Advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging in patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases

The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing as human longevity increases. The objective biomarkers that enable the staging and early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases are eagerly anticipated. It has recently become possible to determine pathological changes in the brain without autopsy with the advancement of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging is a robust tool used to evaluate brain microstructural complexity and integrity, axonal order, density, and myelination via the micron-scale displacement of water molecules diffusing in tissues. Diffusion tensor imaging, a type of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging technique is widely utilized in clinical and research settings;however, it has several limitations. To overcome these limitations, cutting-edge diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques, such as diffusional kurtosis imaging, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging, and free water imaging, have been recently proposed and applied to evaluate the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focused on the main applications, findings, and future directions of advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques in patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, the first and second most common neurodegenerative diseases, respectively.

Direct Dimethyl Ether Synthesis

Dimethyl ether (DME) is a clean and economical alternative fuel which can beproduced from natural gas through synthesis gas. The properties of DME are very similar to those ofLP gas. DME can be used for various fields as a fuel such as power generation, transportation, homeheating and cooking, etc. It contains no sulfur or nitrogen. It is not corrosive to any metal andnot harmful to human body. An innovative process of direct synthesis of DME from synthesis gas hasbeen developed. Newly developed catalyst in a slurry phase reactor gave a high conversion and highselectivity of DME production. One and half year pilot scale plant (5 tons per day) testing, whichwas supported by METI, had successfully finished with about 400 tons DME production.

Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilization for Gas Engine

Sodium glycinate absorption and ethylene carbonate synthesis from a mixture gas of ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide are evaluated as carbon dioxide capture and utilization system for gas engine flue gas. The energy requirement for CO2 capture is estimated at 3.3 GJ/tonne CO2. The ethylene carbonate synthesis utilizes more than 90% of the captured CO2 and supply 2.5 GJ/tonne CO2 of thermal energy, which is 76% of the energy requirement for CO2 capture. The thermal integration of the sodium glycinate absorption and the ethylene carbonate synthesis reduces the energy requirement for CO2 capture from 3.3 GJ/tonne CO2 to 0.8 GJ/tonne CO2. The energy requirement for the CO2 capture is supplied using the steam saturated at 0.78 MPa from the gas engine without its electric power reduction.