@misc{FrauenrathPfeifferHezeletal.2012, author = {Frauenrath, Tobias and Pfeiffer, Harald and Hezel, Fabian and Dieringer, Matthias A. and Winter, Lukas and Gr{\"a}ßl, Andreas and Santoro, Davide and {\"O}zerdem, Celal and Renz, Wolfgang and Greiser, Andreas and Niendorf, Thoralf}, title = {Lessons learned from cardiac MRI at 7.0 T: LV function assessment at 3.0 T using local multi-channel transceiver coil arrays}, series = {2012 ISMRM Annual Meeting Proceedings}, journal = {2012 ISMRM Annual Meeting Proceedings}, issn = {1545-4428}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Cardiac MR (CMR) is of proven clinical value but also an area of vigorous ongoing research since image quality is not always exclusively defined by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Recent developments of CMR at 7.0 T have been driven by pioneering explorations into novel multichannel transmit and receive coil array technology to tackle the challenges B1+-field inhomogeneities, to offset specific-absorption rate (SAR) constraints and to reduce banding artifacts in SSFP imaging. For this study, recognition of the benefits and performance of local surface Tx/Rx-array structures recently established at 7.0 T inspired migration to 3.0 T, where RF inhomogeneities and SAR limitations encountered in routine clinical CMR, though somewhat reduced versus the 7.0 T situation, remain significant. For all these reasons, this study was designed to build and examine the feasibility of a local four channel Tx/Rx cardiac coil array for anatomical and functional cardiac imaging at 3.0 T. For comparison, a homebuilt 4 channel Rx cardiac coil array exhibiting the same geometry as the Tx/Rx coil and a Rx surface coil array were used.}, language = {en} } @misc{LindelGreiserWaxmanetal.2012, author = {Lindel, Tomasz Dawid and Greiser, Andreas and Waxman, Patrick and Dietterle, Martin and Seifert, Frank and Fontius, Ulrich and Renz, Wolfgang and Dieringer, Matthias A. and Frauenrath, Tobias and Schulz-Menger, Jeanette and Niendorf, Thoralf and Ittermann, Bernd}, title = {Cardiac CINE MRI at 7 T using a transmit array}, series = {2012 ISMRM Annual Meeting Proceedings}, journal = {2012 ISMRM Annual Meeting Proceedings}, issn = {1545-4428}, year = {2012}, abstract = {With its need for high SNR and short acquisition times, Cardiac MRI (CMR) is an intriguing target application for ultrahigh field MRI. Due to the sheer size of the upper torso, however, the known RF issues of 7T MRI are also most prominent in CMR. Recent years brought substantial progress but the full potential of the ultrahigh field for CMR is yet to be exploited. Parallel transmission (pTx) is a promising approach in this context and several groups have already reported B1 shimming for 7T CMR. In such a static pTx application amplitudes and phases of all Tx channels are adjusted individually but otherwise imaging techniques established in current clinical practice 1.5 T and 3 T are applied. More advanced forms of pTx as spatially selective excitation (SSE) using Transmit SENSE promise additional benefits like faster imaging with reduced fields of view or improved SAR control. SSE requires the full dynamic capabilities of pTx, however, and for the majority of today's implemented pTx hardware the internal synchronization of the Tx array does not easily permit external triggering as needed for CMR. Here we report a software solution to this problem and demonstrate the feasibility of CINE CMR at 7 T using a Tx array.}, language = {en} } @misc{WaicziesKuehneWinteretal.2013, author = {Waiczies, Helmar and K{\"u}hne, Andr{\´e} and Winter, Lukas and Frauenrath, Tobias and Hoffmann, Werner and Ittermann, Bernd and Waiczies, Sonia and Niendorf, Thoralf}, title = {Towards theranostics of rheumatoid arthritis: 1H/19F imaging of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in hand and wrist at 7 Tesla}, series = {2013 ISMRM Annual Meeting Proceedings}, journal = {2013 ISMRM Annual Meeting Proceedings}, issn = {1545-4428}, year = {2013}, abstract = {We have developed a double-tuned ¹H/¹⁹F birdcage resonator dedicated for hand and wrist imaging at 7 T to locally image non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as 2-{[3-(Trifluoromethyl) phenyl]amino}benzoic acid. The preliminary in vivo images acquired by the double-tuned ¹H/¹⁹F birdcage resonator demonstrate the feasibility for ¹H/¹⁹F hand- and wrist-imaging at 7 T. While the diagnostic quality of the coil needs to be assessed in patients with inflammatory rheumatoid disease, first ¹⁹F images of the NSAID are encouraging, and point towards the prospect of applying ¹⁹F-MRI to visualize and quantify the concentration of therapeutically-active compound at the sites of inflammation.