3). Convection tends to equilibrate the temperature profiles of 

the sock wall and the refrigerator. The residual heat losses are small. 


Patents 197 

• Quadruple inversion recovery for quantitative contrast-enhanced black blood 

imaging 

Inventor(s): Yarnykh, Vasily L.; (Seattle, WA), Yuan, Chun; (Bellevue, WA) 

Correspondence: Law Offices OF Ronald M Anderson; 600 108th Ave, NE; Suite 507; 

Bellevue; WA; 98004; US 



Abstract: A contrast enhancement (CE) agent is infused into blood flowing through a 

site that is to be imaged with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two double inversion 

procedures are carried out, forming a quadruple inversion recovery (QIR) pulse 

sequence. Each double inversion procedure comprises a non-selective and slice-selective 

inversion RF pulse. The first double inversion procedure is followed by a first 

predefined inversion delay period, TI.sub.1, and the second procedure by a second 

predefined inversion delay period, TI.sub.2. A black-blood image can thus be produced 

in which blood appears consistently black and tissues surrounding the blood, such as a 

vessel wall, heart, atherosclerotic plaque, or thrombus, are clearly visible. Unlike the 

prior art black-blood imaging technique, the QIR method does not require a precise 

knowledge of the T.sub.1 of the blood carrying the CE agent in order to suppress the 

signal and artifacts caused by the blood flowing through the site. 

Excerpt(s): This application is based on prior copending provisional patent application, 

Serial No. 60/435,835, filed on Dec. 19, 2002, the benefit of the filing date of which is 

hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C.sctn.119(e). This invention generally pertains to 

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and more specifically, pertans to a method, a pulse 

sequence, and a system that make use of a plurality of radiofrequency (RF) inversion 

pulses grouped into double-inversion procedures in order to suppress the signal from 

flowing blood having a variety of T.sub.1 relaxation times caused by the presence of a 

contrast-enhancing agent. Black-blood imaging is a technique developed to improve the 

visualization of blood vessels and the heart in magnetic resonance images so as to more 

clearly reveal pathologic tissues and morphologic abnormalities, which appear close to 

the blood-wall interface. (See Edelman R. R., Chien D., and Kim D., "Fast Selective Black 

Blood MR Imaging," Radiology 1991; 181:655-660.) These improvements in visualization 

include the elimination of image artifacts arising from flowing blood and a reduction in 

the residual blood signal, which may mask pathologic conditions such as atherosclerotic 

plaque or thrombus formation. The combination of black-blood imaging with contrast 

enhancement (CE) offers a high potential for various cardiovascular applications, and in 

particular, for improved high-resolution MRI of atherosclerotic plaque. (See Yuan C. et 

al., "Contrast-Enhanced High Resolution MRI for Atherosclerotic Carotid Artery Tissue 

Characterization," Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2002; 15:62-67.) The ability 

to provide high resolution images of plaque in the carotid arteries and other vessels is 

becoming increasingly important in assessing the potential vulnerability and risk of 

patients to stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. However, due to the significant 

shortening of T.sub.1 in blood and the variability of T.sub.1 caused by the use of a 

contrast enhancement (CE) agent, a traditional method for achieving black-blood 

imaging, such as double inversion-recovery (DIR) cannot guarantee effective blood 

suppression on post-contrast images. This issue is especially important for quantitative 

image analysis, such as the calculation of contrast enhancement and morphological 

measurements. The crucial problem of DIR is that it is necessary to know the relaxation 

time, T.sub.1, of blood in order to calculate the inversion time (TI). The DIR method can 

effectively suppress the blood signal if and only if TI is determined so as to allow the

198 


magnetization of blood to approach zero. However, the use of CE agent decreases the 

T.sub.1 parameter of blood by an unpredictable amount. Uncertainties in the effect of 

CE on T.sub.1 arise from various factors related to the injection technique, flow 

dynamics, concentration, and time between injection and imaging. Determining the 

proper TI is therefore uncertain. Accordingly, it would be critical to employ an MRI 

technique that provides the benefits of DIR in achieving black-blood images, but is 

much less sensitive to variations in the T.sub.1 parameter of blood due to application of 

a CE agent. 


• Superconductive magnet apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 

Inventor(s): Koga, Yasunori; (Hitachi, JP), Watanabe, Hiroyuki; (Hitachi, JP) 

Correspondence: Mattingly, Stanger & Malur, P.C.; 104 East Hume Avenue; Alexandria; 

VA; 22301; US 



Abstract: A cryostat is formed into a donut form, where a cylindrical or a square 

concave is formed in the center of the cryostat of the superconductive magnet apparatus 

for an open type MRI apparatus, and the cryo-compressor is disposed in the concave. 

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a superconductive magnet apparatus and a 

magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as MRI) using the 

magnet apparatus, and more particularly to a superconductive magnet apparatus and a 

MRI apparatus using the same that does not give feeling of blockade to human bodies to 

be examined or inspected. One example of a superconductive magnet apparatus used 

for a MRI apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Hei 04-225503 

(hereinafter referred to as Reference 1). The superconductive magnet apparatus 

disclosed in the reference 1 is a cylindrical and a horizontal magnetic field type MRI 

apparatus, wherein a cryostat has a central hollow in which a cryo-compressor is 

disposed. The cryostat is constituted by a housing or a vacuum vessel covering the 

magnet. Further, an apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Hei 11-16718 

(hereinafter referred to as reference 2) has a cryo-compressor for cooling a cooling 

medium, the cryo-compressor being placed on a vacuum vessel. 


• Synthetic images for a magnetic resonance imaging scanner using linear combination 

of source images to generate contrast and spatial navigation 

Inventor(s): Jara, Hernan; (Belmont, MA) 

Correspondence: Cesari And Mckenna, Llp; 88 Black Falcon Avenue; Boston; MA; 02210; 

US 



Abstract: The invention consists of three image-postprocessing phases for the purposes 

of generating high-quality quantitative MR images (proton density (PD), T1, and T2) as 

well as high-quality virtual MR images with continuously adjustable computer-

Patents 199 

synthesized contrast weightings, from source images acquired directly with an MRI 

scanner. Each of the image-postprocessing phases uses one or several new computer 

algorithms that improve image quality with respect to prior art, including linearcombination-of 

source-images (LCSI) algorithms for generating PD images and modelconforming 

algorithms for generating Q-MR images of tissue properties that influence 

NMR relaxation. 

Excerpt(s): This invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MR imaging), and 

more particularly to computing quantitative images as well as synthetic images from 

scan data, with the purpose of allowing the user to perform virtual MRI scanning 

retrospectively and not requiring the presence of the patient. In magnetic resonance 

image scanning (MRI scanning), images of a subject, usually a patient's body, are 

produced through the interaction of a magnetic field applied to the patient's body and 

the magnetic moment of protons. Each proton behaves as small bar magnet, and the 

strength of the bar magnet is referred to as the "magnetic moment" of the proton. All 

protons have the same value of magnetic moment, just as each proton has the same 

value of electric charge. The protons are the nuclei of hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen is 

chemically bonded in compounds of the patient's tissue. It is standard engineering 

practice in MRI imaging to apply a strong magnetic field substantially parallel to the 

spinal column of the patient. This magnetic field is referred to as the "longitudinal 

magnetic field" and is represented in symbols as B0. Upon the application of the 

longitudinal magnetic field, protons in the patient's tissue align with the magnetic field 

to produce a magnetization (longitudinal magnetization) of the patient's tissue. The 

longitudinal magnetization is a vector quantity that points along the applied 

longitudinal magnetic field. The magnetization of the patient's tissue may be 

represented as formed by many protons aligned with the longitudinal magnetic field. 


• System and method for using delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging and 

artificial intelligence to identify non-viable myocardial tissue 

Inventor(s): O'Donnell, Thomas; (New York, NY), Setser, Randolph M.; (Shaker Heights, 

OH), White, Richard D.; (Chagrin Falls, OH), Xu, Ning; (Champaign, IL) 

Correspondence: Siemens Corporation; Intellectual Property Department; 170 Wood 

Avenue South; Iselin; NJ; 08830; US 



Abstract: A system and method for imaging and identifying non-viable myocardial 

tissue in a patient's myocardium is disclosed. Images of a section of the myocardium are 

obtained. An endocardial border and epicardial border of the section of the myocardium 

is segmented. The section of the myocardium is divided into sectors. One or more 

selected features of the sectors of the myocardial wall are measured and applied to a 

decision surface. A determination is made as to whether each sector contains viable or 

non-viable myocardial tissue. An image that shows each sector of the myocardial wall 

and an indication of its viability is displayed. 

Excerpt(s): This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 

60/415,840, filed on Oct. 3, 2002, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The 

present invention is directed to a system and method for segmenting myocardial tissue 

using medical images (e.g., Delayed Enhancement MR, Cine MR), and more

200 


particularly, to a system and method for using support vector machines to intelligently 

identify non-viable myocardial tissue using one or more features that are characteristic 

of that tissue type. In the aftermath of a heart attack, the identification and assessment of 

non-viable (necrotic) tissues is necessary for effective development of intervention 

strategies and treatment plans for certain types of heart disease. Those tissues which are 

healthy or capable of recovery through coronary bypass, stent placement, etc., should be 

distinguished from those which are non-viable, or irreversibly damaged. In this way, 

predictions may be made as to which patients might benefit from revascularization so as 

to increase their cardiac function and survival rate. 


• Transmit/receive phased array coil system 

Inventor(s): Misic, George J.; (Allison Park, PA) 

Correspondence: James R. Stevenson; Medrad, INC.; One Medrad Drive; Indianola; PA; 

15051; US 



Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging receiver/transmitter coil system for providing 

images for regions of interest includes a first phased array formed of a plurality of 

electrically conductive members and defining an array volume and a second phased 

array formed of a second plurality of electrically conductive members and disposed at 

least partially within the defined array volume. At least one of the first and second 

phased arrays is adapted to apply a magnetic field to the defined array volume. At least 

one of the first and second phased arrays is further adapted to receive said applied 

magnetic field. The first phased array is extendible to define a further array volume and 

is provided with a switch for electrically coupling and decoupling an extension to 

effectively extend the length of the first phased array and thereby define the further 

array volume. In this manner the length of the first phased array is effectively extended 

to approximately twice its unextended length. 

Excerpt(s): This application for patent is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 

10/151,491, filed May 20, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 

09/776,132, filed Feb. 2, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,396,273, which is a continuation of 

U.S. application Ser. No. 09/512,093, filed Feb. 24, 2000, now abandoned, which is a 

divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/979,842, filed Nov. 26, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 

6,040,697, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present 

invention relates to the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems and, more 

particularly, to coils for use in such systems. It is well known in the field of MRI systems 

to provide radio frequency signals in the form of circularly polarized or rotating 

magnetic fields having an axis of rotation aligned with a main magnetic field. It is also 

well known to use receiving coils to intercept a radio frequency magnetic field 

generated by a human subject or an object in the presence of the main magnetic field in 

order to provide an image of the human subject or the object. 


Keeping Current 

Patents 201 

In order to stay informed about patents and patent applications dealing with magnetic 

resonance imaging, you can access the U.S. Patent Office archive via the Internet at the 

following Web address: http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. You will see two broad 

options: (1) Issued Patent, and (2) Published Applications. To see a list of issued patents, 

perform the following steps: Under “Issued Patents,” click “Quick Search.” Then, type 

“magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms) into the “Term 1” box. After clicking on the 

search button, scroll down to see the various patents which have been granted to date on 


You can also use this procedure to view pending patent applications concerning magnetic 

resonance imaging. Simply go back to http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. Select 

“Quick Search” under “Published Applications.” Then proceed with the steps listed above.

CHAPTER 6. BOOKS ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING 

Overview 

This chapter provides bibliographic book references relating to magnetic resonance imaging. 

In addition to online booksellers such as www.amazon.com and www.bn.com, excellent 

sources for book titles on magnetic resonance imaging include the Combined Health 

Information Database and the National Library of Medicine. Your local medical library also 

may have these titles available for loan. 

Book Summaries: Federal Agencies 

The Combined Health Information Database collects various book abstracts from a variety 

of healthcare institutions and federal agencies. To access these summaries, go directly to the 

following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. You will need to use the 

“Detailed Search” option. To find book summaries, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the 

search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you 

prefer. For the format option, select “Monograph/Book.” Now type “magnetic resonance 

imaging” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You should check back 

periodically with this database which is updated every three months. The following is a 

typical result when searching for books on magnetic resonance imaging: 

• Imaging of the Prostate 

Source: London, England: Martin Dunitz Ltd. 2002. 232 p. 

Contact: Available from Martin Dunitz. Fulfillment Center, Taylor and Francis, 7625 

Empire Drive, Florence, KY 41042. (800) 634-7064. E-mail: cserve@routledge_ny.com. 

Website: www.dunitz.co.uk. PRICE: $150.00 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 

1841841986. 

Summary: Although the prostate is a rather small gland, diseases of the prostate have a 

profound impact on public health in the male half of the population. Technological 

advances in imaging of the prostate over the past decade have resulted in marked 

improvement in visualization of the prostate. This fully-illustrated text reviews these 

advances in imaging of the prostate. Cysts, stones, and congenital anomalies that block 

the flow of semen may be diagnosed noninvasively. Recent studies suggest that newer 

203

204 


ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques may be useful in the 

diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer. Newer contrast-enhanced imaging techniques 

may be able to identify clinically significant cancer based upon the altered 

hemodynamics of neovascularity. The greater part of the contents is organized into three 

sections to cover imaging of prostate cancer, benign disease, and therapy. Numerous 

gray scale and color figures have been employed to illustrate specific imaging features 

in the prostate. The author concludes that a physician involved in the management of 

patients with prostate disease should be familiar with these imaging techniques. A 

subject index concludes the volume. 

• Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System, Eleventh Edition 

Source: Malden, MA: Blackwell Science, Inc. 2002. 706 p. 

Contact: Available from Blackwell Science, Inc. 350 Main Street, Commerce Place, 

Malden, MA 02148. (800) 215-1000 or (617) 388-8250. Fax (617) 388-8270. E-mail: 

books@blacksci.com. Website: www.blackwell-science.com. PRICE: $178.95. ISBN: 

0632055820. 

Summary: Designed to serve practicing physicians, surgeons and pathologists, as well 

as clinical students, this textbook presents a comprehensive and up-to-date account of 

diseases of the liver and biliary system. The text offers 38 chapters: anatomy and 

function; the assessment of liver function; biopsy of the liver; the hematology of liver 

disease; ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI); hepatocellular failure; hepatic encephalopathy; acute liver failure; ascites (fluid 

accumulation); the portal venous system and portal hypertension; the hepatic artery and 

hepatic vein, and the liver in circulatory failure; jaundice; cholestasis; primary biliary 

cirrhosis (PBC); sclerosing cholangitis; viral hepatitis, including general features, 

hepatitis A, hepatitis E, and other viruses; hepatitis B virus and hepatitis Delta virus; 

hepatitis C virus; chronic hepatitis, its general features and autoimmune chronic disease; 

drugs and the liver; hepatic cirrhosis (scarring); alcohol and the liver; iron overload 

states; Wilson's disease; nutritional and metabolic liver diseases; the liver in infancy and 

childhood; the liver in pregnancy; the liver is systemic disease, granulomas, and hepatic 

trauma; the liver in infections; nodules and benign liver lesions; malignant liver tumors; 

the role of interventional radiology and endoscopy in imaging of the biliary tract; cysts 

and congenital biliary abnormalities; gallstones and inflammatory gallbladder diseases; 

benign stricture of the bile ducts; diseases of the ampulla of Vater and the pancreas; 

tumors of the gallbladder and bile ducts; and hepatic transplantation. The text includes 

full-color and black-and-white illustrations and photographs. A detailed subject index 

concludes the volume. 

• Vanishing Mind: A Practical Guide to Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias 

Source: New York City, NY: W.H. Freeman and Company. 1991. 191 p. 

Contact: Available from W. H. Freeman and Company. Order Department, 4419 West 

1980 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. (800) 877-5351. PRICE: $22.95. ISBN: 0716721317. 

Summary: Directed primarily toward nonprofessionals and affected family members, 

this book provides an overview of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and the care 

of persons with these disorders. Nine chapters cover the following topics: signs and 

symptoms of dementia; diseases that produce primary dementia (primary 

undifferentiated dementias and usually differentiated dementias); diseases and 

conditions associated with secondary dementia (depression, AIDS, blood vessel disease, 

other secondary dementias, and drugs); what doctors do and how they can help

Books 205 

(specialists and tests/procedures, including psychological testing, 

electroencephalograms, cerebrospinal fluid exams, x-rays and CAT scans, brain biopsy, 

and autopsy); possible causes of primary dementia (genetic factors, molecular genetics, 

viruses, neurotransmitters, aluminum, immune system, and hormonal factors); medical 

treatment and management of dementias (Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, 

general principles); hospitals, nursing homes, and care alternatives; practical matters 

(legal responsibility, insurance, disability and retirement plans, social security, ethical 

decisions); and new technologies (positron emitting tomography and magnetic 

resonance imaging). 

• Brain Facts: A Primer on the Brain and Nervous System 

Source: Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience. 1993. 52 p. 

Contact: Society for Neuroscience. 11 Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 

20036. (202) 462-6688. PRICE: $6.00. 

Summary: This book briefly describes what is known about the brain and nervous 

system, brain disorders, and avenues of research that promise new therapies for many 

of the most devastating neurological and psychiatric diseases. Topics include brain 

development; what a neuron is and its function; and the brain's involvement in 

sensation and perception, learning and memory, movement, sleep, stress, and aging. 

This book examines advances in research on Parkinson's disease, pain, epilepsy, major 

depression, and manic-depressive illness in addition to neurological disorders such as 

addiction, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome, brain 

tumors, and multiple sclerosis. It explores recent advances in diagnostic methods such 

as positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic source 

imaging, and gene diagnosis; and discusses potential therapies using drugs and 

transplants. 

• Dementia: A Clinical Approach. 2nd Ed 

Source: Stoneham, MA: Butterworth Heinemann. 1992. 548 p. 

Contact: Available from Butterworth Heinemann. 80 Montvale Avenue, Stoneham, MA 

02180. (617) 438-8464 or (800) 366-2665. PRICE: $95.00. ISBN: 0750690658. 

Summary: This book describes the clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and basic science 

aspects of dementia. It examines Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementias, AIDS 

dementia complex, hydrocephalic dementia, mental status changes in Parkinson's 

disease, and cognitive impairment in patients with toxic and metabolic disorders. It 

discusses the demography, course, genetic aspects, clinical characteristics, 

neuropathology, diagnostic features, differential diagnosis, and treatment of each 

dementia. The authors also present a diagnostic approach to common and rare 

dementias, as well as descriptions of neuroimaging in dementia diagnosis, including the 

role of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission 

tomography, and single photon emission computed tomography. This book also 

summarizes treatment and management issues such as pharmacologic treatments, the 

role of nursing homes and other community resources, and working with family 

caregivers. 

• Computer-Aided Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 

Source: New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 2002. (book and CD ROM).

206 


Contact: Available from Marcel Dekker, Inc. 270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016. 

(212) 696-9000. Fax (212) 685-4540. Website: www.dekker.com. PRICE: $195.00, plus 

shipping and handling. ISBN: 0824706412. 

Summary: This book focuses on the applications of semiconductor-based technologies 

within clinical otorhinolargynology, head and neck surgery. While the text describes 

present technology, the true focus is on principles of computer-aided surgery. Twentyfive 

chapters cover the historical perspective of computer aided surgery, optical and 

electromagnetic tracking for surgical navigation, principles of registration, 

intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Internet-enabled surgery, virtual 

reality and surgical simulation, digital imaging, the neuroradiology perspective, the role 

of computer aided surgery in functional endoscopic surgery, image guided functional 

endoscopic sinus surgery, other types of sinus surgery, otologic and neurotologic 

surgery, computer aided tumor modeling and visualization, head and neck virtual 

endoscopy, computer aided facial plastic surgery, software-enabled cephalometrics, 

computer aided craniofacial surgery, computer aided soft tissue surgery, computer 

aided reduction of maxillofacial fractures, and future directions. Each chapter is 

illustrated and concludes with a list of references; a subject index concludes the volume. 

Also enclosed with the book is a CD-ROM that contains digital copes of the figures that 

appear in the printed text. The images are in JPG format and are mostly in color. The 

CD-ROM also contains four movies (AVI format) which correspond with Chapter 25. 

• American Psychiatric Press Textbook of Geriatric Neuropsychiatry 

Source: Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. 1994. 736 p. 

Contact: American Psychiatric Association. 1400 K Street, NW, Washington DC 20005. 

(800) 368-5777. PRICE: $105.00. ISBN: 0880483911. 

Summary: This book provides a comprehensive survey of the psychiatric manifestations 

of neurological diseases, as well as the neurobiological bases of psychiatric disorders. It 

emphasizes the relationships between neuropsychiatric illness and aging of the nervous 

system. The book is divided into five sections. Section 1 begins with an overview of the 

emerging clinical specialty of geriatric neuropsychiatry, followed by the demography of 

aging and the neurobiology of brain aging. This section's final chapter provides an 

integrative model linking neurobiology with behavior. Section 2 comprises three 

practical chapters on clinical and neuropsychological examination of older people, a 

chapter on memory changes in senescence, and three chapters on the role of advanced 

brain imaging technologies (magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission 

tomography, and computerized topographic electroencephalography) in the evaluation 

of the aging patient. Sections 3 and 4 focus on the neuropsychiatric aspects of psychiatric 

and neurological disorders, respectively, in older people. The chapters in this section 

highlight the influence of the aging nervous system on the pathophysiology, 

neuropsychiatric manifestations, clinical course, and prognosis of psychiatric and 

neurological illnesses in older patients. A chapter focuses on nondegenerative 

dementing disorders and another chapter focuses on Alzheimer's disease and frontal 

lobe dementia. Section 5 emphasizes the special considerations that are essential for safe 

and effective treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders in older people. 

• Vascular Disease: A Multi-Specialty Approach to Diagnosis and Management. 2nd ed 

Source: Georgetown, TX: Landes Bioscience. 1999. 560 p.

Books 207 

Contact: Available from Landes Bioscience. 810 South Church Street, Georgetown, TX 

78626. (512) 863-7762. Fax (512) 863-0081. Website: www.landesbioscience.com. PRICE: 

$45.00. ISBN: 1570595615. 

Summary: This book was written as a reference text for those involved in the 

management of vascular pathology, combining the perspectives of the various 

specialists involved in the evaluation of these patients. The book includes 42 chapters 

that cover patient care management for the vascular patient; stroke; the surgical and 

medical management of cerebrovascular disease; noninvasive assessment of the carotid 

bifurcation; transcranial Doppler sonography; diagnostic CT (computed tomography) 

and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of intracranial vascular disease; MRI and CT 

angiography of the head and neck; cerebrovascular applications of nuclear medicine; 

cerebrovascular angiography; preoperative cardiac evaluation; respiratory concerns in 

patients undergoing vascular surgery; pulmonary radiology; cardiac and pulmonary 

nuclear medicine; the aorta and iliac arteries; vascular stents; stent grafts; the kidney in 

vascular disease; renal artery disease; mesenteric vascular disease; the management of 

variceal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension; renal and mesenteric artery 

duplex evaluation; ultrasound imaging of the hepatic vasculature (liver arteries and 

veins); aortic, renal, and visceral arteriography; renal, testicular, hepatic, and intestinal 

nuclear medicine; magnetic resonance angiography of the body; CT angiography of the 

body; portal and visceral venography; peripheral arterial disease; the diabetic foot; 

vascular radiology of the upper and lower extremities and pelvis; carbon dioxide 

angiography; extremity nonimaging arterial diagnostics; colorflow duplex imaging of 

the extremities; thoracic outlet syndrome; nuclear medicine of the bone and of infection; 

nuclear angiography; venous and lymphatic disease; venography; noninvasive tests for 

diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and venous insufficiency; nuclear venography; the 

pathology of vascular disease; and ultrasound physics. The information is presented in 

concise format, with numerous black and white reproductions of angiograms, 

sonograms, etc. A detailed subject index concludes the text. The book is spiral bound. 

• Everything You Need to Know About Medical Tests 

Source: Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation. 1996. 691 p. 

Contact: Available from Springhouse Publishing. Attention: Trade and Textbook 

Department, 1111 Bethlehem Pike, P.O. Box 908, Springhouse, PA 19477-0908. (800) 331- 

3170 or (215) 646-4670 or (215) 646-4671. Fax (215) 646-8716. PRICE: $24.95 (as of 1995). 

ISBN: 0874348234. 

Summary: This consumer reference guide provides information on over 400 diagnostic 

tests. For each test, the book covers the reasons the test is performed; what patients 

should know before the test; what to expect during and after the test; risk factors 

associated with the test; the normal results; and what abnormal results mean. Tests are 

categorized in 16 chapters: x-rays; CT and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans; 

nuclear medicine scans; ultrasound scans; heart and brain monitoring; endoscopy; 

biopsies; vision and hearing tests; special function tests; blood cell and clotting tests; 

blood element tests; hormone tests; immune system tests; urine tests; cultures; and fluid 

analysis. The book also provides numerous sidebars giving readers insight into 

anatomy, physiology, preventive measures, and self-care behaviors. A subject index 


• Kidney Transplant Rejection: Diagnosis and Treatment. 2nd ed 

Source: New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1992. 773 p.

208 


Contact: Available from Marcel Dekker, Inc. P.O. Box 5005, Monticello, NY 12701. (800) 

228-1160 or (212) 696-9000. Fax (914) 796-1772. E-mail: bookorders@dekker.com. PRICE: 

$275.00. ISBN: 0824784871. 

Summary: This medical text on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplant 

rejection presents 26 chapters in 4 sections: the biology of the allograft response; the 

diagnosis of rejection; new immunosuppressive agents; and systemic problems with 

immunosuppression. Specific topics include the mechanisms of cell-mediated rejection; 

the role of cytokines; suppressor cell regulation; antibody-mediated rejection; the 

pathology of acute tubular necrosis and acute rejection; fine needle aspiration biopsy; 

monitoring the components of the immune system; radionuclides in the evaluation of 

kidney transplant rejection; magnetic resonance imaging; antilymphocyte antibody 

therapy; cyclosporine; nephrotoxicity; cytomegalovirus infection; cancer in recipients of 

organ allografts; HIV infection and kidney transplantation; and molecular biology of 

transplant rejection. Each chapter, written by international experts in the field, includes 

numerous charts and diagrams, as well as extensive references. A detailed subject index 


• Acute Renal Failure: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention 

Source: New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1991. 519 p. 

Contact: Available from Marcel Dekker, Inc. P.O. Box 5005, Monticello, NY 12701. (800) 

228-1160 or (212) 696-9000. Fax (914) 796-1772. E-mail: bookorders@dekker.com. PRICE: 

$165.00. ISBN: 0824782259. 

Summary: This medical text on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute renal 

failure (ARF) arose from the 1988 Symposium on Acute Renal Failure. The book 

presents 34 papers in 4 sections: background, pathogenesis, and diagnosis; nuclear 

magnetic resonance and the kidney; treatment of ARF; and prevention of ARF. Specific 

topics include the etiology of ARF; ARF in the tropics; ischemic ARF; animal studies of 

ARF; nephrotoxicity; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); drug therapy; early 

transplant nonfunction; dialysis treatment of ARF in children; acquired resistance in 

ARF; ARF caused by ACE inhibitors; and ARF following use of radiocontrast agents. 

Each chapter, written by experts in the field, includes numerous charts and diagrams, as 

well as extensive references. A subject index concludes the volume. 

• Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System. 10th ed 

Source: Oxford, England: Blackwell Science. 1997. 714 p. 



books@blacksci.com. PRICE: $150.00. ISBN: 0865429065. 

Summary: This medical textbook presents a comprehensive account of diseases of the 

liver and biliary system, designed to be of use to physicians, surgeons and pathologists, 

and also as a reference text for the clinical student. Chapters cover anatomy and 

function; assessment of liver function; needle biopsy of the liver; the hematology of liver 

disease; ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging; hepatocellular 

failure; hepatic encephalopathy; fulminant hepatic failure; ascites; the portal 

venous system and portal hypertension; the hepatic artery and hepatic veins, i.e., the 

liver in circulatory failure; jaundice; cholestasis; primary biliary cirrhosis; sclerosing 

cholangitis; virus hepatitis; chronic hepatitis; drugs and the liver; hepatic cirrhosis; 

alcohol and the liver; iron overload states; Wilson's disease; nutritional and metabolic

Books 209 

liver disease; the liver in infancy and childhood; the liver in pregnancy; the liver in 

systemic disease and hepatic trauma; the liver in infections; hepatic tumors, including 

hepato-cellular carcinoma; imaging of the biliary tract, including interventional 

radiology and endoscopy; cysts and congenital biliary abnormalities; gallstones and 

inflammatory gallbladder diseases; benign stricture of the bile ducts; diseases of the 

ampulla of Vater and pancreas; tumors of the gallbladder and bile ducts; and hepatic 

transplantation. The volume includes full color photographs, extensive reference lists 

with each chapter, and a detailed subject index. 

• Hepatobiliary Diseases: Pathophysiology and Imaging 

Source: Malden, MA: Blackwell Science, Inc. 2001. 764 p. 



books@blacksci.com. Website: www.blackwell-science.com. PRICE: $275.00. ISBN: 

0632055421. 

Summary: This textbook aims to familiarize the reader with various imaging modalities, 

the information they provide, and with the merits of each, in order to facilitate the 

combined use of different imaging techniques in the diagnosis and management of 

hepatobiliary (liver and bile tract) diseases. The book includes 47 chapters in seven 

sections: progress in imaging, anatomy and gross changes in the liver, diffuse liver 

diseases, vascular disease, space-occupying lesions, other liver diseases, and biliary tract 

disease. Specific topics include computed tomography (CT scan) and magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRI); harmonic ultrasound; anatomy of the liver; acute hepatitis 

and acute hepatic failure; chronic hepatitis; cirrhosis (liver scarring); fatty liver 

(steatosis); alcoholic liver disease; iron overload; Wilson's disease; amyloidosis, 

metabolic diseases, drug-induced and chemical-induced liver injuries; vascular anatomy 

of the liver and vascular anomalies; portal hypertension (high blood pressure); 

thrombosis (clotting) affecting the liver; Budd-Chiari syndrome; primary malignant 

tumors of the liver (liver cancer); benign liver lesions; cysts of the liver; liver abscess; 

blunt hepatic trauma; parasitic diseases; infections and the liver; transplantation; 

anatomy of the biliary tract; congenital anomalies and dilatation; Caroli's disease; stone 

disease (gallstones); biliary tract stenosis; primary sclerosing cholangitis; cholecystitis 

and Mirizzi syndrome; tumors of the gallbladder; adenomyomatosis and cholesterolosis; 

Hilar carcinoma; and tumors of the common bile duct and papilla of Vater. Each chapter 

includes black and white reproductions of imaging techniques and a list of references. 

The book includes a color plate section and a detailed subject index. 

Chapters on Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

In order to find chapters that specifically relate to magnetic resonance imaging, an excellent 

source of abstracts is the Combined Health Information Database. You will need to limit 

your search to book chapters and magnetic resonance imaging using the “Detailed Search” 

option. Go to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find book 

chapters, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your 

search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Book Chapter.” 

Type “magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. The 

following is a typical result when searching for book chapters on magnetic resonance 

imaging:

210 


• Voiding Cystourethrography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lower Urinary 

Tract 

Source: in Corcos, J.; Schick, E., eds. Urinary Sphincter. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, 

Inc. 2001. p. 407-421. 

Contact: Available from Marcel Dekker, Inc. Cimarron Road, P.O. Box 5005, Monticello, 

NY 12701. (800) 228-1160 or (845) 796-1919. Fax (845) 796-1772. E-mail: 

custserv@dekker.com. International E-mail: intlcustserv@dekker.com. Website: 

www.dekker.com. PRICE: $225.00 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 0824704770. 

Summary: Radiologic assessment of bladder and urethral function encompasses several 

technologies varying in invasiveness, availability, expense, and sensitivity. Although 

sonography (ultrasound) is the least invasive of these choices, perhaps the most 

extensive clinical experience is with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), which 

remains a reliable extension of physical examination several decades after its 

introduction. Easily performed, and relatively easily interpreted, there is little argument 

that VCUG is an important part of the assessment of lower urinary tract pathology. 

More recently, advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology have 

broadened the use of this technique to include evaluation of the bladder and urethra, 

although a clear consensus for indications of its use remains evasive. This chapter on 

VCUG and MRI of the lower urinary tract is from a textbook that presents a detailed and 

systematic account of the current knowledge on the anatomy, physiology, functional 

relationships, and range of dysfunctions that affect the urinary sphincter. The chapter 

describes the current roles of VCUG and MRI in the evaluation of patients with voiding 

dysfunction. The authors conclude that VCUG is readily available, safe, and easily 

tolerated. Even though the lack of simulataneous intravesical pressure monitoring 

render it virtually impossible for this technique to definitively pinpoint the cause of 

urinary leakage, the clarity of the images and the cost effectiveness make VCUG 

extremely useful, particularly when videodynamic studies are unwarranted or 

unavailable. MRI of the pelvis provides the most precise anatomical information 

currently available, and the possible influence of MRI on clinical decision making is a 

fertile ground for research and new developments. However, as costs are a predominant 

driving force in the delivery of medical care, detailed cost benefit analysis will be 

required before more routine use of MRI can be accepted. The use of dynamic MRI to 

evaluate complex cases of pelvic prolapse may be justified before performing major 

surgical interventions, however. 15 figures. 17 references. 

Directories 

In addition to the references and resources discussed earlier in this chapter, a number of 

directories relating to magnetic resonance imaging have been published that consolidate 

information across various sources. The Combined Health Information Database lists the 

following, which you may wish to consult in your local medical library: 10 

10 You will need to limit your search to “Directory” and “magnetic resonance imaging” using the "Detailed Search" 

option. Go directly to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find directories, use the 

drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” For publication date, select 

“All Years.” Select your preferred language and the format option “Directory.” Type “magnetic resonance 

imaging” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You should check back periodically with this database as 

it is updated every three months.

• McLean Hospital: Referring Professional's Directory of Programs and Services 

Source: Belmont, MA: McLean Hospital. 1990. 78 p. 

Books 211 

Contact: Available from McLean Hospital. 115 Mill Street, Belmont MA 02178-9106. 

(617) 855-3407. PRICE: Free. 

Summary: This directory was developed to assist physicians in referring their patients to 

appropriate diagnostic, treatment, residential, and aftercare services at McLean 

Hospital, a nonprofit center for psychiatric care, teaching, and research. This hospital, 

founded in 1811, is one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in the United States. It serves 

as a major teaching facility for Harvard Medical School and is closely affiliated with its 

sister institution, Massachusetts General Hospital. Included in this directory is a 

description of the McLean Memory Diagnostic Center and Alzheimer's Disease Clinical 

Research Program. Individuals who are affected by memory problems or develop 

impairments of intellectual functioning may be referred to this program. The outpatient 

center provides neurologic, psychiatric, and neuropsychological evaluations as well as 

an evaluation of family supports and resources. Neurodiagnostic tests are available, 

including magnetic resonance imaging and electro-encephalographic monitoring. 

Patients evaluated at the Memory Diagnostic Center receive ongoing follow-up and 

treatment when needed, as well as other services such as support and counseling to 

patients and families, aid with using community resources for caregiving, and referral to 

appropriate adult day care or extended care facilities. Psychosocial and geriatric 

psychiatry programs also are available.

CHAPTER 7. MULTIMEDIA ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE 

Overview 


In this chapter, we show you how to keep current on multimedia sources of information on 

magnetic resonance imaging. We start with sources that have been summarized by federal 

agencies, and then show you how to find bibliographic information catalogued by the 

National Library of Medicine. 

Video Recordings 

An excellent source of multimedia information on magnetic resonance imaging is the 

Combined Health Information Database. You will need to limit your search to 

“Videorecording” and “magnetic resonance imaging” using the “Detailed Search” option. 

Go directly to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find video 

productions, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine 

your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option 

“Videorecording (videotape, videocassette, etc.).” Type “magnetic resonance imaging” (or 

synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. The following is a typical result when searching 

for video recordings on magnetic resonance imaging: 

• MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

Source: New York, NY: American Journal of Nursing Video Library. 1989. 

(videocassette). 

Contact: Available from American Journal of Nursing Video Library. 1430 Broadway, 

New York, NY 10018. (800) 223-2282, (212) 582-8820 (in New York), or FAX (212) 944- 

9055. PRICE: $200.00 purchase; $60.00 rental. Stock Number: 5285S (purchase); 5285V 

(rental). 

Summary: This videocassette explains the procedure of magnetic resonance imaging. 

The information presented is appropriate for families of Alzheimer's disease patients 

undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. Animated computer graphics illustrate how 

magnetic resonance images are obtained and recorded. The video discusses the 

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214 


procedure with a patient, including preparation for the test, length of the procedure, 

and the equipment and noises the patient will hear and see.

CHAPTER 8. PERIODICALS AND NEWS ON MAGNETIC 

Overview 

RESONANCE IMAGING 

In this chapter, we suggest a number of news sources and present various periodicals that 

cover magnetic resonance imaging. 

News Services and Press Releases 

One of the simplest ways of tracking press releases on magnetic resonance imaging is to 

search the news wires. In the following sample of sources, we will briefly describe how to 

access each service. These services only post recent news intended for public viewing. 

PR Newswire 

To access the PR Newswire archive, simply go to http://www.prnewswire.com/. Select your 

country. Type “magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms) into the search box. You will 

automatically receive information on relevant news releases posted within the last 30 days. 

The search results are shown by order of relevance. 

Reuters Health 

The Reuters’ Medical News and Health eLine databases can be very useful in exploring 

news archives relating to magnetic resonance imaging. While some of the listed articles are 

free to view, others are available for purchase for a nominal fee. To access this archive, go to 

http://www.reutershealth.com/en/index.html and search by “magnetic resonance imaging” 

(or synonyms). 

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216 


The NIH 

Within MEDLINEplus, the NIH has made an agreement with the New York Times 

Syndicate, the AP News Service, and Reuters to deliver news that can be browsed by the 

public. Search news releases at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_a.html. 

MEDLINEplus allows you to browse across an alphabetical index. Or you can search by date 

at the following Web page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/newsbydate.html. Often, 

news items are indexed by MEDLINEplus within its search engine. 

Business Wire 

Business Wire is similar to PR Newswire. To access this archive, simply go to 

http://www.businesswire.com/. You can scan the news by industry category or company 

name. 

Market Wire 

Market Wire is more focused on technology than the other wires. To browse the latest press 

releases by topic, such as alternative medicine, biotechnology, fitness, healthcare, legal, 

nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, access Market Wire’s Medical/Health channel at 

http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_index?channel=MedicalHealth. Or simply go to 

Market Wire’s home page at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/home, type “magnetic 

resonance imaging” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click on “Search News.” As this 

service is technology oriented, you may wish to use it when searching for press releases 

covering diagnostic procedures or tests. 

Search Engines 

Medical news is also available in the news sections of commercial Internet search engines. 

See the health news page at Yahoo (http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/News_and_Media/), or 

you can use this Web site’s general news search page at http://news.yahoo.com/. Type in 

“magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms). If you know the name of a company that is 

relevant to magnetic resonance imaging, you can go to any stock trading Web site (such as 

http://www.etrade.com/) and search for the company name there. News items across 

various news sources are reported on indicated hyperlinks. Google offers a similar service at 

http://news.google.com/. 

BBC 

Covering news from a more European perspective, the British Broadcasting Corporation 

(BBC) allows the public free access to their news archive located at http://www.bbc.co.uk/. 

Search by “magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms).

Newsletter Articles 

Periodicals and News 217 

Use the Combined Health Information Database, and limit your search criteria to 

“newsletter articles.” Again, you will need to use the “Detailed Search” option. Go directly 

to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. Go to the bottom of the 

search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language that you 

prefer. For the format option, select “Newsletter Article.” Type “magnetic resonance 


periodically with this database as it is updated every three months. The following is a 

typical result when searching for newsletter articles on magnetic resonance imaging: 

• Neuroimaging Update: 1991 

Source: Gray Line: Medical Information Sheet. [Newsletter] Volume 4: [p. 2-3] Spring 

1991. 

Contact: Available from Gray Line Medical Information Sheet. 706 Denver Street, 

Wichita Falls, TX 76301. (817) 322-1131. PRICE: Call for price information. 

Summary: This article describes the application of imaging of the brain to advance the 

understanding of aging and dementing illnesses. Computerized tomography (CT) 

continues to be used primarily for exclusion of other diseases such as multiple 

infarctions, neoplasia, or hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MR or MRI) has 

proven more sensitive than CT for demonstration of the expected changes of aging. 

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) provides a map of physiologic activity of the 

brain, specifically indicating areas of increased or decreased glucose metabolism. MR 

spectroscopy is an area of ongoing research and development that may prove useful in 

the evaluation of Alzheimer's disease. Spectroscopy offers a way to noninvasively 

evaluate metabolic activity in various regions of the brain. 

• TMJ Problems: When Your Jaw Joint Acts Up 

Source: Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. 7(3): 6. February 2003. 

Contact: Available from Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 200 

First Street, SW, Rochester, MN 55905. (800) 876-8633 or (303) 604-1465. E-mail: 

Healthsource@Mayo.edu. 

Summary: This brief article offers an update on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) 

problems. The TMJ is the hinge joint that connects the lower jawbone (mandible) with 

the temporal bone of the skull. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) cause pain in this 

joint or in the muscles that surround it. The article reviews the typical symptoms of TMJ 

problems, then discusses how the disorder is diagnosed (with a bite check, x rays, or 

magnetic resonance imaging, MRI), the use of conservative remedies, self-care options, 

and treatment strategies including splints, medications, physical therapy, and surgery. 

Readers are cautioned to only consider surgery if comprehensive nonsurgical treatments 

have failed and the patient's quality of life has been seriously diminished by their 

symptoms. 1 figure. 

Academic Periodicals covering Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

Numerous periodicals are currently indexed within the National Library of Medicine’s 

PubMed database that are known to publish articles relating to magnetic resonance imaging.

218 


In addition to these sources, you can search for articles covering magnetic resonance 

imaging that have been published by any of the periodicals listed in previous chapters. To 

find the latest studies published, go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed, type the 

name of the periodical into the search box, and click “Go.” 

If you want complete details about the historical contents of a journal, you can also visit the 

following Web site: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/jrbrowser.cgi. Here, type in the 

name of the journal or its abbreviation, and you will receive an index of published articles. 

At http://locatorplus.gov/, you can retrieve more indexing information on medical 

periodicals (e.g. the name of the publisher). Select the button “Search LOCATORplus.” Then 

type in the name of the journal and select the advanced search option “Journal Title Search.”

CHAPTER 9. RESEARCHING MEDICATIONS 

Overview 

While a number of hard copy or CD-ROM resources are available for researching 

medications, a more flexible method is to use Internet-based databases. Broadly speaking, 

there are two sources of information on approved medications: public sources and private 

sources. We will emphasize free-to-use public sources. 

U.S. Pharmacopeia 

Because of historical investments by various organizations and the emergence of the 

Internet, it has become rather simple to learn about the medications recommended for 

magnetic resonance imaging. One such source is the United States Pharmacopeia. In 1820, 

eleven physicians met in Washington, D.C. to establish the first compendium of standard 

drugs for the United States. They called this compendium the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). 

Today, the USP is a non-profit organization consisting of 800 volunteer scientists, eleven 

elected officials, and 400 representatives of state associations and colleges of medicine and 

pharmacy. The USP is located in Rockville, Maryland, and its home page is located at 

http://www.usp.org/. The USP currently provides standards for over 3,700 medications. The 

resulting USP DI® Advice for the Patient® can be accessed through the National Library of 

Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. The database is partially derived from lists of 

federally approved medications in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Drug 

Approvals database, located at http://www.fda.gov/cder/da/da.htm. 

While the FDA database is rather large and difficult to navigate, the Phamacopeia is both 

user-friendly and free to use. It covers more than 9,000 prescription and over-the-counter 

medications. To access this database, simply type the following hyperlink into your Web 

browser: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html. To view examples 

of a given medication (brand names, category, description, preparation, proper use, 

precautions, side effects, etc.), simply follow the hyperlinks indicated within the United 

States Pharmacopeia (USP). 

Below, we have compiled a list of medications associated with magnetic resonance imaging. 

If you would like more information on a particular medication, the provided hyperlinks will 

direct you to ample documentation (e.g. typical dosage, side effects, drug-interaction risks, 

219

220 


etc.). The following drugs have been mentioned in the Pharmacopeia and other sources as 

being potentially applicable to magnetic resonance imaging: 

Mangafodipir 

• Systemic - U.S. Brands: Teslascan 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/203456.html 

Perflubron 

• Diagnostic - U.S. Brands: Imagent GI 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202688.html 

Commercial Databases 

In addition to the medications listed in the USP above, a number of commercial sites are 

available by subscription to physicians and their institutions. Or, you may be able to access 

these sources from your local medical library. 

Mosby’s Drug Consult 

Mosby’s Drug Consult database (also available on CD-ROM and book format) covers 

45,000 drug products including generics and international brands. It provides prescribing 

information, drug interactions, and patient information. Subscription information is 

available at the following hyperlink: http://www.mosbysdrugconsult.com/. 

PDRhealth 

The PDRhealth database is a free-to-use, drug information search engine that has been 

written for the public in layman’s terms. It contains FDA-approved drug information 

adapted from the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR) database. PDRhealth can be searched by 

brand name, generic name, or indication. It features multiple drug interactions reports. 

Search PDRhealth at http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/index.html. 

Other Web Sites 

Drugs.com (www.drugs.com) reproduces the information in the Pharmacopeia as well as 

commercial information. You may also want to consider the Web site of the Medical Letter, 

Inc. (http://www.medletter.com/) which allows users to download articles on various drugs 

and therapeutics for a nominal fee. 

If you have any questions about a medical treatment, the FDA may have an office near you. 

Look for their number in the blue pages of the phone book. You can also contact the FDA 

through its toll-free number, 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332), or on the World Wide Web 

at www.fda.gov.

APPENDICES 

221

APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES 

Overview 

In this chapter, we focus on databases and Internet-based guidelines and information 

resources created or written for a professional audience. 

