The use of band-selectable digital filtering in magnetic resonance image enhancement

Manipulation of the data describing two-dimensional magnetic resonance (MR) images can be used to zoom an image, decrease image noise and artifacts by modeling, or emphasize object edges in the field of view. In this paper, a two-dimensional band-selectable digital filtering (2D-BSDF) technique is detailed. This can be used to decrease the computational burden and increase algorithm stability associated with such data manipulation. Many display devices have the ability of expanding an image by pixel or linear interpolation. Application of the efficient zooming fast Fourier transformation algorithms provides a superior quality sinc-function interpolated image. In 2D-BSDF, the ideal rectangular windows used in sinc-function interpolation are replaced by windows with a more gradual roll-off. This gradual roll-off results in a slight degradation of the image edges but substantially reduces the computation time. Modeling of MRI data has been attempted to remove noise and artifacts from the image. These algorithms are computationally expensive and frequently unstable because of the high model orders required. The 2D-BSDF can be used to prepare a reduced data set, without loss of information. A lower order model may be applied to the subset and computation times approaching that required for normal fast Fourier transform algorithms result. The absence of noise and signal from objects outside the region of interest can considerably enhance the stability of the modeling algorithms. The use of BSDF is equally applicable when used in association with the modeling of 2D NMR spectroscopy data or with edge enhancement or any other data manipulation of magnetic resonance imaging images. In this paper an explanation of 1D-BSDF is provided and an algorithm for 2D-BSDF is developed. A comparison of filter designs and computational times is given when applying the technique to zooming and modeling of MR images. Images from medical MRI data are provided.

Randomized, double-blind, cross-over study comparing prochlorperazine and lorazepam with high-dose metoclopramide and lorazepam for the control of emesis in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy

To further define optimal combinations of antiemetics, high-dose metoclopramide and lorazepam (M+L) were compared with prochlorperazine and lorazepam (P+L) in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study. Both patient and observer assessments were documented in 66 patients receiving cisplatin and noncisplatin chemotherapy. M+L significantly reduced the severity of vomiting (P = 0.01), duration of vomiting (P = 0.05), and number of vomiting episodes (P = 0.003). Comparing the severity or duration of nausea, M+L and P+L were not significantly different. M+L significantly reduced severity of vomiting (P = 0.005) and number of vomiting episodes (P = 0.03) in the cisplatin subset. The number of vomiting episodes was also reduced in the noncisplatin subset (P = 0.03). When asked to nominate a preferred regimen, 41% of patients preferred P+L, 35% preferred M+L, and 24% rated them equally. M+L was associated with significantly more anxiety and less sedation than P+L. Patient assessments produced similar results to observer assessments but gave a broader understanding of our patients' tolerance to chemotherapy. M+L is a superior regimen in controlling vomiting induced by chemotherapy.

Attitudes toward behavior modification. A comparison of prison, criminal justice, and other undergraduate populations

Students from four distinct student populations were surveyed, including inmate students at a state prison, students at a private Christian liberal arts college, students at a large state university, and criminal justice students at that state university. Their attitudes toward behavior modification were measured by having them respond to a series of statements developed by Turkat, Harris, and Forehand (1979). The student groups differed in the extent to which they viewed behavior modification as appropriate or ethical with such target populations as prisoners, homosexuals, retarded individuals, normal children, and those with marital problems. It was suggested that the extent to which one views behavior modification as appropriate or ethical depends, at least in part, on the extent to which the proposed target group is stigmatized by one's particular culture. Furthermore, it was quantitatively verified that the overall favorability of one's views regarding behavior modification depends, in part, on the accuracy of one's perceptions regarding what constitutes valid procedures.