}, language = {en} } @misc{RothkranzKrafftTippkoetter2022, author = {Rothkranz, Berit and Krafft, Simone and Tippk{\"o}tter, Nils}, title = {Media optimization for sustainable fuel production: How to produce biohydrogen from renewable resources with Thermotoga neapolitana}, series = {Chemie Ingenieur Technik}, volume = {94}, journal = {Chemie Ingenieur Technik}, number = {9}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {0009-286X}, doi = {10.1002/cite.202255305}, pages = {1298 -- 1299}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Hydrogen is playing an increasingly important role in research and politics as an energy carrier of the future. Since hydrogen has commonly been produced from methane by steam reforming, the need for climate-friendly, alternative production routes is emerging. In addition to electrolysis, fermentative routes for the production of so-called biohydrogen are "green" alternatives. The application of microorganisms offers the advantage of sustainable production from renewable resources using easily manageable technologies. In this project, the hyperthermophilic, anaerobic microorganism Thermotoga neapolitana is used for the productio nof biohydrogen from renewable resources. The enzymatically hydrolyzed resources were used in fermentation leading to yield coefficients of 1.8 mole H₂ per mole glucose when using hydrolyzed straw and ryegrass supplemented with medium, respectively. These results are similar to the hydrogen yields when using Thermotoga basal medium with glucose (TBGY) as control group. In order to minimize the supplementation of the hydrolysate and thus increase the economic efficiency of the process, the essential media components were identified. The experiments revealed NaCl, KCl, and glucose as essential components for cell growth as well as biohydrogen production. When excluding NaCl, a decrease of 96\% in hydrogen production occured.}, language = {en} } @misc{VarrialeKukaTippkoetteretal.2022, author = {Varriale, Ludovica and Kuka, Katrin and Tippk{\"o}tter, Nils and Ulber, Roland}, title = {Use of a green biomass in a biorefinery platform}, series = {Chemie Ingenieur Technik}, volume = {94}, journal = {Chemie Ingenieur Technik}, number = {9}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {0009-286X}, doi = {10.1002/cite.202255095}, pages = {1299}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The emerging environmental issues due to the use of fossil resources are encouraging the exploration of new renewable resources. Biomasses are attracting more interest due to the low environmental impacts, low costs, and high availability on earth. In this scenario, green biorefineries are a promising platform in which green biomasses are used as feedstock. Grasses are mainly composed of cellulose and hemicellulose, and lignin is available in a small amount. In this work, a perennial ryegrass was used as feedstock to develop a green bio-refinery platform. Firstly, the grass was mechanically pretreated, thus obtaining a press juice and a press cake fraction. The press juice has high nutritional values and can be employed as part of fermentation media. The press cake can be employed as a substrate either in enzymatic hydrolysis or in solid-state fermentation. The overall aim of this work was to demonstrate different applications of both the liquid and the solid fractions. For this purpose, the filamentous fungus A. niger and the yeast Y. lipolythica were selected for their ability to produce citric acid. Finally, the possibility was assessed to use the press juice as part of fermentation media to cultivate S. cerevisiae and lactic acid bacteria for ethanol and lactic acid fermentation.