NIH Guidelines 

Commonly referred to as “clinical” or “professional” guidelines, the National Institutes of 

Health publish physician guidelines for the most common diseases. Publications are 

available at the following by relevant Institute 11 : 

• Office of the Director (OD); guidelines consolidated across agencies available at 

http://www.nih.gov/health/consumer/conkey.htm 

• National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS); fact sheets available at 

http://www.nigms.nih.gov/news/facts/ 

• National Library of Medicine (NLM); extensive encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.) with 

guidelines: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html 

• National Cancer Institute (NCI); guidelines available at 

http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/list.aspx?viewid=5f35036e-5497-4d86-8c2c- 

714a9f7c8d25 

• National Eye Institute (NEI); guidelines available at 

http://www.nei.nih.gov/order/index.htm 

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); guidelines available at 

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/index.htm 

• National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI); research available at 

http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10000375 

• National Institute on Aging (NIA); guidelines available at 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/ 

11 These publications are typically written by one or more of the various NIH Institutes. 

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224 


• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA); guidelines available at 

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/publications.htm 

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); guidelines available at 

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/ 

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS); fact 

sheets and guidelines available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/index.htm 

• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); guidelines 

available at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubskey.cfm 

• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD); fact 

sheets and guidelines at http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ 

• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR); guidelines available at 

http://www.nidr.nih.gov/health/ 

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK); guidelines 

available at http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/health.htm 

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); guidelines available at 

http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugAbuse.html 

• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS); environmental health 

information available at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/facts.htm 

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); guidelines available at 

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/practitioners/index.cfm 

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); neurological disorder 

information pages available at 

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorder_index.htm 

• National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR); publications on selected illnesses at 

http://www.nih.gov/ninr/news-info/publications.html 

• National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; general information at 

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/becon/becon_info.htm 

• Center for Information Technology (CIT); referrals to other agencies based on keyword 

searches available at http://kb.nih.gov/www_query_main.asp 

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); health 

information available at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ 

• National Center for Research Resources (NCRR); various information directories 

available at http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/publications.asp 

• Office of Rare Diseases; various fact sheets available at 

http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/html/resources/rep_pubs.html 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; various fact sheets on infectious diseases 

available at http://www.cdc.gov/publications.htm

NIH Databases 

Physician Resources 225 

In addition to the various Institutes of Health that publish professional guidelines, the NIH 

has designed a number of databases for professionals. 12 Physician-oriented resources 

provide a wide variety of information related to the biomedical and health sciences, both 

past and present. The format of these resources varies. Searchable databases, bibliographic 

citations, full-text articles (when available), archival collections, and images are all available. 

The following are referenced by the National Library of Medicine: 13 

• Bioethics: Access to published literature on the ethical, legal, and public policy issues 

surrounding healthcare and biomedical research. This information is provided in 

conjunction with the Kennedy Institute of Ethics located at Georgetown University, 

Washington, D.C.: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_bioethics.html 

• HIV/AIDS Resources: Describes various links and databases dedicated to HIV/AIDS 

research: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/aidsinfs.html 

• NLM Online Exhibitions: Describes “Exhibitions in the History of Medicine”: 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/exhibition.html. Additional resources for historical 

scholarship in medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/hmd.html 

• Biotechnology Information: Access to public databases. The National Center for 

Biotechnology Information conducts research in computational biology, develops 

software tools for analyzing genome data, and disseminates biomedical information for 

the better understanding of molecular processes affecting human health and disease: 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ 

• Population Information: The National Library of Medicine provides access to 

worldwide coverage of population, family planning, and related health issues, including 

family planning technology and programs, fertility, and population law and policy: 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_population.html 

• Cancer Information: Access to cancer-oriented databases: 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_cancer.html 

• Profiles in Science: Offering the archival collections of prominent twentieth-century 

biomedical scientists to the public through modern digital technology: 

http://www.profiles.nlm.nih.gov/ 

• Chemical Information: Provides links to various chemical databases and references: 

http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Chem/ChemMain.html 

• Clinical Alerts: Reports the release of findings from the NIH-funded clinical trials 

where such release could significantly affect morbidity and mortality: 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/alerts/clinical_alerts.html 

• Space Life Sciences: Provides links and information to space-based research (including 

NASA): http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_space.html 

• MEDLINE: Bibliographic database covering the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, 

veterinary medicine, the healthcare system, and the pre-clinical sciences: 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_medline.html 

12 Remember, for the general public, the National Library of Medicine recommends the databases referenced in 

MEDLINEplus (http://medlineplus.gov/ or http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/databases.html). 

13 See http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases.html.

226 


• Toxicology and Environmental Health Information (TOXNET): Databases covering 

toxicology and environmental health: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Tox/ToxMain.html 

• Visible Human Interface: Anatomically detailed, three-dimensional representations of 

normal male and female human bodies: 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/visible/visible_human.html 

The NLM Gateway 14 

The NLM (National Library of Medicine) Gateway is a Web-based system that lets users 

search simultaneously in multiple retrieval systems at the U.S. National Library of Medicine 

(NLM). It allows users of NLM services to initiate searches from one Web interface, 

providing one-stop searching for many of NLM’s information resources or databases. 15 To 

use the NLM Gateway, simply go to the search site at http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd. 

Type “magnetic resonance imaging” (or synonyms) into the search box and click “Search.” 

The results will be presented in a tabular form, indicating the number of references in each 

database category. 

HSTAT 16 

Results Summary 

Category Items Found 

Journal Articles 138828 

Books / Periodicals / Audio Visual 1270 

Consumer Health 534 

Meeting Abstracts 312 

Other Collections 217 

Total 141161 

HSTAT is a free, Web-based resource that provides access to full-text documents used in 

healthcare decision-making. 17 These documents include clinical practice guidelines, quickreference 

guides for clinicians, consumer health brochures, evidence reports and technology 

assessments from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), as well as 

AHRQ’s Put Prevention Into Practice. 18 Simply search by “magnetic resonance imaging” (or 

synonyms) at the following Web site: http://text.nlm.nih.gov. 

14 Adapted from NLM: http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd?Overview.x. 

15 The NLM Gateway is currently being developed by the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical 

Communications (LHNCBC) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

16 Adapted from HSTAT: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/hstat.html. 

17 The HSTAT URL is http://hstat.nlm.nih.gov/. 

18 Other important documents in HSTAT include: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference 

Reports and Technology Assessment Reports; the HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service (ATIS) resource 

documents; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse 

Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT) Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIP) and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention 

(SAMHSA/CSAP) Prevention Enhancement Protocols System (PEPS); the Public Health Service (PHS) Preventive 

Services Task Force's Guide to Clinical Preventive Services; the independent, nonfederal Task Force on Community 

Services’ Guide to Community Preventive Services; and the Health Technology Advisory Committee (HTAC) of the 

Minnesota Health Care Commission (MHCC) health technology evaluations.

Coffee Break: Tutorials for Biologists 19 

Physician Resources 227 

Coffee Break is a general healthcare site that takes a scientific view of the news and covers 

recent breakthroughs in biology that may one day assist physicians in developing 

treatments. Here you will find a collection of short reports on recent biological discoveries. 

Each report incorporates interactive tutorials that demonstrate how bioinformatics tools are 

used as a part of the research process. Currently, all Coffee Breaks are written by NCBI 

staff. 20 Each report is about 400 words and is usually based on a discovery reported in one or 

more articles from recently published, peer-reviewed literature. 21 This site has new articles 

every few weeks, so it can be considered an online magazine of sorts. It is intended for 

general background information. You can access the Coffee Break Web site at the following 

hyperlink: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/. 

Other Commercial Databases 

In addition to resources maintained by official agencies, other databases exist that are 

commercial ventures addressing medical professionals. Here are some examples that may 

interest you: 

• CliniWeb International: Index and table of contents to selected clinical information on 

the Internet; see http://www.ohsu.edu/cliniweb/. 

• Medical World Search: Searches full text from thousands of selected medical sites on 

the Internet; see http://www.mwsearch.com/. 

19 Adapted from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/Archive/FAQ.html. 

20 The figure that accompanies each article is frequently supplied by an expert external to NCBI, in which case the 

source of the figure is cited. The result is an interactive tutorial that tells a biological story. 

21 After a brief introduction that sets the work described into a broader context, the report focuses on how a 

molecular understanding can provide explanations of observed biology and lead to therapies for diseases. Each 

vignette is accompanied by a figure and hypertext links that lead to a series of pages that interactively show how 

NCBI tools and resources are used in the research process.

APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES 

Overview 

Official agencies, as well as federally funded institutions supported by national grants, 

frequently publish a variety of guidelines written with the patient in mind. These are 

typically called “Fact Sheets” or “Guidelines.” They can take the form of a brochure, 

information kit, pamphlet, or flyer. Often they are only a few pages in length. Since new 

guidelines on magnetic resonance imaging can appear at any moment and be published by a 

number of sources, the best approach to finding guidelines is to systematically scan the 

Internet-based services that post them. 

Patient Guideline Sources 

The remainder of this chapter directs you to sources which either publish or can help you 

find additional guidelines on topics related to magnetic resonance imaging. Due to space 

limitations, these sources are listed in a concise manner. Do not hesitate to consult the 

following sources by either using the Internet hyperlink provided, or, in cases where the 

contact information is provided, contacting the publisher or author directly. 

The National Institutes of Health 

The NIH gateway to patients is located at http://health.nih.gov/. From this site, you can 

search across various sources and institutes, a number of which are summarized below. 

Topic Pages: MEDLINEplus 

The National Library of Medicine has created a vast and patient-oriented healthcare 

information portal called MEDLINEplus. Within this Internet-based system are “health topic 

pages” which list links to available materials relevant to magnetic resonance imaging. To 

access this system, log on to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html. From 

there you can either search using the alphabetical index or browse by broad topic areas. 

Recently, MEDLINEplus listed the following when searched for “magnetic resonance 

imaging”: 

229

230 


Brain Cancer 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/braincancer.html 

Brain Diseases 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/braindiseases.html 

Congenital Heart Disease 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/congenitalheartdisease.html 

Diagnostic Imaging 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diagnosticimaging.html 

Spinal Stenosis 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spinalstenosis.html 

Within the health topic page dedicated to magnetic resonance imaging, the following was 

listed: 

• Children 

FDA Cautions Against Ultrasound 'Keepsake' Images 

Source: Food and Drug Administration 

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2004/104_images.html 

Fetal Ultrasound 

Source: American Medical Association 

http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZUSI4YU7C&s 

ub_cat=3 

Pediatric Abdominal Ultrasound Imaging 

Source: American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America 

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/ultra-abdomen-pd.htm 

Pediatric CT (Computed Tomography) 

Source: Radiological Society of North America 

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/pedia-ct.htm 

Pediatric Nuclear Medicine 


http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/nuclearmed-pd.htm 

Pediatric Voiding Cystourethrogram 


http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/v-cystourethrogrm-pd.htm 

X-Ray Use and Safety 

Source: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 

http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/xray.asp 

• Latest News 

Stress Test May Miss Early Heart Disease 

Source: 08/18/2004, Reuters Health 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov//www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_19607 

.html

Patient Resources 231 

Test Predicts Ongoing Constipation in Kids 



.html 

Virtual Colonoscopy Shows Promise 



.html 

• Law and Policy 

Medicare Expands Coverage for PET Scans 

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/media/press/release.asp?counter=727 

• Organizations 

• Research 

• Women 

Radiology Info 


http://www.radiologyinfo.org/default.htm 

“Slice” Scanner Latest Advance in Early Detection of Heart Disease 

Source: American Heart Association 

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3005482 

Bleed-Detecting MRI May Identify Dangerous Plaque 



NIH Licenses New MRI Technology That Produces Detailed Images of Nerves, 

Other Soft Tissues 

Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 

http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jul2002/nichd-29.htm 

Spiral Scan Sees Stroke Blockage More Clearly 



Mammography 


http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/mammogram.htm 

Ultrasound-Obstetric 


http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/obstetric_ultrasound.htm 

You may also choose to use the search utility provided by MEDLINEplus at the following 

Web address: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/. Simply type a keyword into the 

search box and click “Search.” This utility is similar to the NIH search utility, with the 

exception that it only includes materials that are linked within the MEDLINEplus system

232 


(mostly patient-oriented information). It also has the disadvantage of generating 

unstructured results. We recommend, therefore, that you use this method only if you have a 

very targeted search. 

The Combined Health Information Database (CHID) 

CHID Online is a reference tool that maintains a database directory of thousands of journal 

articles and patient education guidelines on magnetic resonance imaging. CHID offers 

summaries that describe the guidelines available, including contact information and pricing. 

CHID’s general Web site is http://chid.nih.gov/. To search this database, go to 

http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. In particular, you can use the advanced search 

options to look up pamphlets, reports, brochures, and information kits. The following was 

recently posted in this archive: 

• What You Should Know About Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

Source: Deerfield, MI: Channing L. Bete Company, Inc. 1991. 15 p. 

Contact: Available from Channing L. Bete Company, Inc. 200 State Road, South, 

Deerfield, MI 01373. (800) 628-7733. PRICE: $.79 each; bulk pricing available. Booklet 

Number 14803. 

Summary: This patient education brochure explains the use of magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI) techniques for diagnostic purposes. Topics covered include a description 

of how the MRI machine works, the uses of MRI, preparing for an MRI scan, the scan 

procedure, how and by whom the scan is evaluated, the risks and benefits of the 

procedure, the use of MRI in pregnant women, the costs of the procedure, MRI scans in 

people with pacemakers or other implanted devices, and the future of MRI. The 

brochure is extensively illustrated with simple line drawings and cartoon figures that 

symbolize each topic presented. 

Healthfinder 

Healthfinder is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and 

offers links to hundreds of other sites that contain healthcare information. This Web site is 

located at http://www.healthfinder.gov. Again, keyword searches can be used to find 

guidelines. The following was recently found in this database: 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

Summary: This document explains magnetic resonance imaging and what happens 

before, during, and after an MRI exam. 

Source: American Society of Radiologic Technologists 

http://www.healthfinder.gov/scripts/recordpass.asp?RecordType=0&RecordID=7935

• 

What To Expect from Your Next Imaging Exam 

Patient Resources 233 

Summary: This page links to information on numerous imaging exams, including 

radiography (x-rays), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, computed 

tomography (CT), mammography, radiation therapy, 

Source: American Society of Radiologic Technologists 

http://www.healthfinder.gov/scripts/recordpass.asp?RecordType=0&RecordID=7934 

The NIH Search Utility 

The NIH search utility allows you to search for documents on over 100 selected Web sites 

that comprise the NIH-WEB-SPACE. Each of these servers is “crawled” and indexed on an 

ongoing basis. Your search will produce a list of various documents, all of which will relate 

in some way to magnetic resonance imaging. The drawbacks of this approach are that the 

information is not organized by theme and that the references are often a mix of information 

for professionals and patients. Nevertheless, a large number of the listed Web sites provide 

useful background information. We can only recommend this route, therefore, for relatively 

rare or specific disorders, or when using highly targeted searches. To use the NIH search 

utility, visit the following Web page: http://search.nih.gov/index.html. 

Additional Web Sources 

A number of Web sites are available to the public that often link to government sites. These 

can also point you in the direction of essential information. The following is a representative 

sample: 


• Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/specific.htm 

• Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/ 

• Med Help International: http://www.medhelp.org/HealthTopics/A.html 

• Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/ 

• Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/ 

• WebMD ® Health: http://my.webmd.com/health_topics 

Finding Associations 

There are several Internet directories that provide lists of medical associations with 

information on or resources relating to magnetic resonance imaging. By consulting all of 

associations listed in this chapter, you will have nearly exhausted all sources for patient 

associations concerned with magnetic resonance imaging. 

The National Health Information Center (NHIC) 

The National Health Information Center (NHIC) offers a free referral service to help people 

find organizations that provide information about magnetic resonance imaging. For more

234 


information, see the NHIC’s Web site at http://www.health.gov/NHIC/ or contact an 

information specialist by calling 1-800-336-4797. 

Directory of Health Organizations 

The Directory of Health Organizations, provided by the National Library of Medicine 

Specialized Information Services, is a comprehensive source of information on associations. 

The Directory of Health Organizations database can be accessed via the Internet at 

http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/Dir/DirMain.html. It is composed of two parts: DIRLINE and 

Health Hotlines. 

The DIRLINE database comprises some 10,000 records of organizations, research centers, 

and government institutes and associations that primarily focus on health and biomedicine. 

To access DIRLINE directly, go to the following Web site: http://dirline.nlm.nih.gov/. 

Simply type in “magnetic resonance imaging” (or a synonym), and you will receive 

information on all relevant organizations listed in the database. 

Health Hotlines directs you to toll-free numbers to over 300 organizations. You can access 

this database directly at http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/hotlines/. On this page, you are given 

the option to search by keyword or by browsing the subject list. When you have received 

your search results, click on the name of the organization for its description and contact 

information. 


Another comprehensive source of information on healthcare associations is the Combined 

Health Information Database. Using the “Detailed Search” option, you will need to limit 

your search to “Organizations” and “magnetic resonance imaging”. Type the following 

hyperlink into your Web browser: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find 

associations, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine 

your search by.” For publication date, select “All Years.” Then, select your preferred 

language and the format option “Organization Resource Sheet.” Type “magnetic resonance 


periodically with this database since it is updated every three months. 

The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 

The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. has prepared a Web site that provides, at 

no charge, lists of associations organized by health topic. You can access this database at the 

following Web site: http://www.rarediseases.org/search/orgsearch.html. Type “magnetic 

resonance imaging” (or a synonym) into the search box, and click “Submit Query.”

APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES 

Overview 

In this Appendix, we show you how to quickly find a medical library in your area. 

Preparation 

Your local public library and medical libraries have interlibrary loan programs with the 

National Library of Medicine (NLM), one of the largest medical collections in the world. 

According to the NLM, most of the literature in the general and historical collections of the 

National Library of Medicine is available on interlibrary loan to any library. If you would 

like to access NLM medical literature, then visit a library in your area that can request the 

publications for you. 22 

Finding a Local Medical Library 

The quickest method to locate medical libraries is to use the Internet-based directory 

published by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM). This network 

includes 4626 members and affiliates that provide many services to librarians, health 

professionals, and the public. To find a library in your area, simply visit 

http://nnlm.gov/members/adv.html or call 1-800-338-7657. 

Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada 

In addition to the NN/LM, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) lists a number of 

libraries with reference facilities that are open to the public. The following is the NLM’s list 

and includes hyperlinks to each library’s Web site. These Web pages can provide 

information on hours of operation and other restrictions. The list below is a small sample of 

22 Adapted from the NLM: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/psd/cas/interlibrary.html. 

235

236 


libraries recommended by the National Library of Medicine (sorted alphabetically by name 

of the U.S. state or Canadian province where the library is located) 23 : 

• Alabama: Health InfoNet of Jefferson County (Jefferson County Library Cooperative, 

Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences), http://www.uab.edu/infonet/ 

• Alabama: Richard M. Scrushy Library (American Sports Medicine Institute) 

• Arizona: Samaritan Regional Medical Center: The Learning Center (Samaritan Health 

System, Phoenix, Arizona), http://www.samaritan.edu/library/bannerlibs.htm 

• California: Kris Kelly Health Information Center (St. Joseph Health System, Humboldt), 

http://www.humboldt1.com/~kkhic/index.html 

• California: Community Health Library of Los Gatos, 

http://www.healthlib.org/orgresources.html 

• California: Consumer Health Program and Services (CHIPS) (County of Los Angeles 

Public Library, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Library) - Carson, 

CA, http://www.colapublib.org/services/chips.html 

• California: Gateway Health Library (Sutter Gould Medical Foundation) 

• California: Health Library (Stanford University Medical Center), http://wwwmed.stanford.edu/healthlibrary/ 

• California: Patient Education Resource Center - Health Information and Resources 

(University of California, San Francisco), 

http://sfghdean.ucsf.edu/barnett/PERC/default.asp 

• California: Redwood Health Library (Petaluma Health Care District), 

http://www.phcd.org/rdwdlib.html 

• California: Los Gatos PlaneTree Health Library, http://planetreesanjose.org/ 

• California: Sutter Resource Library (Sutter Hospitals Foundation, Sacramento), 

http://suttermedicalcenter.org/library/ 

• California: Health Sciences Libraries (University of California, Davis), 

http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/healthsci/ 

• California: ValleyCare Health Library & Ryan Comer Cancer Resource Center 

(ValleyCare Health System, Pleasanton), http://gaelnet.stmarysca.edu/other.libs/gbal/east/vchl.html 

• California: Washington Community Health Resource Library (Fremont), 

http://www.healthlibrary.org/ 

• Colorado: William V. Gervasini Memorial Library (Exempla Healthcare), 

http://www.saintjosephdenver.org/yourhealth/libraries/ 

• Connecticut: Hartford Hospital Health Science Libraries (Hartford Hospital), 

http://www.harthosp.org/library/ 

• Connecticut: Healthnet: Connecticut Consumer Health Information Center (University 

of Connecticut Health Center, Lyman Maynard Stowe Library), 

http://library.uchc.edu/departm/hnet/ 

23 Abstracted from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/libraries.html.

Finding Medical Libraries 237 

• Connecticut: Waterbury Hospital Health Center Library (Waterbury Hospital, 

Waterbury), http://www.waterburyhospital.com/library/consumer.shtml 

• Delaware: Consumer Health Library (Christiana Care Health System, Eugene du Pont 

Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute, Wilmington), 

http://www.christianacare.org/health_guide/health_guide_pmri_health_info.cfm 

• Delaware: Lewis B. Flinn Library (Delaware Academy of Medicine, Wilmington), 

http://www.delamed.org/chls.html 

• Georgia: Family Resource Library (Medical College of Georgia, Augusta), 

http://cmc.mcg.edu/kids_families/fam_resources/fam_res_lib/frl.htm 

• Georgia: Health Resource Center (Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon), 

http://www.mccg.org/hrc/hrchome.asp 

• Hawaii: Hawaii Medical Library: Consumer Health Information Service (Hawaii 

Medical Library, Honolulu), http://hml.org/CHIS/ 

• Idaho: DeArmond Consumer Health Library (Kootenai Medical Center, Coeur d’Alene), 

http://www.nicon.org/DeArmond/index.htm 

• Illinois: Health Learning Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago), 

http://www.nmh.org/health_info/hlc.html 

• Illinois: Medical Library (OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria), 

http://www.osfsaintfrancis.org/general/library/ 

• Kentucky: Medical Library - Services for Patients, Families, Students & the Public 

(Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington), 

http://www.centralbap.com/education/community/library.cfm 

• Kentucky: University of Kentucky - Health Information Library (Chandler Medical 

Center, Lexington), http://www.mc.uky.edu/PatientEd/ 

• Louisiana: Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation Library (Alton Ochsner Medical 

Foundation, New Orleans), http://www.ochsner.org/library/ 

• Louisiana: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Medical Library- 

Shreveport, http://lib-sh.lsuhsc.edu/ 

• Maine: Franklin Memorial Hospital Medical Library (Franklin Memorial Hospital, 

Farmington), http://www.fchn.org/fmh/lib.htm 

• Maine: Gerrish-True Health Sciences Library (Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston), 

http://www.cmmc.org/library/library.html 

• Maine: Hadley Parrot Health Science Library (Eastern Maine Healthcare, Bangor), 

http://www.emh.org/hll/hpl/guide.htm 

• Maine: Maine Medical Center Library (Maine Medical Center, Portland), 

http://www.mmc.org/library/ 

• Maine: Parkview Hospital (Brunswick), http://www.parkviewhospital.org/ 

• Maine: Southern Maine Medical Center Health Sciences Library (Southern Maine 

Medical Center, Biddeford), http://www.smmc.org/services/service.php3?choice=10 

• Maine: Stephens Memorial Hospital’s Health Information Library (Western Maine 

Health, Norway), http://www.wmhcc.org/Library/

238 


• Manitoba, Canada: Consumer & Patient Health Information Service (University of 

Manitoba Libraries), 

http://www.umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/health/reference/chis.html 

• Manitoba, Canada: J.W. Crane Memorial Library (Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg), 

http://www.deerlodge.mb.ca/crane_library/about.asp 

• Maryland: Health Information Center at the Wheaton Regional Library (Montgomery 

County, Dept. of Public Libraries, Wheaton Regional Library), 

http://www.mont.lib.md.us/healthinfo/hic.asp 

• Massachusetts: Baystate Medical Center Library (Baystate Health System), 

http://www.baystatehealth.com/1024/ 

• Massachusetts: Boston University Medical Center Alumni Medical Library (Boston 

University Medical Center), http://med-libwww.bu.edu/library/lib.html 

• Massachusetts: Lowell General Hospital Health Sciences Library (Lowell General 

Hospital, Lowell), http://www.lowellgeneral.org/library/HomePageLinks/WWW.htm 

• Massachusetts: Paul E. Woodard Health Sciences Library (New England Baptist 

Hospital, Boston), http://www.nebh.org/health_lib.asp 

• Massachusetts: St. Luke’s Hospital Health Sciences Library (St. Luke’s Hospital, 

Southcoast Health System, New Bedford), http://www.southcoast.org/library/ 

• Massachusetts: Treadwell Library Consumer Health Reference Center (Massachusetts 

General Hospital), http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/library/chrcindex.html 

• Massachusetts: UMass HealthNet (University of Massachusetts Medical School, 

Worchester), http://healthnet.umassmed.edu/ 

• Michigan: Botsford General Hospital Library - Consumer Health (Botsford General 

Hospital, Library & Internet Services), http://www.botsfordlibrary.org/consumer.htm 

• Michigan: Helen DeRoy Medical Library (Providence Hospital and Medical Centers), 

http://www.providence-hospital.org/library/ 

• Michigan: Marquette General Hospital - Consumer Health Library (Marquette General 

Hospital, Health Information Center), http://www.mgh.org/center.html 

• Michigan: Patient Education Resouce Center - University of Michigan Cancer Center 

(University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor), 

http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/learn/leares.htm 

• Michigan: Sladen Library & Center for Health Information Resources - Consumer 

Health Information (Detroit), http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=39330 

• Montana: Center for Health Information (St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences 

Center, Missoula) 

• National: Consumer Health Library Directory (Medical Library Association, Consumer 

and Patient Health Information Section), http://caphis.mlanet.org/directory/index.html 

• National: National Network of Libraries of Medicine (National Library of Medicine) - 

provides library services for health professionals in the United States who do not have 

access to a medical library, http://nnlm.gov/ 

• National: NN/LM List of Libraries Serving the Public (National Network of Libraries of 

Medicine), http://nnlm.gov/members/

Finding Medical Libraries 239 

• Nevada: Health Science Library, West Charleston Library (Las Vegas-Clark County 

Library District, Las Vegas), 

http://www.lvccld.org/special_collections/medical/index.htm 

• New Hampshire: Dartmouth Biomedical Libraries (Dartmouth College Library, 

Hanover), http://www.dartmouth.edu/~biomed/resources.htmld/conshealth.htmld/ 

• New Jersey: Consumer Health Library (Rahway Hospital, Rahway), 

http://www.rahwayhospital.com/library.htm 

• New Jersey: Dr. Walter Phillips Health Sciences Library (Englewood Hospital and 

Medical Center, Englewood), http://www.englewoodhospital.com/links/index.htm 

• New Jersey: Meland Foundation (Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, 

Englewood), http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/9360/ 

• New York: Choices in Health Information (New York Public Library) - NLM Consumer 

Pilot Project participant, http://www.nypl.org/branch/health/links.html 

• New York: Health Information Center (Upstate Medical University, State University of 

New York, Syracuse), http://www.upstate.edu/library/hic/ 

• New York: Health Sciences Library (Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde 

Park), http://www.lij.edu/library/library.html 

• New York: ViaHealth Medical Library (Rochester General Hospital), 

http://www.nyam.org/library/ 

• Ohio: Consumer Health Library (Akron General Medical Center, Medical & Consumer 

Health Library), http://www.akrongeneral.org/hwlibrary.htm 

• Oklahoma: The Health Information Center at Saint Francis Hospital (Saint Francis 

Health System, Tulsa), http://www.sfh-tulsa.com/services/healthinfo.asp 

• Oregon: Planetree Health Resource Center (Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Dalles), 

http://www.mcmc.net/phrc/ 

• Pennsylvania: Community Health Information Library (Milton S. Hershey Medical 

Center, Hershey), http://www.hmc.psu.edu/commhealth/ 

• Pennsylvania: Community Health Resource Library (Geisinger Medical Center, 

Danville), http://www.geisinger.edu/education/commlib.shtml 

• Pennsylvania: HealthInfo Library (Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton), 

http://www.mth.org/healthwellness.html 

• Pennsylvania: Hopwood Library (University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library 

System, Pittsburgh), http://www.hsls.pitt.edu/guides/chi/hopwood/index_html 

• Pennsylvania: Koop Community Health Information Center (College of Physicians of 

Philadelphia), http://www.collphyphil.org/kooppg1.shtml 

• Pennsylvania: Learning Resources Center - Medical Library (Susquehanna Health 

System, Williamsport), http://www.shscares.org/services/lrc/index.asp 

• Pennsylvania: Medical Library (UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh), 

http://www.upmc.edu/passavant/library.htm 

• Quebec, Canada: Medical Library (Montreal General Hospital), 

http://www.mghlib.mcgill.ca/

240 


• South Dakota: Rapid City Regional Hospital Medical Library (Rapid City Regional 

Hospital), http://www.rcrh.org/Services/Library/Default.asp 

• Texas: Houston HealthWays (Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center 

Library), http://hhw.library.tmc.edu/ 

• Washington: Community Health Library (Kittitas Valley Community Hospital), 

http://www.kvch.com/ 

• Washington: Southwest Washington Medical Center Library (Southwest Washington 

Medical Center, Vancouver), http://www.swmedicalcenter.com/body.cfm?id=72

ONLINE GLOSSARIES 

The Internet provides access to a number of free-to-use medical dictionaries. The National 

Library of Medicine has compiled the following list of online dictionaries: 

• ADAM Medical Encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.), comprehensive medical reference: 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html 

• MedicineNet.com Medical Dictionary (MedicineNet, Inc.): 

http://www.medterms.com/Script/Main/hp.asp 

• Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary (Inteli-Health, Inc.): 

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ 

• Multilingual Glossary of Technical and Popular Medical Terms in Eight European 

Languages (European Commission) - Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, 

Portuguese, and Spanish: http://allserv.rug.ac.be/~rvdstich/eugloss/welcome.html 

• On-line Medical Dictionary (CancerWEB): http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/omd/ 

• Rare Diseases Terms (Office of Rare Diseases): 

http://ord.aspensys.com/asp/diseases/diseases.asp 

• Technology Glossary (National Library of Medicine) - Health Care Technology: 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nichsr/ta101/ta10108.htm 

Beyond these, MEDLINEplus contains a very patient-friendly encyclopedia covering every 

aspect of medicine (licensed from A.D.A.M., Inc.). The ADAM Medical Encyclopedia can be 

accessed at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html. ADAM is also 

available on commercial Web sites such as drkoop.com (http://www.drkoop.com/) and Web 

MD (http://my.webmd.com/adam/asset/adam_disease_articles/a_to_z/a). 

Online Dictionary Directories 

The following are additional online directories compiled by the National Library of 

Medicine, including a number of specialized medical dictionaries: 

• Medical Dictionaries: Medical & Biological (World Health Organization): 

http://www.who.int/hlt/virtuallibrary/English/diction.htm#Medical 

• MEL-Michigan Electronic Library List of Online Health and Medical Dictionaries 

(Michigan Electronic Library): http://mel.lib.mi.us/health/health-dictionaries.html 

• Patient Education: Glossaries (DMOZ Open Directory Project): 

http://dmoz.org/Health/Education/Patient_Education/Glossaries/ 

• Web of Online Dictionaries (Bucknell University): 

http://www.yourdictionary.com/diction5.html#medicine 

241

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING 

DICTIONARY 

The definitions below are derived from official public sources, including the National 

Institutes of Health [NIH] and the European Union [EU]. 

3-dimensional: 3-D. A graphic display of depth, width, and height. Three-dimensional 

radiation therapy uses computers to create a 3-dimensional picture of the tumor. This allows 

doctors to give the highest possible dose of radiation to the tumor, while sparing the normal 

tissue as much as possible. [NIH] 

Abdomen: That portion of the body that lies between the thorax and the pelvis. [NIH] 

Abdominal: Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the 

chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and 

other organs. [NIH] 

Abducens: A striated, extrinsic muscle of the eyeball that originates from the annulus of 

Zinn. [NIH] 

Abducens Nerve: The 6th cranial nerve. The abducens nerve originates in the abducens 

nucleus of the pons and sends motor fibers to the lateral rectus muscles of the eye. Damage 

to the nerve or its nucleus disrupts horizontal eye movement control. [NIH] 

Abducens Nerve Diseases: Diseases of the sixth cranial (abducens) nerve or its nucleus in 

the pons. The nerve may be injured along its course in the pons, intracranially as it travels 

along the base of the brain, in the cavernous sinus, or at the level of superior orbital fissure 

or orbit. Dysfunction of the nerve causes lateral rectus muscle weakness, resulting in 

horizontal diplopia that is maximal when the affected eye is abducted and esotropia. 

Common conditions associated with nerve injury include intracranial hypertension; 

craniocerebral trauma; ischemia; and infratentorial neoplasms. [NIH] 

Aberrant: Wandering or deviating from the usual or normal course. [EU] 

Ablate: In surgery, is to remove. [NIH] 

Ablation: The removal of an organ by surgery. [NIH] 

Abscess: A localized, circumscribed collection of pus. [NIH] 

Acceptor: A substance which, while normally not oxidized by oxygen or reduced by 

hydrogen, can be oxidized or reduced in presence of a substance which is itself undergoing 

oxidation or reduction. [NIH] 

Acetaminophen: Analgesic antipyretic derivative of acetanilide. It has weak antiinflammatory 

properties and is used as a common analgesic, but may cause liver, blood cell, 

and kidney damage. [NIH] 

Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine in vertebrates is the major transmitter at 

neuromuscular junctions, autonomic ganglia, parasympathetic effector junctions, a subset of 

sympathetic effector junctions, and at many sites in the central nervous system. It is 

generally not used as an administered drug because it is broken down very rapidly by 

cholinesterases, but it is useful in some ophthalmological applications. [NIH] 

Acidity: The quality of being acid or sour; containing acid (hydrogen ions). [EU] 

Acoustic: Having to do with sound or hearing. [NIH] 

Acromioclavicular Joint: The gliding joint formed by the outer extremity of the clavicle and 

243

244 


the inner margin of the acromion process of the scapula. [NIH] 

Acromion: The lateral extension of the spine of the scapula and the highest point of the 

shoulder. [NIH] 

Actin: Essential component of the cell skeleton. [NIH] 

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: ALL. A quickly progressing disease in which too many 

immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts are found in the blood and bone marrow. 

Also called acute lymphocytic leukemia. [NIH] 

Acute lymphocytic leukemia: ALL. A quickly progressing disease in which too many 

immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts are found in the blood and bone marrow. 

Also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia. [NIH] 

Acute renal: A condition in which the kidneys suddenly stop working. In most cases, 

kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function. [NIH] 

Acyl: Chemical signal used by bacteria to communicate. [NIH] 

Adaptability: Ability to develop some form of tolerance to conditions extremely different 

from those under which a living organism evolved. [NIH] 

Adaptation: 1. The adjustment of an organism to its environment, or the process by which it 

enhances such fitness. 2. The normal ability of the eye to adjust itself to variations in the 

intensity of light; the adjustment to such variations. 3. The decline in the frequency of firing 

of a neuron, particularly of a receptor, under conditions of constant stimulation. 4. In 

dentistry, (a) the proper fitting of a denture, (b) the degree of proximity and interlocking of 

restorative material to a tooth preparation, (c) the exact adjustment of bands to teeth. 5. In 

microbiology, the adjustment of bacterial physiology to a new environment. [EU] 

Adenocarcinoma: A malignant epithelial tumor with a glandular organization. [NIH] 

Adenoma: A benign epithelial tumor with a glandular organization. [NIH] 

Adenosine: A nucleoside that is composed of adenine and d-ribose. Adenosine or adenosine 

derivatives play many important biological roles in addition to being components of DNA 

and RNA. Adenosine itself is a neurotransmitter. [NIH] 

Adjustment: The dynamic process wherein the thoughts, feelings, behavior, and 

biophysiological mechanisms of the individual continually change to adjust to the 

environment. [NIH] 

Adjuvant: A substance which aids another, such as an auxiliary remedy; in immunology, 

nonspecific stimulator (e.g., BCG vaccine) of the immune response. [EU] 

Adolescence: The period of life beginning with the appearance of secondary sex 

characteristics and terminating with the cessation of somatic growth. The years usually 

referred to as adolescence lie between 13 and 18 years of age. [NIH] 

Adolescent Psychiatry: The medical science that deals with the origin, diagnosis, 

prevention, and treatment of mental disorders in individuals 13-18 years. [NIH] 

Adrenal Cortex: The outer layer of the adrenal gland. It secretes mineralocorticoids, 

androgens, and glucocorticoids. [NIH] 

Adrenal Glands: Paired glands situated in the retroperitoneal tissues at the superior pole of 

each kidney. [NIH] 

Adrenergic: Activated by, characteristic of, or secreting epinephrine or substances with 

similar activity; the term is applied to those nerve fibres that liberate norepinephrine at a 

synapse when a nerve impulse passes, i.e., the sympathetic fibres. [EU] 

Adverse Effect: An unwanted side effect of treatment. [NIH]

Dictionary 245 

Afferent: Concerned with the transmission of neural impulse toward the central part of the 

nervous system. [NIH] 

Affinity: 1. Inherent likeness or relationship. 2. A special attraction for a specific element, 

organ, or structure. 3. Chemical affinity; the force that binds atoms in molecules; the 

tendency of substances to combine by chemical reaction. 4. The strength of noncovalent 

chemical binding between two substances as measured by the dissociation constant of the 

complex. 5. In immunology, a thermodynamic expression of the strength of interaction 

between a single antigen-binding site and a single antigenic determinant (and thus of the 

stereochemical compatibility between them), most accurately applied to interactions among 

simple, uniform antigenic determinants such as haptens. Expressed as the association 

constant (K litres mole -1), which, owing to the heterogeneity of affinities in a population of 

antibody molecules of a given specificity, actually represents an average value (mean 

intrinsic association constant). 6. The reciprocal of the dissociation constant. [EU] 

Agar: A complex sulfated polymer of galactose units, extracted from Gelidium 

cartilagineum, Gracilaria confervoides, and related red algae. It is used as a gel in the 

preparation of solid culture media for microorganisms, as a bulk laxative, in making 

emulsions, and as a supporting medium for immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. 

[NIH] 

Agonist: In anatomy, a prime mover. In pharmacology, a drug that has affinity for and 

stimulates physiologic activity at cell receptors normally stimulated by naturally occurring 

substances. [EU] 

Agoraphobia: Obsessive, persistent, intense fear of open places. [NIH] 

Airway: A device for securing unobstructed passage of air into and out of the lungs during 

general anesthesia. [NIH] 

Akathisia: 1. A condition of motor restlessness in which there is a feeling of muscular 

quivering, an urge to move about constantly, and an inability to sit still, a common 

extrapyramidal side effect of neuroleptic drugs. 2. An inability to sit down because of 

intense anxiety at the thought of doing so. [EU] 

Albumin: 1. Any protein that is soluble in water and moderately concentrated salt solutions 

and is coagulable by heat. 2. Serum albumin; the major plasma protein (approximately 60 

per cent of the total), which is responsible for much of the plasma colloidal osmotic pressure 

and serves as a transport protein carrying large organic anions, such as fatty acids, bilirubin, 

and many drugs, and also carrying certain hormones, such as cortisol and thyroxine, when 

their specific binding globulins are saturated. Albumin is synthesized in the liver. Low 

serum levels occur in protein malnutrition, active inflammation and serious hepatic and 

renal disease. [EU] 

Alexia: The inability to recognize or comprehend written or printed words. [NIH] 

Algorithms: A procedure consisting of a sequence of algebraic formulas and/or logical steps 

to calculate or determine a given task. [NIH] 

Alkaline: Having the reactions of an alkali. [EU] 

Allograft: An organ or tissue transplant between two humans. [NIH] 

Alpha Particles: Positively charged particles composed of two protons and two neutrons, 

i.e., helium nuclei, emitted during disintegration of very heavy isotopes; a beam of alpha 

particles or an alpha ray has very strong ionizing power, but weak penetrability. [NIH] 

Alternative medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as 

standard or conventional medical approaches and used instead of standard treatments. 

Alternative medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, and 

herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such as massage therapy,

246 


magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] 

Aluminum: A metallic element that has the atomic number 13, atomic symbol Al, and 

atomic weight 26.98. [NIH] 

Amblyopia: A nonspecific term referring to impaired vision. Major subcategories include 

stimulus deprivation-induced amblyopia and toxic amblyopia. Stimulus deprivationinduced 

amblopia is a developmental disorder of the visual cortex. A discrepancy between 

visual information received by the visual cortex from each eye results in abnormal cortical 

development. Strabismus and refractive errors may cause this condition. Toxic amblyopia is 

a disorder of the optic nerve which is associated with alcoholism, tobacco smoking, and 

other toxins and as an adverse effect of the use of some medications. [NIH] 

Amino acid: Any organic compound containing an amino (-NH2 and a carboxyl (- COOH) 

group. The 20 a-amino acids listed in the accompanying table are the amino acids from 

which proteins are synthesized by formation of peptide bonds during ribosomal translation 

of messenger RNA; all except glycine, which is not optically active, have the L configuration. 

Other amino acids occurring in proteins, such as hydroxyproline in collagen, are formed by 

posttranslational enzymatic modification of amino acids residues in polypeptide chains. 

There are also several important amino acids, such as the neurotransmitter y-aminobutyric 

acid, that have no relation to proteins. Abbreviated AA. [EU] 

Amnesia: Lack or loss of memory; inability to remember past experiences. [EU] 

Amplification: The production of additional copies of a chromosomal DNA sequence, 

found as either intrachromosomal or extrachromosomal DNA. [NIH] 

Ampulla: A sac-like enlargement of a canal or duct. [NIH] 

Amygdala: Almond-shaped group of basal nuclei anterior to the inferior horn of the lateral 

ventricle of the brain, within the temporal lobe. The amygdala is part of the limbic system. 

[NIH] 

Amyloid: A general term for a variety of different proteins that accumulate as extracellular 

fibrils of 7-10 nm and have common structural features, including a beta-pleated sheet 

conformation and the ability to bind such dyes as Congo red and thioflavine (Kandel, 

Schwartz, and Jessel, Principles of Neural Science, 3rd ed). [NIH] 

Amyloidosis: A group of diseases in which protein is deposited in specific organs (localized 

amyloidosis) or throughout the body (systemic amyloidosis). Amyloidosis may be either 

primary (with no known cause) or secondary (caused by another disease, including some 

types of cancer). Generally, primary amyloidosis affects the nerves, skin, tongue, joints, 

heart, and liver; secondary amyloidosis often affects the spleen, kidneys, liver, and adrenal 

glands. [NIH] 

Amyotrophy: A type of diabetic neuropathy that causes muscle weakness and wasting. [NIH] 

Anaesthesia: Loss of feeling or sensation. Although the term is used for loss of tactile 

sensibility, or of any of the other senses, it is applied especially to loss of the sensation of 

pain, as it is induced to permit performance of surgery or other painful procedures. [EU] 

Anal: Having to do with the anus, which is the posterior opening of the large bowel. [NIH] 

Analgesic: An agent that alleviates pain without causing loss of consciousness. [EU] 

Analog: In chemistry, a substance that is similar, but not identical, to another. [NIH] 

Analogous: Resembling or similar in some respects, as in function or appearance, but not in 

origin or development;. [EU] 

Anaphylatoxins: The family of peptides C3a, C4a, C5a, and C5a des-arginine produced in 

the serum during complement activation. They produce smooth muscle contraction, mast 

cell histamine release, affect platelet aggregation, and act as mediators of the local


inflammatory process. The order of anaphylatoxin activity from strongest to weakest is C5a, 

C3a, C4a, and C5a des-arginine. The latter is the so-called "classical" anaphylatoxin but 

shows no spasmogenic activity though it contains some chemotactic ability. [NIH] 

Anaplasia: Loss of structural differentiation and useful function of neoplastic cells. [NIH] 

Anatomical: Pertaining to anatomy, or to the structure of the organism. [EU] 

Androgens: A class of sex hormones associated with the development and maintenance of 

the secondary male sex characteristics, sperm induction, and sexual differentiation. In 

addition to increasing virility and libido, they also increase nitrogen and water retention and 

stimulate skeletal growth. [NIH] 

Anemia: A reduction in the number of circulating erythrocytes or in the quantity of 

hemoglobin. [NIH] 

Anesthesia: A state characterized by loss of feeling or sensation. This depression of nerve 

function is usually the result of pharmacologic action and is induced to allow performance 

of surgery or other painful procedures. [NIH] 

Aneurysm: A sac formed by the dilatation of the wall of an artery, a vein, or the heart. [NIH] 

Angina: Chest pain that originates in the heart. [NIH] 

Angiogenesis: Blood vessel formation. Tumor angiogenesis is the growth of blood vessels 

from surrounding tissue to a solid tumor. This is caused by the release of chemicals by the 

tumor. [NIH] 

Angiogram: An x-ray of blood vessels; the person receives an injection of dye to outline the 

vessels on the x-ray. [NIH] 

Angiography: Radiography of blood vessels after injection of a contrast medium. [NIH] 

Angiopathy: Disease of the blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) that occurs when 

someone has diabetes for a long time. There are two types of angiopathy: macroangiopathy 

and microangiopathy. In macroangiopathy, fat and blood clots build up in the large blood 

vessels, stick to the vessel walls, and block the flow of blood. In microangiopathy, the walls 

of the smaller blood vessels become so thick and weak that they bleed, leak protein, and 

slow the flow of blood through the body. Then the cells, for example, the ones in the center 

of the eye, do not get enough blood and may be damaged. [NIH] 

Angulation: Deviation from the normal long axis, as in a fractured bone healed out of line. 

[NIH] 

Animal model: An animal with a disease either the same as or like a disease in humans. 