Three-year prospective study of HTLV-III/LAV infection in homosexual men

170 symptom-free homosexual men were recruited in London in 1982-83 and 133 were evaluable in 1983-85. Of the 33 who were seropositive to HTLV-III/LAV at entry, 4 (12%) progressed to AIDS, 16 (48%) progressed to persistent generalised lymphadenopathy (PGL), and 13 (40%) remained symptom-free. A further 15 men seroconverted during the study (7% per annum), of whom 8 progressed to PGL. Serial estimations of T lymphocyte subsets showed progressive reduction in T4 numbers in the seropositive groups, but these indices also varied widely in the seronegative group. Counts of T4 and T8 cells or T4/T8 ratio at entry were not of prognostic value. Seronegative subjects were as likely as seropositives to have abnormal immunological tests. Serial measurement of T lymphocyte subsets seems to be of little prognostic or clinical value in the monitoring of populations infected with the HTLV-III/LAV virus. The strongest association with prognosis was an episode of sexually transmitted disease in the six months before entry to the study. This supports the hypothesis that intercurrent infection may be an important co-factor in the acquisition of HTLV-III/LAV infection, and in subsequent disease progression.

Magnetic resonance imaging of sacrococcygeal tumors

Five sacral tumors, 2 chordomas, 2 chondro- and/or osteosarcomas and one metastasis were examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The tumor delineation was excellent in all cases, and in several respects superior to CT. The signal pattern from the chordoma differed considerably from the other tumors suggesting a potential for tumor differentiation with MRI.

Magnetic resonance imaging and tissue characterization of a renal cell carcinoma and its osseous metastasis. Report of a case

A patient with renal cell carcinoma, first presenting because of symptoms from an osseous metastasis, was examined with CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both the primary tumor and the metastasis were well demonstrated by both methods. MRI tissue characterization showed that the T1 values in the kidney and the metastasis were the same, as were the T2 values. This may mean a potential for the MRI to define primary tumors when a metastasis is found.

A microbiological approach to nutrition

Fermentation is known to modify nutritional value of foods positively. A new technique for supplementing traditional fermented foods with limiting amino acids is presented. Normal fermentative bacteria are induced to produce specific amino acids during the fermentation period. Acceptable food products have been prepared using fermented grain. The concept may be applicable to developing countries.

Degradation of the copper-releasing intrauterine contraceptive device and its significance

Measurements were made of the copper remaining on used Gravigard intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) that had been in utero for up to 40 months. The topography and composition of the surface deposits were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The rate of copper loss decreased exponentially from 0.42 mumol d-1 (26.7 micrograms d-1) upon insertion to 0.056 mumol d-1 (3.6 micrograms d-1) after 26 months of use; between 27 and 40 months of use a linear release of 0.32 mumol d-1 (20.3 micrograms d-1) was observed. There was no correlation between this changing rate of copper loss and the pregnancy rate with the device in situ. The changes in the rate of copper loss were probably due to the growth of a surface corrosion product which, due to internal stresses, fractured after about 2 years and exposed fresh copper; this results in a progressive increase in breakage of the copper wire after 3 years. It is recommended that a copper IUCD of this type be replaced after 3 years.

The effect of maternal glucose infusion on breathing movements in human fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation

forty-nine patients with suspected intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) were studied under rigid experimental conditions to determine baseline fetal breathing movement (FBM) activity and the response to 90-minute maternal glucose infusion, as compared to that of normal control subjects. Patients with IUGR showed a normal amount of FBMs during maternal fasting. All groups exhibited a significant increase in FBMs after glucose was administered. During the final 60 minutes of the glucose infusion, the severe IUGR group (weight for gestational age less than the third percentile) showed less FBM activity (p less than 0.01) than the other study and control groups.

Nova scotia fetal risk project

Family physicians delivering obstetrical care in Nova Scotia were invited to participate in a fetal risk project, conducted from 1971 to 1975. Thirty percent of the physicians participated, and data were collected on 17,270 patients, using the Goodwin, Dunne and Thomas(4) fetal risk scoring system. Patients scoring four to ten on the entire system accounted for 60% of stillbirths and 68% of neonatal deaths; when the 68% of neonatal deaths; when the non-gestational portion alone was used, patients scoring three to six accounted for 52% of stillbirths and 57% of neonatal deaths. When the scoring system was altered, patients scoring three to six accounted for 61% of stillbirths and 62% of neonatal deaths. Patients of participants did not appear to fare better than those of non-participants.