}, language = {en} } @misc{KrafftKukaUlberetal.2022, author = {Krafft, Simone and Kuka, Katrin and Ulber, Roland and Tippk{\"o}tter, Nils}, title = {Utilization of Lolium perenne varieties as a renewable substrate for single-cell proteins, lactate, and composite materials}, series = {Chemie Ingenieur Technik}, volume = {94}, journal = {Chemie Ingenieur Technik}, number = {9}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {0009-286X}, doi = {10.1002/cite.202255306}, pages = {1303 -- 1304}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) is aproductive and high-quality forage grass indigenous to Southern Europe, temperate Asia, and North Africa. Nowadays it is widespread and the dominant grass species on green areas in temperate climates. This abundant source of biomass is suitable for the development of bioeconomic processes because of its high cellulose and water-soluble carbohydrate content. In this work, novel breeds of the perennial ryegrass are being examined with regards to their quality parameters and biotechnological utilization options within the context of bioeconomy. Three processing operations are presented. In the first process, the perennial ryegrass is pretreated by pressing or hydrothermal extraction to derive glucosevia subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. A yield of up to 82 \% glucose was achieved when using the hydrothermal ex-traction as pretreatment. In a second process, the ryegrass is used to produce lactic acid in high concentrations. The influence of the growth conditions and the cutting time on the carboxylic acid yield is investigated. A yield of lactic acid of above 150 g kg⁻¹ dry matter was achieved. The third process is to use Lolium perenne as a substrate in the fermentation of K. marxianus for the microbial production of single-cell proteins. The perennial ryegrass is screw-pressed and the press juice is used as medium. When supplementing the press juice with yeast media components, a biomass concentration of up to 16 g L⁻¹ could be achieved.}, language = {en} } @misc{BraunKrafftTippkoetter2022, author = {Braun, Lena and Krafft, Simone and Tippk{\"o}tter, Nils}, title = {Combined supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and chromatography of the algae fatty linoleic and linolenic acid}, series = {Chemie Ingenieur Technik}, volume = {94}, journal = {Chemie Ingenieur Technik}, number = {9}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {0009-286X}, doi = {10.1002/cite.202255308}, pages = {1304}, year = {2022}, abstract = {A method for the integrated extraction and separation of fatty acids from algae using supercritical CO2 is presented. Desmodesmus obliquus and Chlorella sorokiniana were used as algae. First, a method for chromatographic separation of fatty acids of different degrees of saturation was established and optimized. Then, an integrated method for supercritical extraction was developed for both algal species. It was also verified whether prior cell disruption was beneficial for extraction. In developing the method for chromatographic separation, statistical experimental design was used to determine the optimal parameter settings. The methanol content in the mobile phase proved to be the most important parameter for successful separation of the three unsaturated fatty acids oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. Supercritical extraction with dried algae showed that about four times more fatty acids can be extracted from C. sorokiniana relative to the dry mass used.}, language = {en} } @techreport{Tippkoetter2021, author = {Tippk{\"o}tter, Nils}, title = {TreBec - Herstellung eines Mehrwegbechers aus Treber : Sachbericht zum Verwendungsnachweis}, publisher = {FH Aachen}, address = {J{\"u}lich}, doi = {10.2314/KXP:1858723302}, pages = {10 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Laufzeit des Vorhabens und Berichtszeitraum: 01.10.2020-30.09.2021}, language = {de} } @article{Timme2024, author = {Timme, Michael}, title = {Kaufvertrag: Das Zusammentreffen von Beschaffenheitsvereinbarung und Gew{\"a}hrleistungsausschluss - ein Spannungsverh{\"a}ltnis}, series = {Monatsschrift f{\"u}r Deutsches Recht}, volume = {78}, journal = {Monatsschrift f{\"u}r Deutsches