Animal models are used to study the development and progression of diseases and to test 

new treatments before they are given to humans. Animals with transplanted human cancers 

or other tissues are called xenograft models. [NIH] 

Anions: Negatively charged atoms, radicals or groups of atoms which travel to the anode or 

positive pole during electrolysis. [NIH] 

Ankle: That part of the lower limb directly above the foot. [NIH] 

Anomalies: Birth defects; abnormalities. [NIH] 

Anorexia: Lack or loss of appetite for food. Appetite is psychologic, dependent on memory 

and associations. Anorexia can be brought about by unattractive food, surroundings, or 

company. [NIH] 

Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A strong ligament of the knee that originates from the 

posteromedial portion of the lateral condyle of the femur, passes anteriorly and inferiorly 

between the condyles, and attaches to the depression in front of the intercondylar eminence 

of the tibia. [NIH]

248 


Anthracycline: A member of a family of anticancer drugs that are also antibiotics. [NIH] 

Antiallergic: Counteracting allergy or allergic conditions. [EU] 

Antibacterial: A substance that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or 

reproduction. [EU] 

Antibiotic: A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. 

[NIH] 

Antibodies: Immunoglobulin molecules having a specific amino acid sequence by virtue of 

which they interact only with the antigen that induced their synthesis in cells of the 

lymphoid series (especially plasma cells), or with an antigen closely related to it. [NIH] 

Antibody: A type of protein made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign 

substance (antigen). Each antibody can bind to only a specific antigen. The purpose of this 

binding is to help destroy the antigen. Antibodies can work in several ways, depending on 

the nature of the antigen. Some antibodies destroy antigens directly. Others make it easier 

for white blood cells to destroy the antigen. [NIH] 

Antibody therapy: Treatment with an antibody, a substance that can directly kill specific 

tumor cells or stimulate the immune system to kill tumor cells. [NIH] 

Anticoagulant: A drug that helps prevent blood clots from forming. Also called a blood 

thinner. [NIH] 

Antidote: A remedy for counteracting a poison. [EU] 

Antiemetic: An agent that prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting. Also antinauseant. 

[EU] 

Antigen: Any substance which is capable, under appropriate conditions, of inducing a 

specific immune response and of reacting with the products of that response, that is, with 

specific antibody or specifically sensitized T-lymphocytes, or both. Antigens may be soluble 

substances, such as toxins and foreign proteins, or particulate, such as bacteria and tissue 

cells; however, only the portion of the protein or polysaccharide molecule known as the 

antigenic determinant (q.v.) combines with antibody or a specific receptor on a lymphocyte. 

Abbreviated Ag. [EU] 

Antigen-Antibody Complex: The complex formed by the binding of antigen and antibody 

molecules. The deposition of large antigen-antibody complexes leading to tissue damage 

causes immune complex diseases. [NIH] 

Anti-infective: An agent that so acts. [EU] 

Anti-inflammatory: Having to do with reducing inflammation. [NIH] 

Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Substances that reduce or suppress inflammation. [NIH] 

Antimetabolite: A chemical that is very similar to one required in a normal biochemical 

reaction in cells. Antimetabolites can stop or slow down the reaction. [NIH] 

Antineoplastic: Inhibiting or preventing the development of neoplasms, checking the 

maturation and proliferation of malignant cells. [EU] 

Antipsychotic: Effective in the treatment of psychosis. Antipsychotic drugs (called also 

neuroleptic drugs and major tranquilizers) are a chemically diverse (including 

phenothiazines, thioxanthenes, butyrophenones, dibenzoxazepines, dibenzodiazepines, and 

diphenylbutylpiperidines) but pharmacologically similar class of drugs used to treat 

schizophrenic, paranoid, schizoaffective, and other psychotic disorders; acute delirium and 

dementia, and manic episodes (during induction of lithium therapy); to control the 

movement disorders associated with Huntington's chorea, Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome, 

and ballismus; and to treat intractable hiccups and severe nausea and vomiting. 

Antipsychotic agents bind to dopamine, histamine, muscarinic cholinergic, a-adrenergic,


and serotonin receptors. Blockade of dopaminergic transmission in various areas is thought 

to be responsible for their major effects : antipsychotic action by blockade in the mesolimbic 

and mesocortical areas; extrapyramidal side effects (dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and 

tardive dyskinesia) by blockade in the basal ganglia; and antiemetic effects by blockade in 

the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the medulla. Sedation and autonomic side effects 

(orthostatic hypotension, blurred vision, dry mouth, nasal congestion and constipation) are 

caused by blockade of histamine, cholinergic, and adrenergic receptors. [EU] 

Antiserum: The blood serum obtained from an animal after it has been immunized with a 

particular antigen. It will contain antibodies which are specific for that antigen as well as 

antibodies specific for any other antigen with which the animal has previously been 

immunized. [NIH] 

Antiviral: Destroying viruses or suppressing their replication. [EU] 

Anus: The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body. [NIH] 

Anxiety: Persistent feeling of dread, apprehension, and impending disaster. [NIH] 

Aorta: The main trunk of the systemic arteries. [NIH] 

Aortic Aneurysm: Aneurysm of the aorta. [NIH] 

Aortic Valve: The valve between the left ventricle and the ascending aorta which prevents 

backflow into the left ventricle. [NIH] 

Aphasia: A cognitive disorder marked by an impaired ability to comprehend or express 

language in its written or spoken form. This condition is caused by diseases which affect the 

language areas of the dominant hemisphere. Clinical features are used to classify the various 

subtypes of this condition. General categories include receptive, expressive, and mixed 

forms of aphasia. [NIH] 

Aplasia: Lack of development of an organ or tissue, or of the cellular products from an 

organ or tissue. [EU] 

Apoptosis: One of the two mechanisms by which cell death occurs (the other being the 

pathological process of necrosis). Apoptosis is the mechanism responsible for the 

physiological deletion of cells and appears to be intrinsically programmed. It is 

characterized by distinctive morphologic changes in the nucleus and cytoplasm, chromatin 

cleavage at regularly spaced sites, and the endonucleolytic cleavage of genomic DNA (DNA 

fragmentation) at internucleosomal sites. This mode of cell death serves as a balance to 

mitosis in regulating the size of animal tissues and in mediating pathologic processes 

associated with tumor growth. [NIH] 

Approximate: Approximal [EU] 

Aptitude: The ability to acquire general or special types of knowledge or skill. [NIH] 

Aqueous: Having to do with water. [NIH] 

Arginine: An essential amino acid that is physiologically active in the L-form. [NIH] 

Arterial: Pertaining to an artery or to the arteries. [EU] 

Arteries: The vessels carrying blood away from the heart. [NIH] 

Arteriography: A procedure to x-ray arteries. The arteries can be seen because of an injection 

of a dye that outlines the vessels on an x-ray. [NIH] 

Arterioles: The smallest divisions of the arteries located between the muscular arteries and 

the capillaries. [NIH] 

Arteriosus: Circle composed of anastomosing arteries derived from two long posterior 

ciliary and seven anterior ciliary arteries, located in the ciliary body about the root of the iris. 

[NIH]

250 


Arteriovenous: Both arterial and venous; pertaining to or affecting an artery and a vein. [EU] 

Artery: Vessel-carrying blood from the heart to various parts of the body. [NIH] 

Arthropathy: Any joint disease. [EU] 

Articular: Of or pertaining to a joint. [EU] 

Articulation: The relationship of two bodies by means of a moveable joint. [NIH] 

Artifacts: Any visible result of a procedure which is caused by the procedure itself and not 

by the entity being analyzed. Common examples include histological structures introduced 

by tissue processing, radiographic images of structures that are not naturally present in 

living tissue, and products of chemical reactions that occur during analysis. [NIH] 

Artificial Intelligence: The study and implementation of techniques and methods for 

designing computer systems to perform functions normally associated with human 

intelligence, such as understanding language, learning, reasoning, problem solving, etc. 

[NIH] 

Ascites: Accumulation or retention of free fluid within the peritoneal cavity. [NIH] 

Aspartate: A synthetic amino acid. [NIH] 

Aspiration: The act of inhaling. [NIH] 

Aspirin: A drug that reduces pain, fever, inflammation, and blood clotting. Aspirin belongs 

to the family of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. It is also being studied 

in cancer prevention. [NIH] 

Assay: Determination of the amount of a particular constituent of a mixture, or of the 

biological or pharmacological potency of a drug. [EU] 

Astrocytes: The largest and most numerous neuroglial cells in the brain and spinal cord. 

Astrocytes (from "star" cells) are irregularly shaped with many long processes, including 

those with "end feet" which form the glial (limiting) membrane and directly and indirectly 

contribute to the blood brain barrier. They regulate the extracellular ionic and chemical 

environment, and "reactive astrocytes" (along with microglia) respond to injury. Astrocytes 

have high- affinity transmitter uptake systems, voltage-dependent and transmitter-gated ion 

channels, and can release transmitter, but their role in signaling (as in many other functions) 

is not well understood. [NIH] 

Astrocytoma: A tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord in small, star-shaped cells 

called astrocytes. [NIH] 

Asymptomatic: Having no signs or symptoms of disease. [NIH] 

Atherectomy: Endovascular procedure in which atheromatous plaque is excised by a cutting 

or rotating catheter. It differs from balloon and laser angioplasty procedures which enlarge 

vessels by dilation but frequently do not remove much plaque. If the plaque is removed by 

surgical excision under general anesthesia rather than by an endovascular procedure 

through a catheter, it is called endarterectomy. [NIH] 

Atrial: Pertaining to an atrium. [EU] 

Atrial Fibrillation: Disorder of cardiac rhythm characterized by rapid, irregular atrial 

impulses and ineffective atrial contractions. [NIH] 

Atrium: A chamber; used in anatomical nomenclature to designate a chamber affording 

entrance to another structure or organ. Usually used alone to designate an atrium of the 

heart. [EU] 

Atrophy: Decrease in the size of a cell, tissue, organ, or multiple organs, associated with a 

variety of pathological conditions such as abnormal cellular changes, ischemia, malnutrition, 

or hormonal changes. [NIH]

Attenuated: Strain with weakened or reduced virulence. [NIH] 


Atypical: Irregular; not conformable to the type; in microbiology, applied specifically to 

strains of unusual type. [EU] 

Auditory: Pertaining to the sense of hearing. [EU] 

Auditory Cortex: Area of the temporal lobe concerned with hearing. [NIH] 

Autoimmune disease: A condition in which the body recognizes its own tissues as foreign 

and directs an immune response against them. [NIH] 

Autonomic: Self-controlling; functionally independent. [EU] 

Autopsy: Postmortem examination of the body. [NIH] 

Avidity: The strength of the interaction of an antiserum with a multivalent antigen. [NIH] 

Axillary: Pertaining to the armpit area, including the lymph nodes that are located there. 

[NIH] 

Axonal: Condition associated with metabolic derangement of the entire neuron and is 

manifest by degeneration of the distal portion of the nerve fiber. [NIH] 

Axons: Nerve fibers that are capable of rapidly conducting impulses away from the neuron 

cell body. [NIH] 

Back Pain: Acute or chronic pain located in the posterior regions of the trunk, including the 

thoracic, lumbar, sacral, or adjacent regions. [NIH] 

Bacteria: Unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms which generally possess rigid cell walls, 

multiply by cell division, and exhibit three principal forms: round or coccal, rodlike or 

bacillary, and spiral or spirochetal. [NIH] 

Bacterial Physiology: Physiological processes and activities of bacteria. [NIH] 

Bactericidal: Substance lethal to bacteria; substance capable of killing bacteria. [NIH] 

Bacteriophage: A virus whose host is a bacterial cell; A virus that exclusively infects 

bacteria. It generally has a protein coat surrounding the genome (DNA or RNA). One of the 

coliphages most extensively studied is the lambda phage, which is also one of the most 

important. [NIH] 

Bacterium: Microscopic organism which may have a spherical, rod-like, or spiral unicellular 

or non-cellular body. Bacteria usually reproduce through asexual processes. [NIH] 

Basal Ganglia: Large subcortical nuclear masses derived from the telencephalon and located 

in the basal regions of the cerebral hemispheres. [NIH] 

Basement Membrane: Ubiquitous supportive tissue adjacent to epithelium and around 

smooth and striated muscle cells. This tissue contains intrinsic macromolecular components 

such as collagen, laminin, and sulfated proteoglycans. As seen by light microscopy one of its 

subdivisions is the basal (basement) lamina. [NIH] 

Basophils: Granular leukocytes characterized by a relatively pale-staining, lobate nucleus 

and cytoplasm containing coarse dark-staining granules of variable size and stainable by 

basic dyes. [NIH] 

Benign: Not cancerous; does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. 

[NIH] 

Benign tumor: A noncancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other 

parts of the body. [NIH] 

Benzene: Toxic, volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon biproduct of coal distillation. It is 

used as an industrial solvent in paints, varnishes, lacquer thinners, gasoline, etc. Benzene 

causes central nervous system damage acutely and bone marrow damage chronically and is

252 


carcinogenic. It was formerly used as parasiticide. [NIH] 

Beta-pleated: Particular three-dimensional pattern of amyloidoses. [NIH] 

Bile: An emulsifying agent produced in the liver and secreted into the duodenum. Its 

composition includes bile acids and salts, cholesterol, and electrolytes. It aids digestion of 

fats in the duodenum. [NIH] 

Bile Acids: Acids made by the liver that work with bile to break down fats. [NIH] 

Bile Acids and Salts: Steroid acids and salts. The primary bile acids are derived from 

cholesterol in the liver and usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. The secondary bile 

acids are further modified by bacteria in the intestine. They play an important role in the 

digestion and absorption of fat. They have also been used pharmacologically, especially in 

the treatment of gallstones. [NIH] 

Bile duct: A tube through which bile passes in and out of the liver. [NIH] 

Bile Pigments: Pigments that give a characteristic color to bile including: bilirubin, 

biliverdine, and bilicyanin. [NIH] 

Biliary: Having to do with the liver, bile ducts, and/or gallbladder. [NIH] 

Biliary Tract: The gallbladder and its ducts. [NIH] 

Bilirubin: A bile pigment that is a degradation product of heme. [NIH] 

Binding Sites: The reactive parts of a macromolecule that directly participate in its specific 

combination with another molecule. [NIH] 

Biochemical: Relating to biochemistry; characterized by, produced by, or involving 

chemical reactions in living organisms. [EU] 

Bioengineering: The application of engineering principles to the solution of biological 

problems, for example, remote-handling devices, life-support systems, controls, and 

displays. [NIH] 

Biological Transport: The movement of materials (including biochemical substances and 

drugs) across cell membranes and epithelial layers, usually by passive diffusion. [NIH] 

Bioluminescence: The emission of light by living organisms such as the firefly, certain 

mollusks, beetles, fish, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. [NIH] 

Biomarkers: Substances sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other body 

fluids, or tissues and that may suggest the presence of some types of cancer. Biomarkers 

include CA 125 (ovarian cancer), CA 15-3 (breast cancer), CEA (ovarian, lung, breast, 

pancreas, and GI tract cancers), and PSA (prostate cancer). Also called tumor markers. [NIH] 

Biophysics: The science of physical phenomena and processes in living organisms. [NIH] 

Biopsy: Removal and pathologic examination of specimens in the form of small pieces of 

tissue from the living body. [NIH] 

Biotechnology: Body of knowledge related to the use of organisms, cells or cell-derived 

constituents for the purpose of developing products which are technically, scientifically and 

clinically useful. Alteration of biologic function at the molecular level (i.e., genetic 

engineering) is a central focus; laboratory methods used include transfection and cloning 

technologies, sequence and structure analysis algorithms, computer databases, and gene and 

protein structure function analysis and prediction. [NIH] 

Biotransformation: The chemical alteration of an exogenous substance by or in a biological 

system. The alteration may inactivate the compound or it may result in the production of an 

active metabolite of an inactive parent compound. The alteration may be either nonsynthetic 

(oxidation-reduction, hydrolysis) or synthetic (glucuronide formation, sulfate 

conjugation, acetylation, methylation). This also includes metabolic detoxication and

clearance. [NIH] 


Bipolar Disorder: A major affective disorder marked by severe mood swings (manic or 

major depressive episodes) and a tendency to remission and recurrence. [NIH] 

Bladder: The organ that stores urine. [NIH] 

Blastocyst: The mammalian embryo in the post-morula stage in which a fluid-filled cavity, 

enclosed primarily by trophoblast, contains an inner cell mass which becomes the 

embryonic disc. [NIH] 

Blood Coagulation: The process of the interaction of blood coagulation factors that results in 

an insoluble fibrin clot. [NIH] 

Blood Glucose: Glucose in blood. [NIH] 

Blood Platelets: Non-nucleated disk-shaped cells formed in the megakaryocyte and found 

in the blood of all mammals. They are mainly involved in blood coagulation. [NIH] 

Blood pressure: The pressure of blood against the walls of a blood vessel or heart chamber. 

Unless there is reference to another location, such as the pulmonary artery or one of the 

heart chambers, it refers to the pressure in the systemic arteries, as measured, for example, 

in the forearm. [NIH] 

Blood vessel: A tube in the body through which blood circulates. Blood vessels include a 

network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. [NIH] 

Blood Volume: Volume of circulating blood. It is the sum of the plasma volume and 

erythrocyte volume. [NIH] 

Blood-Brain Barrier: Specialized non-fenestrated tightly-joined endothelial cells (tight 

junctions) that form a transport barrier for certain substances between the cerebral 

capillaries and the brain tissue. [NIH] 

Body Fluids: Liquid components of living organisms. [NIH] 

Body Regions: Anatomical areas of the body. [NIH] 

Bolus: A single dose of drug usually injected into a blood vessel over a short period of time. 

Also called bolus infusion. [NIH] 

Bolus infusion: A single dose of drug usually injected into a blood vessel over a short 

period of time. Also called bolus. [NIH] 

Bone Cements: Adhesives used to fix prosthetic devices to bones and to cement bone to 

bone in difficult fractures. Synthetic resins are commonly used as cements. A mixture of 

monocalcium phosphate, monohydrate, alpha-tricalcium phosphate, and calcium carbonate 

with a sodium phosphate solution is also a useful bone paste. [NIH] 

Bone Density: The amount of mineral per square centimeter of bone. This is the definition 

used in clinical practice. Actual bone density would be expressed in grams per milliliter. It is 

most frequently measured by photon absorptiometry or x-ray computed tomography. [NIH] 

Bone Marrow: The soft tissue filling the cavities of bones. Bone marrow exists in two types, 

yellow and red. Yellow marrow is found in the large cavities of large bones and consists 

mostly of fat cells and a few primitive blood cells. Red marrow is a hematopoietic tissue and 

is the site of production of erythrocytes and granular leukocytes. Bone marrow is made up 

of a framework of connective tissue containing branching fibers with the frame being filled 

with marrow cells. [NIH] 

Bone Marrow Transplantation: The transference of bone marrow from one human or 

animal to another. [NIH] 

Bone metastases: Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the bone. 

[NIH]

254 


Bone scan: A technique to create images of bones on a computer screen or on film. A small 

amount of radioactive material is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the 

bloodstream; it collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner. [NIH] 

Bowel: The long tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. 

There is both a small and a large bowel. Also called the intestine. [NIH] 

Brachial: All the nerves from the arm are ripped from the spinal cord. [NIH] 

Brachial Plexus: The large network of nerve fibers which distributes the innervation of the 

upper extremity. The brachial plexus extends from the neck into the axilla. In humans, the 

nerves of the plexus usually originate from the lower cervical and the first thoracic spinal 

cord segments (C5-C8 and T1), but variations are not uncommon. [NIH] 

Brachiocephalic Veins: Large veins on either side of the root of the neck formed by the 

junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. They drain blood from the head, neck, 

and upper extremities, and unite to form the superior vena cava. [NIH] 

Brachytherapy: A collective term for interstitial, intracavity, and surface radiotherapy. It 

uses small sealed or partly-sealed sources that may be placed on or near the body surface or 

within a natural body cavity or implanted directly into the tissues. [NIH] 

Bradykinin: A nonapeptide messenger that is enzymatically produced from kallidin in the 

blood where it is a potent but short-lived agent of arteriolar dilation and increased capillary 

permeability. Bradykinin is also released from mast cells during asthma attacks, from gut 

walls as a gastrointestinal vasodilator, from damaged tissues as a pain signal, and may be a 

neurotransmitter. [NIH] 

Brain Diseases: Pathologic conditions affecting the brain, which is composed of the 

intracranial components of the central nervous system. This includes (but is not limited to) 

the cerebral cortex; intracranial white matter; basal ganglia; thalamus; hypothalamus; brain 

stem; and cerebellum. [NIH] 

Brain Stem: The part of the brain that connects the cerebral hemispheres with the spinal 

cord. It consists of the mesencephalon, pons, and medulla oblongata. [NIH] 

Breast Implants: Implants used to reconstruct and/or cosmetically enhance the female 

breast. They have an outer shell or envelope of silicone elastomer and are filled with either 

saline or silicone gel. The outer shell may be either smooth or textured. [NIH] 

Butyric Acid: A four carbon acid, CH3CH2CH2COOH, with an unpleasant odor that occurs 

in butter and animal fat as the glycerol ester. [NIH] 

Bypass: A surgical procedure in which the doctor creates a new pathway for the flow of 

body fluids. [NIH] 

Calcium: A basic element found in nearly all organized tissues. It is a member of the 

alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic 

weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with 

phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal 

functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in 

many enzymatic processes. [NIH] 

Calibration: Determination, by measurement or comparison with a standard, of the correct 

value of each scale reading on a meter or other measuring instrument; or determination of 

the settings of a control device that correspond to particular values of voltage, current, 

frequency, or other output. [NIH] 

Cannabis: The hemp plant Cannabis sativa. Products prepared from the dried flowering 

tops of the plant include marijuana, hashish, bhang, and ganja. [NIH] 

Canonical: A particular nucleotide sequence in which each position represents the base


more often found when many actual sequences of a given class of genetic elements are 

compared. [NIH] 

Capillary: Any one of the minute vessels that connect the arterioles and venules, forming a 

network in nearly all parts of the body. Their walls act as semipermeable membranes for the 

interchange of various substances, including fluids, between the blood and tissue fluid; 

called also vas capillare. [EU] 

Capillary Permeability: Property of blood capillary walls that allows for the selective 

exchange of substances. Small lipid-soluble molecules such as carbon dioxide and oxygen 

move freely by diffusion. Water and water-soluble molecules cannot pass through the 

endothelial walls and are dependent on microscopic pores. These pores show narrow areas 

(tight junctions) which may limit large molecule movement. [NIH] 

Capsid: The outer protein protective shell of a virus, which protects the viral nucleic acid. 

[NIH] 

Capsules: Hard or soft soluble containers used for the oral administration of medicine. [NIH] 

Carbohydrate: An aldehyde or ketone derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, particularly of the 

pentahydric and hexahydric alcohols. They are so named because the hydrogen and oxygen 

are usually in the proportion to form water, (CH2O)n. The most important carbohydrates 

are the starches, sugars, celluloses, and gums. They are classified into mono-, di-, tri-, poly- 

and heterosaccharides. [EU] 

Carbon Dioxide: A colorless, odorless gas that can be formed by the body and is necessary 

for the respiration cycle of plants and animals. [NIH] 

Carcinogenesis: The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells. [NIH] 

Carcinogenic: Producing carcinoma. [EU] 

Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. 

[NIH] 

Cardiac: Having to do with the heart. [NIH] 

Cardiac Volume: The volume of the heart, usually relating to the volume of blood contained 

within it at various periods of the cardiac cycle. The amount of blood ejected from a 

ventricle at each beat is stroke volume. [NIH] 

Cardiology: The study of the heart, its physiology, and its functions. [NIH] 

Cardiomyopathy: A general diagnostic term designating primary myocardial disease, often 

of obscure or unknown etiology. [EU] 

Cardiotonic: 1. Having a tonic effect on the heart. 2. An agent that has a tonic effect on the 

heart. [EU] 

Cardiovascular: Having to do with the heart and blood vessels. [NIH] 

Cardiovascular disease: Any abnormal condition characterized by dysfunction of the heart 

and blood vessels. CVD includes atherosclerosis (especially coronary heart disease, which 

can lead to heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke), and hypertension (high 

blood pressure). [NIH] 

Cardiovascular System: The heart and the blood vessels by which blood is pumped and 

circulated through the body. [NIH] 

Carotene: The general name for a group of pigments found in green, yellow, and leafy 

vegetables, and yellow fruits. The pigments are fat-soluble, unsaturated aliphatic 

hydrocarbons functioning as provitamins and are converted to vitamin A through 

enzymatic processes in the intestinal wall. [NIH] 

Carotid Arteries: Either of the two principal arteries on both sides of the neck that supply

256 


blood to the head and neck; each divides into two branches, the internal carotid artery and 

the external carotid artery. [NIH] 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A median nerve injury inside the carpal tunnel that results in 

symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, clumsiness, and a lack of sweating, which can be 

caused by work with certain hand and wrist postures. [NIH] 

Case report: A detailed report of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual 

patient. Case reports also contain some demographic information about the patient (for 

example, age, gender, ethnic origin). [NIH] 

Case series: A group or series of case reports involving patients who were given similar 

treatment. Reports of case series usually contain detailed information about the individual 

patients. This includes demographic information (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin) 

and information on diagnosis, treatment, response to treatment, and follow-up after 

treatment. [NIH] 

Catecholamine: A group of chemical substances manufactured by the adrenal medulla and 

secreted during physiological stress. [NIH] 

Catheter: A flexible tube used to deliver fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body. [NIH] 

Catheter Ablation: Removal of tissue with electrical current delivered via electrodes 

positioned at the distal end of a catheter. Energy sources are commonly direct current (DCshock) 

or alternating current at radiofrequencies (usually 750 kHz). The technique is used 

most often to ablate the AV junction and/or accessory pathways in order to interrupt AV 

conduction and produce AV block in the treatment of various tachyarrhythmias. [NIH] 

Catheterization: Use or insertion of a tubular device into a duct, blood vessel, hollow organ, 

or body cavity for injecting or withdrawing fluids for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It 

differs from intubation in that the tube here is used to restore or maintain patency in 

obstructions. [NIH] 

Caudal: Denoting a position more toward the cauda, or tail, than some specified point of 

reference; same as inferior, in human anatomy. [EU] 

Cause of Death: Factors which produce cessation of all vital bodily functions. They can be 

analyzed from an epidemiologic viewpoint. [NIH] 

Cavernous Hemangioma: Proptosis, oedema of the conjunctiva and eyelid, together with 

paralysis of the oculomotor cranial nerves. [NIH] 

Celiac Artery: The arterial trunk that arises from the abdominal aorta and after a short 

course divides into the left gastric, common hepatic and splenic arteries. [NIH] 

Cell: The individual unit that makes up all of the tissues of the body. All living things are 

made up of one or more cells. [NIH] 

Cell Death: The termination of the cell's ability to carry out vital functions such as 

metabolism, growth, reproduction, responsiveness, and adaptability. [NIH] 

Cell Differentiation: Progressive restriction of the developmental potential and increasing 

specialization of function which takes place during the development of the embryo and 

leads to the formation of specialized cells, tissues, and organs. [NIH] 

Cell Division: The fission of a cell. [NIH] 

Cell proliferation: An increase in the number of cells as a result of cell growth and cell 

division. [NIH] 

Cell Respiration: The metabolic process of all living cells (animal and plant) in which 

oxygen is used to provide a source of energy for the cell. [NIH] 

Cell Size: The physical dimensions of a cell. It refers mainly to changes in dimensions

correlated with physiological or pathological changes in cells. [NIH] 


Cell Transplantation: Transference of cells within an individual, between individuals of the 

same species, or between individuals of different species. [NIH] 

Cellobiose: A disaccharide consisting of two glucose units in beta (1-4) glycosidic linkage. 

Obtained from the partial hydrolysis of cellulose. [NIH] 

Cellular metabolism: The sum of all chemical changes that take place in a cell through 

which energy and basic components are provided for essential processes, including the 

synthesis of new molecules and the breakdown and removal of others. [NIH] 

Cellulose: A polysaccharide with glucose units linked as in cellobiose. It is the chief 

constituent of plant fibers, cotton being the purest natural form of the substance. As a raw 

material, it forms the basis for many derivatives used in chromatography, ion exchange 

materials, explosives manufacturing, and pharmaceutical preparations. [NIH] 

Central Nervous System: The main information-processing organs of the nervous system, 

consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges. [NIH] 

Cerebellar: Pertaining to the cerebellum. [EU] 

Cerebellum: Part of the metencephalon that lies in the posterior cranial fossa behind the 

brain stem. It is concerned with the coordination of movement. [NIH] 

Cerebral: Of or pertaining of the cerebrum or the brain. [EU] 

Cerebral Angiography: Radiography of the vascular system of the brain after injection of a 

contrast medium. [NIH] 

Cerebral Cortex: The thin layer of gray matter on the surface of the cerebral hemisphere that 

develops from the telencephalon and folds into gyri. It reaches its highest development in 

man and is responsible for intellectual faculties and higher mental functions. [NIH] 

Cerebral hemispheres: The two halves of the cerebrum, the part of the brain that controls 

muscle functions of the body and also controls speech, emotions, reading, writing, and 

learning. The right hemisphere controls muscle movement on the left side of the body, and 

the left hemisphere controls muscle movement on the right side of the body. [NIH] 

Cerebral Hemorrhage: Bleeding into a cerebral hemisphere of the brain, including lobar, 

subcortical white matter, and basal ganglia hemorrhages. Commonly associated conditions 

include hypertension; intracranial arteriosclerosis; intracranial aneurysm; craniocerebral 

trauma; intracranial arteriovenous malformations; cerebral amyloid angiopathy; and 

cerebral infarction. [NIH] 

Cerebrospinal: Pertaining to the brain and spinal cord. [EU] 

Cerebrospinal fluid: CSF. The fluid flowing around the brain and spinal cord. 

Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the ventricles in the brain. [NIH] 

Cerebrovascular: Pertaining to the blood vessels of the cerebrum, or brain. [EU] 

Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, or halves, called 

the cerebral hemispheres. The cerebrum controls muscle functions of the body and also 

controls speech, emotions, reading, writing, and learning. [NIH] 

Cervical: Relating to the neck, or to the neck of any organ or structure. Cervical lymph 

nodes are located in the neck; cervical cancer refers to cancer of the uterine cervix, which is 

the lower, narrow end (the "neck") of the uterus. [NIH] 

Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and 

vagina. [NIH] 

Character: In current usage, approximately equivalent to personality. The sum of the 

relatively fixed personality traits and habitual modes of response of an individual. [NIH]

258 


Chelation: Combination with a metal in complexes in which the metal is part of a ring. [EU] 

Chelation Therapy: Therapy of heavy metal poisoning using agents which sequester the 

metal from organs or tissues and bind it firmly within the ring structure of a new compound 

which can be eliminated from the body. [NIH] 

Chemoreceptor: A receptor adapted for excitation by chemical substances, e.g., olfactory 

and gustatory receptors, or a sense organ, as the carotid body or the aortic (supracardial) 

bodies, which is sensitive to chemical changes in the blood stream, especially reduced 

oxygen content, and reflexly increases both respiration and blood pressure. [EU] 

Chemotactic Factors: Chemical substances that attract or repel cells or organisms. The 

concept denotes especially those factors released as a result of tissue injury, invasion, or 

immunologic activity, that attract leukocytes, macrophages, or other cells to the site of 

infection or insult. [NIH] 

Chemotherapeutic agent: A drug used to treat cancer. [NIH] 

Chemotherapy: Treatment with anticancer drugs. [NIH] 

Chin: The anatomical frontal portion of the mandible, also known as the mentum, that 

contains the line of fusion of the two separate halves of the mandible (symphysis menti). 

This line of fusion divides inferiorly to enclose a triangular area called the mental 

protuberance. On each side, inferior to the second premolar tooth, is the mental foramen for 

the passage of blood vessels and a nerve. [NIH] 

Cholangitis: Inflammation of a bile duct. [NIH] 

Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder. [NIH] 

Cholestasis: Impairment of biliary flow at any level from the hepatocyte to Vater's ampulla. 

[NIH] 

Cholesterol: The principal sterol of all higher animals, distributed in body tissues, especially 

the brain and spinal cord, and in animal fats and oils. [NIH] 

Choline: A basic constituent of lecithin that is found in many plants and animal organs. It is 

important as a precursor of acetylcholine, as a methyl donor in various metabolic processes, 

and in lipid metabolism. [NIH] 

Cholinergic: Resembling acetylcholine in pharmacological action; stimulated by or releasing 

acetylcholine or a related compound. [EU] 

Chorea: Involuntary, forcible, rapid, jerky movements that may be subtle or become 

confluent, markedly altering normal patterns of movement. Hypotonia and pendular 

reflexes are often associated. Conditions which feature recurrent or persistent episodes of 

chorea as a primary manifestation of disease are referred to as choreatic disorders. Chorea is 

also a frequent manifestation of basal ganglia diseases. [NIH] 

Choroid: The thin, highly vascular membrane covering most of the posterior of the eye 

between the retina and sclera. [NIH] 

Choroid Plexus: A villous structure of tangled masses of blood vessels contained within the 

third, lateral, and fourth ventricles of the brain. It regulates part of the production and 

composition of cerebrospinal fluid. [NIH] 

Choroid plexus tumor: A rare type of cancer that occurs in the ventricles of the brain. It 

usually occurs in children younger than 2 years. [NIH] 

Chromatin: The material of chromosomes. It is a complex of DNA, histones, and nonhistone 

proteins (chromosomal proteins, non-histone) found within the nucleus of a cell. [NIH] 

Chromosomal: Pertaining to chromosomes. [EU] 

Chromosome: Part of a cell that contains genetic information. Except for sperm and eggs, all

human cells contain 46 chromosomes. [NIH] 


Chronic: A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time. [NIH] 

Chronic Disease: Disease or ailment of long duration. [NIH] 

Cirrhosis: A type of chronic, progressive liver disease. [NIH] 

CIS: Cancer Information Service. The CIS is the National Cancer Institute's link to the public, 

interpreting and explaining research findings in a clear and understandable manner, and 

providing personalized responses to specific questions about cancer. Access the CIS by 

calling 1-800-4-CANCER, or by using the Web site at http://cis.nci.nih.gov. [NIH] 

Clavicle: A long bone of the shoulder girdle. [NIH] 

Clinical Protocols: Precise and detailed plans for the study of a medical or biomedical 

problem and/or plans for a regimen of therapy. [NIH] 

Clinical study: A research study in which patients receive treatment in a clinic or other 

medical facility. Reports of clinical studies can contain results for single patients (case 

reports) or many patients (case series or clinical trials). [NIH] 

Clinical trial: A research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other 

interventions work in people. Each study is designed to test new methods of screening, 

prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. [NIH] 

Clone: The term "clone" has acquired a new meaning. It is applied specifically to the bits of 

inserted foreign DNA in the hybrid molecules of the population. Each inserted segment 

originally resided in the DNA of a complex genome amid millions of other DNA segment. 

[NIH] 

Cloning: The production of a number of genetically identical individuals; in genetic 

engineering, a process for the efficient replication of a great number of identical DNA 

molecules. [NIH] 

Cochlea: The part of the internal ear that is concerned with hearing. It forms the anterior 

part of the labyrinth, is conical, and is placed almost horizontally anterior to the vestibule. 

[NIH] 

Cochlear: Of or pertaining to the cochlea. [EU] 

Cochlear Implantation: Surgical insertion of an electronic device implanted beneath the skin 

with electrodes to the cochlear nerve to create sound sensation in persons with sensorineural 

deafness. [NIH] 

Cochlear Implants: Electronic devices implanted beneath the skin with electrodes to the 

cochlear nerve to create sound sensation in persons with sensorineural deafness. [NIH] 

Cochlear Nerve: The cochlear part of the 8th cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve). The 

cochlear nerve fibers originate from neurons of the spiral ganglion and project peripherally 

to cochlear hair cells and centrally to the cochlear nuclei (cochlear nucleus) of the brain stem. 

They mediate the sense of hearing. [NIH] 

Cofactor: A substance, microorganism or environmental factor that activates or enhances the 

action of another entity such as a disease-causing agent. [NIH] 

Cognition: Intellectual or mental process whereby an organism becomes aware of or obtains 

knowledge. [NIH] 

Collagen: A polypeptide substance comprising about one third of the total protein in 

mammalian organisms. It is the main constituent of skin, connective tissue, and the organic 

substance of bones and teeth. Different forms of collagen are produced in the body but all 

consist of three alpha-polypeptide chains arranged in a triple helix. Collagen is 

differentiated from other fibrous proteins, such as elastin, by the content of proline,

260 


hydroxyproline, and hydroxylysine; by the absence of tryptophan; and particularly by the 

high content of polar groups which are responsible for its swelling properties. [NIH] 

Colloidal: Of the nature of a colloid. [EU] 

Colon: The long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes water from digested food. The 

remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and 

leaves the body through the anus. [NIH] 

Colorectal: Having to do with the colon or the rectum. [NIH] 

Common Bile Duct: The largest biliary duct. It is formed by the junction of the cystic duct 

and the hepatic duct. [NIH] 

Complement: A term originally used to refer to the heat-labile factor in serum that causes 

immune cytolysis, the lysis of antibody-coated cells, and now referring to the entire 

functionally related system comprising at least 20 distinct serum proteins that is the effector 

not only of immune cytolysis but also of other biologic functions. Complement activation 

occurs by two different sequences, the classic and alternative pathways. The proteins of the 

classic pathway are termed 'components of complement' and are designated by the symbols 

C1 through C9. C1 is a calcium-dependent complex of three distinct proteins C1q, C1r and 

C1s. The proteins of the alternative pathway (collectively referred to as the properdin 

system) and complement regulatory proteins are known by semisystematic or trivial names. 

Fragments resulting from proteolytic cleavage of complement proteins are designated with 

lower-case letter suffixes, e.g., C3a. Inactivated fragments may be designated with the suffix 

'i', e.g. C3bi. Activated components or complexes with biological activity are designated by a 

bar over the symbol e.g. C1 or C4b,2a. The classic pathway is activated by the binding of C1 

to classic pathway activators, primarily antigen-antibody complexes containing IgM, IgG1, 

IgG3; C1q binds to a single IgM molecule or two adjacent IgG molecules. The alternative 

pathway can be activated by IgA immune complexes and also by nonimmunologic materials 

including bacterial endotoxins, microbial polysaccharides, and cell walls. Activation of the 

classic pathway triggers an enzymatic cascade involving C1, C4, C2 and C3; activation of the 

alternative pathway triggers a cascade involving C3 and factors B, D and P. Both result in 

the cleavage of C5 and the formation of the membrane attack complex. Complement 

activation also results in the formation of many biologically active complement fragments 

that act as anaphylatoxins, opsonins, or chemotactic factors. [EU] 

Complementary and alternative medicine: CAM. Forms of treatment that are used in 

addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices 

are not considered standard medical approaches. CAM includes dietary supplements, 

megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, 

spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] 

Complementary medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as 

standard or conventional medical approaches and used to enhance or complement the 

standard treatments. Complementary medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, 

megadose vitamins, and herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such 

as massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] 

Compliance: Distensibility measure of a chamber such as the lungs (lung compliance) or 

bladder. Compliance is expressed as a change in volume per unit change in pressure. [NIH] 

Compress: A plug used to occludate an orifice in the control of bleeding, or to mop up 

secretions; an absorbent pad. [NIH] 

Compulsions: In psychology, an irresistible urge, sometimes amounting to obsession to 

perform a particular act which usually is carried out against the performer's will or better 

judgment. [NIH]


Computational Biology: A field of biology concerned with the development of techniques 

for the collection and manipulation of biological data, and the use of such data to make 

biological discoveries or predictions. This field encompasses all computational methods and 

theories applicable to molecular biology and areas of computer-based techniques for solving 

biological problems including manipulation of models and datasets. [NIH] 

Computed tomography: CT scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, 

taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray 

machine. Also called computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT) 

scan. [NIH] 

Computer Graphics: The process of pictorial communication, between human and 

computers, in which the computer input and output have the form of charts, drawings, or 

other appropriate pictorial representation. [NIH] 

Computer Simulation: Computer-based representation of physical systems and phenomena 

such as chemical processes. [NIH] 

Computer Systems: Systems composed of a computer or computers, peripheral equipment, 

such as disks, printers, and terminals, and telecommunications capabilities. [NIH] 

Computerized axial tomography: A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, 

taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray 

machine. Also called CAT scan, computed tomography (CT scan), or computerized 

tomography. [NIH] 

Computerized tomography: A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken 

from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. 

Also called computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan and computed tomography (CT 

scan). [NIH] 

Conception: The onset of pregnancy, marked by implantation of the blastocyst; the 

formation of a viable zygote. [EU] 

Conduction: The transfer of sound waves, heat, nervous impulses, or electricity. [EU] 

Cones: One type of specialized light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) in the retina that 

provide sharp central vision and color vision. [NIH] 

Congenita: Displacement, subluxation, or malposition of the crystalline lens. [NIH] 

Congestion: Excessive or abnormal accumulation of blood in a part. [EU] 

Conjugated: Acting or operating as if joined; simultaneous. [EU] 

Conjugation: 1. The act of joining together or the state of being conjugated. 2. A sexual 

process seen in bacteria, ciliate protozoa, and certain fungi in which nuclear material is 

exchanged during the temporary fusion of two cells (conjugants). In bacterial genetics a 

form of sexual reproduction in which a donor bacterium (male) contributes some, or all, of 

its DNA (in the form of a replicated set) to a recipient (female) which then incorporates 

differing genetic information into its own chromosome by recombination and passes the 

recombined set on to its progeny by replication. In ciliate protozoa, two conjugants of 

separate mating types exchange micronuclear material and then separate, each now being a 

fertilized cell. In certain fungi, the process involves fusion of two gametes, resulting in union 

of their nuclei and formation of a zygote. 3. In chemistry, the joining together of two 

compounds to produce another compound, such as the combination of a toxic product with 

some substance in the body to form a detoxified product, which is then eliminated. [EU] 

Conjunctiva: The mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the 

anterior part of the sclera. [NIH] 

Connective Tissue: Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of connective

262 


tissue cells embedded in a large amount of extracellular matrix. [NIH] 

Connective Tissue: Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of connective 

tissue cells embedded in a large amount of extracellular matrix. [NIH] 

Consciousness: Sense of awareness of self and of the environment. [NIH] 

Constipation: Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces. [NIH] 

Constriction: The act of constricting. [NIH] 

Consultation: A deliberation between two or more physicians concerning the diagnosis and 

the proper method of treatment in a case. [NIH] 

Contamination: The soiling or pollution by inferior material, as by the introduction of 

organisms into a wound, or sewage into a stream. [EU] 

Contractility: Capacity for becoming short in response to a suitable stimulus. [EU] 

Contraindications: Any factor or sign that it is unwise to pursue a certain kind of action or 

treatment, e. g. giving a general anesthetic to a person with pneumonia. [NIH] 

Contrast Media: Substances used in radiography that allow visualization of certain tissues. 

[NIH] 

Contrast medium: A substance that is introduced into or around a structure and, because of 

the difference in absorption of x-rays by the contrast medium and the surrounding tissues, 

allows radiographic visualization of the structure. [EU] 

Control group: In a clinical trial, the group that does not receive the new treatment being 

studied. This group is compared to the group that receives the new treatment, to see if the 

new treatment works. [NIH] 

Conus: A large, circular, white patch around the optic disk due to the exposing of the sclera 

as a result of degenerative change or congenital abnormality in the choroid and retina. [NIH] 

Convulsions: A general term referring to sudden and often violent motor activity of cerebral 

or brainstem origin. Convulsions may also occur in the absence of an electrical cerebral 

discharge (e.g., in response to hypotension). [NIH] 

Coordination: Muscular or motor regulation or the harmonious cooperation of muscles or 

groups of muscles, in a complex action or series of actions. [NIH] 

Copper Sulfate: A sulfate salt of copper. It is a potent emetic and is used as an antidote for 

poisoning by phosphorus. It also can be used to prevent the growth of algae. [NIH] 

Coronary: Encircling in the manner of a crown; a term applied to vessels; nerves, ligaments, 

etc. The term usually denotes the arteries that supply the heart muscle and, by extension, a 

pathologic involvement of them. [EU] 

Coronary Aneurysm: A saclike dilatation of the walls of a blood vessel, usually an artery. 

[NIH] 

Coronary Arteriosclerosis: Thickening and loss of elasticity of the coronary arteries. [NIH] 

Coronary heart disease: A type of heart disease caused by narrowing of the coronary 

arteries that feed the heart, which needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients carried 

by the blood in the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries become narrowed or 

clogged by fat and cholesterol deposits and cannot supply enough blood to the heart, CHD 

results. [NIH] 

Coronary Thrombosis: Presence of a thrombus in a coronary artery, often causing a 

myocardial infarction. [NIH] 

Corpus: The body of the uterus. [NIH] 

Corpus Callosum: Broad plate of dense myelinated fibers that reciprocally interconnect


regions of the cortex in all lobes with corresponding regions of the opposite hemisphere. The 

corpus callosum is located deep in the longitudinal fissure. [NIH] 

Cortex: The outer layer of an organ or other body structure, as distinguished from the 

internal substance. [EU] 

Cortical: Pertaining to or of the nature of a cortex or bark. [EU] 

Cortices: The outer layer of an organ; used especially of the cerebrum and cerebellum. [NIH] 

Corticosteroid: Any of the steroids elaborated by the adrenal cortex (excluding the sex 

hormones of adrenal origin) in response to the release of corticotrophin (adrenocorticotropic 

hormone) by the pituitary gland, to any of the synthetic equivalents of these steroids, or to 

angiotensin II. They are divided, according to their predominant biological activity, into 

three major groups: glucocorticoids, chiefly influencing carbohydrate, fat, and protein 

metabolism; mineralocorticoids, affecting the regulation of electrolyte and water balance; 

and C19 androgens. Some corticosteroids exhibit both types of activity in varying degrees, 

and others exert only one type of effect. The corticosteroids are used clinically for hormonal 

replacement therapy, for suppression of ACTH secretion by the anterior pituitary, as 

antineoplastic, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory agents, and to suppress the immune 

response. Called also adrenocortical hormone and corticoid. [EU] 

Cortisol: A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex as part of the body's response to 

stress. [NIH] 

Cost Savings: Reductions in all or any portion of the costs of providing goods or services. 

Savings may be incurred by the provider or the consumer. [NIH] 

Cranial: Pertaining to the cranium, or to the anterior (in animals) or superior (in humans) 

end of the body. [EU] 

Cranial Nerves: Twelve pairs of nerves that carry general afferent, visceral afferent, special 

afferent, somatic efferent, and autonomic efferent fibers. [NIH] 

Craniopharyngioma: A benign brain tumor that may be considered malignant because it 

can damage the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, 

and thirst. [NIH] 

Creatine: An amino acid that occurs in vertebrate tissues and in urine. In muscle tissue, 

creatine generally occurs as phosphocreatine. Creatine is excreted as creatinine in the urine. 