Recht}, number = {12}, publisher = {Verlag Dr. Otto Schmidt}, address = {K{\"o}ln}, issn = {2194-4202 (online)}, doi = {10.9785/mdtr-2024-781203}, pages = {745 -- 748}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Wer A sagt, muss zumindest im Kaufrecht nicht immer B sagen: Es kommt nicht selten vor, dass sich in einem Kaufvertrag einerseits ein wirksamer Ausschluss der Gew{\"a}hrleistung des Verk{\"a}ufers f{\"u}r Sachm{\"a}ngel findet, die Parteien aber andererseits gleichwohl eine Beschaffenheitsvereinbarung f{\"u}r bestimmte Eigenschaften vertraglich festlegen. In diesem Problemfeld f{\"u}hrt eine aktuelle Entscheidung des BGH zu weiteren Kl{\"a}rungen f{\"u}r die Praxis (BGH, Urt. v. 10.4.2024 - VIII ZR 161/23, MDR 2024, 706). Der folgende Beitrag setzt sich mit den vielf{\"a}ltigen Aspekten der Entscheidung auseinander und erl{\"a}utert, aus welchen Gr{\"u}nden der BGH dem K{\"a}ufer einige goldene Br{\"u}cken f{\"u}r einen Schadensersatzanspruch gebaut hat.}, language = {de} } @incollection{NiendorfWinterFrauenrath2012, author = {Niendorf, Thoralf and Winter, Lukas and Frauenrath, Tobias}, title = {Electrocardiogram in an MRI environment: Clinical needs, practical considerations, safety implications, technical solutions and fFuture directions}, series = {Advances in Electrocardiograms - Methods and Analysis}, booktitle = {Advances in Electrocardiograms - Methods and Analysis}, editor = {Millis, Richard}, publisher = {IntechOpen}, address = {London}, isbn = {978-953-307-923-3 (print)}, doi = {10.5772/24340}, pages = {309 -- 324}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @article{HeinrichsUttingFrauenrathetal.2009, author = {Heinrichs, Uwe and Utting, Jane F. and Frauenrath, Tobias and Hezel, Fabian and Krombach, Gabriele A. and Hodenius, Michael A. J. and Kozerke, Sebastian and Niendorf, Thoralf}, title = {Myocardial T2 mapping free of distortion using susceptibility-weighted fast spin-echo imaging: A feasibility study at 1.5 T and 3.0 T}, series = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, volume = {62}, journal = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wiley-Liss}, address = {New York}, issn = {1522-2594}, doi = {10.1002/mrm.22054}, pages = {822 -- 828}, year = {2009}, abstract = {This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying free-breathing, cardiac-gated, susceptibility-weighted fast spin-echo imaging together with black blood preparation and navigator-gated respiratory motion compensation for anatomically accurate T₂ mapping of the heart. First, T₂ maps are presented for oil phantoms without and with respiratory motion emulation (T₂ = (22.1 ± 1.7) ms at 1.5 T and T₂ = (22.65 ± 0.89) ms at 3.0 T). T₂ relaxometry of a ferrofluid revealed relaxivities of R2 = (477.9 ± 17) mM⁻¹s⁻¹ and R2 = (449.6 ± 13) mM⁻¹s⁻¹ for UFLARE and multiecho gradient-echo imaging at 1.5 T. For inferoseptal myocardial regions mean T₂ values of 29.9 ± 6.6 ms (1.5 T) and 22.3 ± 4.8 ms (3.0 T) were estimated. For posterior myocardial areas close to the vena cava T₂-values of 24.0 ± 6.4 ms (1.5 T) and 15.4 ± 1.8 ms (3.0 T) were observed. The merits and limitations of the proposed approach are discussed and its implications for cardiac and vascular T₂-mapping are considered.}, language = {en} } @article{KobFrauenrath2009, author = {Kob, Malte and Frauenrath, Tobias}, title = {A system for parallel measurement of glottis opening and larynx position}, series = {Biomedical Signal Processing and Control}, volume = {4}, journal = {Biomedical Signal Processing and Control}, number = {3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1746-8108}, doi = {10.1016/j.bspc.2009.03.004}, pages = {221 -- 228}, year = {2009}, abstract = {The simultaneous assessment of glottal dynamics and larynx position can be beneficial for the diagnosis of disordered voice or speech production and swallowing. Up to now, methods either concentrate on assessment of the glottis opening using optical, acoustical or electrical (electroglottography, EGG) methods, or on visualisation of the larynx position using ultrasound, computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging techniques. The method presented here makes use of a time-multiplex measurement approach of space-resolved transfer impedances through the larynx. The fast sequence of measurements allows a quasi simultaneous assessment of both larynx position and EGG signal using up to 32 transmit-receive signal paths. The system assesses the dynamic opening status of the glottis as well as the vertical and back/forward motion of the larynx. Two electrode-arrays are used for the measurement of the electrical transfer impedance through the neck in different directions. From the acquired data the global and individual conductivity is calculated as well as a 2D point spatial representation of the minimum impedance. The position information is shown together with classical EGG signals allowing a synchronous visual assessment of glottal area and larynx position. A first application to singing voice analysis is presented that indicate a high potential of the method for use as a non-invasive tool in the diagnosis of voice, speech, and swallowing disorders.}, language = {en} } @article{vonKnobelsdorfBrenkenhoffFrauenrathProthmannetal.2010, author = {von Knobelsdorf-Brenkenhoff, Florian and Frauenrath, Tobias and Prothmann, Marcel and Dieringer, Matthias A. and Hezel, Fabian and Renz, Wolfgang and Kretschel, Kerstin and Niendorf, Thoralf and Schulz-Menger, Jeanette}, title = {Cardiac chamber quantification using magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla—a pilot study}, volume = {20}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin, Heidelberg}, issn = {0938-7994}, doi = {10.1007/s00330-010-1888-2}, pages = {2844 -- 2852}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Objectives Interest in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) at 7 T is motivated by the expected increase in spatial and temporal resolution, but the method is technically challenging. We examined the feasibility of cardiac chamber quantification at 7 T. Methods A stack of short axes covering the left ventricle was obtained in nine healthy male volunteers. At 1.5 T, steady-state free precession (SSFP) and fast gradient echo (FGRE) cine imaging with 7 mm slice thickness (STH) were used. At 7 T, FGRE with 7 mm and 4 mm STH were applied. End-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, ejection fraction and mass were calculated. Results All 7 T examinations provided excellent blood/myocardium contrast for all slice directions. No significant difference was found regarding ejection fraction and cardiac volumes between SSFP at 1.5 T and FGRE at 7 T, while volumes obtained from FGRE at 1.5 T were underestimated. Cardiac mass derived from FGRE at 1.5 and 7 T was larger than obtained from SSFP at 1.5 T. Agreement of volumes and mass between SSFP at 1.5 T and FGRE improved for FGRE at 7 T when combined with an STH reduction to 4 mm. Conclusions This pilot study demonstrates that cardiac chamber quantification at 7 T using FGRE is feasible and agrees closely with SSFP at 1.5 T.}, language = {en} } @article{FrauenrathHezelRenzetal.2010, author = {Frauenrath, Tobias and Hezel, Fabian and Renz, Wolfgang and de Geyer d'Orth, Thibaut and Dieringer, Matthias and von Knobelsdorf-Brenkenhoff, Florian and Prothmann, Marcel and Schulz-Menger, Jeanette and Niendorf, Thoralf}, title = {Acoustic cardiac triggering: a practical solution for synchronization and gating of cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 7 Tesla}, series = {Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance}, volume = {12}, journal = {Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance}, number = {1}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1532-429X}, doi = {10.1186/1532-429X-12-67}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Background To demonstrate the applicability of acoustic cardiac triggering (ACT) for imaging of the heart at ultrahigh magnetic fields (7.0 T) by comparing phonocardiogram, conventional vector electrocardiogram (ECG) and traditional pulse oximetry (POX) triggered 2D CINE acquisitions together with (i) a qualitative image quality analysis, (ii) an assessment of the left ventricular function parameter and (iii) an examination of trigger reliability and trigger detection variance derived from the signal waveforms. Results