[NIH] 

Creatinine: A compound that is excreted from the body in urine. Creatinine levels are 

measured to monitor kidney function. [NIH] 

Criterion: A standard by which something may be judged. [EU] 

Cryostat: A batchwise operating apparatus in which a cryogenic liquid or solid is used to 

maintain by evaporation a cryotemperature which needs not be constant but may vary in a 

predetermined fashion. [NIH] 

Curative: Tending to overcome disease and promote recovery. [EU] 

Cyclic: Pertaining to or occurring in a cycle or cycles; the term is applied to chemical 

compounds that contain a ring of atoms in the nucleus. [EU] 

Cyclosporine: A drug used to help reduce the risk of rejection of organ and bone marrow 

transplants by the body. It is also used in clinical trials to make cancer cells more sensitive to 

anticancer drugs. [NIH] 

Cyst: A sac or capsule filled with fluid. [NIH] 

Cystic Duct: The tube that carries bile from the gallbladder into the common bile duct and 

the small intestine. [NIH]

264 


Cytokines: Non-antibody proteins secreted by inflammatory leukocytes and some nonleukocytic 

cells, that act as intercellular mediators. They differ from classical hormones in 

that they are produced by a number of tissue or cell types rather than by specialized glands. 

They generally act locally in a paracrine or autocrine rather than endocrine manner. [NIH] 

Cytomegalovirus: A genus of the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Betaherpesvirinae, 

infecting the salivary glands, liver, spleen, lungs, eyes, and other organs, in which they 

produce characteristically enlarged cells with intranuclear inclusions. Infection with 

Cytomegalovirus is also seen as an opportunistic infection in AIDS. [NIH] 

Cytoplasm: The protoplasm of a cell exclusive of that of the nucleus; it consists of a 

continuous aqueous solution (cytosol) and the organelles and inclusions suspended in it 

(phaneroplasm), and is the site of most of the chemical activities of the cell. [EU] 

Cytotoxic: Cell-killing. [NIH] 

Data Collection: Systematic gathering of data for a particular purpose from various sources, 

including questionnaires, interviews, observation, existing records, and electronic devices. 

The process is usually preliminary to statistical analysis of the data. [NIH] 

Decarboxylation: The removal of a carboxyl group, usually in the form of carbon dioxide, 

from a chemical compound. [NIH] 

Decidua: The epithelial lining of the endometrium that is formed before the fertilized ovum 

reaches the uterus. The fertilized ovum embeds in the decidua. If the ovum is not fertilized, 

the decidua is shed during menstruation. [NIH] 

Decision Making: The process of making a selective intellectual judgment when presented 

with several complex alternatives consisting of several variables, and usually defining a 

course of action or an idea. [NIH] 

Degenerative: Undergoing degeneration : tending to degenerate; having the character of or 

involving degeneration; causing or tending to cause degeneration. [EU] 

Deletion: A genetic rearrangement through loss of segments of DNA (chromosomes), 

bringing sequences, which are normally separated, into close proximity. [NIH] 

Delirium: (DSM III-R) an acute, reversible organic mental disorder characterized by reduced 

ability to maintain attention to external stimuli and disorganized thinking as manifested by 

rambling, irrelevant, or incoherent speech; there are also a reduced level of consciousness, 

sensory misperceptions, disturbance of the sleep-wakefulness cycle and level of 

psychomotor activity, disorientation to time, place, or person, and memory impairment. 

Delirium may be caused by a large number of conditions resulting in derangement of 

cerebral metabolism, including systemic infection, poisoning, drug intoxication or 

withdrawal, seizures or head trauma, and metabolic disturbances such as hypoxia, 

hypoglycaemia, fluid, electrolyte, or acid-base imbalances, or hepatic or renal failure. Called 

also acute confusional state and acute brain syndrome. [EU] 

Dementia: An acquired organic mental disorder with loss of intellectual abilities of 

sufficient severity to interfere with social or occupational functioning. The dysfunction is 

multifaceted and involves memory, behavior, personality, judgment, attention, spatial 

relations, language, abstract thought, and other executive functions. The intellectual decline 

is usually progressive, and initially spares the level of consciousness. [NIH] 

Demography: Statistical interpretation and description of a population with reference to 

distribution, composition, or structure. [NIH] 

Dendrites: Extensions of the nerve cell body. They are short and branched and receive 

stimuli from other neurons. [NIH] 

Dendritic: 1. Branched like a tree. 2. Pertaining to or possessing dendrites. [EU]


Density: The logarithm to the base 10 of the opacity of an exposed and processed film. [NIH] 

Dentate Gyrus: Gray matter situated above the gyrus hippocampi. It is composed of three 

layers. The molecular layer is continuous with the hippocampus in the hippocampal fissure. 

The granular layer consists of closely arranged spherical or oval neurons, called granule 

cells, whose axons pass through the polymorphic layer ending on the dendrites of 

pyramidal cells in the hippocampus. [NIH] 

Deoxyglucose: 2-Deoxy-D-arabino-hexose. An antimetabolite of glucose with antiviral 

activity. [NIH] 

Deprivation: Loss or absence of parts, organs, powers, or things that are needed. [EU] 

Dermal: Pertaining to or coming from the skin. [NIH] 

Dermoid: A benign mixed tumor, usually congenital, containing teeth, hairs, skin glands, 

fibrous tissue, and other skin elements, rarely found in the limbal region of the eye and 

orbit. [NIH] 

Dermoid Cyst: A benign mixed tumor, usually congenital, containing teeth, hairs, skin 

glands, fibrous tissue, and other skin elements, rarely found in the limbal region of the eye 

and orbit. [NIH] 

Desensitization: The prevention or reduction of immediate hypersensitivity reactions by 

administration of graded doses of allergen; called also hyposensitization and 

immunotherapy. [EU] 

Deuterium: Deuterium. The stable isotope of hydrogen. It has one neutron and one proton 

in the nucleus. [NIH] 

Dextroamphetamine: The d-form of amphetamine. It is a central nervous system stimulant 

and a sympathomimetic. It has also been used in the treatment of narcolepsy and of 

attention deficit disorders and hyperactivity in children. Dextroamphetamine has multiple 

mechanisms of action including blocking uptake of adrenergics and dopamine, stimulating 

release of monamines, and inhibiting monoamine oxidase. It is also a drug of abuse and a 

psychotomimetic. [NIH] 

Diabetes Mellitus: A heterogeneous group of disorders that share glucose intolerance in 

common. [NIH] 

Diabetic Foot: Ulcers of the foot as a complication of diabetes. Diabetic foot, often with 

infection, is a common serious complication of diabetes and may require hospitalization and 

disfiguring surgery. The foot ulcers are probably secondary to neuropathies and vascular 

problems. [NIH] 

Diagnostic Imaging: Any visual display of structural or functional patterns of organs or 

tissues for diagnostic evaluation. It includes measuring physiologic and metabolic responses 

to physical and chemical stimuli, as well as ultramicroscopy. [NIH] 

Diagnostic procedure: A method used to identify a disease. [NIH] 

Diastolic: Of or pertaining to the diastole. [EU] 

Diencephalon: The paired caudal parts of the prosencephalon from which the thalamus, 

hypothalamus, epithalamus, and subthalamus are derived. [NIH] 

Diffusion: The tendency of a gas or solute to pass from a point of higher pressure or 

concentration to a point of lower pressure or concentration and to distribute itself 

throughout the available space; a major mechanism of biological transport. [NIH] 

Digestion: The process of breakdown of food for metabolism and use by the body. [NIH] 

Digestive tract: The organs through which food passes when food is eaten. These organs are 

the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and rectum. [NIH]

266 


Digital rectal examination: DRE. An examination in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, 

gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities. [NIH] 

Dilution: A diluted or attenuated medicine; in homeopathy, the diffusion of a given 

quantity of a medicinal agent in ten or one hundred times the same quantity of water. [NIH] 

Dimethyl: A volatile metabolite of the amino acid methionine. [NIH] 

Diplopia: A visual symptom in which a single object is perceived by the visual cortex as two 

objects rather than one. Disorders associated with this condition include refractive errors; 

strabismus; oculomotor nerve diseases; trochlear nerve diseases; abducens nerve diseases; 

and diseases of the brain stem and occipital lobe. [NIH] 

Direct: 1. Straight; in a straight line. 2. Performed immediately and without the intervention 

of subsidiary means. [EU] 

Discrete: Made up of separate parts or characterized by lesions which do not become 

blended; not running together; separate. [NIH] 

Discrimination: The act of qualitative and/or quantitative differentiation between two or 

more stimuli. [NIH] 

Disinfectant: An agent that disinfects; applied particularly to agents used on inanimate 

objects. [EU] 

Disposition: A tendency either physical or mental toward certain diseases. [EU] 

Dissection: Cutting up of an organism for study. [NIH] 

Dissociation: 1. The act of separating or state of being separated. 2. The separation of a 

molecule into two or more fragments (atoms, molecules, ions, or free radicals) produced by 

the absorption of light or thermal energy or by solvation. 3. In psychology, a defense 

mechanism in which a group of mental processes are segregated from the rest of a person's 

mental activity in order to avoid emotional distress, as in the dissociative disorders (q.v.), or 

in which an idea or object is segregated from its emotional significance; in the first sense it is 

roughly equivalent to splitting, in the second, to isolation. 4. A defect of mental integration 

in which one or more groups of mental processes become separated off from normal 

consciousness and, thus separated, function as a unitary whole. [EU] 

Distal: Remote; farther from any point of reference; opposed to proximal. In dentistry, used 

to designate a position on the dental arch farther from the median line of the jaw. [EU] 

Diverticulum: A pathological condition manifested as a pouch or sac opening from a 

tubular or sacular organ. [NIH] 

Dobutamine: A beta-2 agonist catecholamine that has cardiac stimulant action without 

evoking vasoconstriction or tachycardia. It is proposed as a cardiotonic after myocardial 

infarction or open heart surgery. [NIH] 

Dominance: In genetics, the full phenotypic expression of a gene in both heterozygotes and 

homozygotes. [EU] 

Dopa: The racemic or DL form of DOPA, an amino acid found in various legumes. The 

dextro form has little physiologic activity but the levo form (levodopa) is a very important 

physiologic mediator and precursor and pharmacological agent. [NIH] 

Dopamine: An endogenous catecholamine and prominent neurotransmitter in several 

systems of the brain. In the synthesis of catecholamines from tyrosine, it is the immediate 

precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine is a major transmitter in the 

extrapyramidal system of the brain, and important in regulating movement. A family of 

dopaminergic receptor subtypes mediate its action. Dopamine is used pharmacologically for 

its direct (beta adrenergic agonist) and indirect (adrenergic releasing) sympathomimetic

effects including its actions as an inotropic agent and as a renal vasodilator. [NIH] 


Dorsal: 1. Pertaining to the back or to any dorsum. 2. Denoting a position more toward the 

back surface than some other object of reference; same as posterior in human anatomy; 

superior in the anatomy of quadrupeds. [EU] 

Dorsum: A plate of bone which forms the posterior boundary of the sella turcica. [NIH] 

Double-blind: Pertaining to a clinical trial or other experiment in which neither the subject 

nor the person administering treatment knows which treatment any particular subject is 

receiving. [EU] 

Doxorubicin: Antineoplastic antibiotic obtained from Streptomyces peucetics. It is a 

hydroxy derivative of daunorubicin and is used in treatment of both leukemia and solid 

tumors. [NIH] 

Drive: A state of internal activity of an organism that is a necessary condition before a given 

stimulus will elicit a class of responses; e.g., a certain level of hunger (drive) must be present 

before food will elicit an eating response. [NIH] 

Drug Delivery Systems: Systems of administering drugs through controlled delivery so that 

an optimum amount reaches the target site. Drug delivery systems encompass the carrier, 

route, and target. [NIH] 

Drug Interactions: The action of a drug that may affect the activity, metabolism, or toxicity 

of another drug. [NIH] 

Duct: A tube through which body fluids pass. [NIH] 

Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine. [NIH] 

Dyes: Chemical substances that are used to stain and color other materials. The coloring 

may or may not be permanent. Dyes can also be used as therapeutic agents and test reagents 

in medicine and scientific research. [NIH] 

Dyskinesia: Impairment of the power of voluntary movement, resulting in fragmentary or 

incomplete movements. [EU] 

Dyslexia: Partial alexia in which letters but not words may be read, or in which words may 

be read but not understood. [NIH] 

Echocardiography: Ultrasonic recording of the size, motion, and composition of the heart 

and surrounding tissues. The standard approach is transthoracic. [NIH] 

Echo-Planar Imaging: A type of magnetic resonance imaging that uses only one nuclear 

spin excitation per image and therefore can obtain images in a fraction of a second rather 

than the minutes required in traditional MRI techniques. It is used in a variety of medical 

and scientific applications. [NIH] 

Ectoderm: The outer of the three germ layers of the embryo. [NIH] 

Ectodermal Dysplasia: A group of hereditary disorders involving tissues and structures 

derived from the embryonic ectoderm. They are characterized by the presence of 

abnormalities at birth and involvement of both the epidermis and skin appendages. They 

are generally nonprogressive and diffuse. Various forms exist, including anhidrotic and 

hidrotic dysplasias, focal dermal hypoplasia, and aplasia cutis congenita. [NIH] 

Edema: Excessive amount of watery fluid accumulated in the intercellular spaces, most 

commonly present in subcutaneous tissue. [NIH] 

Effector: It is often an enzyme that converts an inactive precursor molecule into an active 

second messenger. [NIH] 

Efficacy: The extent to which a specific intervention, procedure, regimen, or service 

produces a beneficial result under ideal conditions. Ideally, the determination of efficacy is

268 


based on the results of a randomized control trial. [NIH] 

Effusion: The escape of fluid into a part or tissue, as an exudation or a transudation. [EU] 

Ejaculation: The release of semen through the penis during orgasm. [NIH] 

Elastic: Susceptible of resisting and recovering from stretching, compression or distortion 

applied by a force. [EU] 

Elastin: The protein that gives flexibility to tissues. [NIH] 

Electroacupuncture: A form of acupuncture using low frequency electrically stimulated 

needles to produce analgesia and anesthesia and to treat disease. [NIH] 

Electrocardiogram: Measurement of electrical activity during heartbeats. [NIH] 

Electrode: Component of the pacing system which is at the distal end of the lead. It is the 

interface with living cardiac tissue across which the stimulus is transmitted. [NIH] 

Electroencephalography: Recording of electric currents developed in the brain by means of 

electrodes applied to the scalp, to the surface of the brain, or placed within the substance of 

the brain. [NIH] 

Electrolyte: A substance that dissociates into ions when fused or in solution, and thus 

becomes capable of conducting electricity; an ionic solute. [EU] 

Electrons: Stable elementary particles having the smallest known negative charge, present in 

all elements; also called negatrons. Positively charged electrons are called positrons. The 

numbers, energies and arrangement of electrons around atomic nuclei determine the 

chemical identities of elements. Beams of electrons are called cathode rays or beta rays, the 

latter being a high-energy biproduct of nuclear decay. [NIH] 

Electrophysiological: Pertaining to electrophysiology, that is a branch of physiology that is 

concerned with the electric phenomena associated with living bodies and involved in their 

functional activity. [EU] 

Elementary Particles: Individual components of atoms, usually subatomic; subnuclear 

particles are usually detected only when the atomic nucleus decays and then only 

transiently, as most of them are unstable, often yielding pure energy without substance, i.e., 

radiation. [NIH] 

Embolus: Bit of foreign matter which enters the blood stream at one point and is carried 

until it is lodged or impacted in an artery and obstructs it. It may be a blood clot, an air 

bubble, fat or other tissue, or clumps of bacteria. [NIH] 

Embryo: The prenatal stage of mammalian development characterized by rapid 

morphological changes and the differentiation of basic structures. [NIH] 

Emetic: An agent that causes vomiting. [EU] 

Empirical: A treatment based on an assumed diagnosis, prior to receiving confirmatory 

laboratory test results. [NIH] 

Empyema: Presence of pus in a hollow organ or body cavity. [NIH] 

Emulsion: A preparation of one liquid distributed in small globules throughout the body of 

a second liquid. The dispersed liquid is the discontinuous phase, and the dispersion 

medium is the continuous phase. When oil is the dispersed liquid and an aqueous solution 

is the continuous phase, it is known as an oil-in-water emulsion, whereas when water or 

aqueous solution is the dispersed phase and oil or oleaginous substance is the continuous 

phase, it is known as a water-in-oil emulsion. Pharmaceutical emulsions for which official 

standards have been promulgated include cod liver oil emulsion, cod liver oil emulsion with 

malt, liquid petrolatum emulsion, and phenolphthalein in liquid petrolatum emulsion. [EU] 

Encapsulated: Confined to a specific, localized area and surrounded by a thin layer of tissue.

[NIH] 


Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain due to infection, autoimmune processes, toxins, and 

other conditions. Viral infections (see encephalitis, viral) are a relatively frequent cause of 

this condition. [NIH] 

Encephalitis, Viral: Inflammation of brain parenchymal tissue as a result of viral infection. 

Encephalitis may occur as primary or secondary manifestation of Togaviridae infections; 

Herpesviridae infections; Adenoviridae infections; Flaviviridae infections; Bunyaviridae 

infections; Picornaviridae infections; Paramyxoviridae infections; Orthomyxoviridae 

infections; Retroviridae infections; and Arenaviridae infections. [NIH] 

Encephalopathy: A disorder of the brain that can be caused by disease, injury, drugs, or 

chemicals. [NIH] 

Endarterectomy: Surgical excision, performed under general anesthesia, of the 

atheromatous tunica intima of an artery. When reconstruction of an artery is performed as 

an endovascular procedure through a catheter, it is called atherectomy. [NIH] 

Endemic: Present or usually prevalent in a population or geographical area at all times; said 

of a disease or agent. Called also endemial. [EU] 

Endogenous: Produced inside an organism or cell. The opposite is external (exogenous) 

production. [NIH] 

Endorphins: One of the three major groups of endogenous opioid peptides. They are large 

peptides derived from the pro-opiomelanocortin precursor. The known members of this 

group are alpha-, beta-, and gamma-endorphin. The term endorphin is also sometimes used 

to refer to all opioid peptides, but the narrower sense is used here; opioid peptides is used 

for the broader group. [NIH] 

Endoscope: A thin, lighted tube used to look at tissues inside the body. [NIH] 

Endoscopic: A technique where a lateral-view endoscope is passed orally to the duodenum 

for visualization of the ampulla of Vater. [NIH] 

Endoscopy: Endoscopic examination, therapy or surgery performed on interior parts of the 

body. [NIH] 

Endothelial cell: The main type of cell found in the inside lining of blood vessels, lymph 

vessels, and the heart. [NIH] 

Endothelium: A layer of epithelium that lines the heart, blood vessels (endothelium, 

vascular), lymph vessels (endothelium, lymphatic), and the serous cavities of the body. [NIH] 

Endothelium-derived: Small molecule that diffuses to the adjacent muscle layer and relaxes 

it. [NIH] 

Endotoxic: Of, relating to, or acting as an endotoxin (= a heat-stable toxin, associated with 

the outer membranes of certain gram-negative bacteria. Endotoxins are not secreted and are 

released only when the cells are disrupted). [EU] 

Endotoxins: Toxins closely associated with the living cytoplasm or cell wall of certain 

microorganisms, which do not readily diffuse into the culture medium, but are released 

upon lysis of the cells. [NIH] 

Enema: The injection of a liquid through the anus into the large bowel. [NIH] 

Energy balance: Energy is the capacity of a body or a physical system for doing work. 

Energy balance is the state in which the total energy intake equals total energy needs. [NIH] 

Enhancer: Transcriptional element in the virus genome. [NIH] 

Enkephalins: One of the three major families of endogenous opioid peptides. The 

enkephalins are pentapeptides that are widespread in the central and peripheral nervous

270 


systems and in the adrenal medulla. [NIH] 

Entorhinal Cortex: Cortex where the signals are combined with those from other sensory 

systems. [NIH] 

Environmental Health: The science of controlling or modifying those conditions, influences, 

or forces surrounding man which relate to promoting, establishing, and maintaining health. 

[NIH] 

Enzymatic: Phase where enzyme cuts the precursor protein. [NIH] 

Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. [NIH] 

Eosinophils: Granular leukocytes with a nucleus that usually has two lobes connected by a 

slender thread of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing coarse, round granules that are 

uniform in size and stainable by eosin. [NIH] 

Ependymal: It lines the cavities of the brain's ventricles and the spinal cord and slowly 

divides to create a stem cell. [NIH] 

Ependymal tumors: A type of brain tumor that usually begins in the central canal of the 

spinal cord. Ependymomas may also develop in the cells lining the ventricles of the brain, 

which produce and store the special fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) that protects the brain and 

spinal cord. Also called ependymomas. [NIH] 

Ependymomas: Brain tumors that usually begin in the central canal of the spinal cord. 

Ependymomas may also develop in the cells lining the ventricles of the brain, which 

produce and store the special fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) that protects the brain and spinal 

cord. Also called ependymal tumors. [NIH] 

Epidemic: Occurring suddenly in numbers clearly in excess of normal expectancy; said 

especially of infectious diseases but applied also to any disease, injury, or other healthrelated 

event occurring in such outbreaks. [EU] 

Epidermis: Nonvascular layer of the skin. It is made up, from within outward, of five layers: 

1) basal layer (stratum basale epidermidis); 2) spinous layer (stratum spinosum 

epidermidis); 3) granular layer (stratum granulosum epidermidis); 4) clear layer (stratum 

lucidum epidermidis); and 5) horny layer (stratum corneum epidermidis). [NIH] 

Epidermoid carcinoma: A type of cancer in which the cells are flat and look like fish scales. 

Also called squamous cell carcinoma. [NIH] 

Epigastric: Having to do with the upper middle area of the abdomen. [NIH] 

Epinephrine: The active sympathomimetic hormone from the adrenal medulla in most 

species. It stimulates both the alpha- and beta- adrenergic systems, causes systemic 

vasoconstriction and gastrointestinal relaxation, stimulates the heart, and dilates bronchi 

and cerebral vessels. It is used in asthma and cardiac failure and to delay absorption of local 

anesthetics. [NIH] 

Epirubicin: An anthracycline antibiotic which is the 4'-epi-isomer of doxorubicin. The 

compound exerts its antitumor effects by interference with the synthesis and function of 

DNA. Clinical studies indicate activity in breast cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, ovarian 

cancer, soft-tissue sarcomas, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, small-cell lung cancer and 

acute leukemia. It is equal in activity to doxorubicin but exhibits less acute toxicities and less 

cardiotoxicity. [NIH] 

Epithalamus: The dorsal posterior subdivision of the diencephalon. The epithalamus is 

generally considered to include the habenular nuclei (habenula) and associated fiber 

bundles, the pineal body, and the epithelial roof of the third ventricle. The anterior and 

posterior paraventricular nuclei of the thalamus are included with the thalamic nuclei 

although they develop from the same pronuclear mass as the epithalamic nuclei and are

sometimes considered part of the epithalamus. [NIH] 


Epithelial: Refers to the cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body. [NIH] 

Epithelial Cells: Cells that line the inner and outer surfaces of the body. [NIH] 

Epithelium: One or more layers of epithelial cells, supported by the basal lamina, which 

covers the inner or outer surfaces of the body. [NIH] 

Erectile: The inability to get or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Also 

called impotence. [NIH] 

Erection: The condition of being made rigid and elevated; as erectile tissue when filled with 

blood. [EU] 

Erythrocyte Volume: Volume of circulating erythrocytes. It is usually measured by 

radioisotope dilution technique. [NIH] 

Erythrocytes: Red blood cells. Mature erythrocytes are non-nucleated, biconcave disks 

containing hemoglobin whose function is to transport oxygen. [NIH] 

Esterification: The process of converting an acid into an alkyl or aryl derivative. Most 

frequently the process consists of the reaction of an acid with an alcohol in the presence of a 

trace of mineral acid as catalyst or the reaction of an acyl chloride with an alcohol. 

Esterification can also be accomplished by enzymatic processes. [NIH] 

Estrogen: One of the two female sex hormones. [NIH] 

Estrogen receptor: ER. Protein found on some cancer cells to which estrogen will attach. 

[NIH] 

Ethanol: A clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and 

distributed throughout the body. It has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical 

disinfectant. It is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations 

as well as serving as the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages. [NIH] 

Evoke: The electric response recorded from the cerebral cortex after stimulation of a 

peripheral sense organ. [NIH] 

Excitation: An act of irritation or stimulation or of responding to a stimulus; the addition of 

energy, as the excitation of a molecule by absorption of photons. [EU] 

Excitatory: When cortical neurons are excited, their output increases and each new input 

they receive while they are still excited raises their output markedly. [NIH] 

Excitatory Amino Acids: Endogenous amino acids released by neurons as excitatory 

neurotransmitters. Glutamic acid is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the 

brain. Aspartic acid has been regarded as an excitatory transmitter for many years, but the 

extent of its role as a transmitter is unclear. [NIH] 

Exocrine: Secreting outwardly, via a duct. [EU] 

Exogenous: Developed or originating outside the organism, as exogenous disease. [EU] 

Expiration: The act of breathing out, or expelling air from the lungs. [EU] 

External radiation: Radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the 

cancer. Also called external-beam radiation. [NIH] 

External-beam radiation: Radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at 

the cancer. Also called external radiation. [NIH] 

Extracellular: Outside a cell or cells. [EU] 

Extracellular Matrix: A meshwork-like substance found within the extracellular space and 

in association with the basement membrane of the cell surface. It promotes cellular 

proliferation and provides a supporting structure to which cells or cell lysates in culture

272 


dishes adhere. [NIH] 

Extracellular Matrix Proteins: Macromolecular organic compounds that contain carbon, 

hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually, sulfur. These macromolecules (proteins) form an 

intricate meshwork in which cells are embedded to construct tissues. Variations in the 

relative types of macromolecules and their organization determine the type of extracellular 

matrix, each adapted to the functional requirements of the tissue. The two main classes of 

macromolecules that form the extracellular matrix are: glycosaminoglycans, usually linked 

to proteins (proteoglycans), and fibrous proteins (e.g., collagen, elastin, fibronectins and 

laminin). [NIH] 

Extracellular Space: Interstitial space between cells, occupied by fluid as well as amorphous 

and fibrous substances. [NIH] 

Extraction: The process or act of pulling or drawing out. [EU] 

Extrapyramidal: Outside of the pyramidal tracts. [EU] 

Extremity: A limb; an arm or leg (membrum); sometimes applied specifically to a hand or 

foot. [EU] 

Eye Movements: Voluntary or reflex-controlled movements of the eye. [NIH] 

Facial: Of or pertaining to the face. [EU] 

Facial Expression: Observable changes of expression in the face in response to emotional 

stimuli. [NIH] 

Facial Nerve: The 7th cranial nerve. The facial nerve has two parts, the larger motor root 

which may be called the facial nerve proper, and the smaller intermediate or sensory root. 

Together they provide efferent innervation to the muscles of facial expression and to the 

lacrimal and salivary glands, and convey afferent information for taste from the anterior 

two-thirds of the tongue and for touch from the external ear. [NIH] 

Family Planning: Programs or services designed to assist the family in controlling 

reproduction by either improving or diminishing fertility. [NIH] 

Fast Neutrons: Neutrons, the energy of which exceeds some arbitrary level, usually around 

one million electron volts. [NIH] 

Fat: Total lipids including phospholipids. [NIH] 

Fatigue: The state of weariness following a period of exertion, mental or physical, 

characterized by a decreased capacity for work and reduced efficiency to respond to stimuli. 

[NIH] 

Fatty Liver: The buildup of fat in liver cells. The most common cause is alcoholism. Other 

causes include obesity, diabetes, and pregnancy. Also called steatosis. [NIH] 

Femoral: Pertaining to the femur, or to the thigh. [EU] 

Femur: The longest and largest bone of the skeleton, it is situated between the hip and the 

knee. [NIH] 

Ferritin: An iron-containing protein complex that is formed by a combination of ferric iron 

with the protein apoferritin. [NIH] 

Fetus: The developing offspring from 7 to 8 weeks after conception until birth. [NIH] 

Fibrillation: A small, local, involuntary contraction of muscle, invisible under the skin, 

resulting from spontaneous activation of single muscle cells or muscle fibres. [EU] 

Fibroma: A benign tumor of fibrous or fully developed connective tissue. [NIH] 

Fibrosis: Any pathological condition where fibrous connective tissue invades any organ, 

usually as a consequence of inflammation or other injury. [NIH]


Fine-needle aspiration: The removal of tissue or fluid with a needle for examination under a 

microscope. Also called needle biopsy. [NIH] 

Fissure: Any cleft or groove, normal or otherwise; especially a deep fold in the cerebral 

cortex which involves the entire thickness of the brain wall. [EU] 

Fixation: 1. The act or operation of holding, suturing, or fastening in a fixed position. 2. The 

condition of being held in a fixed position. 3. In psychiatry, a term with two related but 

distinct meanings : (1) arrest of development at a particular stage, which like regression 

(return to an earlier stage), if temporary is a normal reaction to setbacks and difficulties but 

if protracted or frequent is a cause of developmental failures and emotional problems, and 

(2) a close and suffocating attachment to another person, especially a childhood figure, such 

as one's mother or father. Both meanings are derived from psychoanalytic theory and refer 

to 'fixation' of libidinal energy either in a specific erogenous zone, hence fixation at the oral, 

anal, or phallic stage, or in a specific object, hence mother or father fixation. 4. The use of a 

fixative (q.v.) to preserve histological or cytological specimens. 5. In chemistry, the process 

whereby a substance is removed from the gaseous or solution phase and localized, as in 

carbon dioxide fixation or nitrogen fixation. 6. In ophthalmology, direction of the gaze so 

that the visual image of the object falls on the fovea centralis. 7. In film processing, the 

chemical removal of all undeveloped salts of the film emulsion, leaving only the developed 

silver to form a permanent image. [EU] 

Flatus: Gas passed through the rectum. [NIH] 

Flow Cytometry: Technique using an instrument system for making, processing, and 

displaying one or more measurements on individual cells obtained from a cell suspension. 

Cells are usually stained with one or more fluorescent dyes specific to cell components of 

interest, e.g., DNA, and fluorescence of each cell is measured as it rapidly transverses the 

excitation beam (laser or mercury arc lamp). Fluorescence provides a quantitative measure 

of various biochemical and biophysical properties of the cell, as well as a basis for cell 

sorting. Other measurable optical parameters include light absorption and light scattering, 

the latter being applicable to the measurement of cell size, shape, density, granularity, and 

stain uptake. [NIH] 

Fluorescence: The property of emitting radiation while being irradiated. The radiation 

emitted is usually of longer wavelength than that incident or absorbed, e.g., a substance can 

be irradiated with invisible radiation and emit visible light. X-ray fluorescence is used in 

diagnosis. [NIH] 

Fluorescent Dyes: Dyes that emit light when exposed to light. The wave length of the 

emitted light is usually longer than that of the incident light. Fluorochromes are substances 

that cause fluorescence in other substances, i.e., dyes used to mark or label other compounds 

with fluorescent tags. They are used as markers in biochemistry and immunology. [NIH] 

Fluoroscopy: Production of an image when X-rays strike a fluorescent screen. [NIH] 

Fluoxetine: The first highly specific serotonin uptake inhibitor. It is used as an 

antidepressant and often has a more acceptable side-effects profile than traditional 

antidepressants. [NIH] 

Folate: A B-complex vitamin that is being studied as a cancer prevention agent. Also called 

folic acid. [NIH] 

Fold: A plication or doubling of various parts of the body. [NIH] 

Folic Acid: N-(4-(((2-Amino-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-6-pteridinyl)methyl)amino)benzoyl)-Lglutamic 

acid. A member of the vitamin B family that stimulates the hematopoietic system. 

It is present in the liver and kidney and is found in mushrooms, spinach, yeast, green leaves, 

and grasses. Folic acid is used in the treatment and prevention of folate deficiencies and

274 


megaloblastic anemia. [NIH] 

Foot Ulcer: Lesion on the surface of the skin of the foot, usually accompanied by 

inflammation. The lesion may become infected or necrotic and is frequently associated with 

diabetes or leprosy. [NIH] 

Forearm: The part between the elbow and the wrist. [NIH] 

Fossa: A cavity, depression, or pit. [NIH] 

Fourth Ventricle: An irregularly shaped cavity in the rhombencephalon, between the 

medulla oblongata, the pons, and the isthmus in front, and the cerebellum behind. It is 

continuous with the central canal of the cord below and with the cerebral aqueduct above, 

and through its lateral and median apertures it communicates with the subarachnoid space. 

[NIH] 

Fovea: The central part of the macula that provides the sharpest vision. [NIH] 

Free Radicals: Highly reactive molecules with an unsatisfied electron valence pair. Free 

radicals are produced in both normal and pathological processes. They are proven or 

suspected agents of tissue damage in a wide variety of circumstances including radiation, 

damage from environment chemicals, and aging. Natural and pharmacological prevention 

of free radical damage is being actively investigated. [NIH] 

Frontal Lobe: The anterior part of the cerebral hemisphere. [NIH] 

Fulminant Hepatic Failure: Liver failure that occurs suddenly in a previously healthy 

person. The most common causes of FHF are acute hepatitis, acetaminophen overdose, and 

liver damage from prescription drugs. [NIH] 

Functional Fungi: A kingdom of eukaryotic, heterotrophic organisms that live as saprobes 

or parasites, including mushrooms, yeasts, smuts, molds, etc. They reproduce either 

sexually or asexually, and have life cycles that range from simple to complex. Filamentous 

fungi refer to those that grow as multicelluar colonies (mushrooms and molds). [NIH] 

Gadolinium: An element of the rare earth family of metals. It has the atomic symbol Gd, 

atomic number 64, and atomic weight 157.25. Its oxide is used in the control rods of some 

nuclear reactors. [NIH] 

Gallbladder: The pear-shaped organ that sits below the liver. Bile is concentrated and stored 

in the gallbladder. [NIH] 

Gamma Rays: Very powerful and penetrating, high-energy electromagnetic radiation of 

shorter wavelength than that of x-rays. They are emitted by a decaying nucleus, usually 

between 0.01 and 10 MeV. They are also called nuclear x-rays. [NIH] 

Ganglia: Clusters of multipolar neurons surrounded by a capsule of loosely organized 

connective tissue located outside the central nervous system. [NIH] 

Gas: Air that comes from normal breakdown of food. The gases are passed out of the body 

through the rectum (flatus) or the mouth (burp). [NIH] 

Gastric: Having to do with the stomach. [NIH] 

Gastrin: A hormone released after eating. Gastrin causes the stomach to produce more acid. 

[NIH] 

Gastrointestinal: Refers to the stomach and intestines. [NIH] 

Gastrointestinal tract: The stomach and intestines. [NIH] 

Gelatin: A product formed from skin, white connective tissue, or bone collagen. It is used as 

a protein food adjuvant, plasma substitute, hemostatic, suspending agent in pharmaceutical 

preparations, and in the manufacturing of capsules and suppositories. [NIH] 

Gene: The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes


are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein. 

[NIH] 

Gene Expression: The phenotypic manifestation of a gene or genes by the processes of gene 

action. [NIH] 

Gene Therapy: The introduction of new genes into cells for the purpose of treating disease 

by restoring or adding gene expression. Techniques include insertion of retroviral vectors, 

transfection, homologous recombination, and injection of new genes into the nuclei of single 

cell embryos. The entire gene therapy process may consist of multiple steps. The new genes 

may be introduced into proliferating cells in vivo (e.g., bone marrow) or in vitro (e.g., 

fibroblast cultures) and the modified cells transferred to the site where the gene expression 

is required. Gene therapy may be particularly useful for treating enzyme deficiency 

diseases, hemoglobinopathies, and leukemias and may also prove useful in restoring drug 

sensitivity, particularly for leukemia. [NIH] 

Genetic Code: The specifications for how information, stored in nucleic acid sequence (base 

sequence), is translated into protein sequence (amino acid sequence). The start, stop, and 

order of amino acids of a protein is specified by consecutive triplets of nucleotides called 

codons (codon). [NIH] 

Genetic Markers: A phenotypically recognizable genetic trait which can be used to identify 

a genetic locus, a linkage group, or a recombination event. [NIH] 

Genetics: The biological science that deals with the phenomena and mechanisms of 

heredity. [NIH] 

Genotype: The genetic constitution of the individual; the characterization of the genes. [NIH] 

Geriatric: Pertaining to the treatment of the aged. [EU] 

Geriatric Psychiatry: A subspecialty of psychiatry concerned with the mental health of the 

aged. [NIH] 

Germ Cells: The reproductive cells in multicellular organisms. [NIH] 

Gestation: The period of development of the young in viviparous animals, from the time of 

fertilization of the ovum until birth. [EU] 

Gestures: Movement of a part of the body for the purpose of communication. [NIH] 

Gland: An organ that produces and releases one or more substances for use in the body. 

Some glands produce fluids that affect tissues or organs. Others produce hormones or 

participate in blood production. [NIH] 

Glial tumors: A general term for many types of tumors of the central nervous system, 

including astrocytomas, ependymal tumors, glioblastoma multiforme, and primitive 

neuroectodermal tumors. [NIH] 

Glioblastoma: A malignant form of astrocytoma histologically characterized by 

pleomorphism of cells, nuclear atypia, microhemorrhage, and necrosis. They may arise in 

any region of the central nervous system, with a predilection for the cerebral hemispheres, 

basal ganglia, and commissural pathways. Clinical presentation most frequently occurs in 

the fifth or sixth decade of life with focal neurologic signs or seizures. [NIH] 

Glioblastoma multiforme: A type of brain tumor that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of 

the brain. It grows very quickly and has cells that look very different from normal cells. Also 

called grade IV astrocytoma. [NIH] 

Glioma: A cancer of the brain that comes from glial, or supportive, cells. [NIH] 

Gliosis: The production of a dense fibrous network of neuroglia; includes astrocytosis, 

which is a proliferation of astrocytes in the area of a degenerative lesion. [NIH]

276 


Glucocorticoids: A group of corticosteroids that affect carbohydrate metabolism 

(gluconeogenesis, liver glycogen deposition, elevation of blood sugar), inhibit corticotropin 

secretion, and possess pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. They also play a role in fat 

and protein metabolism, maintenance of arterial blood pressure, alteration of the connective 

tissue response to injury, reduction in the number of circulating lymphocytes, and 

functioning of the central nervous system. [NIH] 

Glucose: D-Glucose. A primary source of energy for living organisms. It is naturally 

occurring and is found in fruits and other parts of plants in its free state. It is used 

therapeutically in fluid and nutrient replacement. [NIH] 

Glucose Intolerance: A pathological state in which the fasting plasma glucose level is less 

than 140 mg per deciliter and the 30-, 60-, or 90-minute plasma glucose concentration 

following a glucose tolerance test exceeds 200 mg per deciliter. This condition is seen 

frequently in diabetes mellitus but also occurs with other diseases. [NIH] 

Glucuronic Acid: Derivatives of uronic acid found throughout the plant and animal 

kingdoms. They detoxify drugs and toxins by conjugating with them to form glucuronides 

in the liver which are more water-soluble metabolites that can be easily eliminated from the 

body. [NIH] 

Glutamate: Excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain. [NIH] 

Glutamic Acid: A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in the L-form. Glutamic acid 

(glutamate) is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. 

[NIH] 

Glycerol: A trihydroxy sugar alcohol that is an intermediate in carbohydrate and lipid 

metabolism. It is used as a solvent, emollient, pharmaceutical agent, and sweetening agent. 

[NIH] 

Glycine: A non-essential amino acid. It is found primarily in gelatin and silk fibroin and 

used therapeutically as a nutrient. It is also a fast inhibitory neurotransmitter. [NIH] 

Glycolysis: The pathway by which glucose is catabolized into two molecules of pyruvic acid 

with the generation of ATP. [NIH] 

Glycoprotein: A protein that has sugar molecules attached to it. [NIH] 

Glycosylation: The chemical or biochemical addition of carbohydrate or glycosyl groups to 

other chemicals, especially peptides or proteins. Glycosyl transferases are used in this 

biochemical reaction. [NIH] 

Governing Board: The group in which legal authority is vested for the control of healthrelated 

institutions and organizations. [NIH] 

Grade: The grade of a tumor depends on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a 

microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Grading systems are 

different for each type of cancer. [NIH] 

Grading: A system for classifying cancer cells in terms of how abnormal they appear when 

examined under a microscope. The objective of a grading system is to provide information 

about the probable growth rate of the tumor and its tendency to spread. The systems used to 

grade tumors vary with each type of cancer. Grading plays a role in treatment decisions. 

[NIH] 

Graft: Healthy skin, bone, or other tissue taken from one part of the body and used to 

replace diseased or injured tissue removed from another part of the body. [NIH] 

Grafting: The operation of transfer of tissue from one site to another. [NIH] 

Granulomas: Small lumps in tissues caused by inflammation. [NIH] 

Grasses: A large family, Gramineae, of narrow-leaved herbaceous monocots. Many grasses


produce highly allergenic pollens and are hosts to cattle parasites and toxic fungi. [NIH] 

Guanylate Cyclase: An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of GTP to 3',5'-cyclic GMP and 

pyrophosphate. It also acts on ITP and dGTP. (From Enzyme Nomenclature, 1992) EC 

4.6.1.2. [NIH] 

Gyrus Cinguli: One of the convolutions on the medial surface of the cerebral hemisphere. It 

surrounds the rostral part of the brain and interhemispheric commissure and forms part of 

the limbic system. [NIH] 

Habitual: Of the nature of a habit; according to habit; established by or repeated by force of 

habit, customary. [EU] 

Habituation: Decline in response of an organism to environmental or other stimuli with 

repeated or maintained exposure. [NIH] 

Haptens: Small antigenic determinants capable of eliciting an immune response only when 

coupled to a carrier. Haptens bind to antibodies but by themselves cannot elicit an antibody 

response. [NIH] 

Heart attack: A seizure of weak or abnormal functioning of the heart. [NIH] 

Heart failure: Loss of pumping ability by the heart, often accompanied by fatigue, 

breathlessness, and excess fluid accumulation in body tissues. [NIH] 

Heartbeat: One complete contraction of the heart. [NIH] 

Hematologic malignancies: Cancers of the blood or bone marrow, including leukemia and 

lymphoma. Also called hematologic cancers. [NIH] 

Hematology: A subspecialty of internal medicine concerned with morphology, physiology, 

and pathology of the blood and blood-forming tissues. [NIH] 

Hematoma: An extravasation of blood localized in an organ, space, or tissue. [NIH] 

Heme: The color-furnishing portion of hemoglobin. It is found free in tissues and as the 

prosthetic group in many hemeproteins. [NIH] 

Hemodynamics: The movements of the blood and the forces involved in systemic or 

regional blood circulation. [NIH] 

Hemoglobin: One of the fractions of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c. Glycosylated 

hemoglobin is formed when linkages of glucose and related monosaccharides bind to 

hemoglobin A and its concentration represents the average blood glucose level over the 

previous several weeks. HbA1c levels are used as a measure of long-term control of plasma 

glucose (normal, 4 to 6 percent). In controlled diabetes mellitus, the concentration of 

glycosylated hemoglobin A is within the normal range, but in uncontrolled cases the level 

may be 3 to 4 times the normal conentration. Generally, complications are substantially 

lower among patients with Hb levels of 7 percent or less than in patients with HbA1c levels 

of 9 percent or more. [NIH] 

Hemoglobin A: Normal adult human hemoglobin. The globin moiety consists of two alpha 

and two beta chains. [NIH] 

Hemoglobinopathies: A group of inherited disorders characterized by structural alterations 

within the hemoglobin molecule. [NIH] 

Hemolytic: A disease that affects the blood and blood vessels. It destroys red blood cells, 

cells that cause the blood to clot, and the lining of blood vessels. HUS is often caused by the 

Escherichia coli bacterium in contaminated food. People with HUS may develop acute renal 

failure. [NIH] 

Hemorrhage: Bleeding or escape of blood from a vessel. [NIH] 

Hemorrhagic stroke: A disorder involving bleeding within ischemic brain tissue.

278 


Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vessels that are damaged or dead from lack of blood 

supply (infarcted), located within an area of infarcted brain tissue, rupture and transform an 

"ischemic" stroke into a hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemia is inadequate tissue oxygenation 

caused by reduced blood flow; infarction is tissue death resulting from ischemia. Bleeding 

irritates the brain tissues, causing swelling (cerebral edema). Blood collects into a mass 

(hematoma). Both swelling and hematoma will compress and displace brain tissue. [NIH] 

Hemosiderin: Molecule which can bind large numbers of iron atoms. [NIH] 

Hemostasis: The process which spontaneously arrests the flow of blood from vessels 

carrying blood under pressure. It is accomplished by contraction of the vessels, adhesion 

and aggregation of formed blood elements, and the process of blood or plasma coagulation. 

[NIH] 

Heparin: Heparinic acid. A highly acidic mucopolysaccharide formed of equal parts of 

sulfated D-glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid with sulfaminic bridges. The molecular 

weight ranges from six to twenty thousand. Heparin occurs in and is obtained from liver, 

lung, mast cells, etc., of vertebrates. Its function is unknown, but it is used to prevent blood 

clotting in vivo and vitro, in the form of many different salts. [NIH] 

Hepatic: Refers to the liver. [NIH] 

Hepatic Artery: A branch of the celiac artery that distributes to the stomach, pancreas, 

duodenum, liver, gallbladder, and greater omentum. [NIH] 

Hepatic Encephalopathy: A condition that may cause loss of consciousness and coma. It is 

usually the result of advanced liver disease. Also called hepatic coma. [NIH] 

Hepatic Veins: Veins which drain the liver. [NIH] 

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver and liver disease involving degenerative or necrotic 

alterations of hepatocytes. [NIH] 

Hepatitis A: Hepatitis caused by hepatovirus. It can be transmitted through fecal 

contamination of food or water. [NIH] 

Hepatobiliary: Pertaining to the liver and the bile or the biliary ducts. [EU] 

Hepatocellular: Pertaining to or affecting liver cells. [EU] 

Hepatocellular carcinoma: A type of adenocarcinoma, the most common type of liver 

tumor. [NIH] 

Hepatocyte: A liver cell. [NIH] 

Hepatovirus: A genus of Picornaviridae causing infectious hepatitis naturally in humans 

and experimentally in other primates. It is transmitted through fecal contamination of food 

or water. [NIH] 

Hereditary: Of, relating to, or denoting factors that can be transmitted genetically from one 

generation to another. [NIH] 

Heredity: 1. The genetic transmission of a particular quality or trait from parent to offspring. 