ECG was susceptible to severe distortions at 7.0 T. POX and ACT provided waveforms free of interferences from electromagnetic fields or from magneto-hydrodynamic effects. Frequent R-wave mis-registration occurred in ECG-triggered acquisitions with a failure rate of up to 30\% resulting in cardiac motion induced artifacts. ACT and POX triggering produced images free of cardiac motion artefacts. ECG showed a severe jitter in the R-wave detection. POX also showed a trigger jitter of approximately Δt = 72 ms which is equivalent to two cardiac phases. ACT showed a jitter of approximately Δt = 5 ms only. ECG waveforms revealed a standard deviation for the cardiac trigger offset larger than that observed for ACT or POX waveforms. Image quality assessment showed that ACT substantially improved image quality as compared to ECG (image quality score at end-diastole: ECG = 1.7 ± 0.5, ACT = 2.4 ± 0.5, p = 0.04) while the comparison between ECG vs. POX gated acquisitions showed no significant differences in image quality (image quality score: ECG = 1.7 ± 0.5, POX = 2.0 ± 0.5, p = 0.34). Conclusions The applicability of acoustic triggering for cardiac CINE imaging at 7.0 T was demonstrated. ACT's trigger reliability and fidelity are superior to that of ECG and POX. ACT promises to be beneficial for cardiovascular magnetic resonance at ultra-high field strengths including 7.0 T.}, language = {en} } @article{DieringerRenzLindeletal.2011, author = {Dieringer, Matthias A. and Renz, Wolfgang and Lindel, Tomasz D. and Seifert, Frank and Frauenrath, Tobias and von Knobelsdorf-Brenkenhoff, Florian and Waiczies, Helmar and Hoffmann, Werner and Rieger, Jan and Pfeiffer, Harald and Ittermann, Bernd and Schulz-Menger, Jeanette and Niendorf, Thoralf}, title = {Design and application of a four-channel transmit/receive surface coil for functional cardiac imaging at 7T}, series = {Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging}, volume = {33}, journal = {Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wiley-Liss}, address = {New York}, issn = {1522-2586}, doi = {10.1002/jmri.22451}, pages = {736 -- 741}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Purpose To design and evaluate a four-channel cardiac transceiver coil array for functional cardiac imaging at 7T. Materials and Methods A four-element cardiac transceiver surface coil array was developed with two rectangular loops mounted on an anterior former and two rectangular loops on a posterior former. specific absorption rate (SAR) simulations were performed and a Burn:x-wiley:10531807:media:JMRI22451:tex2gif-stack-1 calibration method was applied prior to obtain 2D FLASH CINE (mSENSE, R = 2) images from nine healthy volunteers with a spatial resolution of up to 1 × 1 × 2.5 mm3. Results Tuning and matching was found to be better than 10 dB for all subjects. The decoupling (S21) was measured to be >18 dB between neighboring loops, >20 dB for opposite loops, and >30 dB for other loop combinations. SAR values were well within the limits provided by the IEC. Imaging provided clinically acceptable signal homogeneity with an excellent blood-myocardium contrast applying the Burn:x-wiley:10531807:media:JMRI22451:tex2gif-stack-2 calibration approach. Conclusion A four-channel cardiac transceiver coil array for 7T was built, allowing for cardiac imaging with clinically acceptable signal homogeneity and an excellent blood-myocardium contrast. Minor anatomic structures, such as pericardium, mitral, and tricuspid valves and their apparatus, as well as trabeculae, were accurately delineated.}, language = {en} } @article{MartinFrauenrathOezerdemetal.2011, author = {Martin, Conrad and Frauenrath, Tobias and {\"O}zerdem, Celal and Renz, Wolfgang and Niendorf, Thoralf}, title = {Development and evaluation of a small and mobile Magneto Alert Sensor (MALSE) to support safety requirements for magnetic resonance imaging}, series = {European Radiology}, volume = {21}, journal = {European Radiology}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin, Heidelberg}, issn = {1432-1084}, doi = {10.1007/s00330-011-2153-z}, pages = {2187 -- 2192}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Objective The purpose of this study is