2. The genetic constitution of an individual. [EU] 

Hernia: Protrusion of a loop or knuckle of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening. 

[NIH] 

Heterogeneity: The property of one or more samples or populations which implies that they 

are not identical in respect of some or all of their parameters, e. g. heterogeneity of variance. 

[NIH] 

Heterozygotes: Having unlike alleles at one or more corresponding loci on homologous 

chromosomes. [NIH] 

Hippocampus: A curved elevation of gray matter extending the entire length of the floor of


the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle (Dorland, 28th ed). The hippocampus, subiculum, 

and dentate gyrus constitute the hippocampal formation. Sometimes authors include the 

entorhinal cortex in the hippocampal formation. [NIH] 

Histamine: 1H-Imidazole-4-ethanamine. A depressor amine derived by enzymatic 

decarboxylation of histidine. It is a powerful stimulant of gastric secretion, a constrictor of 

bronchial smooth muscle, a vasodilator, and also a centrally acting neurotransmitter. [NIH] 

Histology: The study of tissues and cells under a microscope. [NIH] 

Homogeneous: Consisting of or composed of similar elements or ingredients; of a uniform 

quality throughout. [EU] 

Homologous: Corresponding in structure, position, origin, etc., as (a) the feathers of a bird 

and the scales of a fish, (b) antigen and its specific antibody, (c) allelic chromosomes. [EU] 

Homozygotes: An individual having a homozygous gene pair. [NIH] 

Hormonal: Pertaining to or of the nature of a hormone. [EU] 

Hormonal therapy: Treatment of cancer by removing, blocking, or adding hormones. Also 

called hormone therapy or endocrine therapy. [NIH] 

Hormone: A substance in the body that regulates certain organs. Hormones such as gastrin 

help in breaking down food. Some hormones come from cells in the stomach and small 

intestine. [NIH] 

Hormone therapy: Treatment of cancer by removing, blocking, or adding hormones. Also 

called endocrine therapy. [NIH] 

Hybrid: Cross fertilization between two varieties or, more usually, two species of vines, see 

also crossing. [NIH] 

Hydration: Combining with water. [NIH] 

Hydrogel: A network of cross-linked hydrophilic macromolecules used in biomedical 

applications. [NIH] 

Hydrogen: The first chemical element in the periodic table. It has the atomic symbol H, 

atomic number 1, and atomic weight 1. It exists, under normal conditions, as a colorless, 

odorless, tasteless, diatomic gas. Hydrogen ions are protons. Besides the common H1 

isotope, hydrogen exists as the stable isotope deuterium and the unstable, radioactive 

isotope tritium. [NIH] 

Hydrolysis: The process of cleaving a chemical compound by the addition of a molecule of 

water. [NIH] 

Hydroxylysine: A hydroxylated derivative of the amino acid lysine that is present in certain 

collagens. [NIH] 

Hydroxyproline: A hydroxylated form of the imino acid proline. A deficiency in ascorbic 

acid can result in impaired hydroxyproline formation. [NIH] 

Hyperalgesia: Excessive sensitiveness or sensibility to pain. [EU] 

Hyperbilirubinemia: Pathologic process consisting of an abnormal increase in the amount 

of bilirubin in the circulating blood, which may result in jaundice. [NIH] 

Hyperplasia: An increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, not due to tumor 

formation. It differs from hypertrophy, which is an increase in bulk without an increase in 

the number of cells. [NIH] 

Hypersensitivity: Altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions 

upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen. [NIH] 

Hypertension: Persistently high arterial blood pressure. Currently accepted threshold levels

280 


are 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. [NIH] 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Heart muscle disease that leads to thickening of the heart 

walls, interfering with the heart's ability to fill with and pump blood. [NIH] 

Hypertrophy: General increase in bulk of a part or organ, not due to tumor formation, nor to 

an increase in the number of cells. [NIH] 

Hypoglycemic: An orally active drug that produces a fall in blood glucose concentration. 

[NIH] 

Hypoplasia: Incomplete development or underdevelopment of an organ or tissue. [EU] 

Hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure. [NIH] 

Hypothalamus: Ventral part of the diencephalon extending from the region of the optic 

chiasm to the caudal border of the mammillary bodies and forming the inferior and lateral 

walls of the third ventricle. [NIH] 

Idiopathic: Describes a disease of unknown cause. [NIH] 

Imaging procedures: Methods of producing pictures of areas inside the body. [NIH] 

Immune function: Production and action of cells that fight disease or infection. [NIH] 

Immune response: The activity of the immune system against foreign substances (antigens). 

[NIH] 

Immune system: The organs, cells, and molecules responsible for the recognition and 

disposal of foreign ("non-self") material which enters the body. [NIH] 

Immunogenic: Producing immunity; evoking an immune response. [EU] 

Immunologic: The ability of the antibody-forming system to recall a previous experience 

with an antigen and to respond to a second exposure with the prompt production of large 

amounts of antibody. [NIH] 

Immunology: The study of the body's immune system. [NIH] 

Immunosuppressant: An agent capable of suppressing immune responses. [EU] 

Immunosuppression: Deliberate prevention or diminution of the host's immune response. It 

may be nonspecific as in the administration of immunosuppressive agents (drugs or 

radiation) or by lymphocyte depletion or may be specific as in desensitization or the 

simultaneous administration of antigen and immunosuppressive drugs. [NIH] 

Immunosuppressive: Describes the ability to lower immune system responses. [NIH] 

Immunosuppressive Agents: Agents that suppress immune function by one of several 

mechanisms of action. Classical cytotoxic immunosuppressants act by inhibiting DNA 

synthesis. Others may act through activation of suppressor T-cell populations or by 

inhibiting the activation of helper cells. While immunosuppression has been brought about 

in the past primarily to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, new applications involving 

mediation of the effects of interleukins and other cytokines are emerging. [NIH] 

Impairment: In the context of health experience, an impairment is any loss or abnormality of 

psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function. [NIH] 

Implant radiation: A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, 

wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near the tumor. Also called [NIH] 

Implantation: The insertion or grafting into the body of biological, living, inert, or 

radioactive material. [EU] 

Impotence: The inability to perform sexual intercourse. [NIH] 

In situ: In the natural or normal place; confined to the site of origin without invasion of 

neighbouring tissues. [EU]


In vitro: In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body). [NIH] 

In vivo: In the body. The opposite of in vitro (outside the body or in the laboratory). [NIH] 

Incision: A cut made in the body during surgery. [NIH] 

Incubator: Consists of a transparent plastic cubicle, electrical heating equipment, safety and 

warning devices, and oxygen and air filtering and regulating apparatus; an enclosed 

transparent boxlike apparatus for housing prematurely born babies under optimum 

conditions. [NIH] 

Indomethacin: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) that inhibits the enzyme 

cyclooxygenase necessary for the formation of prostaglandins and other autacoids. It also 

inhibits the motility of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. [NIH] 

Induction: The act or process of inducing or causing to occur, especially the production of a 

specific morphogenetic effect in the developing embryo through the influence of evocators 

or organizers, or the production of anaesthesia or unconsciousness by use of appropriate 

agents. [EU] 

Infancy: The period of complete dependency prior to the acquisition of competence in 

walking, talking, and self-feeding. [NIH] 

Infarction: A pathological process consisting of a sudden insufficient blood supply to an 

area, which results in necrosis of that area. It is usually caused by a thrombus, an embolus, 

or a vascular torsion. [NIH] 

Infection: 1. Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may be 

clinically unapparent or result in local cellular injury due to competitive metabolism, toxins, 

intracellular replication, or antigen-antibody response. The infection may remain localized, 

subclinical, and temporary if the body's defensive mechanisms are effective. A local 

infection may persist and spread by extension to become an acute, subacute, or chronic 

clinical infection or disease state. A local infection may also become systemic when the 

microorganisms gain access to the lymphatic or vascular system. 2. An infectious disease. 

[EU] 

Inflammation: A pathological process characterized by injury or destruction of tissues 

caused by a variety of cytologic and chemical reactions. It is usually manifested by typical 

signs of pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. [NIH] 

Infusion: A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also called 

intravenous infusion. [NIH] 

Ingestion: Taking into the body by mouth [NIH] 

Inhalation: The drawing of air or other substances into the lungs. [EU] 

Initiation: Mutation induced by a chemical reactive substance causing cell changes; being a 

step in a carcinogenic process. [NIH] 

Innervation: 1. The distribution or supply of nerves to a part. 2. The supply of nervous 

energy or of nerve stimulus sent to a part. [EU] 

Insight: The capacity to understand one's own motives, to be aware of one's own 

psychodynamics, to appreciate the meaning of symbolic behavior. [NIH] 

Insulator: Material covering the metal conductor of the lead. It is usually polyurethane or 

silicone. [NIH] 

Insulin: A protein hormone secreted by beta cells of the pancreas. Insulin plays a major role 

in the regulation of glucose metabolism, generally promoting the cellular utilization of 

glucose. It is also an important regulator of protein and lipid metabolism. Insulin is used as 

a drug to control insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. [NIH]

282 


Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: A disease characterized by high levels of blood 

glucose resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Autoimmune, 

genetic, and environmental factors are involved in the development of type I diabetes. [NIH] 

Interleukins: Soluble factors which stimulate growth-related activities of leukocytes as well 

as other cell types. They enhance cell proliferation and differentiation, DNA synthesis, 

secretion of other biologically active molecules and responses to immune and inflammatory 

stimuli. [NIH] 

Intermediate Filaments: Cytoplasmic filaments intermediate in diameter (about 10 

nanometers) between the microfilaments and the microtubules. They may be composed of 

any of a number of different proteins and form a ring around the cell nucleus. [NIH] 

Intermittent: Occurring at separated intervals; having periods of cessation of activity. [EU] 

Internal radiation: A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, 

wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near the tumor. Also called brachytherapy, 

implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy. [NIH] 

Interstitial: Pertaining to or situated between parts or in the interspaces of a tissue. [EU] 

Intervertebral: Situated between two contiguous vertebrae. [EU] 

Intervertebral Disk Displacement: An intervertebral disk in which the nucleus pulposus 

has protruded through surrounding fibrocartilage. This occurs most frequently in the lower 

lumbar region. [NIH] 

Intestinal: Having to do with the intestines. [NIH] 

Intestines: The section of the alimentary canal from the stomach to the anus. It includes the 

large intestine and small intestine. [NIH] 

Intoxication: Poisoning, the state of being poisoned. [EU] 

Intracellular: Inside a cell. [NIH] 

Intracranial Aneurysm: A saclike dilatation of the walls of a blood vessel, usually an artery. 

[NIH] 

Intracranial Arteriosclerosis: Vascular diseases characterized by thickening, hardening, and 

remodeling of the walls of intracranial arteries. There are three subtypes: (1) atherosclerosis, 

marked by fatty depositions in the innermost layer of the arterial walls, (2) Monckeberg's 

sclerosis, which features calcium deposition in the media and (3) arteriolosclerosis, which 

refers to sclerosis of small caliber arteries. Clinically, this process may be associated with 

transient ischemic attack, brain infarction, intracranial embolism and thrombosis, or 

intracranial aneurysm. [NIH] 

Intravascular: Within a vessel or vessels. [EU] 

Intravenous: IV. Into a vein. [NIH] 

Intravesical: Within the bladder. [NIH] 

Intrinsic: Situated entirely within or pertaining exclusively to a part. [EU] 

Invasive: 1. Having the quality of invasiveness. 2. Involving puncture or incision of the skin 

or insertion of an instrument or foreign material into the body; said of diagnostic techniques. 

[EU] 

Involuntary: Reaction occurring without intention or volition. [NIH] 

Iodine: A nonmetallic element of the halogen group that is represented by the atomic 

symbol I, atomic number 53, and atomic weight of 126.90. It is a nutritionally essential 

element, especially important in thyroid hormone synthesis. In solution, it has anti-infective 

properties and is used topically. [NIH]


Ionization: 1. Any process by which a neutral atom gains or loses electrons, thus acquiring a 

net charge, as the dissociation of a substance in solution into ions or ion production by the 

passage of radioactive particles. 2. Iontophoresis. [EU] 

Ionizing: Radiation comprising charged particles, e. g. electrons, protons, alpha-particles, 

etc., having sufficient kinetic energy to produce ionization by collision. [NIH] 

Ions: An atom or group of atoms that have a positive or negative electric charge due to a 

gain (negative charge) or loss (positive charge) of one or more electrons. Atoms with a 

positive charge are known as cations; those with a negative charge are anions. [NIH] 

Irradiation: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill 

cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body 

(external-beam radiation therapy) or from materials called radioisotopes. Radioisotopes 

produce radiation and can be placed in or near the tumor or in the area near cancer cells. 

This type of radiation treatment is called internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, 

interstitial radiation, or brachytherapy. Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive 

substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. 

Irradiation is also called radiation therapy, radiotherapy, and x-ray therapy. [NIH] 

Ischemia: Deficiency of blood in a part, due to functional constriction or actual obstruction 

of a blood vessel. [EU] 

Ischemic stroke: A condition in which the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Also 

called "plug-type" strokes. Blocked arteries starve areas of the brain controlling sight, 

speech, sensation, and movement so that these functions are partially or completely lost. 

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for 80 percent of all strokes. 

Most ischemic strokes are caused by a blood clot called a thrombus, which blocks blood flow 

in the arteries feeding the brain, usually the carotid artery in the neck, the major vessel 

bringing blood to the brain. When it becomes blocked, the risk of stroke is very high. [NIH] 

Isoflavones: 3-Phenylchromones. Isomeric form of flavones in which the benzene group is 

attached to the 3 position of the benzopyran ring instead of the 2 position. [NIH] 

Jaundice: A clinical manifestation of hyperbilirubinemia, consisting of deposition of bile 

pigments in the skin, resulting in a yellowish staining of the skin and mucous membranes. 

[NIH] 

Kb: A measure of the length of DNA fragments, 1 Kb = 1000 base pairs. The largest DNA 

fragments are up to 50 kilobases long. [NIH] 

Ketamine: A cyclohexanone derivative used for induction of anesthesia. Its mechanism of 

action is not well understood, but ketamine can block NMDA receptors (receptors, N- 

Methyl-D-Aspartate) and may interact with sigma receptors. [NIH] 

Kidney Transplantation: The transference of a kidney from one human or animal to 

another. [NIH] 

Kinetic: Pertaining to or producing motion. [EU] 

Labile: 1. Gliding; moving from point to point over the surface; unstable; fluctuating. 2. 

Chemically unstable. [EU] 

Labyrinth: The internal ear; the essential part of the organ of hearing. It consists of an 

osseous and a membranous portion. [NIH] 

Laminin: Large, noncollagenous glycoprotein with antigenic properties. It is localized in the 

basement membrane lamina lucida and functions to bind epithelial cells to the basement 

membrane. Evidence suggests that the protein plays a role in tumor invasion. [NIH] 

Large Intestine: The part of the intestine that goes from the cecum to the rectum. The large 

intestine absorbs water from stool and changes it from a liquid to a solid form. The large

284 


intestine is 5 feet long and includes the appendix, cecum, colon, and rectum. Also called 

colon. [NIH] 

Leiomyosarcoma: A tumor of the muscles in the uterus, abdomen, or pelvis. [NIH] 

Lens: The transparent, double convex (outward curve on both sides) structure suspended 

between the aqueous and vitreous; helps to focus light on the retina. [NIH] 

Lesion: An area of abnormal tissue change. [NIH] 

Leukemia: Cancer of blood-forming tissue. [NIH] 

Leukocytes: White blood cells. These include granular leukocytes (basophils, eosinophils, 

and neutrophils) as well as non-granular leukocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes). [NIH] 

Leukoencephalopathy: A condition with spongy holes in the brain's white matter. [NIH] 

Levo: It is an experimental treatment for heroin addiction that was developed by German 

scientists around 1948 as an analgesic. Like methadone, it binds with opioid receptors, but it 

is longer acting. [NIH] 

Levodopa: The naturally occurring form of dopa and the immediate precursor of dopamine. 

Unlike dopamine itself, it can be taken orally and crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is 

rapidly taken up by dopaminergic neurons and converted to dopamine. It is used for the 

treatment of parkinsonism and is usually given with agents that inhibit its conversion to 

dopamine outside of the central nervous system. [NIH] 

Ligament: A band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilages, serving to support and 

strengthen joints. [EU] 

Ligands: A RNA simulation method developed by the MIT. [NIH] 

Limbic: Pertaining to a limbus, or margin; forming a border around. [EU] 

Limbic System: A set of forebrain structures common to all mammals that is defined 

functionally and anatomically. It is implicated in the higher integration of visceral, olfactory, 

and somatic information as well as homeostatic responses including fundamental survival 

behaviors (feeding, mating, emotion). For most authors, it includes the amygdala, 

epithalamus, gyrus cinguli, hippocampal formation (see hippocampus), hypothalamus, 

parahippocampal gyrus, septal nuclei, anterior nuclear group of thalamus, and portions of 

the basal ganglia. (Parent, Carpenter's Human Neuroanatomy, 9th ed, p744; NeuroNames, 

http://rprcsgi.rprc.washington.edu/neuronames/index.html (September 2, 1998)). [NIH] 

Linkage: The tendency of two or more genes in the same chromosome to remain together 

from one generation to the next more frequently than expected according to the law of 

independent assortment. [NIH] 

Lipid: Fat. [NIH] 

Lipid A: Lipid A is the biologically active component of lipopolysaccharides. It shows 

strong endotoxic activity and exhibits immunogenic properties. [NIH] 

Lipopolysaccharides: Substance consisting of polysaccaride and lipid. [NIH] 

Lipoprotein: Any of the lipid-protein complexes in which lipids are transported in the 

blood; lipoprotein particles consist of a spherical hydrophobic core of triglycerides or 

cholesterol esters surrounded by an amphipathic monolayer of phospholipids, cholesterol, 

and apolipoproteins; the four principal classes are high-density, low-density, and very-lowdensity 

lipoproteins and chylomicrons. [EU] 

Lithium: An element in the alkali metals family. It has the atomic symbol Li, atomic number 

3, and atomic weight 6.94. Salts of lithium are used in treating manic-depressive disorders. 

[NIH] 

Liver: A large, glandular organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood

and aids in digestion by secreting bile. [NIH] 


Liver cancer: A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the liver. 

[NIH] 

Liver scan: An image of the liver created on a computer screen or on film. A radioactive 

substance is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream. It collects in 

the liver, especially in abnormal areas, and can be detected by the scanner. [NIH] 

Lobe: A portion of an organ such as the liver, lung, breast, or brain. [NIH] 

Localization: The process of determining or marking the location or site of a lesion or 

disease. May also refer to the process of keeping a lesion or disease in a specific location or 

site. [NIH] 

Localized: Cancer which has not metastasized yet. [NIH] 

Longitudinal Studies: Studies in which variables relating to an individual or group of 

individuals are assessed over a period of time. [NIH] 

Longitudinal study: Also referred to as a "cohort study" or "prospective study"; the analytic 

method of epidemiologic study in which subsets of a defined population can be identified 

who are, have been, or in the future may be exposed or not exposed, or exposed in different 

degrees, to a factor or factors hypothesized to influence the probability of occurrence of a 

given disease or other outcome. The main feature of this type of study is to observe large 

numbers of subjects over an extended time, with comparisons of incidence rates in groups 

that differ in exposure levels. [NIH] 

Long-Term Care: Care over an extended period, usually for a chronic condition or disability, 

requiring periodic, intermittent, or continuous care. [NIH] 

Loop: A wire usually of platinum bent at one end into a small loop (usually 4 mm inside 

diameter) and used in transferring microorganisms. [NIH] 

Low Back Pain: Acute or chronic pain in the lumbar or sacral regions, which may be 

associated with musculo-ligamentous sprains and strains; intervertebral disk displacement; 

and other conditions. [NIH] 

Lucida: An instrument, invented by Wollaton, consisting essentially of a prism or a mirror 

through which an object can be viewed so as to appear on a plane surface seen in direct view 

and on which the outline of the object may be traced. [NIH] 

Luciferase: Any one of several enzymes that catalyze the bioluminescent reaction in certain 

marine crustaceans, fish, bacteria, and insects. The enzyme is a flavoprotein; it oxidizes 

luciferins to an electronically excited compound that emits energy in the form of light. The 

color of light emitted varies with the organism. The firefly enzyme is a valuable reagent for 

measurement of ATP concentration. (Dorland, 27th ed) EC 1.13.12.-. [NIH] 

Lumbar: Pertaining to the loins, the part of the back between the thorax and the pelvis. [EU] 

Lumbar puncture: A procedure in which a needle is put into the lower part of the spinal 

column to collect cerebrospinal fluid or to give anticancer drugs intrathecally. Also called a 

spinal tap. [NIH] 

Lung volume: The amount of air the lungs hold. [NIH] 

Lupus: A form of cutaneous tuberculosis. It is seen predominantly in women and typically 

involves the nasal, buccal, and conjunctival mucosa. [NIH] 

Lymph: The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries 

cells that help fight infection and disease. [NIH] 

Lymph node: A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of 

connective tissue. Also known as a lymph gland. Lymph nodes are spread out along

286 


lymphatic vessels and contain many lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph). 

[NIH] 

Lymphadenopathy: Disease or swelling of the lymph nodes. [NIH] 

Lymphatic: The tissues and organs, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph 

nodes, that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. [NIH] 

Lymphatic system: The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells 

that fight infection and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, 

thymus, lymph nodes and a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells. 

These tubes branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body. [NIH] 

Lymphoblasts: Interferon produced predominantly by leucocyte cells. [NIH] 

Lymphocyte: A white blood cell. Lymphocytes have a number of roles in the immune 

system, including the production of antibodies and other substances that fight infection and 

diseases. [NIH] 

Lymphocyte Depletion: Immunosuppression by reduction of circulating lymphocytes or by 

T-cell depletion of bone marrow. The former may be accomplished in vivo by thoracic duct 

drainage or administration of antilymphocyte serum. The latter is performed ex vivo on 

bone marrow before its transplantation. [NIH] 

Lymphoma: A general term for various neoplastic diseases of the lymphoid tissue. [NIH] 

Macula: A stain, spot, or thickening. Often used alone to refer to the macula retinae. [EU] 

Macula Lutea: An oval area in the retina, 3 to 5 mm in diameter, usually located temporal to 

the superior pole of the eye and slightly below the level of the optic disk. [NIH] 

Macular Degeneration: Degenerative changes in the macula lutea of the retina. [NIH] 

Magnetic Resonance Angiography: Non-invasive method of vascular imaging and 

determination of internal anatomy without injection of contrast media or radiation 

exposure. The technique is used especially in cerebral angiography as well as for studies of 

other vascular structures. [NIH] 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Non-invasive method of demonstrating internal anatomy 

based on the principle that atomic nuclei in a strong magnetic field absorb pulses of 

radiofrequency energy and emit them as radiowaves which can be reconstructed into 

computerized images. The concept includes proton spin tomographic techniques. [NIH] 

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Spectroscopic method of measuring the magnetic 

moment of elementary particles such as atomic nuclei, protons or electrons. It is employed in 

clinical applications such as NMR Tomography (magnetic resonance imaging). [NIH] 

Malformation: A morphologic defect resulting from an intrinsically abnormal 

developmental process. [EU] 

Malignant: Cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and 

spread to other parts of the body. [NIH] 

Malignant tumor: A tumor capable of metastasizing. [NIH] 

Malnutrition: A condition caused by not eating enough food or not eating a balanced diet. 

[NIH] 

Mammary: Pertaining to the mamma, or breast. [EU] 

Mammogram: An x-ray of the breast. [NIH] 

Mammography: Radiographic examination of the breast. [NIH] 

Mandible: The largest and strongest bone of the face constituting the lower jaw. It supports 

the lower teeth. [NIH]


Mania: Excitement of psychotic proportions manifested by mental and physical 

hyperactivity, disorganization of behaviour, and elevation of mood. [EU] 

Manic: Affected with mania. [EU] 

Manifest: Being the part or aspect of a phenomenon that is directly observable : concretely 

expressed in behaviour. [EU] 

Matrix metalloproteinase: A member of a group of enzymes that can break down proteins, 

such as collagen, that are normally found in the spaces between cells in tissues (i.e., 

extracellular matrix proteins). Because these enzymes need zinc or calcium atoms to work 

properly, they are called metalloproteinases. Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in 

wound healing, angiogenesis, and tumor cell metastasis. [NIH] 

Medial: Lying near the midsaggital plane of the body; opposed to lateral. [NIH] 

Median Nerve: A major nerve of the upper extremity. In humans, the fibers of the median 

nerve originate in the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord (usually C6 to T1), travel 

via the brachial plexus, and supply sensory and motor innervation to parts of the forearm 

and hand. [NIH] 

Mediator: An object or substance by which something is mediated, such as (1) a structure of 

the nervous system that transmits impulses eliciting a specific response; (2) a chemical 

substance (transmitter substance) that induces activity in an excitable tissue, such as nerve 

or muscle; or (3) a substance released from cells as the result of the interaction of antigen 

with antibody or by the action of antigen with a sensitized lymphocyte. [EU] 

MEDLINE: An online database of MEDLARS, the computerized bibliographic Medical 

Literature Analysis and Retrieval System of the National Library of Medicine. [NIH] 

Megaloblastic: A large abnormal red blood cell appearing in the blood in pernicious 

anaemia. [EU] 

Meiosis: A special method of cell division, occurring in maturation of the germ cells, by 

means of which each daughter nucleus receives half the number of chromosomes 

characteristic of the somatic cells of the species. [NIH] 

Membrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface. [NIH] 

Memory: Complex mental function having four distinct phases: (1) memorizing or learning, 

(2) retention, (3) recall, and (4) recognition. Clinically, it is usually subdivided into 

immediate, recent, and remote memory. [NIH] 

Meninges: The three membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. [NIH] 

Mental: Pertaining to the mind; psychic. 2. (L. mentum chin) pertaining to the chin. [EU] 

Mental Disorders: Psychiatric illness or diseases manifested by breakdowns in the 

adaptational process expressed primarily as abnormalities of thought, feeling, and behavior 

producing either distress or impairment of function. [NIH] 

Mental Health: The state wherein the person is well adjusted. [NIH] 

Mental Processes: Conceptual functions or thinking in all its forms. [NIH] 

Mercury: A silver metallic element that exists as a liquid at room temperature. It has the 

atomic symbol Hg (from hydrargyrum, liquid silver), atomic number 80, and atomic weight 

200.59. Mercury is used in many industrial applications and its salts have been employed 

therapeutically as purgatives, antisyphilitics, disinfectants, and astringents. It can be 

absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes which leads to mercury poisoning. 

Because of its toxicity, the clinical use of mercury and mercurials is diminishing. [NIH] 

Mesenteric: Pertaining to the mesentery : a membranous fold attaching various organs to 

the body wall. [EU]

288 


Mesentery: A layer of the peritoneum which attaches the abdominal viscera to the 

abdominal wall and conveys their blood vessels and nerves. [NIH] 

Mesolimbic: Inner brain region governing emotion and drives. [NIH] 

Metabolic disorder: A condition in which normal metabolic processes are disrupted, 

usually because of a missing enzyme. [NIH] 

Metabolite: Any substance produced by metabolism or by a metabolic process. [EU] 

Metacarpophalangeal Joint: The articulation between a metacarpal bone and a phalanx. 

[NIH] 

Metastasis: The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Tumors formed from 

cells that have spread are called "secondary tumors" and contain cells that are like those in 

the original (primary) tumor. The plural is metastases. [NIH] 

Metastatic: Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from one part of the 

body to another. [NIH] 

Metatarsophalangeal Joint: The articulation between a metatarsal bone and a phalanx. [NIH] 

Methionine: A sulfur containing essential amino acid that is important in many body 

functions. It is a chelating agent for heavy metals. [NIH] 

Methotrexate: An antineoplastic antimetabolite with immunosuppressant properties. It is an 

inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase and prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolate, 

necessary for synthesis of thymidylate, an essential component of DNA. [NIH] 

Methylphenidate: A central nervous system stimulant used most commonly in the 

treatment of attention-deficit disorders in children and for narcolepsy. Its mechanisms 

appear to be similar to those of dextroamphetamine. [NIH] 

Methylprednisolone: (6 alpha,11 beta)-11,17,21-Trihydroxy-6-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,2dione. 

A prednisolone derivative which has pharmacological actions similar to 

prednisolone. [NIH] 

MI: Myocardial infarction. Gross necrosis of the myocardium as a result of interruption of 

the blood supply to the area; it is almost always caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary 

arteries, upon which coronary thrombosis is usually superimposed. [NIH] 

Microbe: An organism which cannot be observed with the naked eye; e. g. unicellular 

animals, lower algae, lower fungi, bacteria. [NIH] 

Microbiology: The study of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, algae, archaea, and 

viruses. [NIH] 

Microtubule-Associated Proteins: High molecular weight proteins found in the 

microtubules of the cytoskeletal system. Under certain conditions they are required for 

tubulin assembly into the microtubules and stabilize the assembled microtubules. [NIH] 

Microtubules: Slender, cylindrical filaments found in the cytoskeleton of plant and animal 

cells. They are composed of the protein tubulin. [NIH] 

Migration: The systematic movement of genes between populations of the same species, 

geographic race, or variety. [NIH] 

Milliliter: A measure of volume for a liquid. A milliliter is approximately 950-times smaller 

than a quart and 30-times smaller than a fluid ounce. A milliliter of liquid and a cubic 

centimeter (cc) of liquid are the same. [NIH] 

Mineralization: The action of mineralizing; the state of being mineralized. [EU] 

Mineralocorticoids: A group of corticosteroids primarily associated with the regulation of 

water and electrolyte balance. This is accomplished through the effect on ion transport in


renal tubules, resulting in retention of sodium and loss of potassium. Mineralocorticoid 

secretion is itself regulated by plasma volume, serum potassium, and angiotensin II. [NIH] 

Mitochondria: Parts of a cell where aerobic production (also known as cell respiration) takes 

place. [NIH] 

Mitochondrial Swelling: Increase in volume of mitochondria due to an influx of fluid; it 

occurs in hypotonic solutions due to osmotic pressure and in isotonic solutions as a result of 

altered permeability of the membranes of respiring mitochondria. [NIH] 

Mitosis: A method of indirect cell division by means of which the two daughter nuclei 

normally receive identical complements of the number of chromosomes of the somatic cells 

of the species. [NIH] 

Mobility: Capability of movement, of being moved, or of flowing freely. [EU] 

Modeling: A treatment procedure whereby the therapist presents the target behavior which 

the learner is to imitate and make part of his repertoire. [NIH] 

Modification: A change in an organism, or in a process in an organism, that is acquired 

from its own activity or environment. [NIH] 

Modulator: A specific inductor that brings out characteristics peculiar to a definite region. 

[EU] 

Molecular: Of, pertaining to, or composed of molecules : a very small mass of matter. [EU] 

Molecule: A chemical made up of two or more atoms. The atoms in a molecule can be the 

same (an oxygen molecule has two oxygen atoms) or different (a water molecule has two 

hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). Biological molecules, such as proteins and DNA, 

can be made up of many thousands of atoms. [NIH] 

Monitor: An apparatus which automatically records such physiological signs as respiration, 

pulse, and blood pressure in an anesthetized patient or one undergoing surgical or other 

procedures. [NIH] 

Monoclonal: An antibody produced by culturing a single type of cell. It therefore consists of 

a single species of immunoglobulin molecules. [NIH] 

Monocytes: Large, phagocytic mononuclear leukocytes produced in the vertebrate bone 

marrow and released into the blood; contain a large, oval or somewhat indented nucleus 

surrounded by voluminous cytoplasm and numerous organelles. [NIH] 

Morphological: Relating to the configuration or the structure of live organs. [NIH] 

Morphology: The science of the form and structure of organisms (plants, animals, and other 

forms of life). [NIH] 

Motility: The ability to move spontaneously. [EU] 

Motion Perception: The real or apparent movement of objects through the visual field. [NIH] 

Motor Cortex: Area of the frontal lobe concerned with primary motor control. It lies anterior 

to the central sulcus. [NIH] 

MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (mag-NET-ik REZ-o- nans IM-a-jing). A procedure in 

which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the 

body. [NIH] 

Multiple Myeloma: A malignant tumor of plasma cells usually arising in the bone marrow; 

characterized by diffuse involvement of the skeletal system, hyperglobulinemia, Bence-Jones 

proteinuria, and anemia. [NIH] 

Multiple sclerosis: A disorder of the central nervous system marked by weakness, 

numbness, a loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder

290 


control. Multiple sclerosis is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body's 

immune system destroys myelin. Myelin is a substance that contains both protein and fat 

(lipid) and serves as a nerve insulator and helps in the transmission of nerve signals. [NIH] 

Multivalent: Pertaining to a group of 5 or more homologous or partly homologous 

chromosomes during the zygotene stage of prophase to first metaphasis in meiosis. [NIH] 

Mutagenesis: Process of generating genetic mutations. It may occur spontaneously or be 

induced by mutagens. [NIH] 

Mutagens: Chemical agents that increase the rate of genetic mutation by interfering with the 

function of nucleic acids. A clastogen is a specific mutagen that causes breaks in 


Myelin: The fatty substance that covers and protects nerves. [NIH] 

Myocardial infarction: Gross necrosis of the myocardium as a result of interruption of the 

blood supply to the area; it is almost always caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary 

arteries, upon which coronary thrombosis is usually superimposed. [NIH] 

Myocardial Ischemia: A disorder of cardiac function caused by insufficient blood flow to 

the muscle tissue of the heart. The decreased blood flow may be due to narrowing of the 

coronary arteries (coronary arteriosclerosis), to obstruction by a thrombus (coronary 

thrombosis), or less commonly, to diffuse narrowing of arterioles and other small vessels 

within the heart. Severe interruption of the blood supply to the myocardial tissue may result 

in necrosis of cardiac muscle (myocardial infarction). [NIH] 

Myocardial Reperfusion: Generally, restoration of blood supply to heart tissue which is 

ischemic due to decrease in normal blood supply. The decrease may result from any source 

including atherosclerotic obstruction, narrowing of the artery, or surgical clamping. 

Reperfusion can be induced to treat ischemia. Methods include chemical dissolution of an 

occluding thrombus, administration of vasodilator drugs, angioplasty, catheterization, and 

artery bypass graft surgery. However, it is thought that reperfusion can itself further 

damage the ischemic tissue, causing myocardial reperfusion injury. [NIH] 

Myocardial Reperfusion Injury: Functional, metabolic, or structural changes in ischemic 

heart muscle thought to result from reperfusion to the ischemic areas. Changes can be fatal 

to muscle cells and may include edema with explosive cell swelling and disintegration, 

sarcolemma disruption, fragmentation of mitochondria, contraction band necrosis, enzyme 

washout, and calcium overload. Other damage may include hemorrhage and ventricular 

arrhythmias. One possible mechanism of damage is thought to be oxygen free radicals. 

Treatment currently includes the introduction of scavengers of oxygen free radicals, and 

injury is thought to be prevented by warm blood cardioplegic infusion prior to reperfusion. 

[NIH] 

Myocardium: The muscle tissue of the heart composed of striated, involuntary muscle 

known as cardiac muscle. [NIH] 

Myopathy: Any disease of a muscle. [EU] 

Narcolepsy: A condition of unknown cause characterized by a periodic uncontrollable 

tendency to fall asleep. [NIH] 

Nausea: An unpleasant sensation in the stomach usually accompanied by the urge to vomit. 

Common causes are early pregnancy, sea and motion sickness, emotional stress, intense 

pain, food poisoning, and various enteroviruses. [NIH] 

Necrosis: A pathological process caused by the progressive degradative action of enzymes 

that is generally associated with severe cellular trauma. It is characterized by mitochondrial 

swelling, nuclear flocculation, uncontrolled cell lysis, and ultimately cell death. [NIH]


Needle biopsy: The removal of tissue or fluid with a needle for examination under a 

microscope. Also called fine-needle aspiration. [NIH] 

Neocortex: The largest portion of the cerebral cortex. It is composed of neurons arranged in 

six layers. [NIH] 

Neoplasia: Abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth. [NIH] 

Neoplasm: A new growth of benign or malignant tissue. [NIH] 

Neoplastic: Pertaining to or like a neoplasm (= any new and abnormal growth); pertaining 

to neoplasia (= the formation of a neoplasm). [EU] 

Nerve: A cordlike structure of nervous tissue that connects parts of the nervous system with 

other tissues of the body and conveys nervous impulses to, or away from, these tissues. [NIH] 

Nervous System: The entire nerve apparatus composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and 

ganglia. [NIH] 

Networks: Pertaining to a nerve or to the nerves, a meshlike structure of interlocking fibers 

or strands. [NIH] 

Neural: 1. Pertaining to a nerve or to the nerves. 2. Situated in the region of the spinal axis, 

as the neutral arch. [EU] 

Neuritis: A general term indicating inflammation of a peripheral or cranial nerve. Clinical 

manifestation may include pain; paresthesias; paresis; or hypesthesia. [NIH] 

Neuroanatomy: Study of the anatomy of the nervous system as a specialty or discipline. 

[NIH] 

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Hereditary and sporadic conditions which are characterized 

by progressive nervous system dysfunction. These disorders are often associated with 

atrophy of the affected central or peripheral nervous system structures. [NIH] 

Neurofibrillary Tangles: Abnormal structures located in various parts of the brain and 

composed of dense arrays of paired helical filaments (neurofilaments and microtubules). 

These double helical stacks of transverse subunits are twisted into left-handed ribbon-like 

filaments that likely incorporate the following proteins: (1) the intermediate filaments: 

medium- and high-molecular-weight neurofilaments; (2) the microtubule-associated 

proteins map-2 and tau; (3) actin; and (4) ubiquitin. As one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer 

disease, the neurofibrillary tangles eventually occupy the whole of the cytoplasm in certain 

classes of cell in the neocortex, hippocampus, brain stem, and diencephalon. The number of 

these tangles, as seen in post mortem histology, correlates with the degree of dementia 

during life. Some studies suggest that tangle antigens leak into the systemic circulation both 

in the course of normal aging and in cases of Alzheimer disease. [NIH] 

Neurofilaments: Bundle of neuronal fibers. [NIH] 

Neuroglia: The non-neuronal cells of the nervous system. They are divided into macroglia 

(astrocytes, oligodendroglia, and schwann cells) and microglia. They not only provide 

physical support, but also respond to injury, regulate the ionic and chemical composition of 

the extracellular milieu, participate in the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers, form the 

myelin insulation of nervous pathways, guide neuronal migration during development, and 

exchange metabolites with neurons. Neuroglia have high-affinity transmitter uptake 

systems, voltage-dependent and transmitter-gated ion channels, and can release 

transmitters, but their role in signaling (as in many other functions) is unclear. [NIH] 

Neuroleptic: A term coined to refer to the effects on cognition and behaviour of 

antipsychotic drugs, which produce a state of apathy, lack of initiative, and limited range of 

emotion and in psychotic patients cause a reduction in confusion and agitation and 

normalization of psychomotor activity. [EU]

292 


Neurologic: Having to do with nerves or the nervous system. [NIH] 

Neurologist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the 

nervous system. [NIH] 

Neurology: A medical specialty concerned with the study of the structures, functions, and 

diseases of the nervous system. [NIH] 

Neuroma: A tumor that arises in nerve cells. [NIH] 

Neuronal: Pertaining to a neuron or neurons (= conducting cells of the nervous system). [EU] 

Neurons: The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, 

and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the nervous 

system. [NIH] 

Neuropathy: A problem in any part of the nervous system except the brain and spinal cord. 

Neuropathies can be caused by infection, toxic substances, or disease. [NIH] 

Neurophysiology: The scientific discipline concerned with the physiology of the nervous 

system. [NIH] 

Neuroprotective Agents: Drugs intended to prevent damage to the brain or spinal cord 

from ischemia, stroke, convulsions, or trauma. Some must be administered before the event, 

but others may be effective for some time after. They act by a variety of mechanisms, but 

often directly or indirectly minimize the damage produced by endogenous excitatory amino 

acids. [NIH] 

Neuropsychological Tests: Tests designed to assess neurological function associated with 

certain behaviors. They are used in diagnosing brain dysfunction or damage and central 

nervous system disorders or injury. [NIH] 

Neuropsychology: A branch of psychology which investigates the correlation between 

experience or behavior and the basic neurophysiological processes. The term 

neuropsychology stresses the dominant role of the nervous system. It is a more narrowly 

defined field than physiological psychology or psychophysiology. [NIH] 

Neurosis: Functional derangement due to disorders of the nervous system which does not 

affect the psychic personality of the patient. [NIH] 

Neurosurgeon: A doctor who specializes in surgery on the brain, spine, and other parts of 

the nervous system. [NIH] 

Neurosurgery: A surgical specialty concerned with the treatment of diseases and disorders 

of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral and sympathetic nervous system. [NIH] 

Neurotoxic: Poisonous or destructive to nerve tissue. [EU] 

Neurotoxicity: The tendency of some treatments to cause damage to the nervous system. 

[NIH] 

Neurotransmitter: Any of a group of substances that are released on excitation from the 

axon terminal of a presynaptic neuron of the central or peripheral nervous system and travel 

across the synaptic cleft to either excite or inhibit the target cell. Among the many 

substances that have the properties of a neurotransmitter are acetylcholine, norepinephrine, 

epinephrine, dopamine, glycine, y-aminobutyrate, glutamic acid, substance P, enkephalins, 

endorphins, and serotonin. [EU] 

Neutrons: Electrically neutral elementary particles found in all atomic nuclei except light 

hydrogen; the mass is equal to that of the proton and electron combined and they are 

unstable when isolated from the nucleus, undergoing beta decay. Slow, thermal, epithermal, 

and fast neutrons refer to the energy levels with which the neutrons are ejected from heavier 

nuclei during their decay. [NIH]


Neutrophils: Granular leukocytes having a nucleus with three to five lobes connected by 

slender threads of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing fine inconspicuous granules and 

stainable by neutral dyes. [NIH] 

Nitric Oxide: A free radical gas produced endogenously by a variety of mammalian cells. It 

is synthesized from arginine by a complex reaction, catalyzed by nitric oxide synthase. 

Nitric oxide is endothelium-derived relaxing factor. It is released by the vascular 

endothelium and mediates the relaxation induced by some vasodilators such as 

acetylcholine and bradykinin. It also inhibits platelet aggregation, induces disaggregation of 

aggregated platelets, and inhibits platelet adhesion to the vascular endothelium. Nitric oxide 

activates cytosolic guanylate cyclase and thus elevates intracellular levels of cyclic GMP. 

[NIH] 

Nitrogen: An element with the atomic symbol N, atomic number 7, and atomic weight 14. 

Nitrogen exists as a diatomic gas and makes up about 78% of the earth's atmosphere by 

volume. It is a constituent of proteins and nucleic acids and found in all living cells. [NIH] 

Norepinephrine: Precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and is a 

widespread central and autonomic neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine is the principal 

transmitter of most postganglionic sympathetic fibers and of the diffuse projection system in 

the brain arising from the locus ceruleus. It is also found in plants and is used 

pharmacologically as a sympathomimetic. [NIH] 

Nuclear: A test of the structure, blood flow, and function of the kidneys. The doctor injects a 

mildly radioactive solution into an arm vein and uses x-rays to monitor its progress through 

the kidneys. [NIH] 

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging: NMRI. A procedure in which a magnet linked to a 

computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Also called magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRI). [NIH] 

Nuclear Medicine: A specialty field of radiology concerned with diagnostic, therapeutic, 

and investigative use of radioactive compounds in a pharmaceutical form. [NIH] 

Nuclei: A body of specialized protoplasm found in nearly all cells and containing the 


Nucleic acid: Either of two types of macromolecule (DNA or RNA) formed by 

polymerization of nucleotides. Nucleic acids are found in all living cells and contain the 

information (genetic code) for the transfer of genetic information from one generation to the 

next. [NIH] 

Nucleus: A body of specialized protoplasm found in nearly all cells and containing the 


Nursing Care: Care given to patients by nursing service personnel. [NIH] 

Observational study: An epidemiologic study that does not involve any intervention, 

experimental or otherwise. Such a study may be one in which nature is allowed to take its 

course, with changes in one characteristic being studied in relation to changes in other 

characteristics. Analytical epidemiologic methods, such as case-control and cohort study 

designs, are properly called observational epidemiology because the investigator is 

observing without intervention other than to record, classify, count, and statistically analyze 

results. [NIH] 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: An anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, persistent 

obsessions or compulsions. Obsessions are the intrusive ideas, thoughts, or images that are 

experienced as senseless or repugnant. Compulsions are repetitive and seemingly 

purposeful behavior which the individual generally recognizes as senseless and from which 

the individual does not derive pleasure although it may provide a release from tension. [NIH]

294 


Occipital Lobe: Posterior part of the cerebral hemisphere. [NIH] 

Occult: Obscure; concealed from observation, difficult to understand. [EU] 

Ocular: 1. Of, pertaining to, or affecting the eye. 2. Eyepiece. [EU] 

Oculomotor: Cranial nerve III. It originate from the lower ventral surface of the midbrain 

and is classified as a motor nerve. [NIH] 

Oculomotor Nerve: The 3d cranial nerve. The oculomotor nerve sends motor fibers to the 

levator muscles of the eyelid and to the superior rectus, inferior rectus, and inferior oblique 

muscles of the eye. It also sends parasympathetic efferents (via the ciliary ganglion) to the 

muscles controlling pupillary constriction and accommodation. The motor fibers originate in 

the oculomotor nuclei of the midbrain. [NIH] 

Oedema: The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid in the intercellular tissue 

spaces of the body; usually applied to demonstrable accumulation of excessive fluid in the 

subcutaneous tissues. Edema may be localized, due to venous or lymphatic obstruction or to 

increased vascular permeability, or it may be systemic due to heart failure or renal disease. 

Collections of edema fluid are designated according to the site, e.g. ascites (peritoneal 

cavity), hydrothorax (pleural cavity), and hydropericardium (pericardial sac). Massive 

generalized edema is called anasarca. [EU] 

Omentum: A fold of the peritoneum (the thin tissue that lines the abdomen) that surrounds 

the stomach and other organs in the abdomen. [NIH] 

Oncogenic: Chemical, viral, radioactive or other agent that causes cancer; carcinogenic. [NIH] 

Opacity: Degree of density (area most dense taken for reading). [NIH] 

Ophthalmology: A surgical specialty concerned with the structure and function of the eye 

and the medical and surgical treatment of its defects and diseases. [NIH] 

Opsin: A protein formed, together with retinene, by the chemical breakdown of metarhodopsin. 

[NIH] 

Optic Chiasm: The X-shaped structure formed by the meeting of the two optic nerves. At 

the optic chiasm the fibers from the medial part of each retina cross to project to the other 

side of the brain while the lateral retinal fibers continue on the same side. As a result each 

half of the brain receives information about the contralateral visual field from both eyes. 

[NIH] 

Optic cup: The white, cup-like area in the center of the optic disc. [NIH] 

Optic disc: The circular area (disc) where the optic nerve connects to the retina. [NIH] 

Optic Nerve: The 2nd cranial nerve. The optic nerve conveys visual information from the 

retina to the brain. The nerve carries the axons of the retinal ganglion cells which sort at the 

optic chiasm and continue via the optic tracts to the brain. The largest projection is to the 

lateral geniculate nuclei; other important targets include the superior colliculi and the 

suprachiasmatic nuclei. Though known as the second cranial nerve, it is considered part of 

the central nervous system. [NIH] 

Orbit: One of the two cavities in the skull which contains an eyeball. Each eye is located in a 

bony socket or orbit. [NIH] 

Orbital: Pertaining to the orbit (= the bony cavity that contains the eyeball). [EU] 

Ornithine: An amino acid produced in the urea cycle by the splitting off of urea from 

arginine. [NIH] 

Orthostatic: Pertaining to or caused by standing erect. [EU] 

Osmotic: Pertaining to or of the nature of osmosis (= the passage of pure solvent from a 

solution of lesser to one of greater solute concentration when the two solutions are separated


by a membrane which selectively prevents the passage of solute molecules, but is permeable 

to the solvent). [EU] 

Osteoarthritis: A progressive, degenerative joint disease, the most common form of arthritis, 

especially in older persons. The disease is thought to result not from the aging process but 

from biochemical changes and biomechanical stresses affecting articular cartilage. In the 

foreign literature it is often called osteoarthrosis deformans. [NIH] 

Osteomalacia: A condition marked by softening of the bones (due to impaired 

mineralization, with excess accumulation of osteoid), with pain, tenderness, muscular 

weakness, anorexia, and loss of weight, resulting from deficiency of vitamin D and calcium. 

[EU] 

Outpatient: A patient who is not an inmate of a hospital but receives diagnosis or treatment 

in a clinic or dispensary connected with the hospital. [NIH] 

Ovary: Either of the paired glands in the female that produce the female germ cells and 

secrete some of the female sex hormones. [NIH] 

Overdose: An accidental or deliberate dose of a medication or street drug that is in excess of 

what is normally used. [NIH] 

Oxidation: The act of oxidizing or state of being oxidized. Chemically it consists in the 

increase of positive charges on an atom or the loss of negative charges. Most biological 

oxidations are accomplished by the removal of a pair of hydrogen atoms (dehydrogenation) 

from a molecule. Such oxidations must be accompanied by reduction of an acceptor 

molecule. Univalent o. indicates loss of one electron; divalent o., the loss of two electrons. 

[EU] 

Oximetry: The determination of oxygen-hemoglobin saturation of blood either by 

withdrawing a sample and passing it through a classical photoelectric oximeter or by 

electrodes attached to some translucent part of the body like finger, earlobe, or skin fold. It 

includes non-invasive oxygen monitoring by pulse oximetry. [NIH] 

Oxygen Consumption: The oxygen consumption is determined by calculating the difference 

between the amount of oxygen inhaled and exhaled. [NIH] 

Oxygenation: The process of supplying, treating, or mixing with oxygen. No:1245 - 

oxygenation the process of supplying, treating, or mixing with oxygen. [EU] 

Pacemaker: An object or substance that influences the rate at which a certain phenomenon 

occurs; often used alone to indicate the natural cardiac pacemaker or an artificial cardiac 

pacemaker. In biochemistry, a substance whose rate of reaction sets the pace for a series of 

interrelated reactions. [EU] 

Palliative: 1. Affording relief, but not cure. 2. An alleviating medicine. [EU] 

Palpation: Application of fingers with light pressure to the surface of the body to determine 

consistence of parts beneath in physical diagnosis; includes palpation for determining the 

outlines of organs. [NIH] 

Pancreas: A mixed exocrine and endocrine gland situated transversely across the posterior 

abdominal wall in the epigastric and hypochondriac regions. The endocrine portion is 

comprised of the Islets of Langerhans, while the exocrine portion is a compound acinar 

gland that secretes digestive enzymes. [NIH] 

Pancreatic: Having to do with the pancreas. [NIH] 

Pancreatic cancer: Cancer of the pancreas, a salivary gland of the abdomen. [NIH] 

Pancreaticoduodenectomy: The excision of the head of the pancreas and the encircling loop 

of the duodenum to which it is connected. [NIH] 

Papilla: A small nipple-shaped elevation. [NIH]

296 


Paralysis: Loss of ability to move all or part of the body. [NIH] 

Parasite: An animal or a plant that lives on or in an organism of another species and gets at 

least some of its nutrition from that other organism. [NIH] 

Parasitic: Having to do with or being a parasite. A parasite is an animal or a plant that lives 

on or in an organism of another species and gets at least some of its nutrients from it. [NIH] 

Parasitic Diseases: Infections or infestations with parasitic organisms. They are often 

contracted through contact with an intermediate vector, but may occur as the result of direct 

exposure. [NIH] 

Parenchyma: The essential elements of an organ; used in anatomical nomenclature as a 

general term to designate the functional elements of an organ, as distinguished from its 

framework, or stroma. [EU] 

Paresis: A general term referring to a mild to moderate degree of muscular weakness, 

occasionally used as a synonym for paralysis (severe or complete loss of motor function). In 

the older literature, paresis often referred specifically to paretic neurosyphilis. "General 

paresis" and "general paralysis" may still carry that connotation. Bilateral lower extremity 

paresis is referred to as paraparesis. [NIH] 

Paresthesia: Subjective cutaneous sensations (e.g., cold, warmth, tingling, pressure, etc.) that 

are experienced spontaneously in the absence of stimulation. [NIH] 

Parietal: 1. Of or pertaining to the walls of a cavity. 2. Pertaining to or located near the 

parietal bone, as the parietal lobe. [EU] 

Parietal Lobe: Upper central part of the cerebral hemisphere. [NIH] 

Parkinsonism: A group of neurological disorders characterized by hypokinesia, tremor, and 

muscular rigidity. [EU] 

Parotid: The space that contains the parotid gland, the facial nerve, the external carotid 

artery, and the retromandibular vein. [NIH] 

Paroxetine: A serotonin uptake inhibitor that is effective in the treatment of depression. 

[NIH] 

Particle: A tiny mass of material. [EU] 

Patella: The flat, triangular bone situated at the anterior part of the knee. [NIH] 

Pathogenesis: The cellular events and reactions that occur in the development of disease. 

[NIH] 

Pathologic: 1. Indicative of or caused by a morbid condition. 2. Pertaining to pathology (= 

branch of medicine that treats the essential nature of the disease, especially the structural 

and functional changes in tissues and organs of the body caused by the disease). [EU] 

Pathologic Processes: The abnormal mechanisms and forms involved in the dysfunctions of 

tissues and organs. [NIH] 

Pathologies: The study of abnormality, especially the study of diseases. [NIH] 

Pathophysiology: Altered functions in an individual or an organ due to disease. [NIH] 

Patient Care Management: Generating, planning, organizing, and administering medical 

and nursing care and services for patients. [NIH] 

Patient Education: The teaching or training of patients concerning their own health needs. 

[NIH] 

Pedicle: Embryonic link between the optic vesicle or optic cup and the forebrain or 

diencephalon, which becomes the optic nerve. [NIH] 

Pedigree: A record of one's ancestors, offspring, siblings, and their offspring that may be


used to determine the pattern of certain genes or disease inheritance within a family. [NIH] 

Pelvic: Pertaining to the pelvis. [EU] 

Pelvis: The lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones. [NIH] 

Peptide: Any compound consisting of two or more amino acids, the building blocks of 

proteins. Peptides are combined to make proteins. [NIH] 

Perception: The ability quickly and accurately to recognize similarities and differences 

among presented objects, whether these be pairs of words, pairs of number series, or 

multiple sets of these or other symbols such as geometric figures. [NIH] 

Percutaneous: Performed through the skin, as injection of radiopacque material in 

radiological examination, or the removal of tissue for biopsy accomplished by a needle. [EU] 

Perfusion: Bathing an organ or tissue with a fluid. In regional perfusion, a specific area of 

the body (usually an arm or a leg) receives high doses of anticancer drugs through a blood 

vessel. Such a procedure is performed to treat cancer that has not spread. [NIH] 

Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging: A type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used 

to check the flow of blood to normal tissue and diseased tissue. [NIH] 

Periarthritis: Inflammation of the tissues around a joint. [EU] 

Perinatal: Pertaining to or occurring in the period shortly before and after birth; variously 

defined as beginning with completion of the twentieth to twenty-eighth week of gestation 

and ending 7 to 28 days after birth. [EU] 

Peripheral Nervous System: The nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord. The 

peripheral nervous system has autonomic and somatic divisions. The autonomic nervous 

system includes the enteric, parasympathetic, and sympathetic subdivisions. The somatic 

nervous system includes the cranial and spinal nerves and their ganglia and the peripheral 

sensory receptors. [NIH] 

Peripheral vision: Side vision; ability to see objects and movement outside of the direct line 

of vision. [NIH] 

Peritoneal: Having to do with the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and 

covers most of the organs in the abdomen). [NIH] 

Peritoneal Cavity: The space enclosed by the peritoneum. It is divided into two portions, the 

greater sac and the lesser sac or omental bursa, which lies behind the stomach. The two sacs 

are connected by the foramen of Winslow, or epiploic foramen. [NIH] 

Peritoneum: Endothelial lining of the abdominal cavity, the parietal peritoneum covering 

the inside of the abdominal wall and the visceral peritoneum covering the bowel, the 

mesentery, and certain of the organs. The portion that covers the bowel becomes the serosal 

layer of the bowel wall. [NIH] 

Peroxide: Chemical compound which contains an atom group with two oxygen atoms tied 

to each other. [NIH] 

PH: The symbol relating the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration or activity of a solution to that 

of a given standard solution. Numerically the pH is approximately equal to the negative 

logarithm of H+ concentration expressed in molarity. pH 7 is neutral; above it alkalinity 

increases and below it acidity increases. [EU] 

Phallic: Pertaining to the phallus, or penis. [EU] 

Phantom: Used to absorb and/or scatter radiation equivalently to a patient, and hence to 

estimate radiation doses and test imaging systems without actually exposing a patient. It 

may be an anthropomorphic or a physical test object. [NIH] 

Pharmaceutical Preparations: Drugs intended for human or veterinary use, presented in

298 


their finished dosage form. Included here are materials used in the preparation and/or 

formulation of the finished dosage form. [NIH] 

Pharmacokinetic: The mathematical analysis of the time courses of absorption, distribution, 

and elimination of drugs. [NIH] 

Pharmacologic: Pertaining to pharmacology or to the properties and reactions of drugs. [EU] 

Phenotype: The outward appearance of the individual. It is the product of interactions 

between genes and between the genotype and the environment. This includes the killer 

phenotype, characteristic of yeasts. [NIH] 

Phobia: A persistent, irrational, intense fear of a specific object, activity, or situation (the 

phobic stimulus), fear that is recognized as being excessive or unreasonable by the 

individual himself. When a phobia is a significant source of distress or interferes with social 

functioning, it is considered a mental disorder; phobic disorder (or neurosis). In DSM III 

phobic disorders are subclassified as agoraphobia, social phobias, and simple phobias. Used 

as a word termination denoting irrational fear of or aversion to the subject indicated by the 

stem to which it is affixed. [EU] 

Phobic Disorders: Anxiety disorders in which the essential feature is persistent and 

irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that the individual feels compelled to 

avoid. The individual recognizes the fear as excessive or unreasonable. [NIH] 

Phosphates: Inorganic salts of phosphoric acid. [NIH] 

Phospholipids: Lipids containing one or more phosphate groups, particularly those derived 

from either glycerol (phosphoglycerides; glycerophospholipids) or sphingosine 

(sphingolipids). They are polar lipids that are of great importance for the structure and 

function of cell membranes and are the most abundant of membrane lipids, although not 

stored in large amounts in the system. [NIH] 

Phosphorus: A non-metallic element that is found in the blood, muscles, nevers, bones, and 

teeth, and is a component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the primary energy source for 

the body's cells.) [NIH] 

Physical Examination: Systematic and thorough inspection of the patient for physical signs 

of disease or abnormality. [NIH] 

Physical Therapy: The restoration of function and the prevention of disability following 

disease or injury with the use of light, heat, cold, water, electricity, ultrasound, and exercise. 

[NIH] 

Physiologic: Having to do with the functions of the body. When used in the phrase 

"physiologic age," it refers to an age assigned by general health, as opposed to calendar age. 

[NIH] 

Physiology: The science that deals with the life processes and functions of organismus, their 

cells, tissues, and organs. [NIH] 

Pigments: Any normal or abnormal coloring matter in plants, animals, or micro-organisms. 

[NIH] 

Pilot Projects: Small-scale tests of methods and procedures to be used on a larger scale if the 

pilot study demonstrates that these methods and procedures can work. [NIH] 

Pilot study: The initial study examining a new method or treatment. [NIH] 

Pituitary Gland: A small, unpaired gland situated in the sella turcica tissue. It is connected 

to the hypothalamus by a short stalk. [NIH] 

Placenta: A highly vascular fetal organ through which the fetus absorbs oxygen and other 

nutrients and excretes carbon dioxide and other wastes. It begins to form about the eighth 

day of gestation when the blastocyst adheres to the decidua. [NIH]


Plants: Multicellular, eukaryotic life forms of the kingdom Plantae. They are characterized 

by a mainly photosynthetic mode of nutrition; essentially unlimited growth at localized 

regions of cell divisions (meristems); cellulose within cells providing rigidity; the absence of 

organs of locomotion; absense of nervous and sensory systems; and an alteration of haploid 

and diploid generations. [NIH] 

Plaque: A clear zone in a bacterial culture grown on an agar plate caused by localized 

destruction of bacterial cells by a bacteriophage. The concentration of infective virus in a 

fluid can be estimated by applying the fluid to a culture and counting the number of. [NIH] 

Plasma: The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins 

that form blood clots are in plasma. [NIH] 

Plasma cells: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. [NIH] 

Plasma protein: One of the hundreds of different proteins present in blood plasma, 

including carrier proteins ( such albumin, transferrin, and haptoglobin), fibrinogen and 

other coagulation factors, complement components, immunoglobulins, enzyme inhibitors, 

precursors of substances such as angiotension and bradykinin, and many other types of 

proteins. [EU] 

Plasma Volume: Volume of plasma in the circulation. It is usually measured by indicator 

dilution techniques. [NIH] 

Plasmacytoma: Any discrete, presumably solitary, mass of neoplastic plasma cells either in 

bone marrow or various extramedullary sites. [NIH] 

Plasticity: In an individual or a population, the capacity for adaptation: a) through gene 

changes (genetic plasticity) or b) through internal physiological modifications in response to 

changes of environment (physiological plasticity). [NIH] 

Platelet Aggregation: The attachment of platelets to one another. This clumping together 

can be induced by a number of agents (e.g., thrombin, collagen) and is part of the 

mechanism leading to the formation of a thrombus. [NIH] 

Platelets: A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. 

Also called thrombocytes. [NIH] 

Platinum: Platinum. A heavy, soft, whitish metal, resembling tin, atomic number 78, atomic 

weight 195.09, symbol Pt. (From Dorland, 28th ed) It is used in manufacturing equipment 

for laboratory and industrial use. It occurs as a black powder (platinum black) and as a 

spongy substance (spongy platinum) and may have been known in Pliny's time as "alutiae". 

[NIH] 

Pleomorphic: Occurring in various distinct forms. In terms of cells, having variation in the 

size and shape of cells or their nuclei. [NIH] 

Plexus: A network or tangle; a general term for a network of lymphatic vessels, nerves, or 

veins. [EU] 

Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs. [NIH] 

Pneumonitis: A disease caused by inhaling a wide variety of substances such as dusts and 

molds. Also called "farmer's disease". [NIH] 

Poisoning: A condition or physical state produced by the ingestion, injection or inhalation 

of, or exposure to a deleterious agent. [NIH] 

Polyethylene: A vinyl polymer made from ethylene. It can be branched or linear. Branched 

or low-density polyethylene is tough and pliable but not to the same degree as linear 

polyethylene. Linear or high-density polyethylene has a greater hardness and tensile 

strength. Polyethylene is used in a variety of products, including implants and prostheses. 

[NIH]

300 


Polymers: Compounds formed by the joining of smaller, usually repeating, units linked by 

covalent bonds. These compounds often form large macromolecules (e.g., polypeptides, 

proteins, plastics). [NIH] 

Polypeptide: A peptide which on hydrolysis yields more than two amino acids; called 

tripeptides, tetrapeptides, etc. according to the number of amino acids contained. [EU] 

Polysaccharide: A type of carbohydrate. It contains sugar molecules that are linked together 

chemically. [NIH] 

Porosity: Condition of having pores or open spaces. This often refers to bones, bone 

implants, or bone cements, but can refer to the porous state of any solid substance. [NIH] 

Porphyria: A group of disorders characterized by the excessive production of porphyrins or 

their precursors that arises from abnormalities in the regulation of the porphyrin-heme 

pathway. The porphyrias are usually divided into three broad groups, erythropoietic, 

hepatic, and erythrohepatic, according to the major sites of abnormal porphyrin synthesis. 

[NIH] 

Porphyrins: A group of compounds containing the porphin structure, four pyrrole rings 

connected by methine bridges in a cyclic configuration to which a variety of side chains are 

attached. The nature of the side chain is indicated by a prefix, as uroporphyrin, 

hematoporphyrin, etc. The porphyrins, in combination with iron, form the heme component 

in biologically significant compounds such as hemoglobin and myoglobin. [NIH] 

Portal Hypertension: High blood pressure in the portal vein. This vein carries blood into the 

liver. Portal hypertension is caused by a blood clot. This is a common complication of 

cirrhosis. [NIH] 

Posterior: Situated in back of, or in the back part of, or affecting the back or dorsal surface of 

the body. In lower animals, it refers to the caudal end of the body. [EU] 

Postnatal: Occurring after birth, with reference to the newborn. [EU] 

Postoperative: After surgery. [NIH] 

Postural: Pertaining to posture or position. [EU] 

Practicability: A non-standard characteristic of an analytical procedure. It is dependent on 

the scope of the method and is determined by requirements such as sample throughout and 

costs. [NIH] 

Practice Guidelines: Directions or principles presenting current or future rules of policy for 

the health care practitioner to assist him in patient care decisions regarding diagnosis, 

therapy, or related clinical circumstances. The guidelines may be developed by government 

agencies at any level, institutions, professional societies, governing boards, or by the 

convening of expert panels. The guidelines form a basis for the evaluation of all aspects of 

health care and delivery. [NIH] 

Precancerous: A term used to describe a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer. 

Also called premalignant. [NIH] 

Precursor: Something that precedes. In biological processes, a substance from which 

another, usually more active or mature substance is formed. In clinical medicine, a sign or 

symptom that heralds another. [EU] 

Prednisolone: A glucocorticoid with the general properties of the corticosteroids. It is the 

drug of choice for all conditions in which routine systemic corticosteroid therapy is 

indicated, except adrenal deficiency states. [NIH] 

Prefrontal Cortex: The rostral part of the frontal lobe, bounded by the inferior precentral 

fissure in humans, which receives projection fibers from the mediodorsal nucleus of the 

thalamus. The prefrontal cortex receives afferent fibers from numerous structures of the


diencephalon, mesencephalon, and limbic system as well as cortical afferents of visual, 

auditory, and somatic origin. [NIH] 

Premalignant: A term used to describe a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer. 

Also called precancerous. [NIH] 

Prenatal: Existing or occurring before birth, with reference to the fetus. [EU] 

Preoperative: Preceding an operation. [EU] 

Presynaptic: Situated proximal to a synapse, or occurring before the synapse is crossed. [EU] 

Prevalence: The total number of cases of a given disease in a specified population at a 

designated time. It is differentiated from incidence, which refers to the number of new cases 

in the population at a given time. [NIH] 

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: A chronic liver disease. Slowly destroys the bile ducts in the 

liver. This prevents release of bile. Long-term irritation of the liver may cause scarring and 

cirrhosis in later stages of the disease. [NIH] 

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Irritation, scarring, and narrowing of the bile ducts inside 

and outside the liver. Bile builds up in the liver and may damage its cells. Many people with 

this condition also have ulcerative colitis. [NIH] 

Primary tumor: The original tumor. [NIH] 

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors: PNET. A type of bone cancer that forms in the middle 

(shaft) of large bones. Also called Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor. [NIH] 

Probe: An instrument used in exploring cavities, or in the detection and dilatation of 

strictures, or in demonstrating the potency of channels; an elongated instrument for 

exploring or sounding body cavities. [NIH] 

Problem Solving: A learning situation involving more than one alternative from which a 

selection is made in order to attain a specific goal. [NIH] 

Prodrug: A substance that gives rise to a pharmacologically active metabolite, although not 

itself active (i. e. an inactive precursor). [NIH] 

Progeny: The offspring produced in any generation. [NIH] 

Progression: Increase in the size of a tumor or spread of cancer in the body. [NIH] 

Progressive: Advancing; going forward; going from bad to worse; increasing in scope or 

severity. [EU] 

Projection: A defense mechanism, operating unconsciously, whereby that which is 

emotionally unacceptable in the self is rejected and attributed (projected) to others. [NIH] 

Prolapse: The protrusion of an organ or part of an organ into a natural or artificial orifice. 

[NIH] 

Proline: A non-essential amino acid that is synthesized from glutamic acid. It is an essential 

component of collagen and is important for proper functioning of joints and tendons. [NIH] 

Prone: Having the front portion of the body downwards. [NIH] 

Prophase: The first phase of cell division, in which the chromosomes become visible, the 

nucleus starts to lose its identity, the spindle appears, and the centrioles migrate toward 

opposite poles. [NIH] 

Propofol: A widely used anesthetic. [NIH] 

Prospective Studies: Observation of a population for a sufficient number of persons over a 

sufficient number of years to generate incidence or mortality rates subsequent to the 

selection of the study group. [NIH]

302 


Prospective study: An epidemiologic study in which a group of individuals (a cohort), all 

free of a particular disease and varying in their exposure to a possible risk factor, is followed 

over a specific amount of time to determine the incidence rates of the disease in the exposed 

and unexposed groups. [NIH] 

Prostaglandins: A group of compounds derived from unsaturated 20-carbon fatty acids, 

primarily arachidonic acid, via the cyclooxygenase pathway. They are extremely potent 

mediators of a diverse group of physiological processes. [NIH] 

Prostaglandins A: (13E,15S)-15-Hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-10,13-dien-1-oic acid (PGA(1)); 

(5Z,13E,15S)-15-hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13-trien-1-oic acid (PGA(2)); (5Z,13E,15S,17Z)-15hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13,17-tetraen-1-oic 

acid (PGA(3)). A group of naturally occurring 

secondary prostaglandins derived from PGE. PGA(1) and PGA(2) as well as their 19hydroxy 

derivatives are found in many organs and tissues. [NIH] 

Prostate: A gland in males that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra. It secretes 

a substance that liquifies coagulated semen. It is situated in the pelvic cavity behind the 

lower part of the pubic symphysis, above the deep layer of the triangular ligament, and rests 

upon the rectum. [NIH] 

Protein C: A vitamin-K dependent zymogen present in the blood, which, upon activation by 

thrombin and thrombomodulin exerts anticoagulant properties by inactivating factors Va 

and VIIIa at the rate-limiting steps of thrombin formation. [NIH] 

Protein S: The vitamin K-dependent cofactor of activated protein C. Together with protein 

C, it inhibits the action of factors VIIIa and Va. A deficiency in protein S can lead to 

recurrent venous and arterial thrombosis. [NIH] 

Proteins: Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The specific sequence of amino 

acids determines the shape and function of the protein. [NIH] 

Proteinuria: The presence of protein in the urine, indicating that the kidneys are not 

working properly. [NIH] 

Proteoglycans: Glycoproteins which have a very high polysaccharide content. [NIH] 

Proteolytic: 1. Pertaining to, characterized by, or promoting proteolysis. 2. An enzyme that 

promotes proteolysis (= the splitting of proteins by hydrolysis of the peptide bonds with 

formation of smaller polypeptides). [EU] 

Protocol: The detailed plan for a clinical trial that states the trial's rationale, purpose, drug or 

vaccine dosages, length of study, routes of administration, who may participate, and other 

aspects of trial design. [NIH] 

Protons: Stable elementary particles having the smallest known positive charge, found in the 

nuclei of all elements. The proton mass is less than that of a neutron. A proton is the nucleus 

of the light hydrogen atom, i.e., the hydrogen ion. [NIH] 

Protozoa: A subkingdom consisting of unicellular organisms that are the simplest in the 

animal kingdom. Most are free living. They range in size from submicroscopic to 

macroscopic. Protozoa are divided into seven phyla: Sarcomastigophora, 

Labyrinthomorpha, Apicomplexa, Microspora, Ascetospora, Myxozoa, and Ciliophora. [NIH] 

Psychiatric: Pertaining to or within the purview of psychiatry. [EU] 

Psychiatry: The medical science that deals with the origin, diagnosis, prevention, and 

treatment of mental disorders. [NIH] 

Psychic: Pertaining to the psyche or to the mind; mental. [EU] 

Psychological Tests: Standardized tests designed to measure abilities, as in intelligence, 

aptitude, and achievement tests, or to evaluate personality traits. [NIH]


Psychology: The science dealing with the study of mental processes and behavior in man 

and animals. [NIH] 

Psychopathology: The study of significant causes and processes in the development of 

mental illness. [NIH] 

Psychophysiology: The study of the physiological basis of human and animal behavior. 

[NIH] 

Psychosis: A mental disorder characterized by gross impairment in reality testing as 

evidenced by delusions, hallucinations, markedly incoherent speech, or disorganized and 

agitated behaviour without apparent awareness on the part of the patient of the 

incomprehensibility of his behaviour; the term is also used in a more general sense to refer 

to mental disorders in which mental functioning is sufficiently impaired as to interfere 

grossly with the patient's capacity to meet the ordinary demands of life. Historically, the 

term has been applied to many conditions, e.g. manic-depressive psychosis, that were first 

described in psychotic patients, although many patients with the disorder are not judged 

psychotic. [EU] 

Public Health: Branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of disease 

and disability, and the promotion of physical and mental health of the population on the 

international, national, state, or municipal level. [NIH] 

Public Policy: A course or method of action selected, usually by a government, from among 

alternatives to guide and determine present and future decisions. [NIH] 

Publishing: "The business or profession of the commercial production and issuance of 

literature" (Webster's 3d). It includes the publisher, publication processes, editing and 

editors. Production may be by conventional printing methods or by electronic publishing. 

[NIH] 

Pulmonary: Relating to the lungs. [NIH] 

Pulmonary Artery: The short wide vessel arising from the conus arteriosus of the right 

ventricle and conveying unaerated blood to the lungs. [NIH] 

Pulmonary Embolism: Embolism in the pulmonary artery or one of its branches. [NIH] 

Pulsation: A throb or rhythmical beat, as of the heart. [EU] 

Pulse: The rhythmical expansion and contraction of an artery produced by waves of 

pressure caused by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle of the heart as it contracts. 

[NIH] 

Putrefaction: The process of decomposition of animal and vegetable matter by living 

organisms. [NIH] 

Putrescine: A toxic diamine formed by putrefaction from the decarboxylation of arginine 

and ornithine. [NIH] 

Quality of Life: A generic concept reflecting concern with the modification and 

enhancement of life attributes, e.g., physical, political, moral and social environment. [NIH] 

Race: A population within a species which exhibits general similarities within itself, but is 

both discontinuous and distinct from other populations of that species, though not 

sufficiently so as to achieve the status of a taxon. [NIH] 

Racemic: Optically inactive but resolvable in the way of all racemic compounds. [NIH] 

Radiation: Emission or propagation of electromagnetic energy (waves/rays), or the 

waves/rays themselves; a stream of electromagnetic particles (electrons, neutrons, protons, 

alpha particles) or a mixture of these. The most common source is the sun. [NIH] 

Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons,

304 


and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a 

machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from 

radioactive material placed in the body in the area near cancer cells (internal radiation 

therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive 

substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. 

Also called radiotherapy. [NIH] 

Radicular: Having the character of or relating to a radicle or root. [NIH] 

Radio Waves: That portion of the electromagnetic spectrum beyond the microwaves, with 

wavelengths as high as 30 KM. They are used in communications, including television. Short 

Wave or HF (high frequency), UHF (ultrahigh frequency) and VHF (very high frequency) 

waves are used in citizen's band communication. [NIH] 

Radioactive: Giving off radiation. [NIH] 

Radiography: Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of 

roentgen rays, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film). [NIH] 

Radioimmunotherapy: Radiotherapy where cytotoxic radionuclides are linked to antibodies 

in order to deliver toxins directly to tumor targets. Therapy with targeted radiation rather 

than antibody-targeted toxins (immunotoxins) has the advantage that adjacent tumor cells, 

which lack the appropriate antigenic determinants, can be destroyed by radiation cross-fire. 

Radioimmunotherapy is sometimes called targeted radiotherapy, but this latter term can 

also refer to radionuclides linked to non-immune molecules (radiotherapy). [NIH] 

Radioisotope: An unstable element that releases radiation as it breaks down. Radioisotopes 

can be used in imaging tests or as a treatment for cancer. [NIH] 

Radiolabeled: Any compound that has been joined with a radioactive substance. [NIH] 

Radiological: Pertaining to radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic procedures, and 

interventional radiology or other planning and guiding medical radiology. [NIH] 

Radiology: A specialty concerned with the use of x-ray and other forms of radiant energy in 

the diagnosis and treatment of disease. [NIH] 

Radiopharmaceutical: Any medicinal product which, when ready for use, contains one or 

more radionuclides (radioactive isotopes) included for a medicinal purpose. [NIH] 

Radiotherapy: The use of ionizing radiation to treat malignant neoplasms and other benign 

conditions. The most common forms of ionizing radiation used as therapy are x-rays, 

gamma rays, and electrons. A special form of radiotherapy, targeted radiotherapy, links a 

cytotoxic radionuclide to a molecule that targets the tumor. When this molecule is an 

antibody or other immunologic molecule, the technique is called radioimmunotherapy. [NIH] 

Raloxifene: A second generation selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to 

prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It has estrogen agonist effects on bone and 

cholesterol metabolism but behaves as a complete estrogen antagonist on mammary gland 

and uterine tissue. [NIH] 

Randomized: Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects 

are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments. [NIH] 

Reagent: A substance employed to produce a chemical reaction so as to detect, measure, 

produce, etc., other substances. [EU] 

Receptivity: The condition of the reproductive organs of a female flower that permits 

effective pollination. [NIH] 

Receptor: A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and 

causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell. [NIH]


Receptors, Serotonin: Cell-surface proteins that bind serotonin and trigger intracellular 

changes which influence the behavior of cells. Several types of serotonin receptors have been 

recognized which differ in their pharmacology, molecular biology, and mode of action. [NIH] 

Recombinant: A cell or an individual with a new combination of genes not found together 

in either parent; usually applied to linked genes. [EU] 

Recombination: The formation of new combinations of genes as a result of segregation in 

crosses between genetically different parents; also the rearrangement of linked genes due to 

crossing-over. [NIH] 

Rectal: By or having to do with the rectum. The rectum is the last 8 to 10 inches of the large 

intestine and ends at the anus. [NIH] 

Rectum: The last 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine. [NIH] 

Recurrence: The return of a sign, symptom, or disease after a remission. [NIH] 

Reductase: Enzyme converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. [NIH] 

Refer: To send or direct for treatment, aid, information, de decision. [NIH] 

Reflex: An involuntary movement or exercise of function in a part, excited in response to a 

stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the brain or spinal cord. [NIH] 

Refraction: A test to determine the best eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct a refractive 

error (myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism). [NIH] 

Refractive Errors: Deviations from the average or standard indices of refraction of the eye 

through its dioptric or refractive apparatus. [NIH] 

Refractory: Not readily yielding to treatment. [EU] 

Regimen: A treatment plan that specifies the dosage, the schedule, and the duration of 

treatment. [NIH] 

Relapse: The return of signs and symptoms of cancer after a period of improvement. [NIH] 

Reliability: Used technically, in a statistical sense, of consistency of a test with itself, i. e. the 

extent to which we can assume that it will yield the same result if repeated a second time. 

[NIH] 

Remission: A decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer. In partial 

remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. In complete 

remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although there still may be 

cancer in the body. [NIH] 

Renal Artery: A branch of the abdominal aorta which supplies the kidneys, adrenal glands 

and ureters. [NIH] 

Renal cell carcinoma: A type of kidney cancer. [NIH] 

Renovascular: Of or pertaining to the blood vessels of the kidneys. [EU] 

Reperfusion: Restoration of blood supply to tissue which is ischemic due to decrease in 

normal blood supply. The decrease may result from any source including atherosclerotic 

obstruction, narrowing of the artery, or surgical clamping. It is primarily a procedure for 

treating infarction or other ischemia, by enabling viable ischemic tissue to recover, thus 

limiting further necrosis. However, it is thought that reperfusion can itself further damage 

the ischemic tissue, causing reperfusion injury. [NIH] 

Resection: Removal of tissue or part or all of an organ by surgery. [NIH] 

Respiration: The act of breathing with the lungs, consisting of inspiration, or the taking into 

the lungs of the ambient air, and of expiration, or the expelling of the modified air which 

contains more carbon dioxide than the air taken in (Blakiston's Gould Medical Dictionary,

306 


4th ed.). This does not include tissue respiration (= oxygen consumption) or cell respiration 

(= cell respiration). [NIH] 

Retina: The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the optic 

nerve and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its 

outer surface is in contact with the choroid and the inner surface with the vitreous body. The 

outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent. [NIH] 

Retinal: 1. Pertaining to the retina. 2. The aldehyde of retinol, derived by the oxidative 

enzymatic splitting of absorbed dietary carotene, and having vitamin A activity. In the 

retina, retinal combines with opsins to form visual pigments. One isomer, 11-cis retinal 

combines with opsin in the rods (scotopsin) to form rhodopsin, or visual purple. Another, 

all-trans retinal (trans-r.); visual yellow; xanthopsin) results from the bleaching of rhodopsin 

by light, in which the 11-cis form is converted to the all-trans form. Retinal also combines 

with opsins in the cones (photopsins) to form the three pigments responsible for colour 

vision. Called also retinal, and retinene1. [EU] 

Retinal Ganglion Cells: Cells of the innermost nuclear layer of the retina, the ganglion cell 

layer, which project axons through the optic nerve to the brain. They are quite variable in 

size and in the shapes of their dendritic arbors, which are generally confined to the inner 

plexiform layer. [NIH] 

Retinoblastoma: An eye cancer that most often occurs in children younger than 5 years. It 

occurs in hereditary and nonhereditary (sporadic) forms. [NIH] 

Retinol: Vitamin A. It is essential for proper vision and healthy skin and mucous 

membranes. Retinol is being studied for cancer prevention; it belongs to the family of drugs 

called retinoids. [NIH] 

Retrospective: Looking back at events that have already taken place. [NIH] 

Retroviral vector: RNA from a virus that is used to insert genetic material into cells. [NIH] 

Rheumatism: A group of disorders marked by inflammation or pain in the connective tissue 

structures of the body. These structures include bone, cartilage, and fat. [NIH] 

Rheumatoid: Resembling rheumatism. [EU] 

Rheumatoid arthritis: A form of arthritis, the cause of which is unknown, although 

infection, hypersensitivity, hormone imbalance and psychologic stress have been suggested 

as possible causes. [NIH] 

Rhodopsin: A photoreceptor protein found in retinal rods. It is a complex formed by the 

binding of retinal, the oxidized form of retinol, to the protein opsin and undergoes a series 

of complex reactions in response to visible light resulting in the transmission of nerve 

impulses to the brain. [NIH] 

Ribosome: A granule of protein and RNA, synthesized in the nucleolus and found in the 

cytoplasm of cells. Ribosomes are the main sites of protein synthesis. Messenger RNA 

attaches to them and there receives molecules of transfer RNA bearing amino acids. [NIH] 

Risk factor: A habit, trait, condition, or genetic alteration that increases a person's chance of 

developing a disease. [NIH] 

Rods: One type of specialized light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) in the retina that provide 

side vision and the ability to see objects in dim light (night vision). [NIH] 

Sagittal: The line of direction passing through the body from back to front, or any vertical 

plane parallel to the medial plane of the body and inclusive of that plane; often restricted to 

the medial plane, the plane of the sagittal suture. [NIH] 

Saline: A solution of salt and water. [NIH]


Saliva: The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the 

mouth. It contains mucins, water, organic salts, and ptylin. [NIH] 

Salivary: The duct that convey saliva to the mouth. [NIH] 

Salivary glands: Glands in the mouth that produce saliva. [NIH] 

Sarcolemma: The plasma membrane of a smooth, striated, or cardiac muscle fiber. [NIH] 

Saturate: Means fatty acids without double bond. [NIH] 

Scans: Pictures of structures inside the body. Scans often used in diagnosing, staging, and 

monitoring disease include liver scans, bone scans, and computed tomography (CT) or 

computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. 

In liver scanning and bone scanning, radioactive substances that are injected into the 

bloodstream collect in these organs. A scanner that detects the radiation is used to create 

pictures. In CT scanning, an x-ray machine linked to a computer is used to produce detailed 

pictures of organs inside the body. MRI scans use a large magnet connected to a computer to 

create pictures of areas inside the body. [NIH] 

Scatter: The extent to which relative success and failure are divergently manifested in 

qualitatively different tests. [NIH] 

Schizophrenia: A mental disorder characterized by a special type of disintegration of the 

personality. [NIH] 

Schwannoma: A tumor of the peripheral nervous system that begins in the nerve sheath 

(protective covering). It is almost always benign, but rare malignant schwannomas have 

been reported. [NIH] 

Sclera: The tough white outer coat of the eyeball, covering approximately the posterior fivesixths 

of its surface, and continuous anteriorly with the cornea and posteriorly with the 

external sheath of the optic nerve. [EU] 

Sclerosis: A pathological process consisting of hardening or fibrosis of an anatomical 

structure, often a vessel or a nerve. [NIH] 

Scoliosis: A lateral curvature of the spine. [NIH] 

Screening: Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. [NIH] 

Secondary tumor: Cancer that has spread from the organ in which it first appeared to 

another organ. For example, breast cancer cells may spread (metastasize) to the lungs and 

cause the growth of a new tumor. When this happens, the disease is called metastatic breast 

cancer, and the tumor in the lungs is called a secondary tumor. Also called secondary 

cancer. [NIH] 

Secretion: 1. The process of elaborating a specific product as a result of the activity of a 

gland; this activity may range from separating a specific substance of the blood to the 

elaboration of a new chemical substance. 2. Any substance produced by secretion. [EU] 

Segmental: Describing or pertaining to a structure which is repeated in similar form in 

successive segments of an organism, or which is undergoing segmentation. [NIH] 

Segmentation: The process by which muscles in the intestines move food and wastes 

through the body. [NIH] 

Seizures: Clinical or subclinical disturbances of cortical function due to a sudden, abnormal, 

excessive, and disorganized discharge of brain cells. Clinical manifestations include 

abnormal motor, sensory and psychic phenomena. Recurrent seizures are usually referred to 

as epilepsy or "seizure disorder." [NIH] 

Selective estrogen receptor modulator: SERM. A drug that acts like estrogen on some 

tissues, but blocks the effect of estrogen on other tissues. Tamoxifen and raloxifene are

308 


SERMs. [NIH] 

Semantics: The relationships between symbols and their meanings. [NIH] 

Semen: The thick, yellowish-white, viscid fluid secretion of male reproductive organs 

discharged upon ejaculation. In addition to reproductive organ secretions, it contains 

spermatozoa and their nutrient plasma. [NIH] 

Senescence: The bodily and mental state associated with advancing age. [NIH] 

Sensibility: The ability to receive, feel and appreciate sensations and impressions; the 

quality of being sensitive; the extend to which a method gives results that are free from false 

negatives. [NIH] 

Sensor: A device designed to respond to physical stimuli such as temperature, light, 

magnetism or movement and transmit resulting impulses for interpretation, recording, 

movement, or operating control. [NIH] 

Septal: An abscess occurring at the root of the tooth on the proximal surface. [NIH] 

Septal Nuclei: Neural nuclei situated in the septal region. They have afferent and 

cholinergic efferent connections with a variety of forebrain and brainstem areas including 

the hippocampus, the lateral hypothalamus, the tegmentum, and the amygdala. Included 

are the dorsal, lateral, medial, and triangular septal nuclei, septofimbrial nucleus, nucleus of 

diagonal band, nucleus of anterior commissure, and the nucleus of stria terminalis. [NIH] 

Septic: Produced by or due to decomposition by microorganisms; putrefactive. [EU] 

Sequencer: Device that reads off the order of nucleotides in a cloned gene. [NIH] 

Sequester: A portion of dead bone which has become detached from the healthy bone 

tissue, as occurs in necrosis. [NIH] 

Serotonin: A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino 

acid L-tryptophan. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, 

gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important 

physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, 

and cardiovascular integrity. Multiple receptor families (receptors, serotonin) explain the 

broad physiological actions and distribution of this biochemical mediator. [NIH] 

Serous: Having to do with serum, the clear liquid part of blood. [NIH] 

Serum: The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins 

have been removed. [NIH] 

Sex Characteristics: Those characteristics that distinguish one sex from the other. The 

primary sex characteristics are the ovaries and testes and their related hormones. Secondary 

sex characteristics are those which are masculine or feminine but not directly related to 

reproduction. [NIH] 

Shock: The general bodily disturbance following a severe injury; an emotional or moral 

upset occasioned by some disturbing or unexpected experience; disruption of the 

circulation, which can upset all body functions: sometimes referred to as circulatory shock. 

[NIH] 

Sialography: Radiography of the salivary glands or ducts following injection of contrast 

medium. [NIH] 

Side effect: A consequence other than the one(s) for which an agent or measure is used, as 

the adverse effects produced by a drug, especially on a tissue or organ system other than the 

one sought to be benefited by its administration. [EU] 

Sign Language: A system of hand gestures used for communication by the deaf or by 

people speaking different languages. [NIH]


Signs and Symptoms: Clinical manifestations that can be either objective when observed by 

a physician, or subjective when perceived by the patient. [NIH] 

Silicon: A trace element that constitutes about 27.6% of the earth's crust in the form of 

silicon dioxide. It does not occur free in nature. Silicon has the atomic symbol Si, atomic 

number 14, and atomic weight 28.09. [NIH] 

Silicon Dioxide: Silica. Transparent, tasteless crystals found in nature as agate, amethyst, 

chalcedony, cristobalite, flint, sand, quartz, and tridymite. The compound is insoluble in 

water or acids except hydrofluoric acid. [NIH] 

Skeletal: Having to do with the skeleton (boney part of the body). [NIH] 

Skeleton: The framework that supports the soft tissues of vertebrate animals and protects 

many of their internal organs. The skeletons of vertebrates are made of bone and/or 

cartilage. [NIH] 

Skull: The skeleton of the head including the bones of the face and the bones enclosing the 

brain. [NIH] 

Small intestine: The part of the digestive tract that is located between the stomach and the 

large intestine. [NIH] 

Social Environment: The aggregate of social and cultural institutions, forms, patterns, and 

processes that influence the life of an individual or community. [NIH] 

Social Security: Government sponsored social insurance programs. [NIH] 

Socialization: The training or molding of an individual through various relationships, 

educational agencies, and social controls, which enables him to become a member of a 

particular society. [NIH] 

Soft tissue: Refers to muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissue of 

the body. [NIH] 

Solid tumor: Cancer of body tissues other than blood, bone marrow, or the lymphatic 

system. [NIH] 

Solvent: 1. Dissolving; effecting a solution. 2. A liquid that dissolves or that is capable of 

dissolving; the component of a solution that is present in greater amount. [EU] 

Somatic: 1. Pertaining to or characteristic of the soma or body. 2. Pertaining to the body wall 

in contrast to the viscera. [EU] 

Somatosensory Cortex: Area of the parietal lobe concerned with receiving general 

sensations. It lies posterior to the central sulcus. [NIH] 

Sonogram: A computer picture of areas inside the body created by bouncing sound waves 

off organs and other tissues. Also called ultrasonogram or ultrasound. [NIH] 

Sound wave: An alteration of properties of an elastic medium, such as pressure, particle 

displacement, or density, that propagates through the medium, or a superposition of such 

alterations. [NIH] 

Specialist: In medicine, one who concentrates on 1 special branch of medical science. [NIH] 

Species: A taxonomic category subordinate to a genus (or subgenus) and superior to a 

subspecies or variety, composed of individuals possessing common characters 

distinguishing them from other categories of individuals of the same taxonomic level. In 

taxonomic nomenclature, species are designated by the genus name followed by a Latin or 

Latinized adjective or noun. [EU] 

Specificity: Degree of selectivity shown by an antibody with respect to the number and 

types of antigens with which the antibody combines, as well as with respect to the rates and 

the extents of these reactions. [NIH]

310 


Spectroscopic: The recognition of elements through their emission spectra. [NIH] 

Spectrum: A charted band of wavelengths of electromagnetic vibrations obtained by 

refraction and diffraction. By extension, a measurable range of activity, such as the range of 

bacteria affected by an antibiotic (antibacterial s.) or the complete range of manifestations of 

a disease. [EU] 

Spermatozoa: Mature male germ cells that develop in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. 