to (i) design a small and mobile Magnetic field ALert SEnsor (MALSE), (ii) to carefully evaluate its sensors to their consistency of activation/deactivation and sensitivity to magnetic fields, and (iii) to demonstrate the applicability of MALSE in 1.5 T, 3.0 T and 7.0 T MR fringe field environments. Methods MALSE comprises a set of reed sensors, which activate in response to their exposure to a magnetic field. The activation/deactivation of reed sensors was examined by moving them in/out of the fringe field generated by 7TMR. Results The consistency with which individual reed sensors would activate at the same field strength was found to be 100\% for the setup used. All of the reed switches investigated required a substantial drop in ambient magnetic field strength before they deactivated. Conclusions MALSE is a simple concept for alerting MRI staff to a ferromagnetic object being brought into fringe magnetic fields which exceeds MALSEs activation magnetic field. MALSE can easily be attached to ferromagnetic objects within the vicinity of a scanner, thus creating a barrier for hazardous situations induced by ferromagnetic parts which should not enter the vicinity of an MR-system to occur.}, language = {en} } @article{GrandeMeffertSchoenbergeretal.2012, author = {Grande, Marion and Meffert, Elisabeth and Schoenberger, Eva and Jung, Stefanie and Frauenrath, Tobias and Huber, Walter and Hussmann, Katja and Moormann, Mareike and Heim, Stefan}, title = {From a concept to a word in a syntactically complete sentence: An fMRI study on spontaneous language production in an overt picture description task}, series = {NeuroImage}, volume = {61}, journal = {NeuroImage}, number = {3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1522-2586}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.03.087}, pages = {702 -- 714}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Spontaneous language has rarely been subjected to neuroimaging studies. This study therefore introduces a newly developed method for the analysis of linguistic phenomena observed in continuous language production during fMRI. Most neuroimaging studies investigating language have so far focussed on single word or — to a smaller extent — sentence processing, mostly due to methodological considerations. Natural language production, however, is far more than the mere combination of words to larger units. Therefore, the present study aimed at relating brain activation to linguistic phenomena like word-finding difficulties or syntactic completeness in a continuous language fMRI paradigm. A picture description task with special constraints was used to provoke hesitation phenomena and speech errors. The transcribed speech sample was segmented into events of one second and each event was assigned to one category of a complex schema especially developed for this purpose. The main results were: conceptual planning engages bilateral activation of the precuneus. Successful lexical retrieval is accompanied - particularly in comparison to unsolved word-finding difficulties - by the left middle and superior temporal gyrus. Syntactic completeness is reflected in activation of the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) (area 44). In sum, the method has proven to be useful for investigating the neural correlates of lexical and syntactic phenomena in an overt picture description task. This opens up new prospects for the analysis of spontaneous language production during fMRI.}, language = {en} } @article{FrauenrathFuchsDieringeretal.2012, author = {Frauenrath, Tobias and Fuchs, Katharina and Dieringer, Matthias A. and {\"O}zerdem, Celal and Patel, Nishan and Renz, Wolfgang and Greiser, Andreas and Elgeti, Thomas and Niendorf, Thoralf}, title = {Detailing the use of magnetohydrodynamic effects for synchronization of MRI with the cardiac cycle: A feasibility study}, series = {Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging}, volume = {36}, journal = {Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley-Liss}, address = {New York}, issn = {1522-2586}, doi = {10.1002/jmri.23634}, pages = {364 -- 372}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of using magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects for synchronization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the cardiac cycle. Materials and Methods: The MHD effect was scrutinized using a pulsatile flow phantom at B0 = 7.0 T. MHD effects were examined in vivo in healthy volunteers (n = 10) for B0 ranging from 0.05-7.0 T. Noncontrast-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) of the carotids was performed using a gated steady-state free-precession (SSFP) imaging technique in conjunction with electrocardiogram (ECG) and MHD synchronization. Results: The MHD potential correlates with flow velocities derived from phase contrast MRI. MHD voltages depend on the orientation between B0 and the flow of a conductive fluid. An increase in the interelectrode spacing along the flow increases the MHD potential. In vivo measurement of the MHD effect provides peak voltages of 1.5 mV for surface areas close to the common carotid artery at B0 = 7.0 T. Synchronization of MRI with the cardiac cycle using MHD triggering is feasible. MHD triggered MRA of the carotids at 3.0 T showed an overall image quality and richness of anatomic detail, which is comparable to ECG-triggered MRAs. Conclusion: This feasibility study demonstrates the use of MHD effects for synchronization of MR acquisitions with the cardiac cycle. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:364-372. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.}, language = {en} } @article{GraesslRenzHezeletal.2013, author = {Gr{\"a}ßl, Andreas and Renz, Wolfgang and Hezel, Fabian and Dieringer, Matthias A. and Winter, Lukas and {\"O}zerdem, Celal and Rieger, Jan and Kellmann, Peter and Santoro, Davide and Lindel, Tomasz D. and Frauenrath, Tobias and Pfeiffer, Harald and Niendorf, Thoralf}, title = {Modular 32-channel transceiver coil array for cardiac MRI at 7.0T}, series = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, volume = {72}, journal = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-Liss}, address = {New York}, issn = {1522-2594}, doi = {10.1002/mrm.24903}, pages = {276 -- 290}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Purpose To design and evaluate a modular transceiver coil array with 32 independent channels for cardiac MRI at 7.0T. Methods The modular coil array comprises eight independent building blocks, each containing four transceiver loop elements. Numerical simulations were used for B1+ field homogenization and radiofrequency (RF) safety validation. RF characteristics were examined in a phantom study. The array's suitability for accelerated high spatial resolution two-dimensional (2D) FLASH CINE imaging of the heart was examined in a volunteer study. Results Transmission field adjustments and RF characteristics were found to be suitable for the volunteer study. The signal-to-noise intrinsic to 7.0T together with the coil performance afforded a spatial resolution of 1.1 × 1.1 × 2.5 mm3 for 2D CINE FLASH MRI, which is by a factor of 6 superior to standardized CINE protocols used in clinical practice at 1.5T. The 32-channel transceiver array supports one-dimensional acceleration factors of up to R = 4 without impairing image quality significantly. Conclusion The modular 32-channel transceiver cardiac array supports accelerated and high spatial resolution cardiac MRI. The array is compatible with multichannel transmission and provides a technological basis for future clinical assessment of parallel transmission techniques at 7.0T.}, language = {en} } @misc{FrauenrathNiendorf2012, author = {Frauenrath, Tobias and Niendorf, Thoralf}, title = {MRT-Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Betreiben einer MRT-Vorrichtung}, year = {2012}, abstract = {A magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) apparatus (1) for the examination of a body (14) comprises parameter acquisition devices (13) for the acquisition of cardiovascular parameters of the body (14) and a control device (15) in communication with the parameter acquisition devices (13) for synchronizing the imaging, wherein the control device (15) is adapted to analyse the data of at least two parameter acquisition devices (13) and to output a control signal based on the analysis.}, language = {de} }