Each consists of a head, a body, and a tail that provides propulsion. The head consists 

mainly of chromatin. [NIH] 

Sphenoid: An unpaired cranial bone with a body containing the sphenoid sinus and 

forming the posterior part of the medial walls of the orbits. [NIH] 

Sphenoidal: Relating or belonging to the sphenoid bone. [NIH] 

Sphincter: A ringlike band of muscle fibres that constricts a passage or closes a natural 

orifice; called also musculus sphincter. [EU] 

Spinal cord: The main trunk or bundle of nerves running down the spine through holes in 

the spinal bone (the vertebrae) from the brain to the level of the lower back. [NIH] 

Spinal tap: A procedure in which a needle is put into the lower part of the spinal column to 

collect cerebrospinal fluid or to give anticancer drugs intrathecally. Also called a lumbar 

puncture. [NIH] 

Spleen: An organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen produces lymphocytes, 

filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side 

of the abdomen near the stomach. [NIH] 

Sporadic: Neither endemic nor epidemic; occurring occasionally in a random or isolated 

manner. [EU] 

Sprains and Strains: A collective term for muscle and ligament injuries without dislocation 

or fracture. A sprain is a joint injury in which some of the fibers of a supporting ligament are 

ruptured but the continuity of the ligament remains intact. A strain is an overstretching or 

overexertion of some part of the musculature. [NIH] 

Squamous: Scaly, or platelike. [EU] 

Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells 

resembling fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the 

skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and 

digestive tracts. Also called epidermoid carcinoma. [NIH] 

Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells 

resembling fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the 

skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and 

digestive tracts. Also called epidermoid carcinoma. [NIH] 

Squamous cells: Flat cells that look like fish scales under a microscope. These cells cover 

internal and external surfaces of the body. [NIH] 

Stabilization: The creation of a stable state. [EU] 

Staging: Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body, 

especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. 

[NIH] 

Stasis: A word termination indicating the maintenance of (or maintaining) a constant level; 

preventing increase or multiplication. [EU] 

Status Epilepticus: Repeated and prolonged epileptic seizures without recovery of 

consciousness between attacks. [NIH]

Steady state: Dynamic equilibrium. [EU] 

Steatosis: Fatty degeneration. [EU] 


Steel: A tough, malleable, iron-based alloy containing up to, but no more than, two percent 

carbon and often other metals. It is used in medicine and dentistry in implants and 

instrumentation. [NIH] 

Stem Cells: Relatively undifferentiated cells of the same lineage (family type) that retain the 

ability to divide and cycle throughout postnatal life to provide cells that can become 

specialized and take the place of those that die or are lost. [NIH] 

Stenosis: Narrowing or stricture of a duct or canal. [EU] 

Stent: A device placed in a body structure (such as a blood vessel or the gastrointestinal 

tract) to provide support and keep the structure open. [NIH] 

Stereotactic: Radiotherapy that treats brain tumors by using a special frame affixed directly 

to the patient's cranium. By aiming the X-ray source with respect to the rigid frame, 

technicians can position the beam extremely precisely during each treatment. [NIH] 

Stereotactic radiosurgery: A radiation therapy technique involving a rigid head frame that 

is attached to the skull; high-dose radiation is administered through openings in the head 

frame to the tumor while decreasing the amount of radiation given to normal brain tissue. 

This procedure does not involve surgery. Also called stereotaxic radiosurgery and 

stereotactic radiation therapy. [NIH] 

Stereotaxis: Use of a computer and scanning devices to create three-dimensional pictures. 

This method can be used to direct a biopsy, external radiation, or the insertion of radiation 

implants. [NIH] 

Steroids: Drugs used to relieve swelling and inflammation. [NIH] 

Stimulant: 1. Producing stimulation; especially producing stimulation by causing tension on 

muscle fibre through the nervous tissue. 2. An agent or remedy that produces stimulation. 

[EU] 

Stimulus: That which can elicit or evoke action (response) in a muscle, nerve, gland or other 

excitable issue, or cause an augmenting action upon any function or metabolic process. [NIH] 

Stomach: An organ of digestion situated in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen between 

the termination of the esophagus and the beginning of the duodenum. [NIH] 

Stool: The waste matter discharged in a bowel movement; feces. [NIH] 

Strabismus: Deviation of the eye which the patient cannot overcome. The visual axes 

assume a position relative to each other different from that required by the physiological 

conditions. The various forms of strabismus are spoken of as tropias, their direction being 

indicated by the appropriate prefix, as cyclo tropia, esotropia, exotropia, hypertropia, and 

hypotropia. Called also cast, heterotropia, manifest deviation, and squint. [EU] 

Strand: DNA normally exists in the bacterial nucleus in a helix, in which two strands are 

coiled together. [NIH] 

Stress: Forcibly exerted influence; pressure. Any condition or situation that causes strain or 

tension. Stress may be either physical or psychologic, or both. [NIH] 

Stricture: The abnormal narrowing of a body opening. Also called stenosis. [NIH] 

Stroke: Sudden loss of function of part of the brain because of loss of blood flow. Stroke may 

be caused by a clot (thrombosis) or rupture (hemorrhage) of a blood vessel to the brain. [NIH] 

Stroma: The middle, thickest layer of tissue in the cornea. [NIH] 

Stromal: Large, veil-like cell in the bone marrow. [NIH]

312 


Subacute: Somewhat acute; between acute and chronic. [EU] 

Subarachnoid: Situated or occurring between the arachnoid and the pia mater. [EU] 

Subclavian: The direct continuation of the axillary vein at the lateral border of the first rib. It 

passes medially to join the internal jugular vein and form the brachiocephalic vein on each 

side. [NIH] 

Subclavian Artery: Artery arising from the brachiocephalic trunk on the right side and from 

the arch of the aorta on the left side. It distributes to the neck, thoracic wall, spinal cord, 

brain, meninges, and upper limb. [NIH] 

Subclavian Vein: The continuation of the axillary vein which follows the subclavian artery 

and then joins the internal jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein. [NIH] 

Subclinical: Without clinical manifestations; said of the early stage(s) of an infection or other 

disease or abnormality before symptoms and signs become apparent or detectable by 

clinical examination or laboratory tests, or of a very mild form of an infection or other 

disease or abnormality. [EU] 

Subcutaneous: Beneath the skin. [NIH] 

Subiculum: A region of the hippocampus that projects to other areas of the brain. [NIH] 

Subspecies: A category intermediate in rank between species and variety, based on a 

smaller number of correlated characters than are used to differentiate species and generally 

conditioned by geographical and/or ecological occurrence. [NIH] 

Substance P: An eleven-amino acid neurotransmitter that appears in both the central and 

peripheral nervous systems. It is involved in transmission of pain, causes rapid contractions 

of the gastrointestinal smooth muscle, and modulates inflammatory and immune responses. 

[NIH] 

Substrate: A substance upon which an enzyme acts. [EU] 

Superior vena cava: Vein which returns blood from the head and neck, upper limbs, and 

thorax. It is formed by the union of the two brachiocephalic veins. [NIH] 

Supplementation: Adding nutrients to the diet. [NIH] 

Suppositories: A small cone-shaped medicament having cocoa butter or gelatin at its basis 

and usually intended for the treatment of local conditions in the rectum. [NIH] 

Suppression: A conscious exclusion of disapproved desire contrary with repression, in 

which the process of exclusion is not conscious. [NIH] 

Supratentorial: Located in the upper part of the brain. [NIH] 

Survival Rate: The proportion of survivors in a group, e.g., of patients, studied and 

followed over a period, or the proportion of persons in a specified group alive at the 

beginning of a time interval who survive to the end of the interval. It is often studied using 

life table methods. [NIH] 

Sympathetic Nervous System: The thoracolumbar division of the autonomic nervous 

system. Sympathetic preganglionic fibers originate in neurons of the intermediolateral 

column of the spinal cord and project to the paravertebral and prevertebral ganglia, which 

in turn project to target organs. The sympathetic nervous system mediates the body's 

response to stressful situations, i.e., the fight or flight reactions. It often acts reciprocally to 

the parasympathetic system. [NIH] 

Symphysis: A secondary cartilaginous joint. [NIH] 

Symptomatic: Having to do with symptoms, which are signs of a condition or disease. [NIH] 

Synapse: The region where the processes of two neurons come into close contiguity, and the


nervous impulse passes from one to the other; the fibers of the two are intermeshed, but, 

according to the general view, there is no direct contiguity. [NIH] 

Synaptic: Pertaining to or affecting a synapse (= site of functional apposition between 

neurons, at which an impulse is transmitted from one neuron to another by electrical or 

chemical means); pertaining to synapsis (= pairing off in point-for-point association of 

homologous chromosomes from the male and female pronuclei during the early prophase of 

meiosis). [EU] 

Synovial: Of pertaining to, or secreting synovia. [EU] 

Synovial Membrane: The inner membrane of a joint capsule surrounding a freely movable 

joint. It is loosely attached to the external fibrous capsule and secretes synovial fluid. [NIH] 

Synovitis: Inflammation of a synovial membrane. It is usually painful, particularly on 

motion, and is characterized by a fluctuating swelling due to effusion within a synovial sac. 

Synovitis is qualified as fibrinous, gonorrhoeal, hyperplastic, lipomatous, metritic, 

puerperal, rheumatic, scarlatinal, syphilitic, tuberculous, urethral, etc. [EU] 

Systemic: Affecting the entire body. [NIH] 

Systemic disease: Disease that affects the whole body. [NIH] 

Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE. A chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease 

marked by skin rashes, joint pain and swelling, inflammation of the kidneys, inflammation 

of the fibrous tissue surrounding the heart (i.e., the pericardium), as well as other problems. 

Not all affected individuals display all of these problems. May be referred to as lupus. [NIH] 

Systems Analysis: The analysis of an activity, procedure, method, technique, or business to 

determine what must be accomplished and how the necessary operations may best be 

accomplished. [NIH] 

Systolic: Indicating the maximum arterial pressure during contraction of the left ventricle of 

the heart. [EU] 

Tachycardia: Excessive rapidity in the action of the heart, usually with a heart rate above 

100 beats per minute. [NIH] 

Tacrolimus: A macrolide isolated from the culture broth of a strain of Streptomyces 

tsukubaensis that has strong immunosuppressive activity in vivo and prevents the 

activation of T-lymphocytes in response to antigenic or mitogenic stimulation in vitro. [NIH] 

Tamoxifen: A first generation selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It acts as an 

agonist for bone tissue and cholesterol metabolism but is an estrogen antagonist in 

mammary and uterine. [NIH] 

Tardive: Marked by lateness, late; said of a disease in which the characteristic lesion is late 

in appearing. [EU] 

Telencephalon: Paired anteriolateral evaginations of the prosencephalon plus the lamina 

terminalis. The cerebral hemispheres are derived from it. Many authors consider cerebrum a 

synonymous term to telencephalon, though a minority include diencephalon as part of the 

cerebrum (Anthoney, 1994). [NIH] 

Telomerase: Essential ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase that adds telomeric DNA to 

the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. Telomerase appears to be repressed in normal human 

somatic tissues but reactivated in cancer, and thus may be necessary for malignant 

transformation. EC 2.7.7.-. [NIH] 

Temporal: One of the two irregular bones forming part of the lateral surfaces and base of the 

skull, and containing the organs of hearing. [NIH] 

Temporal Lobe: Lower lateral part of the cerebral hemisphere. [NIH]

314 


Testicular: Pertaining to a testis. [EU] 

Testis: Either of the paired male reproductive glands that produce the male germ cells and 

the male hormones. [NIH] 

Tetracycline: An antibiotic originally produced by Streptomyces viridifaciens, but used 

mostly in synthetic form. It is an inhibitor of aminoacyl-tRNA binding during protein 

synthesis. [NIH] 

Thalamic: Cell that reaches the lateral nucleus of amygdala. [NIH] 

Thalamic Nuclei: Several groups of nuclei in the thalamus that serve as the major relay 

centers for sensory impulses in the brain. [NIH] 

Thalamus: Paired bodies containing mostly gray substance and forming part of the lateral 

wall of the third ventricle of the brain. The thalamus represents the major portion of the 

diencephalon and is commonly divided into cellular aggregates known as nuclear groups. 

[NIH] 

Thalassemia: A group of hereditary hemolytic anemias in which there is decreased 

synthesis of one or more hemoglobin polypeptide chains. There are several genetic types 

with clinical pictures ranging from barely detectable hematologic abnormality to severe and 

fatal anemia. [NIH] 

Therapeutics: The branch of medicine which is concerned with the treatment of diseases, 

palliative or curative. [NIH] 

Thermal: Pertaining to or characterized by heat. [EU] 

Thigh: A leg; in anatomy, any elongated process or part of a structure more or less 

comparable to a leg. [NIH] 

Thoracic: Having to do with the chest. [NIH] 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A neurovascular syndrome associated with compression of the 

brachial plexus; subclavian artery; and subclavian vein at the superior thoracic outlet. This 

may result from a variety of anomalies such as a cervical rib (cervical rib syndrome), 

anomalous fascial bands, and abnormalities of the origin or insertion of the anterior or 

medial scalene muscles. Clinical features may include pain in the shoulder and neck region 

which radiates into the arm, paresis or paralysis of brachial plexus innervated muscles, 

paresthesia, loss of sensation, reduction of arterial pulses in the affected extremity, ischemia, 

and edema. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp214-5). [NIH] 

Thorax: A part of the trunk between the neck and the abdomen; the chest. [NIH] 

Threshold: For a specified sensory modality (e. g. light, sound, vibration), the lowest level 

(absolute threshold) or smallest difference (difference threshold, difference limen) or 

intensity of the stimulus discernible in prescribed conditions of stimulation. [NIH] 

Thrombin: An enzyme formed from prothrombin that converts fibrinogen to fibrin. 

(Dorland, 27th ed) EC 3.4.21.5. [NIH] 

Thrombocytes: Blood cells that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also 

called platelets. [NIH] 

Thrombomodulin: A cell surface glycoprotein of endothelial cells that binds thrombin and 

serves as a cofactor in the activation of protein C and its regulation of blood coagulation. 

[NIH] 

Thrombosis: The formation or presence of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. [NIH] 

Thrombus: An aggregation of blood factors, primarily platelets and fibrin with entrapment 

of cellular elements, frequently causing vascular obstruction at the point of its formation. 

Some authorities thus differentiate thrombus formation from simple coagulation or clot

formation. [EU] 


Thymus: An organ that is part of the lymphatic system, in which T lymphocytes grow and 

multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone. [NIH] 

Thyroid: A gland located near the windpipe (trachea) that produces thyroid hormone, 

which helps regulate growth and metabolism. [NIH] 

Thyroxine: An amino acid of the thyroid gland which exerts a stimulating effect on thyroid 

metabolism. [NIH] 

Tibia: The second longest bone of the skeleton. It is located on the medial side of the lower 

leg, articulating with the fibula laterally, the talus distally, and the femur proximally. [NIH] 

Tissue: A group or layer of cells that are alike in type and work together to perform a 

specific function. [NIH] 

Tissue Extracts: Preparations made from animal tissues or organs; they usually contain 

many components, any one of which may be pharmacologically or physiologically active; 

extracts may contain specific, but uncharacterized factors or proteins with specific actions. 

[NIH] 

Tomography: Imaging methods that result in sharp images of objects located on a chosen 

plane and blurred images located above or below the plane. [NIH] 

Tone: 1. The normal degree of vigour and tension; in muscle, the resistance to passive 

elongation or stretch; tonus. 2. A particular quality of sound or of voice. 3. To make 

permanent, or to change, the colour of silver stain by chemical treatment, usually with a 

heavy metal. [EU] 

Tonus: A state of slight tension usually present in muscles even when they are not 

undergoing active contraction. [NIH] 

Tooth Preparation: Procedures carried out with regard to the teeth or tooth structures 

preparatory to specified dental therapeutic and surgical measures. [NIH] 

Topical: On the surface of the body. [NIH] 

Torsion: A twisting or rotation of a bodily part or member on its axis. [NIH] 

Toxic: Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances 

usually cause unwanted side effects. [NIH] 

Toxicity: The quality of being poisonous, especially the degree of virulence of a toxic 

microbe or of a poison. [EU] 

Toxicokinetics: Study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of test 

substances. [NIH] 

Toxicology: The science concerned with the detection, chemical composition, and 

pharmacologic action of toxic substances or poisons and the treatment and prevention of 

toxic manifestations. [NIH] 

Toxins: Specific, characterizable, poisonous chemicals, often proteins, with specific 

biological properties, including immunogenicity, produced by microbes, higher plants, or 

animals. [NIH] 

Trace element: Substance or element essential to plant or animal life, but present in 

extremely small amounts. [NIH] 

Tracer: A substance (such as a radioisotope) used in imaging procedures. [NIH] 

Transcriptase: An enzyme which catalyses the synthesis of a complementary mRNA 

molecule from a DNA template in the presence of a mixture of the four ribonucleotides 

(ATP, UTP, GTP and CTP). [NIH]

316 


Transfection: The uptake of naked or purified DNA into cells, usually eukaryotic. It is 

analogous to bacterial transformation. [NIH] 

Transferases: Transferases are enzymes transferring a group, for example, the methyl group 

or a glycosyl group, from one compound (generally regarded as donor) to another 

compound (generally regarded as acceptor). The classification is based on the scheme 

"donor:acceptor group transferase". (Enzyme Nomenclature, 1992) EC 2. [NIH] 

Transfusion: The infusion of components of blood or whole blood into the bloodstream. The 

blood may be donated from another person, or it may have been taken from the person 

earlier and stored until needed. [NIH] 

Translation: The process whereby the genetic information present in the linear sequence of 

ribonucleotides in mRNA is converted into a corresponding sequence of amino acids in a 

protein. It occurs on the ribosome and is unidirectional. [NIH] 

Translational: The cleavage of signal sequence that directs the passage of the protein 

through a cell or organelle membrane. [NIH] 

Transmitter: A chemical substance which effects the passage of nerve impulses from one cell 

to the other at the synapse. [NIH] 

Transplantation: Transference of a tissue or organ, alive or dead, within an individual, 

between individuals of the same species, or between individuals of different species. [NIH] 

Transrectal ultrasound: A procedure used to examine the prostate. An instrument is 

inserted into the rectum, and sound waves bounce off the prostate. These sound waves 

create echoes, which a computer uses to create a picture called a sonogram. [NIH] 

Trauma: Any injury, wound, or shock, must frequently physical or structural shock, 

producing a disturbance. [NIH] 

Treatment Outcome: Evaluation undertaken to assess the results or consequences of 

management and procedures used in combating disease in order to determine the efficacy, 

effectiveness, safety, practicability, etc., of these interventions in individual cases or series. 

[NIH] 

Trigger zone: Dolorogenic zone (= producing or causing pain). [EU] 

Trochlear Nerve: The 4th cranial nerve. The trochlear nerve carries the motor innervation of 

the superior oblique muscles of the eye. [NIH] 

Trochlear Nerve Diseases: Diseases of the fourth cranial (trochlear) nerve or its nucleus in 

the midbrain. The nerve crosses as it exits the midbrain dorsally and may be injured along 

its course through the intracranial space, cavernous sinus, superior orbital fissure, or orbit. 

Clinical manifestations include weakness of the superior oblique muscle which causes 

vertical diplopia that is maximal when the affected eye is adducted and directed inferiorly. 

Head tilt may be seen as a compensatory mechanism for diplopia and rotation of the visual 

axis. Common etiologies include craniocerebral trauma and infratentorial neoplasms. [NIH] 

Tryptophan: An essential amino acid that is necessary for normal growth in infants and for 

nitrogen balance in adults. It is a precursor serotonin and niacin. [NIH] 

Tumor marker: A substance sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other 

body fluids, or tissues and which may mean that a certain type of cancer is in the body. 

Examples of tumor markers include CA 125 (ovarian cancer), CA 15-3 (breast cancer), CEA 

(ovarian, lung, breast, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract cancers), and PSA (prostate 

cancer). Also called biomarker. [NIH] 

Tumour: 1. Swelling, one of the cardinal signs of inflammations; morbid enlargement. 2. A 

new growth of tissue in which the multiplication of cells is uncontrolled and progressive; 

called also neoplasm. [EU]


Tunica: A rather vague term to denote the lining coat of hollow organs, tubes, or cavities. 

[NIH] 

Tunica Intima: The innermost coat of blood vessels, consisting of a thin lining of endothelial 

cells longitudinally oriented and continuous with the endothelium of capillaries on the one 

hand and the endocardium of the heart on the other. [NIH] 

Ubiquitin: A highly conserved 76 amino acid-protein found in all eukaryotic cells. [NIH] 

Ulcerative colitis: Chronic inflammation of the colon that produces ulcers in its lining. This 

condition is marked by abdominal pain, cramps, and loose discharges of pus, blood, and 

mucus from the bowel. [NIH] 

Ultrasonography: The visualization of deep structures of the body by recording the 

reflections of echoes of pulses of ultrasonic waves directed into the tissues. Use of 

ultrasound for imaging or diagnostic purposes employs frequencies ranging from 1.6 to 10 

megahertz. [NIH] 

Ureters: Tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. [NIH] 

Urethra: The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder. 

[NIH] 

Urinary: Having to do with urine or the organs of the body that produce and get rid of 

urine. [NIH] 

Urinary tract: The organs of the body that produce and discharge urine. These include the 

kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. [NIH] 

Urine: Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in 

the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra. [NIH] 

Urodynamic: Measures of the bladder's ability to hold and release urine. [NIH] 

Urography: Radiography of any part of the urinary tract. [NIH] 

Uterus: The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in 

which a fetus develops. Also called the womb. [NIH] 

Vaccines: Suspensions of killed or attenuated microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, 

protozoa, or rickettsiae), antigenic proteins derived from them, or synthetic constructs, 

administered for the prevention, amelioration, or treatment of infectious and other diseases. 

[NIH] 

Valves: Flap-like structures that control the direction of blood flow through the heart. [NIH] 

Vascular: Pertaining to blood vessels or indicative of a copious blood supply. [EU] 

Vascular endothelial growth factor: VEGF. A substance made by cells that stimulates new 

blood vessel formation. [NIH] 

Vasoconstriction: Narrowing of the blood vessels without anatomic change, for which 

constriction, pathologic is used. [NIH] 

Vasodilator: An agent that widens blood vessels. [NIH] 

VE: The total volume of gas either inspired or expired in one minute. [NIH] 

Vector: Plasmid or other self-replicating DNA molecule that transfers DNA between cells in 

nature or in recombinant DNA technology. [NIH] 

Vein: Vessel-carrying blood from various parts of the body to the heart. [NIH] 

Vena: A vessel conducting blood from the capillary bed to the heart. [NIH] 

Venous: Of or pertaining to the veins. [EU] 

Venous Insufficiency: Inadequacy of the venous valves and impairment of venous return 

(venous stasis) usually from the legs, often with edema and sometimes with stasis ulcers at

318 


the ankle. [NIH] 

Venous Thrombosis: The formation or presence of a thrombus within a vein. [NIH] 

Venter: Belly. [NIH] 

Ventral: 1. Pertaining to the belly or to any venter. 2. Denoting a position more toward the 

belly surface than some other object of reference; same as anterior in human anatomy. [EU] 

Ventricle: One of the two pumping chambers of the heart. The right ventricle receives 

oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs through the pulmonary 

artery. The left ventricle receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and pumps it to the 

body through the aorta. [NIH] 

Ventricular: Pertaining to a ventricle. [EU] 

Ventricular Remodeling: The geometric and structural changes that the ventricle 

undergoes, usually following myocardial infarction. It comprises expansion of the infarct 

and dilatation of the healthy ventricle segments. While most prevalent in the left ventricle, it 

can also occur in the right ventricle. [NIH] 

Venules: The minute vessels that collect blood from the capillary plexuses and join together 

to form veins. [NIH] 

Vertebrae: A bony unit of the segmented spinal column. [NIH] 

Vestibular: Pertaining to or toward a vestibule. In dental anatomy, used to refer to the tooth 

surface directed toward the vestibule of the mouth. [EU] 

Vestibule: A small, oval, bony chamber of the labyrinth. The vestibule contains the utricle 

and saccule, organs which are part of the balancing apparatus of the ear. [NIH] 

Veterinary Medicine: The medical science concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and 

treatment of diseases in animals. [NIH] 

Villous: Of a surface, covered with villi. [NIH] 

Viral: Pertaining to, caused by, or of the nature of virus. [EU] 

Viral Hepatitis: Hepatitis caused by a virus. Five different viruses (A, B, C, D, and E) most 

commonly cause this form of hepatitis. Other rare viruses may also cause hepatitis. [NIH] 

Virion: The infective system of a virus, composed of the viral genome, a protein core, and a 

protein coat called a capsid, which may be naked or enclosed in a lipoprotein envelope 

called the peplos. [NIH] 

Virulence: The degree of pathogenicity within a group or species of microorganisms or 

viruses as indicated by case fatality rates and/or the ability of the organism to invade the 

tissues of the host. [NIH] 

Virus: Submicroscopic organism that causes infectious disease. In cancer therapy, some 

viruses may be made into vaccines that help the body build an immune response to, and 

kill, tumor cells. [NIH] 

Visceral: , from viscus a viscus) pertaining to a viscus. [EU] 

Visual Cortex: Area of the occipital lobe concerned with vision. [NIH] 

Visual field: The entire area that can be seen when the eye is forward, including peripheral 

vision. [NIH] 

Vitreous: Glasslike or hyaline; often used alone to designate the vitreous body of the eye 

(corpus vitreum). [EU] 

Vitro: Descriptive of an event or enzyme reaction under experimental investigation 

occurring outside a living organism. Parts of an organism or microorganism are used 

together with artificial substrates and/or conditions. [NIH]

Vivo: Outside of or removed from the body of a living organism. [NIH] 


Weight-Bearing: The physical state of supporting an applied load. This often refers to the 

weight-bearing bones or joints that support the body's weight, especially those in the spine, 

hip, knee, and foot. [NIH] 

White blood cell: A type of cell in the immune system that helps the body fight infection 

and disease. White blood cells include lymphocytes, granulocytes, macrophages, and others. 

[NIH] 

Wound Healing: Restoration of integrity to traumatized tissue. [NIH] 

Xenograft: The cells of one species transplanted to another species. [NIH] 

X-ray: High-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose diseases and in high doses to 

treat cancer. [NIH] 

X-ray therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink 

tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation 

therapy) or from materials called radioisotopes. Radioisotopes produce radiation and can be 

placed in or near the tumor or in the area near cancer cells. This type of radiation treatment 

is called internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, interstitial radiation, or 

brachytherapy. Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a 

radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. X-ray therapy is also 

called radiation therapy, radiotherapy, and irradiation. [NIH] 

Yeasts: A general term for single-celled rounded fungi that reproduce by budding. Brewers' 

and bakers' yeasts are Saccharomyces cerevisiae; therapeutic dried yeast is dried yeast. [NIH] 

Zygote: The fertilized ovum. [NIH] 

Zymogen: Inactive form of an enzyme which can then be converted to the active form, 

usually by excision of a polypeptide, e. g. trypsinogen is the zymogen of trypsin. [NIH]

INDEX 

3 

3-dimensional, 20, 54, 77, 83, 139, 186, 243 

A 

Abdomen, 179, 230, 243, 254, 270, 284, 294, 

295, 297, 310, 311, 314 

Abdominal, 97, 111, 230, 243, 256, 288, 

295, 297, 305, 317 

Abducens, 243, 266 

Abducens Nerve, 243, 266 

Abducens Nerve Diseases, 243, 266 

Aberrant, 35, 243 

Ablate, 143, 243, 256 

Ablation, 169, 172, 243 

Abscess, 209, 243, 308 

Acceptor, 243, 295, 316 

Acetaminophen, 243, 274 

Acetylcholine, 243, 258, 292, 293 

Acidity, 243, 297 

Acoustic, 3, 76, 136, 142, 143, 160, 243 

Acromioclavicular Joint, 94, 97, 243 

Acromion, 244 

Actin, 244, 291 

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 116, 244 

Acute lymphocytic leukemia, 244 

Acute renal, 208, 244, 277 

Acyl, 244, 271 

Adaptability, 244, 256 

Adaptation, 21, 244, 299 

Adenocarcinoma, 244, 278 

Adenoma, 93, 244 

Adenosine, 244, 298 

Adjustment, 244 

Adjuvant, 244, 274 

Adolescence, 12, 34, 244 

Adolescent Psychiatry, 43, 49, 244 

Adrenal Cortex, 244, 263 

Adrenal Glands, 244, 246, 305 

Adrenergic, 244, 248, 266, 270 

Adverse Effect, 145, 168, 173, 244, 246, 308 

Afferent, 245, 263, 272, 300, 308 

Affinity, 27, 38, 245, 250, 291 

Agar, 245, 299 

Agonist, 245, 266, 304, 313 

Agoraphobia, 245, 298 

Airway, 79, 245 

Akathisia, 245, 249 

Albumin, 23, 245, 299 

Alexia, 245, 267 

321 

Algorithms, 8, 137, 186, 190, 199, 245, 252 

Alkaline, 245, 254 

Allograft, 208, 245 

Alpha Particles, 245, 303 

Alternative medicine, 216, 245 

Aluminum, 205, 246 

Amblyopia, 82, 246 

Amnesia, 5, 246 

Amplification, 25, 246 

Ampulla, 204, 209, 246, 258, 269 

Amygdala, 246, 284, 308, 314 

Amyloid, 38, 183, 246, 257 

Amyloidosis, 209, 246 

Amyotrophy, 78, 246 

Anaesthesia, 79, 101, 126, 246, 281 

Anal, 19, 45, 77, 246, 273, 285 

Analgesic, 64, 121, 125, 243, 246, 284 

Analog, 160, 180, 246 

Analogous, 47, 246, 316 

Anaphylatoxins, 246, 260 

Anaplasia, 247 

Anatomical, 4, 24, 28, 48, 53, 54, 56, 60, 

145, 159, 210, 247, 250, 253, 258, 280, 

296, 307 

Androgens, 244, 247, 263 

Anemia, 247, 274, 289, 314 

Anesthesia, 157, 245, 247, 250, 268, 269, 

283 

Aneurysm, 93, 247, 249 

Angina, 71, 247 

Angiogenesis, 42, 46, 64, 168, 247, 287 

Angiogram, 168, 247 

Angiography, 4, 23, 39, 50, 51, 53, 87, 107, 

150, 154, 207, 247 

Angiopathy, 247, 257 

Angulation, 162, 247 

Animal model, 18, 20, 24, 32, 43, 44, 53, 55, 

57, 247 

Anions, 245, 247, 283 

Ankle, 247, 318 

Anomalies, 45, 94, 203, 209, 247, 314 

Anorexia, 247, 295 

Anterior Cruciate Ligament, 88, 247 

Anthracycline, 248, 270 

Antiallergic, 248, 263 

Antibacterial, 248, 310 

Antibiotic, 248, 267, 270, 310, 314 

Antibodies, 248, 249, 277, 286, 299, 304

322 


Antibody, 27, 208, 245, 248, 260, 264, 277, 

279, 280, 281, 283, 287, 289, 304, 309, 319 

Antibody therapy, 208, 248 

Anticoagulant, 248, 302 

Antidote, 248, 262 

Antiemetic, 248, 249 

Antigen, 245, 248, 249, 251, 260, 279, 280, 

281, 287 

Antigen-Antibody Complex, 248, 260 

Anti-infective, 248, 282 

Anti-inflammatory, 243, 248, 250, 263, 276, 

281 

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, 248, 250, 263 

Antimetabolite, 248, 265, 288 

Antineoplastic, 248, 263, 267, 288 

Antipsychotic, 13, 248, 291 

Antiserum, 249, 251 

Antiviral, 249, 265 

Anus, 246, 249, 260, 269, 282, 305 

Anxiety, 56, 122, 245, 249, 293, 298 

Aorta, 51, 83, 156, 207, 249, 256, 305, 312, 

318 

Aortic Aneurysm, 97, 177, 249 

Aortic Valve, 77, 83, 249 

Aphasia, 123, 249 

Aplasia, 249, 267 

Apoptosis, 39, 249 

Approximate, 43, 249 

Aptitude, 249, 302 

Aqueous, 249, 264, 268, 284 

Arginine, 246, 249, 293, 294, 303 

Arterial, 37, 66, 75, 156, 207, 249, 250, 256, 

276, 279, 282, 302, 313, 314 

Arteries, 4, 34, 37, 51, 156, 163, 167, 207, 

247, 249, 253, 255, 256, 262, 282, 283, 

288, 290 

Arteriography, 207, 249 

Arterioles, 249, 253, 255, 290 

Arteriosus, 249, 303 

Arteriovenous, 107, 250, 257 

Arthropathy, 94, 250 

Articular, 250, 295 

Articulation, 250, 288 

Artifacts, 148, 149, 157, 170, 197, 250 

Artificial Intelligence, 199, 250 

Ascites, 204, 208, 250, 294 

Aspartate, 12, 250, 283 

Aspiration, 208, 250 

Aspirin, 9, 250 

Assay, 25, 250 

Astrocytes, 250, 275, 291 

Astrocytoma, 26, 62, 250, 275 

Asymptomatic, 5, 250 

Atherectomy, 250, 269 

Atrial, 69, 76, 172, 250 

Atrial Fibrillation, 69, 250 

Atrium, 88, 250, 318 

Atrophy, 4, 6, 11, 16, 45, 74, 78, 102, 250, 

291 

Attenuated, 49, 251, 266, 317 

Atypical, 4, 13, 101, 251 

Auditory, 29, 64, 76, 84, 107, 120, 122, 123, 

124, 125, 126, 251, 301 

Auditory Cortex, 107, 120, 122, 124, 125, 

251 

Autoimmune disease, 251, 290 

Autonomic, 54, 243, 249, 251, 263, 293, 

297, 312 

Autopsy, 205, 251 

Avidity, 27, 251 

Axillary, 80, 101, 251, 312 

Axonal, 49, 251 

Axons, 251, 265, 294, 306 

B 

Back Pain, 22, 251 

Bacteria, 244, 248, 251, 252, 261, 268, 269, 

285, 288, 310, 317 

Bacterial Physiology, 244, 251 

Bactericidal, 251, 271 

Bacteriophage, 251, 299 

Bacterium, 251, 261, 277 

Basal Ganglia, 13, 27, 29, 30, 87, 249, 251, 

254, 257, 258, 275, 284 

Basement Membrane, 54, 251, 271, 283 

Basophils, 251, 284 

Benign, 37, 66, 143, 204, 209, 244, 251, 263, 

265, 272, 291, 304, 307 

Benign tumor, 143, 251, 272 

Benzene, 251, 283 

Beta-pleated, 246, 252 

Bile, 204, 209, 252, 258, 263, 274, 278, 283, 

285, 301 

Bile Acids, 252 

Bile Acids and Salts, 252 

Bile duct, 204, 209, 252, 258, 301 

Bile Pigments, 252, 283 

Biliary, 70, 204, 208, 209, 252, 258, 260, 278 

Biliary Tract, 204, 209, 252 

Bilirubin, 245, 252, 279 

Binding Sites, 63, 252 

Biochemical, 10, 26, 40, 52, 59, 80, 248, 252, 

273, 276, 295, 308 

Bioengineering, 11, 224, 252 

Biological Transport, 252, 265

Bioluminescence, 46, 252 

Capsid, 255, 318 

Biomarkers, 43, 252 

Capsules, 255, 274 

Biophysics, 29, 50, 192, 252 

Carbohydrate, 255, 263, 276, 300 

Biopsy, 18, 26, 57, 80, 204, 205, 208, 252, Carbon Dioxide, 207, 255, 264, 273, 298, 

297, 311 

305 

Biotechnology, 7, 63, 66, 216, 225, 252 

Carcinogenesis, 53, 255 

Biotransformation, 252 

Carcinogenic, 252, 255, 281, 294 

Bipolar Disorder, 44, 67, 68, 253 

Carcinoma, 85, 91, 209, 255 

Bladder, 4, 71, 80, 87, 210, 253, 260, 282, Cardiac Volume, 90, 255 

289, 302, 317 Cardiology, 69, 70, 73, 74, 82, 86, 88, 90, 

Blastocyst, 253, 261, 298 

91, 103, 113, 121, 122, 137, 167, 172, 255 

Blood Coagulation, 253, 254, 314 

Cardiomyopathy, 88, 255 

Blood Glucose, 253, 277, 280, 282 

Cardiotonic, 255, 266 

Blood Platelets, 253, 308 

Cardiovascular, 52, 53, 69, 73, 74, 80, 83, 

Blood pressure, 209, 253, 255, 258, 276, 

90, 101, 112, 167, 177, 197, 255, 308 

279, 280, 289, 300 

Cardiovascular disease, 167, 197, 255 

Blood vessel, 62, 146, 150, 168, 197, 204, Cardiovascular System, 52, 177, 255 

247, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 262, 

Carotene, 255, 306 

269, 277, 278, 282, 283, 285, 286, 288, 

Carotid Arteries, 197, 255 

297, 305, 309, 311, 314, 317 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, 74, 128, 256 

Blood Volume, 15, 20, 29, 55, 157, 253 

Case report, 5, 70, 91, 109, 256, 259 

Blood-Brain Barrier, 38, 253, 284 

Case series, 256, 259 

Body Fluids, 252, 253, 254, 267, 316 

Catecholamine, 256, 266 

Body Regions, 148, 152, 253 

Catheter, 69, 145, 146, 156, 181, 250, 256, 

Bolus, 37, 253 

269 

Bolus infusion, 253 

Catheter Ablation, 69, 256 

Bone Cements, 253, 300 

Catheterization, 256, 290 

Bone Density, 81, 253 

Caudal, 6, 256, 265, 280, 300 

Bone Marrow, 5, 45, 104, 194, 244, 251, 

Cause of Death, 32, 39, 50, 256 

253, 263, 275, 277, 286, 289, 299, 309, 311 Cavernous Hemangioma, 90, 256 

Bone Marrow Transplantation, 45, 253 

Celiac Artery, 256, 278 

Bone metastases, 79, 253 

Cell Death, 49, 249, 256, 290 

Bone scan, 254, 307 

Cell Differentiation, 39, 256 

Bowel, 86, 246, 254, 269, 297, 311, 317 

Cell Division, 251, 256, 287, 289, 299, 301 

Brachial, 254, 287, 314 

Cell proliferation, 40, 256, 282 

Brachial Plexus, 254, 287, 314 

Cell Respiration, 256, 289, 306 

Brachiocephalic Veins, 254, 312 

Cell Size, 256, 273 

Brachytherapy, 108, 254, 282, 283, 304, 319 Cell Transplantation, 45, 257 

Bradykinin, 254, 293, 299 

Cellobiose, 257 

Brain Diseases, 183, 230, 254 

Cellular metabolism, 33, 257 

Brain Stem, 254, 257, 259, 266, 291 

Cellulose, 185, 257, 299 

Breast Implants, 106, 254 

Cerebellar, 15, 16, 34, 73, 77, 257 

Butyric Acid, 11, 254 

Cerebellum, 15, 16, 27, 49, 77, 91, 254, 257, 

Bypass, 81, 112, 200, 254, 290 

263, 274 

C 

Cerebral, 14, 17, 22, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 

Calcium, 51, 253, 254, 260, 282, 287, 290, 

36, 41, 49, 53, 55, 64, 69, 70, 72, 73, 77, 

295 

78, 90, 109, 112, 123, 157, 167, 251, 253, 

Calibration, 162, 187, 189, 254 

254, 257, 262, 264, 270, 271, 273, 274, 

Cannabis, 126, 254 

275, 277, 278, 286, 291, 294, 296, 313 

Canonical, 23, 254 Cerebral Angiography, 257, 286 

Capillary, 20, 54, 254, 255, 317, 318 Cerebral Cortex, 22, 49, 254, 257, 271, 273, 

Capillary Permeability, 20, 254, 255 

291 

323

324 


Cerebral hemispheres, 251, 254, 257, 275, 

313 

Cerebral Hemorrhage, 72, 257 

Cerebrospinal, 72, 99, 205, 257, 258, 270, 

285, 310 

Cerebrospinal fluid, 72, 99, 205, 257, 258, 

270, 285, 310 

Cerebrovascular, 9, 34, 74, 207, 255, 257 

Cerebrum, 257, 263, 313 

Cervical, 73, 78, 79, 108, 254, 257, 287, 314 

Cervix, 257 

Character, 178, 257, 264, 304 

Chelation, 122, 258 

Chelation Therapy, 122, 258 

Chemoreceptor, 249, 258 

Chemotactic Factors, 258, 260 

Chemotherapeutic agent, 169, 258 

Chemotherapy, 41, 64, 97, 169, 258 

Chin, 258, 287 

Cholangitis, 204, 208, 258 

Cholecystitis, 209, 258 

Cholestasis, 204, 208, 258 

Cholesterol, 23, 51, 252, 258, 262, 284, 304, 

313 

Choline, 12, 14, 41, 45, 50, 258 

Cholinergic, 248, 258, 308 

Chorea, 248, 258 

Choroid, 26, 258, 262, 306 

Choroid Plexus, 26, 258 

Choroid plexus tumor, 26, 258 

Chromatin, 249, 258, 270, 293, 310 

Chromosomal, 246, 258 

Chromosome, 258, 261, 284 

Chronic, 15, 21, 70, 101, 122, 204, 208, 209, 

251, 259, 281, 285, 301, 312, 313, 317 

Chronic Disease, 204, 259 

Cirrhosis, 204, 208, 209, 259, 300, 301 

CIS, 259, 306 

Clavicle, 243, 259 

Clinical Protocols, 32, 259 

Clinical study, 21, 40, 125, 259 

Clinical trial, 7, 37, 40, 66, 225, 259, 262, 

263, 267, 302, 304 

Clone, 42, 259 

Cloning, 252, 259 

Cochlea, 65, 259 

Cochlear, 3, 79, 89, 259 

Cochlear Implantation, 3, 259 

Cochlear Implants, 79, 259 

Cochlear Nerve, 259 

Cofactor, 259, 302, 314 

Cognition, 15, 43, 47, 56, 74, 259, 291 

Collagen, 52, 59, 185, 246, 251, 259, 272, 

274, 287, 299, 301 

Colloidal, 245, 260 

Colon, 168, 260, 284, 317 

Colorectal, 107, 260 

Common Bile Duct, 209, 260, 263 

Complement, 49, 60, 246, 260, 299 

Complementary and alternative 

medicine, 119, 120, 129, 260 

Complementary medicine, 120, 260 

Compliance, 9, 260 

Compress, 260, 278 

Compulsions, 260, 293 

Computational Biology, 225, 261 

Computer Graphics, 213, 261 

Computer Simulation, 61, 261 

Computer Systems, 250, 261 

Computerized axial tomography, 192, 

261, 307 

Computerized tomography, 81, 132, 139, 

217, 261 

Conception, 261, 272 

Conduction, 256, 261 

Cones, 261, 306 

Congenita, 261, 267 

Congestion, 70, 249, 261 

Conjugated, 42, 252, 261 

Conjugation, 27, 252, 261 

Conjunctiva, 256, 261 

Connective Tissue, 253, 259, 261, 262, 272, 

274, 276, 285, 306, 313 

Consciousness, 246, 262, 264, 266, 278, 310 

Constipation, 231, 249, 262 

Constriction, 262, 283, 294, 317 

Consultation, 15, 262 

Contamination, 262, 278 

Contractility, 52, 262 

Contraindications, ii, 4, 262 

Contrast Media, 102, 262, 286 

Contrast medium, 146, 247, 257, 262, 308 

Control group, 12, 19, 262 

Conus, 262, 303 

Convulsions, 262, 292 

Coordination, 257, 262, 289 

Copper Sulfate, 169, 262 

Coronary, 23, 37, 39, 51, 70, 80, 81, 112, 

163, 167, 200, 255, 262, 288, 290 

Coronary Aneurysm, 70, 262 

Coronary Arteriosclerosis, 262, 290 

Coronary heart disease, 255, 262 

Coronary Thrombosis, 262, 288, 290 

Corpus, 22, 60, 262, 318

Corpus Callosum, 60, 262 

Dextroamphetamine, 265, 288 

Cortex, 12, 22, 27, 30, 38, 47, 61, 65, 73, 

Diabetes Mellitus, 54, 57, 122, 265, 276, 

124, 125, 246, 263, 270, 300 

277 

Cortical, 11, 13, 16, 21, 22, 27, 30, 31, 48, Diabetic Foot, 207, 265 

56, 60, 62, 84, 85, 91, 95, 109, 246, 263, Diagnostic Imaging, 154, 171, 230, 265 

271, 301, 307 

Diagnostic procedure, 135, 216, 265 

Cortices, 13, 263 

Diastolic, 265, 280 

Corticosteroid, 11, 263, 300 

Diencephalon, 265, 270, 280, 291, 296, 301, 

Cortisol, 245, 263 

313, 314 

Cost Savings, 39, 263 

Digestion, 252, 254, 265, 285, 311 

Cranial, 109, 243, 256, 257, 259, 263, 272, Digestive tract, 265, 309, 310 

291, 294, 297, 310, 316 Digital rectal examination, 79, 266 

Cranial Nerves, 256, 263 

Dilution, 57, 266, 271, 299 

Craniopharyngioma, 96, 263 

Dimethyl, 169, 266 

Creatine, 45, 263 

Diplopia, 79, 243, 266, 316 

Creatinine, 263 

Discrete, 17, 266, 299 

Criterion, 40, 263 

Discrimination, 96, 144, 266 

Cryostat, 198, 263 

Disinfectant, 266, 271 

Curative, 263, 314 

Disposition, 9, 266 

Cyclic, 263, 277, 293, 300 

Dissection, 78, 266 

Cyclosporine, 208, 263 

Dissociation, 245, 266, 283 

Cyst, 66, 94, 263 

Distal, 4, 28, 78, 145, 181, 251, 256, 266, 268 

Cystic Duct, 260, 263 

Diverticulum, 87, 266 

Cytokines, 99, 208, 264, 280 

Dobutamine, 88, 266 

Cytomegalovirus, 109, 208, 264 

Dominance, 81, 82, 266 

Cytoplasm, 249, 251, 264, 269, 270, 289, 

Dopa, 84, 266, 284 

291, 293, 306 Dopamine, 248, 265, 266, 284, 292 

Cytotoxic, 168, 264, 280, 304 

Dorsal, 70, 267, 270, 300, 308 

D Dorsum, 267 

Data Collection, 153, 264 Double-blind, 9, 40, 267 

Decarboxylation, 264, 279, 303 Doxorubicin, 267, 270 

Decidua, 264, 298 Drive, ii, vi, 13, 21, 31, 115, 142, 203, 267 

Decision Making, 12, 210, 264 Drug Delivery Systems, 46, 267 

Degenerative, 59, 183, 262, 264, 275, 278, Drug Interactions, 220, 267 

286, 295 

Duct, 167, 168, 246, 256, 260, 267, 271, 286, 

Deletion, 249, 264 

307, 311 

Delirium, 248, 264 Duodenum, 252, 267, 269, 278, 295, 311 

Dementia, 4, 6, 34, 74, 78, 204, 205, 206, 

Dyes, 246, 251, 267, 273, 293 

248, 264, 291 

Dyskinesia, 249, 267 

Demography, 205, 206, 264 Dyslexia, 48, 267 

Dendrites, 264, 265, 292 E 

Dendritic, 49, 120, 264, 306 

Echocardiography, 87, 90, 267 

Density, 62, 63, 144, 147, 150, 179, 190, 196, Echo-Planar Imaging, 7, 267 

198, 253, 265, 273, 284, 294, 299, 309 Ectoderm, 267 

Dentate Gyrus, 265, 279 

Ectodermal Dysplasia, 89, 267 

Deoxyglucose, 45, 265 

Edema, 5, 71, 72, 128, 267, 278, 290, 294, 

Deprivation, 246, 265 

314, 317 

Dermal, 265, 267 

Effector, 243, 260, 267 

Dermoid, 75, 265 

Efficacy, 24, 32, 36, 37, 38, 40, 43, 45, 46, 

Dermoid Cyst, 75, 265 

88, 267, 316 

Desensitization, 265, 280 

Effusion, 5, 268, 313 

Deuterium, 265, 279 

Ejaculation, 268, 308 

325

326 


Elastic, 37, 268, 309 

Elastin, 259, 268, 272 

Electroacupuncture, 64, 121, 268 

Electrocardiogram, 170, 171, 268 

Electrode, 11, 45, 105, 146, 268 

Electroencephalography, 206, 268 

Electrolyte, 263, 264, 268, 288 

Electrons, 268, 283, 286, 295, 303, 304 

Electrophysiological, 10, 25, 74, 268 

Elementary Particles, 268, 286, 292, 302 

Embolus, 268, 281 

Embryo, 19, 253, 256, 267, 268, 281 

Emetic, 262, 268 

Empirical, 12, 268 

Empyema, 110, 268 

Emulsion, 268, 273 

Encapsulated, 146, 268 

Encephalitis, 75, 99, 269 

Encephalitis, Viral, 269 

Encephalopathy, 75, 97, 113, 269 

Endarterectomy, 75, 250, 269 

Endemic, 269, 310 

Endogenous, 266, 269, 271, 292 

Endorphins, 269, 292 

Endoscope, 269 

Endoscopic, 107, 206, 269 

Endoscopy, 204, 206, 207, 209, 269 

Endothelial cell, 46, 253, 269, 314, 317 

Endothelium, 269, 293, 317 

Endothelium-derived, 269, 293 

Endotoxic, 269, 284 

Endotoxins, 260, 269 

Enema, 85, 269 

Energy balance, 57, 269 

Enhancer, 169, 269 

Enkephalins, 269, 292 

Entorhinal Cortex, 6, 270, 279 

Environmental Health, 224, 226, 270 

Enzymatic, 59, 246, 254, 255, 260, 270, 271, 

279, 306 

Enzyme, 24, 45, 64, 267, 270, 275, 277, 281, 

285, 288, 290, 299, 302, 305, 312, 314, 

315, 316, 318, 319 

Eosinophils, 270, 284 

Ependymal, 270, 275 

Ependymal tumors, 270, 275 

Ependymomas, 26, 270 

Epidemic, 270, 310 

Epidermis, 267, 270 

Epidermoid carcinoma, 270, 310 

Epigastric, 270, 295 

Epinephrine, 244, 266, 270, 292, 293 

Epirubicin, 97, 270 

Epithalamus, 265, 270, 284 

Epithelial, 75, 244, 252, 264, 270, 271, 283 

Epithelial Cells, 271, 283 

Epithelium, 251, 269, 271 

Erectile, 108, 271 

Erection, 271 

Erythrocyte Volume, 253, 271 

Erythrocytes, 247, 253, 271 

Esterification, 57, 271 

Estrogen, 42, 271, 304, 307, 313 

Estrogen receptor, 42, 271 

Ethanol, 36, 271 

Evoke, 271, 311 

Excitatory, 271, 276, 292 

Excitatory Amino Acids, 271, 292 

Exocrine, 271, 295 

Exogenous, 252, 269, 271 

Expiration, 271, 305 

External radiation, 271, 311 

External-beam radiation, 271, 283, 304, 

319 

Extracellular, 52, 59, 246, 250, 262, 271, 

272, 287, 291 

Extracellular Matrix, 52, 59, 262, 271, 272, 

287 

Extracellular Matrix Proteins, 272, 287 

Extracellular Space, 271, 272 

Extraction, 26, 52, 69, 272 

Extrapyramidal, 245, 249, 266, 272 

Extremity, 94, 207, 243, 254, 272, 287, 296, 

314 

Eye Movements, 132, 272 

F 

Facial, 10, 121, 133, 206, 272, 296 

Facial Expression, 121, 272 

Facial Nerve, 272, 296 

Family Planning, 225, 272 

Fast Neutrons, 272, 292 

Fatigue, 272, 277 

Fatty Liver, 209, 272 

Femoral, 68, 81, 167, 272 

Femur, 247, 272, 315 

Ferritin, 183, 272 

Fetus, 19, 77, 272, 298, 301, 317 

Fibrillation, 172, 272 

Fibroma, 87, 272 

Fibrosis, 52, 84, 111, 272, 307 

Fine-needle aspiration, 273, 291 

Fissure, 243, 263, 265, 273, 300, 316 

Fixation, 52, 273 

Flatus, 273, 274

Flow Cytometry, 194, 273 

Glioma, 39, 87, 275 

Fluorescence, 195, 273 

Gliosis, 45, 275 

Fluorescent Dyes, 273 

Glucocorticoids, 244, 263, 276 

Fluoroscopy, 192, 273 

Glucose, 14, 19, 42, 45, 57, 217, 253, 257, 

Fluoxetine, 15, 273 

265, 276, 277, 281 

Folate, 27, 273 

Glucose Intolerance, 265, 276 

Fold, 16, 62, 166, 167, 184, 273, 287, 294, Glucuronic Acid, 276, 278 

295 Glutamate, 11, 276 

Folic Acid, 27, 273 

Glutamic Acid, 273, 276, 292, 301 

Foot Ulcer, 265, 274 

Glycerol, 254, 276, 298 

Forearm, 70, 253, 274, 287 

Glycine, 246, 252, 276, 292 

Fossa, 77, 257, 274 

Glycolysis, 20, 42, 276 

Fourth Ventricle, 258, 274 

Glycoprotein, 276, 283, 314 

Fovea, 273, 274 

Glycosylation, 35, 276 

Free Radicals, 266, 274, 290 

Governing Board, 276, 300 

Frontal Lobe, 27, 28, 56, 206, 274, 289, 300 Grade, 26, 62, 105, 275, 276 

Fulminant Hepatic Failure, 208, 274 

Grading, 26, 62, 88, 112, 276 

Fungi, 252, 261, 274, 277, 288, 317, 319 

Graft, 276, 290 

G Grafting, 81, 112, 276, 280 

Gadolinium, 3, 23, 38, 46, 68, 81, 85, 86, 87, Granulomas, 204, 276 

98, 146, 189, 274 

Grasses, 273, 276 

Gallbladder, 204, 209, 243, 252, 258, 263, Guanylate Cyclase, 277, 293 

274, 278 

Gyrus Cinguli, 277, 284 

Gamma Rays, 274, 303, 304 H 

Ganglia, 243, 274, 291, 297, 312 

Habitual, 257, 277 

Gas, 64, 91, 142, 160, 196, 255, 265, 273, 

Habituation, 120, 277 

274, 279, 293, 317 Haptens, 245, 277 

Gastric, 256, 270, 274, 279 

Heart attack, 50, 200, 255, 277 

Gastrin, 274, 279 

Heart failure, 122, 277, 294 

Gastrointestinal, 254, 270, 271, 274, 308, Heartbeat, 136, 277 

311, 312, 316 Hematologic malignancies, 110, 277 

Gastrointestinal tract, 271, 274, 308, 311, Hematology, 116, 204, 208, 277 

316 Hematoma, 277, 278 

Gelatin, 185, 274, 276, 312 

Heme, 252, 277, 300 

Gene, 39, 42, 53, 102, 108, 131, 157, 205, 

Hemodynamics, 69, 92, 157, 204, 277 

252, 266, 274, 275, 279, 299, 308 Hemoglobin, 125, 157, 247, 271, 277, 295, 

Gene Expression, 39, 275 

300, 314 

Gene Therapy, 108, 131, 275 

Hemoglobin A, 157, 277, 300 

Genetic Code, 275, 293 

Hemoglobinopathies, 275, 277 

Genetic Markers, 54, 275 

Hemolytic, 277, 314 

Genetics, 26, 44, 47, 205, 261, 266, 275 

Hemorrhage, 34, 40, 55, 217, 277, 290, 311 

Genotype, 275, 298 

Hemorrhagic stroke, 41, 277 

Geriatric, 6, 206, 211, 275 

Hemosiderin, 183, 278 

Geriatric Psychiatry, 211, 275 

Hemostasis, 278, 308 

Germ Cells, 275, 287, 295, 310, 314 

Heparin, 46, 278 

Gestation, 275, 297, 298 

Hepatic, 69, 102, 104, 204, 207, 208, 209, 

Gestures, 275, 308 

245, 256, 260, 264, 278, 300 

Gland, 90, 105, 203, 244, 275, 285, 295, 296, Hepatic Artery, 204, 208, 278 

298, 302, 304, 307, 311, 315 Hepatic Encephalopathy, 104, 204, 208, 

Glial tumors, 40, 275 

278 

Glioblastoma, 26, 275 

Hepatic Veins, 208, 278 

Glioblastoma multiforme, 26, 275 

Hepatitis, 204, 208, 209, 274, 278, 318 

327

328 


Hepatitis A, 209, 278 

Hepatobiliary, 209, 278 

Hepatocellular, 88, 204, 278 

Hepatocellular carcinoma, 88, 278 

Hepatocyte, 258, 278 

Hepatovirus, 278 

Hereditary, 267, 278, 291, 306, 314 

Heredity, 274, 275, 278 

Hernia, 83, 278 

Heterogeneity, 50, 245, 278 

Heterozygotes, 266, 278 

Hippocampus, 13, 38, 265, 278, 284, 291, 

308, 312 

Histamine, 246, 248, 279 

Histology, 51, 59, 64, 76, 279, 291 

Homogeneous, 31, 53, 138, 143, 145, 148, 

151, 155, 164, 167, 179, 279 

Homologous, 275, 278, 279, 290, 313 

Homozygotes, 266, 279 

Hormonal, 28, 42, 74, 205, 250, 263, 279 

Hormonal therapy, 42, 279 

Hormone, 207, 263, 270, 274, 279, 281, 282, 

306, 315 

Hormone therapy, 279 

Hybrid, 158, 259, 279 

Hydration, 185, 279 

Hydrogel, 185, 279 

Hydrolysis, 252, 257, 279, 300, 302 

Hydroxylysine, 260, 279 

Hydroxyproline, 52, 246, 260, 279 

Hyperalgesia, 22, 279 

Hyperbilirubinemia, 279, 283 

Hyperplasia, 168, 279 

Hypersensitivity, 265, 279, 306 

Hypertension, 4, 34, 243, 255, 257, 279, 300 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 86, 280 

Hypertrophy, 52, 279, 280 

Hypoglycemic, 5, 280 

Hypoplasia, 267, 280 

Hypotension, 249, 262, 280 

Hypothalamus, 254, 263, 265, 280, 284, 

298, 308 

I 

Idiopathic, 94, 111, 280 

Imaging procedures, 58, 168, 280, 315 

Immune function, 280 

Immune response, 244, 248, 251, 263, 277, 

280, 312, 318 

Immune system, 205, 207, 208, 248, 280, 

286, 290, 319 

Immunogenic, 280, 284 

Immunologic, 258, 280, 304 

Immunology, 244, 245, 273, 280 

Immunosuppressant, 280, 288 

Immunosuppression, 208, 280, 286 

Immunosuppressive, 208, 280, 313 

Immunosuppressive Agents, 208, 280 

Implant radiation, 280, 282, 283, 304, 319 

Implantation, 4, 64, 167, 185, 261, 280 

Impotence, 271, 280 

In situ, 35, 45, 51, 280 

In vitro, 19, 42, 93, 168, 275, 281, 313 

Incision, 281, 282 

Incubator, 109, 281 

Indomethacin, 55, 281 

Induction, 172, 173, 247, 248, 281, 283 

Infancy, 204, 209, 281 

Infarction, 32, 34, 56, 257, 278, 281, 282, 

305 

Infection, 109, 128, 207, 208, 258, 264, 265, 

269, 280, 281, 285, 286, 292, 306, 312, 319 

Infusion, 116, 281, 290, 316 

Ingestion, 281, 299 

Inhalation, 281, 299 

Initiation, 41, 281 

Innervation, 254, 272, 281, 287, 316 

Insight, 10, 17, 31, 50, 157, 177, 194, 207, 

281 

Insulator, 281, 290 

Insulin, 57, 281, 282 

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, 281, 

282 

Interleukins, 280, 282 

Intermediate Filaments, 282, 291 

Intermittent, 44, 72, 282, 285 

Internal radiation, 282, 283, 304, 319 

Interstitial, 254, 272, 282, 283, 319 

Intervertebral, 122, 282, 285 

Intervertebral Disk Displacement, 282, 

285 

Intestinal, 207, 255, 282 

Intestines, 243, 274, 282, 307 

Intoxication, 36, 264, 282 

Intracellular, 52, 64, 195, 281, 282, 293, 305 

Intracranial Aneurysm, 257, 282 

Intracranial Arteriosclerosis, 257, 282 

Intravascular, 23, 282 

Intravenous, 12, 38, 40, 281, 282 

Intravesical, 210, 282 

Intrinsic, 177, 245, 251, 282 

Involuntary, 258, 272, 282, 290, 305 

Iodine, 108, 282 

Ionization, 283 

Ionizing, 4, 163, 192, 245, 283, 304

Ions, 243, 266, 268, 279, 283 

Lumbar puncture, 85, 285, 310 

Irradiation, 80, 165, 283, 319 

Lung volume, 83, 285 

Ischemia, 32, 41, 54, 56, 168, 243, 250, 278, Lupus, 285, 313 

283, 290, 292, 305, 314 Lymph, 101, 251, 257, 269, 285, 286 

Ischemic stroke, 40, 68, 107, 109, 283 

Lymph node, 251, 257, 285, 286 

Isoflavones, 36, 283 

Lymphadenopathy, 101, 286 

J 

Lymphatic, 207, 269, 281, 285, 286, 294, 

Jaundice, 204, 208, 279, 283 

299, 309, 310, 315 

K 

Lymphatic system, 285, 286, 309, 310, 315 

Kb, 224, 283 Lymphoblasts, 244, 286 

Ketamine, 121, 283 Lymphocyte, 248, 280, 286, 287 

Kidney Transplantation, 208, 283 Lymphocyte Depletion, 280, 286 

Kinetic, 176, 283 Lymphoma, 116, 277, 286 

L 

Labile, 260, 283 

M 

Macula, 274, 286 

Labyrinth, 259, 283, 318 

Macula Lutea, 286 

Laminin, 63, 251, 272, 283 Macular Degeneration, 105, 286 

Large Intestine, 265, 282, 283, 305, 309 Magnetic Resonance Angiography, 9, 34, 

Leiomyosarcoma, 111, 284 

51, 156, 207, 286 

Lens, 66, 261, 284 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, 15, 22, 

Lesion, 5, 61, 102, 153, 274, 275, 284, 285, 

25, 26, 36, 43, 44, 47, 50, 54, 81, 193, 286 

313 Malformation, 107, 286 

Leukemia, 267, 270, 275, 277, 284 

Malignant, 37, 98, 204, 209, 244, 248, 263, 

Leukocytes, 19, 251, 253, 258, 264, 270, 

275, 285, 286, 289, 291, 304, 307, 313 

281, 282, 284, 289, 293 Malignant tumor, 209, 286, 289 

Leukoencephalopathy, 95, 97, 284 Malnutrition, 245, 250, 286 

Levo, 266, 284 Mammary, 286, 304, 313 

Levodopa, 266, 284 Mammogram, 231, 286 

Ligament, 104, 247, 284, 302, 310 Mammography, 33, 36, 231, 233, 286 

Ligands, 35, 175, 284 Mandible, 217, 258, 286 

Limbic, 49, 99, 246, 277, 284, 301 Mania, 287 

Limbic System, 49, 246, 277, 284, 301 Manic, 205, 248, 253, 284, 287, 303 

Linkage, 53, 257, 275, 284 Manifest, 57, 251, 287, 311 

Lipid, 20, 23, 50, 57, 107, 255, 258, 276, 281, Matrix metalloproteinase, 92, 287 

284, 290 

Medial, 6, 43, 49, 103, 105, 277, 287, 294, 

Lipid A, 51, 57, 284 

306, 308, 310, 314, 315 

Lipopolysaccharides, 284 

Median Nerve, 96, 256, 287 

Lipoprotein, 284, 318 Mediator, 266, 287, 308 

Lithium, 248, 284 MEDLINE, 225, 287 

Liver cancer, 209, 285 Megaloblastic, 274, 287 

Liver scan, 285, 307 Meiosis, 287, 290, 313 

Lobe, 27, 28, 45, 47, 70, 102, 108, 285 Membrane, 45, 250, 258, 260, 261, 283, 287, 

Localization, 10, 17, 46, 48, 53, 54, 84, 96, 

295, 298, 306, 307, 313, 316 

132, 146, 159, 165, 285 Meninges, 257, 287, 312 

Longitudinal Studies, 49, 57, 110, 285 Mental Disorders, 244, 287, 302, 303 

Longitudinal study, 13, 49, 54, 78, 285 Mental Health, iv, 7, 14, 29, 224, 226, 275, 

Long-Term Care, 24, 29, 285 

287, 303 

Loop, 140, 143, 144, 193, 278, 285, 295 Mental Processes, 53, 266, 287, 303 

Low Back Pain, 22, 128, 285 Mercury, 273, 287 

Lucida, 283, 285 Mesenteric, 207, 287 

Luciferase, 46, 285 Mesentery, 287, 288, 297 

Lumbar, 80, 85, 122, 193, 251, 282, 285, 310 Mesolimbic, 249, 288 

329

330 


Metabolic disorder, 205, 288 

Metabolite, 45, 54, 252, 266, 288, 301 

Metacarpophalangeal Joint, 77, 91, 288 

Metastasis, 111, 287, 288 

Metastatic, 40, 81, 288, 307 

Metatarsophalangeal Joint, 110, 288 

Methionine, 266, 288 

Methotrexate, 64, 116, 288 

Methylphenidate, 48, 288 

Methylprednisolone, 12, 86, 126, 288 

MI, 156, 167, 232, 241, 288 

Microbe, 288, 315 

Microbiology, 244, 251, 288 

Microtubule-Associated Proteins, 288, 291 

Microtubules, 282, 288, 291 

Migration, 17, 65, 288, 291 

Milliliter, 253, 288 

Mineralization, 288, 295 

Mineralocorticoids, 244, 263, 288 

Mitochondria, 289, 290 

Mitochondrial Swelling, 289, 290 

Mitosis, 249, 289 

Mobility, 95, 289 

Modeling, 16, 25, 31, 55, 65, 206, 289 

Modification, 37, 38, 246, 289, 303 

Modulator, 289 

Molecule, 24, 248, 252, 255, 260, 266, 267, 

269, 271, 277, 278, 279, 289, 295, 304, 

315, 317 

Monitor, 19, 39, 41, 59, 136, 186, 194, 263, 

289, 293 

Monoclonal, 283, 289, 304, 319 

Monocytes, 284, 289 

Morphological, 26, 109, 113, 197, 268, 289 

Morphology, 13, 26, 35, 41, 108, 277, 289 

Motility, 281, 289, 308 

Motion Perception, 61, 289 

Motor Cortex, 27, 93, 289 

Multiple Myeloma, 74, 289 

Multiple sclerosis, 11, 77, 85, 86, 88, 90, 98, 

102, 103, 126, 205, 289 

Multivalent, 251, 290 

Mutagenesis, 63, 290 

Mutagens, 290 

Myelin, 60, 290, 291 

Myocardial infarction, 32, 50, 69, 101, 124, 

167, 262, 266, 288, 290, 318 

Myocardial Ischemia, 52, 290 

Myocardial Reperfusion, 168, 290 

Myocardial Reperfusion Injury, 168, 290 

Myocardium, 52, 127, 199, 288, 290 

Myopathy, 16, 290 

N 

Narcolepsy, 265, 288, 290 

Nausea, 248, 290 

Necrosis, 4, 5, 40, 83, 87, 105, 208, 249, 275, 

281, 288, 290, 305, 308 

Needle biopsy, 208, 273, 291 

Neocortex, 291 

Neoplasia, 89, 217, 291 

Neoplasm, 291, 316 

Neoplastic, 247, 286, 291, 299 

Nervous System, 10, 11, 34, 44, 205, 206, 

243, 245, 251, 254, 257, 265, 274, 275, 

276, 284, 287, 288, 289, 291, 292, 294, 

297, 308, 312 

Networks, 48, 49, 159, 291 

Neural, 15, 17, 29, 30, 31, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 

86, 98, 99, 127, 153, 245, 246, 291, 308 

Neuritis, 68, 100, 291 

Neuroanatomy, 15, 17, 29, 61, 99, 284, 291 

Neurodegenerative Diseases, 4, 44, 53, 291 

Neurofibrillary Tangles, 183, 291 

Neurofilaments, 291 

Neuroglia, 275, 291 

Neuroleptic, 245, 248, 291 

Neurologic, 9, 17, 211, 275, 292 

Neurologist, 10, 44, 292 

Neuroma, 3, 76, 292 

Neuronal, 11, 12, 44, 45, 49, 54, 55, 61, 131, 

157, 291, 292 

Neurons, 157, 259, 264, 265, 271, 274, 284, 

291, 292, 312, 313 

Neuropathy, 54, 246, 292 

Neurophysiology, 25, 44, 47, 292 

Neuroprotective Agents, 41, 292 

Neuropsychological Tests, 54, 292 

Neuropsychology, 29, 48, 292 

Neurosis, 292, 298 

Neurosurgeon, 10, 292 

Neurosurgery, 68, 76, 81, 84, 93, 95, 96, 97, 

101, 107, 109, 110, 112, 139, 292 

Neurotoxic, 38, 292 

Neurotoxicity, 38, 91, 292 

Neurotransmitter, 11, 243, 244, 246, 254, 

266, 271, 276, 279, 292, 293, 312 

Neutrons, 158, 245, 272, 283, 292, 303 

Neutrophils, 284, 293 

Nitric Oxide, 53, 293 

Nitrogen, 196, 247, 272, 273, 293, 316 

Norepinephrine, 244, 266, 292, 293 

Nuclear, 7, 14, 18, 26, 42, 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 

99, 131, 136, 138, 141, 147, 149, 154, 155, 

159, 160, 161, 171, 177, 178, 180, 186,

188, 189, 191, 192, 193, 194, 207, 208, 

Paralysis, 256, 296, 314 

230, 233, 251, 261, 267, 268, 274, 275, 

Parasite, 296 

284, 290, 293, 306, 314 

Parasitic, 209, 296 

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, 99, Parasitic Diseases, 209, 296 

131, 138, 147, 159, 160, 178, 192, 293 Parenchyma, 102, 296 

Nuclear Medicine, 18, 207, 230, 233, 293 Paresis, 291, 296, 314 

Nucleic acid, 62, 255, 275, 290, 293 

Paresthesia, 296, 314 

Nursing Care, 293, 296 

Parietal, 12, 27, 53, 67, 296, 297, 309 

O Parietal Lobe, 296, 309 

Observational study, 80, 293 Parkinsonism, 4, 249, 284, 296 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, 101, 293 Parotid, 105, 110, 296 

Occipital Lobe, 47, 266, 294, 318 Paroxetine, 12, 296 

Occult, 101, 294 Particle, 147, 168, 194, 296, 309 

Ocular, 30, 294 Patella, 95, 296 

Oculomotor, 256, 266, 294 Pathogenesis, 11, 12, 34, 57, 77, 208, 296 

Oculomotor Nerve, 266, 294 Pathologic, 5, 12, 19, 47, 86, 101, 197, 249, 

Oedema, 256, 294 

252, 254, 262, 279, 296, 317 

Omentum, 278, 294 Pathologic Processes, 249, 296 

Oncogenic, 42, 100, 294 Pathologies, 45, 188, 296 

Opacity, 265, 294 Pathophysiology, 14, 21, 32, 41, 44, 49, 60, 

Ophthalmology, 76, 82, 89, 94, 96, 100, 

78, 206, 209, 296 

105, 273, 294 Patient Care Management, 207, 296 

Opsin, 294, 306 Patient Education, 232, 236, 238, 241, 296 

Optic Chiasm, 280, 294 Pedicle, 111, 139, 296 

Optic cup, 294, 296 Pedigree, 54, 296 

Optic disc, 69, 294 Pelvic, 96, 108, 210, 297, 302 

Optic Nerve, 76, 246, 294, 296, 306, 307 Pelvis, 4, 37, 207, 210, 243, 284, 285, 297, 

Orbit, 243, 265, 294, 316 

317 

Orbital, 101, 165, 243, 294, 316 Peptide, 46, 63, 246, 297, 300, 302 

Ornithine, 294, 303 Perception, 47, 133, 205, 297 

Orthostatic, 249, 294 Percutaneous, 57, 169, 297 

Osmotic, 245, 289, 294 Perfusion, 8, 34, 40, 42, 62, 66, 75, 102, 105, 

Osteoarthritis, 5, 81, 104, 105, 111, 113, 295 116, 137, 297 

Osteomalacia, 100, 295 Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging, 

Outpatient, 132, 211, 295 

40, 66, 75, 297 

Ovary, 75, 106, 295 Periarthritis, 73, 297 

Overdose, 274, 295 Perinatal, 83, 112, 297 

Oxidation, 39, 57, 243, 252, 295 Peripheral Nervous System, 270, 291, 292, 

Oximetry, 65, 295 

297, 307, 312 

Oxygen Consumption, 25, 55, 295, 306 Peripheral vision, 297, 318 

Oxygenation, 20, 24, 25, 30, 55, 64, 69, 157, Peritoneal, 95, 250, 294, 297 

278, 295 

Peritoneal Cavity, 250, 294, 297 

P Peritoneum, 288, 294, 297 

Pacemaker, 295 Peroxide, 91, 297 

Palliative, 295, 314 PH, 17, 34, 67, 80, 81, 101, 120, 205, 253, 

Palpation, 37, 97, 295 

297 

Pancreas, 77, 204, 209, 243, 252, 278, 281, Phallic, 273, 297 

295, 316 

Phantom, 8, 16, 32, 169, 177, 189, 297 

Pancreatic, 77, 111, 270, 295 Pharmaceutical Preparations, 257, 271, 

Pancreatic cancer, 77, 270, 295 

274, 297 

Pancreaticoduodenectomy, 111, 295 Pharmacokinetic, 298 

Papilla, 209, 295 Pharmacologic, 205, 247, 298, 315 

331

332 


Phenotype, 30, 298 

Phobia, 72, 298 

Phobic Disorders, 298 

Phosphates, 53, 298 

Phospholipids, 272, 284, 298 

Phosphorus, 54, 147, 254, 262, 298 

Physical Examination, 210, 298 

Physical Therapy, 217, 298 

Physiologic, 17, 19, 36, 41, 58, 133, 165, 

217, 245, 265, 266, 298, 304 

Physiology, 11, 15, 17, 21, 25, 41, 50, 55, 

57, 92, 207, 210, 255, 268, 277, 292, 298 

Pigments, 252, 255, 298, 306 

Pilot Projects, 20, 298 

Pilot study, 9, 10, 60, 84, 108, 298 

Pituitary Gland, 263, 298 

Placenta, 19, 64, 298 

Plants, 255, 258, 276, 289, 293, 298, 299, 

315 

Plaque, 23, 50, 197, 231, 250, 299 

Plasma, 26, 36, 245, 248, 253, 274, 276, 277, 

278, 289, 299, 307, 308 

Plasma cells, 248, 289, 299 

Plasma protein, 245, 299 

Plasma Volume, 253, 289, 299 

Plasmacytoma, 110, 299 

Plasticity, 35, 299 

Platelet Aggregation, 246, 293, 299 

Platelets, 88, 293, 299, 314 

Platinum, 285, 299 

Pleomorphic, 93, 299 

Plexus, 254, 299, 314 

Pneumonia, 262, 299 

Pneumonitis, 106, 299 

Poisoning, 101, 258, 262, 264, 282, 287, 290, 

299 

Polyethylene, 46, 299 

Polymers, 63, 185, 300, 302 

Polypeptide, 185, 246, 259, 300, 314, 319 

Polysaccharide, 185, 248, 257, 300, 302 

Porosity, 160, 300 

Porphyria, 72, 300 

Porphyrins, 300 

Portal Hypertension, 204, 207, 208, 209, 

300 

Posterior, 50, 56, 77, 93, 246, 249, 251, 257, 

258, 267, 270, 294, 295, 300, 307, 309, 310 

Postnatal, 83, 300, 311 

Postoperative, 4, 300 

Postural, 15, 300 

Practicability, 300, 316 

Practice Guidelines, 226, 300 

Precancerous, 300, 301 

Precursor, 258, 266, 267, 269, 270, 284, 293, 

300, 301, 316 

Prednisolone, 288, 300 

Prefrontal Cortex, 12, 15, 30, 44, 49, 65, 

126, 133, 300 

Premalignant, 37, 300, 301 

Prenatal, 10, 83, 107, 268, 301 

Preoperative, 67, 79, 85, 95, 207, 301 

Presynaptic, 292, 301 

Prevalence, 5, 51, 108, 301 

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, 204, 208, 301 

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, 209, 301 

Primary tumor, 91, 301 

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors, 275, 

301 

Probe, 17, 29, 35, 38, 139, 172, 301 

Problem Solving, 250, 301 

Prodrug, 171, 301 

Progeny, 261, 301 

Progression, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 19, 26, 43, 53, 

59, 78, 104, 247, 301 

Progressive, 103, 256, 259, 264, 290, 291, 

295, 301, 316 

Projection, 180, 293, 294, 300, 301 

Prolapse, 210, 301 

Proline, 259, 279, 301 

Prone, 170, 301 

Prophase, 290, 301, 313 

Propofol, 126, 301 

Prospective Studies, 32, 301 

Prospective study, 35, 76, 81, 285, 302 

Prostaglandins, 281, 302 

Prostaglandins A, 281, 302 

Prostate, 80, 103, 129, 168, 203, 252, 302, 

316 

Protein C, 51, 62, 245, 251, 272, 284, 302, 

318 

Protein S, 14, 252, 275, 302, 306, 314 

Proteinuria, 289, 302 

Proteoglycans, 59, 251, 272, 302 

Proteolytic, 260, 302 

Protocol, 24, 39, 51, 54, 103, 144, 302 

Protons, 157, 158, 163, 165, 183, 186, 189, 

193, 199, 245, 279, 283, 286, 302, 303 

Protozoa, 252, 261, 302, 317 

Psychiatric, 19, 132, 205, 206, 211, 287, 302 

Psychic, 287, 292, 302, 307 

Psychological Tests, 34, 302 

Psychology, 10, 29, 34, 46, 105, 260, 266, 

292, 303 

Psychopathology, 9, 13, 303

Psychophysiology, 292, 303 

Refer, 1, 173, 260, 269, 273, 274, 285, 286, 

Psychosis, 248, 303 

291, 292, 300, 303, 304, 305, 318 

Public Health, 168, 203, 226, 303 

Reflex, 21, 272, 305 

Public Policy, 225, 303 

Refraction, 305, 310 

Publishing, 63, 207, 303 

Refractive Errors, 246, 266, 305 

Pulmonary, 69, 76, 84, 106, 207, 253, 303, Refractory, 45, 85, 305 

318 Regimen, 36, 259, 267, 305 

Pulmonary Artery, 76, 106, 253, 303, 318 Relapse, 15, 305 

Pulmonary Embolism, 106, 303 

Reliability, 21, 62, 305 

Pulsation, 72, 303 

Remission, 253, 305 

Pulse, 41, 51, 136, 142, 143, 144, 147, 148, Renal Artery, 4, 207, 305 

149, 151, 153, 154, 166, 173, 174, 177, 

Renal cell carcinoma, 67, 76, 305 

179, 182, 184, 185, 187, 189, 192, 196, 

Renovascular, 4, 305 

197, 289, 295, 303 

Reperfusion, 290, 305 

Putrefaction, 303 

Resection, 45, 98, 305 

Putrescine, 38, 303 

Respiration, 51, 64, 136, 190, 255, 258, 289, 

Q 

305 

Quality of Life, 34, 217, 303 Retina, 258, 261, 262, 284, 286, 291, 294, 

R 

306 

Race, 266, 288, 303 Retinal, 165, 294, 306 

Racemic, 266, 303 Retinal Ganglion Cells, 294, 306 

Radiation therapy, 41, 103, 108, 165, 169, Retinoblastoma, 89, 306 

233, 243, 271, 282, 283, 303, 311, 319 

Retinol, 306 

Radicular, 22, 304 Retrospective, 5, 188, 306 

Radio Waves, 171, 304 Retroviral vector, 275, 306 

Radioactive, 57, 254, 279, 280, 282, 283, 

Rheumatism, 71, 77, 78, 92, 94, 100, 104, 

285, 293, 294, 304, 307, 319 

110, 306 

Radiography, 67, 78, 110, 233, 247, 257, 

Rheumatoid, 67, 71, 77, 78, 94, 100, 109, 

262, 304, 308, 317 

110, 168, 306 

Radioimmunotherapy, 304 Rheumatoid arthritis, 67, 71, 77, 78, 94, 

Radioisotope, 168, 271, 304, 315 

109, 110, 168, 306 

Radiolabeled, 283, 304, 319 Rhodopsin, 294, 306 

Radiological, 17, 26, 44, 60, 78, 86, 230, 

Ribosome, 306, 316 

231, 297, 304 

Risk factor, 34, 106, 207, 302, 306 

Radiopharmaceutical, 169, 171, 304 Rods, 274, 306 

Radiotherapy, 41, 91, 165, 254, 283, 304, S 

311, 319 

Sagittal, 122, 306 

Raloxifene, 304, 307 Saline, 254, 306 

Randomized, 9, 40, 55, 80, 125, 268, 304 Saliva, 307 

Reagent, 133, 285, 304 Salivary, 110, 264, 272, 295, 307, 308 

Receptivity, 189, 304 Salivary glands, 110, 264, 272, 307, 308 

Receptor, 27, 42, 168, 244, 248, 258, 266, 

Sarcolemma, 290, 307 

304, 308 

Saturate, 150, 307 

Receptors, Serotonin, 305, 308 Scans, 6, 20, 32, 49, 53, 58, 71, 122, 144, 

Recombinant, 305, 317 

146, 153, 177, 187, 205, 207, 231, 232, 307 

Recombination, 261, 275, 305 Scatter, 297, 307 

Rectal, 79, 85, 107, 305 Schizophrenia, 13, 29, 31, 48, 84, 132, 307 

Rectum, 168, 249, 260, 265, 266, 273, 274, Schwannoma, 101, 106, 307 

283, 302, 305, 312, 316 

Sclera, 258, 261, 262, 307 

Recurrence, 253, 305 Sclerosis, 5, 11, 45, 86, 103, 113, 129, 282, 

Reductase, 288, 305 

290, 307 

Scoliosis, 94, 111, 307 

333

334 


Screening, 4, 24, 25, 32, 39, 76, 89, 106, 182, 

259, 307 

Secondary tumor, 288, 307 

Secretion, 263, 276, 279, 282, 289, 307, 308 

Segmental, 4, 307 

Segmentation, 13, 103, 307 

Seizures, 116, 264, 275, 307, 310 

Selective estrogen receptor modulator, 43, 

304, 307, 313 

Semantics, 48, 308 

Semen, 203, 268, 302, 308 

Senescence, 206, 308 

Sensibility, 246, 279, 308 

Sensor, 136, 146, 176, 182, 308 

Septal, 284, 308 

Septal Nuclei, 284, 308 

Septic, 97, 308 

Sequencer, 161, 308 

Sequester, 258, 308 

Serotonin, 12, 249, 273, 292, 296, 305, 308, 

316 

Serous, 5, 269, 308 

Serum, 92, 245, 246, 249, 260, 286, 289, 308 

Sex Characteristics, 244, 247, 308 

Shock, 256, 308, 316 

Sialography, 110, 308 

Side effect, 36, 219, 244, 245, 249, 308, 315 

Sign Language, 28, 93, 308 

Signs and Symptoms, 204, 305, 309 

Silicon, 14, 173, 309 

Silicon Dioxide, 309 

Skeletal, 19, 53, 54, 57, 71, 83, 107, 247, 289, 

309 

Skeleton, 92, 244, 272, 309, 315 

Skull, 139, 217, 294, 309, 311, 313 

Small intestine, 263, 267, 279, 282, 309 

Social Environment, 303, 309 

Social Security, 205, 309 

Socialization, 56, 309 

Soft tissue, 20, 66, 163, 188, 206, 253, 309 

Solid tumor, 168, 247, 267, 309 

Solvent, 251, 271, 276, 294, 309 

Somatic, 244, 263, 284, 287, 289, 297, 301, 

309, 313 

Somatosensory Cortex, 84, 96, 309 

Sonogram, 309, 316 

Sound wave, 261, 309, 316 

Specialist, 234, 309 

Species, 24, 31, 144, 186, 257, 270, 279, 287, 

288, 289, 296, 303, 309, 312, 316, 318, 319 

Specificity, 6, 17, 18, 20, 26, 33, 42, 169, 

245, 309 

Spectroscopic, 7, 10, 12, 13, 17, 26, 33, 40, 

45, 50, 56, 59, 126, 133, 193, 286, 310 

Spectrum, 14, 16, 109, 304, 310 

Spermatozoa, 308, 310 

Sphenoid, 310 

Sphenoidal, 45, 310 

Sphincter, 210, 310 

Spinal cord, 22, 27, 78, 100, 250, 254, 257, 

258, 270, 287, 291, 292, 297, 305, 310, 312 

Spinal tap, 285, 310 

Spleen, 246, 264, 286, 310 

Sporadic, 53, 291, 306, 310 

Sprains and Strains, 285, 310 

Squamous, 40, 76, 270, 310 

Squamous cell carcinoma, 40, 76, 270, 310 

Squamous cells, 310 

Stabilization, 15, 23, 310 

Staging, 67, 76, 79, 204, 307, 310 

Stasis, 310, 317 

Status Epilepticus, 109, 310 

Steady state, 55, 144, 176, 177, 186, 311 

Steatosis, 209, 272, 311 

Steel, 173, 311 

Stem Cells, 89, 311 

Stenosis, 39, 69, 209, 230, 311 

Stent, 167, 168, 200, 207, 311 

Stereotactic, 62, 81, 84, 112, 139, 311 

Stereotactic radiosurgery, 81, 311 

Stereotaxis, 105, 311 

Steroids, 263, 311 

Stimulant, 48, 265, 266, 279, 288, 311 

Stimulus, 21, 29, 67, 107, 131, 246, 262, 267, 

268, 271, 281, 298, 305, 311, 314 

Stomach, 243, 265, 274, 278, 279, 282, 290, 

294, 297, 309, 310, 311 

Stool, 260, 283, 311 

Strabismus, 82, 94, 246, 266, 311 

Strand, 181, 311 

Stress, 4, 64, 71, 97, 133, 148, 205, 230, 256, 

263, 290, 306, 311 

Stricture, 204, 209, 311 

Stroma, 296, 311 

Stromal, 106, 311 

Subacute, 281, 312 

Subarachnoid, 13, 274, 312 

Subclavian, 254, 312, 314 

Subclavian Artery, 312, 314 

Subclavian Vein, 254, 312, 314 

Subclinical, 281, 307, 312 

Subcutaneous, 267, 294, 312 

Subiculum, 279, 312 

Subspecies, 309, 312

Substance P, 288, 307, 312 

Thyroid, 282, 315 

Substrate, 28, 45, 57, 86, 185, 312 

Thyroxine, 245, 315 

Superior vena cava, 91, 254, 312 

Tibia, 247, 315 

Supplementation, 122, 312 

Tissue Extracts, 25, 40, 315 

Suppositories, 274, 312 

Tone, 122, 139, 315 

Suppression, 33, 170, 197, 263, 312 

Tonus, 315 

Supratentorial, 26, 312 

Tooth Preparation, 244, 315 

Survival Rate, 41, 200, 312 

Topical, 271, 315 

Sympathetic Nervous System, 292, 312 

Torsion, 281, 315 

Symphysis, 258, 302, 312 

Toxic, iv, 38, 205, 246, 251, 261, 277, 292, 

Symptomatic, 13, 94, 312 

303, 315 

Synapse, 244, 301, 312, 313, 316 

Toxicity, 36, 46, 267, 287, 315 

Synaptic, 49, 292, 313 

Toxicokinetics, 315 

Synovial, 313 

Toxicology, 226, 315 

Synovial Membrane, 313 

Toxins, 246, 248, 269, 276, 281, 304, 315 

Synovitis, 102, 119, 313 

Trace element, 309, 315 

Systemic disease, 204, 209, 313 

Tracer, 46, 81, 315 

Systemic lupus erythematosus, 92, 94, 313 Transcriptase, 313, 315 

Systems Analysis, 93, 313 

Transfection, 252, 275, 316 

Systolic, 88, 122, 280, 313 

Transferases, 276, 316 

T Transfusion, 91, 316 

Tachycardia, 266, 313 Translation, 13, 246, 316 

Tacrolimus, 97, 313 Translational, 11, 20, 316 

Tamoxifen, 42, 307, 313 Transmitter, 7, 17, 143, 152, 188, 200, 243, 

Tardive, 249, 313 

250, 266, 271, 287, 291, 293, 316 

Telencephalon, 251, 257, 313 Transplantation, 45, 70, 204, 209, 286, 316 

Telomerase, 25, 313 Transrectal ultrasound, 80, 316 

Temporal Lobe, 5, 6, 13, 43, 44, 45, 47, 246, Trauma, 204, 209, 243, 257, 264, 290, 292, 

251, 313 

316 

Testicular, 207, 314 Treatment Outcome, 13, 19, 316 

Testis, 314 Trigger zone, 249, 316 

Tetracycline, 42, 314 Trochlear Nerve, 266, 316 

Thalamic, 12, 13, 270, 314 Trochlear Nerve Diseases, 266, 316 

Thalamic Nuclei, 13, 270, 314 Tryptophan, 260, 308, 316 

Thalamus, 254, 265, 270, 284, 300, 314 Tumor marker, 26, 252, 316 

Thalassemia, 125, 314 Tumour, 100, 316 

Therapeutics, 81, 122, 220, 314 Tunica, 269, 317 

Thermal, 143, 174, 266, 292, 314 Tunica Intima, 269, 317 

Thigh, 272, 314 U 

Thoracic, 81, 83, 94, 112, 177, 193, 207, 251, Ubiquitin, 291, 317 

254, 286, 287, 312, 314 Ulcerative colitis, 301, 317 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, 207, 314 

Ultrasonography, 81, 83, 91, 105, 106, 109, 

Thorax, 243, 285, 312, 314 

110, 132, 317 

Threshold, 279, 314 

Ureters, 305, 317 

Thrombin, 299, 302, 314 

Urethra, 4, 210, 302, 317 

Thrombocytes, 299, 314 

Urinary, 5, 98, 210, 317 

Thrombomodulin, 302, 314 

Urinary tract, 5, 210, 317 

Thrombosis, 23, 76, 168, 207, 209, 282, 302, Urine, 207, 253, 263, 302, 317 

311, 314 Urodynamic, 98, 317 

Thrombus, 50, 197, 262, 281, 283, 290, 299, Urography, 4, 317 

314, 318 

Thymus, 286, 315 

Uterus, 257, 262, 264, 284, 317 

335

336 


V 

Vaccines, 317, 318 

Valves, 317 

Vascular endothelial growth factor, 42, 

317 

Vasoconstriction, 266, 270, 317 

Vasodilator, 254, 267, 279, 290, 317 

VE, 207, 317 

Vector, 166, 199, 200, 296, 317 

Vein, 69, 204, 207, 247, 250, 282, 293, 296, 

300, 312, 317, 318 

Vena, 92, 317 

Venous, 37, 57, 106, 204, 207, 208, 250, 294, 

302, 317, 318 

Venous Insufficiency, 207, 317 

Venous Thrombosis, 106, 318 

Venter, 318 

Ventral, 12, 28, 280, 294, 318 

Ventricle, 32, 87, 246, 249, 255, 270, 279, 

280, 303, 313, 314, 318 

Ventricular, 43, 52, 109, 112, 122, 172, 177, 

290, 318 

Ventricular Remodeling, 122, 318 

Venules, 253, 255, 318 

Vertebrae, 282, 310, 318 

Vestibular, 68, 106, 318 

Vestibule, 259, 318 

Veterinary Medicine, 225, 318 

Villous, 258, 318 

Viral, 63, 204, 255, 269, 294, 318 

Viral Hepatitis, 204, 318 

Virion, 63, 318 

Virulence, 251, 315, 318 

Virus, 63, 204, 208, 251, 255, 269, 299, 306, 

318 

Visceral, 207, 263, 284, 297, 318 

Visual Cortex, 46, 61, 63, 78, 82, 105, 132, 

246, 266, 318 

Visual field, 62, 69, 289, 294, 318 

Vitreous, 284, 306, 318 

Vitro, 278, 318 

Vivo, 16, 19, 26, 27, 28, 33, 37, 38, 39, 40, 

42, 45, 46, 51, 53, 57, 58, 59, 60, 65, 82, 

86, 92, 116, 124, 158, 171, 187, 194, 275, 

278, 281, 286, 313, 319 

W 

Weight-Bearing, 79, 319 

White blood cell, 244, 248, 284, 286, 299, 

319 

Wound Healing, 287, 319 

X 

Xenograft, 247, 319 

X-ray therapy, 283, 319 

Y 

Yeasts, 274, 298, 319 

Z 

Zygote, 261, 319 

Zymogen, 302, 319

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

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