Value of multiple models of diffusion-weighted imaging to predict hepatic lymph node metastases in colorectal liver metastases patients

BACKGROUND About 10%-31% of colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)patients would concomitantly show hepatic lymph node metastases(LNM),which was considered as sign of poor biological behavior and a relative contraindication for liver resection.Up to now,there’s still lack of reliable preoperative methods to assess the status of hepatic lymph nodes in patients with CRLM,except for pathology examination of lymph node after resection.AIM To compare the ability of mono-exponential,bi-exponential,and stretchedexponential diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)models in distinguishing between benign and malignant hepatic lymph nodes in patients with CRLM who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery.METHODS In this retrospective study,97 CRLM patients with pathologically confirmed hepatic lymph node status underwent magnetic resonance imaging,including DWI with ten b values before and after chemotherapy.Various parameters,such as the apparent diffusion coefficient from the mono-exponential model,and the true diffusion coefficient,the pseudo-diffusion coefficient,and the perfusion fraction derived from the intravoxel incoherent motion model,along with distributed diffusion coefficient(DDC)andαfrom the stretched-exponential model(SEM),were measured.The parameters before and after chemotherapy were compared between positive and negative hepatic lymph node groups.A nomogram was constructed to predict the hepatic lymph node status.The reliability and agreement of the measurements were assessed using the coefficient of variation and intraclass correlation coefficient.RESULTS Multivariate analysis revealed that the pre-treatment DDC value and the short diameter of the largest lymph node after treatment were independent predictors of metastatic hepatic lymph nodes.A nomogram combining these two factors demonstrated excellent performance in distinguishing between benign and malignant lymph nodes in CRLM patients,with an area under the curve of 0.873.Furthermore,parameters from SEM showed substantial repeatability.CONCLUSION The developed nomogram,incorporating the pre-treatment DDC and the short axis of the largest lymph node,can be used to predict the presence of hepatic LNM in CRLM patients undergoing chemotherapy before surgery.This nomogram was proven to be more valuable,exhibiting superior diagnostic performance compared to quantitative parameters derived from multiple b values of DWI.The nomogram can serve as a preoperative assessment tool for determining the status of hepatic lymph nodes and aiding in the decision-making process for surgical treatment in CRLM patients.

EFFECTS OF TREATMENT TIME ON CORROSION OF DIFFUSION-ALLOYED COATINGS OF PURE MAGNESIUM

The corrosion resistance of pure magnesium with surface alloying layer obtained by a solid diffusion alloying technique has been analyzed. To establish the optimum treatment time, the experiments were performed at 480℃ for different solid diffusion time （8, 16, and 24h）. The diffusion interaction effectiveness between Zn, Al mix powder and the sample surface, depending on the treatment time for diffusion at given temperatures, has an obvious influence on corrosion resistance and corrosion mechanism. Corrosion properties were studied using the constant immersion test （in 3.0% NaCl solution, temperature is （28±1）℃, and time is 96h）. Optical microscopy （OM） and EDS （energy dispersive spectrum） composition analysis were used to examine the cross-sectional microstructural characteristics of alloyed layer of treated samples. It is shown that in comparison with the untreated samples, the treated ones possess a better corrosion resistance. The Al5Mg11Zn4 phase, which formed as a continuous phase due to the diffusion of Al, Zn, and Mg elements and subsequent interaction on the outermost layer of diffusion alloying zones （especially the samples treated for 24h at 480℃）, was inert to the chloride solution compared with pure magnesium and acted as a corrosion barrier, and therefore the best corrosion resistance was obtained. This protective action of Al5Mg11Zn4 phase was found to change with its amount, which was controlled by the diffusion time at given temperature. It was concluded that the continuous Al5Mg11Zn4 phase （WP-zone） of the reacted layer in pure magnesium was beneficial from the point of view of corrosion resistance.

Microstructure evolution of Nb_3Sn superconductors during diffusion treatment by bronze route

The element diffusion process of Nb_3Sn superconductors by bronze route was studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The critical current of superconductors was measured by four-point method. The results show that a diffusion layer has formed around the boundaries between the filaments and bronze matrix after 15 h heat treatment. The diffusion layer thickness keeps stable after heat treatment duration of 50~75 h. The stable and solid Nb 3 Sn layer is obtained in the sample after 100 h heat treatment. Excessive heat treatment would induce superconductivity degeneration because of superconductor grain coarsening. The characteristics of the element diffusion process were discussed. The diffusion of tin atom is the governing factor in diffusion. In this study, Nb_3_Sn superconductors with good superconducting property were fabricated successfully at 670 °C after 100h heat treatment.

Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment for primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma:A single-center analysis

BACKGROUND Unlike the already established effect of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication on gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)lymphoma,its therapeutic effect on primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is still unclear.AIM To clarify the efficacy of H.pylori eradication treatment for primary gastric DLBCL.METHODS We reported on 3 new cases,and added them to 3 previously reported cases.We analyzed the usefulness of H.pylori eradication treatment for gastric DLBCL for a total of 6 cases at our center.RESULTS Of the 6 patients(27-90 years old,3 males and 3 females),all 3 patients with single lesions(one transformed from MALT lymphoma)achieved complete remission(CR)after H.pylori eradication.Regarding the 2 newly reported cases,CR was maintained for more than 6 years with eradication treatment alone.In contrast,none of the 3 patients with 2 lesions achieved CR.In 1 newly reported case,endoscopic CR was achieved in one lesion,while stable disease was obtained in the other lesion.Two patients with progressive disease responded to standard chemo therapy±radiation and remained in CR for more than 6 years.CONCLUSION We believe it is worthwhile to attempt H.pylori eradication for elderly patients with primary gastric DLBCL in a single lesion with a small tumor burden.

Effect of bonding temperature and heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical property of Mg−6Gd−3Y alloy vacuum diffusion bonded joints

Diffusion bonding of as-cast Mg−6Gd−3Y magnesium alloy was carried out at temperatures of 400−480℃ with bonding pressure of 6 MPa for 90 min.Diffusion bonded joints were solution treated at 495℃ for 14 h and then aged at 200℃ for 30 h.Microstructures and mechanical properties of joints were analyzed.The results showed that rare earth elements and their compounds gathering at bonding interface hindered the grain boundary migration crossing bonding interface.Tensile strength of as-bonded and as-solution treated joints increased firstly and then decreased with the bonding temperature increasing due to the combined effects of grain coarsening and solid-solution strengthening.As-bonded and solution-treated joints fractured at matrix except the joint bonded at 400℃,while aged joints fractured at bonding interface.The highest ultimate tensile strength of 279 MPa with elongation of 2.8%was found in joint bonded at 440℃ with solution treatment followed by aging treatment.

Computer simulation of thermochemical treatments: modelling diffusion and precipitation in metals

A model for simultaneous diffusion and precipitation in metals has been recently incorporated into a finite element computer code [1][2]. This model allows now for numerical simulations of various thermochemical treatments such as nitriding or carburizing. Subsequent quenching simulations are then made more accurate, by introducing the influence of the carbon content on the thermo-metallurgical and mechanical properties of the materials [3]. After recalling the mathematical equations used to model simultaneous diffusion and precipitation and their implementation into a finite element code, this paper deals with the method used to obtain the local fractions of precipitates as functions of the local content in each chemical element. The law of mass action is employed to calculate the fractions of precipitates obtained at thermodynamic equilibrium. This leads to a nonlinear complementarity problem. The method used to solve this problem is described in detail, and is validated by computing the phase diagram of a micro-alloyed steel. Finally, numerical simulations of combined diffusion and precipitation in steels point out the efficiency of the approach presented, as well as the important role played by precipitation during diffusion in metals.

Effect of immersion Ni plating on interface microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/Cu bimetal

A nickel-based coating was deposited on the pure Al substrate by immersion plating,and the Al/Cu bimetals were prepared by diffusion bonding in the temperature range of 450-550 ℃.The interce microstructure and fracture surface of Al/Cu joints were studied by scanning electron microscopy（SEM） and X-ray diffraction（XRD）.The mechanical properties of the Al/Cu bimetals were measured by tensile shear and microhardness tests.The results show that the Ni interiayer can effectively eliminate the formation of Al-Cu intermetallic compounds.The Al/Ni interface consists of the Al3Ni and Al3Ni2 phases,while it is Ni-Cu solid solution at the Ni/Cu interce.The tensile shear strength of the joints is improved by the addition of Ni interiayer.The joint with Ni interiayer annealed at 500 ℃ exhibits a maximum value of tensile shear strength of 34.7 MPa.

A novel diffusion model considering curvature radius at the bonding interface in a titanium/steel explosive clad plate

This article introduces an element diffusion behavior model for a titanium/steel explosive clad plate characterized by a typical curved interface during the heat-treatment process. A series of heat-treatment experiments were conducted in the temperature range from 750℃ to 950℃, and the effects of heat-treatment parameters on the microstructural evolution and diffusion behavior were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electron-probe microanalysis. Carbon atoms within the steel matrix were observed to diffuse toward the titanium matrix and to aggregate at the bonding interface at 850℃ or lower; in contrast, when the temperature exceeded 850℃, the mutual diffusion of Ti and Fe occurred, along with the diffusion of C atoms, resulting in the for- marion of Ti-Fe intermetallics （Fe2Ti/FeTi）. The diffusion distances of C, Ti, and Fe atoms increased with increasing heating temperature and/or holding time. On the basis of this diffusion behavior, a novel diffusion model was proposed. This model considers the effects of various factors, including the curvature radius of the curved interface, the diffusion coefficient, the heating temperature, and the holding rime. The experimental results show good agreement with the calculated values. The proposed model could clearly provide a general prediction of the elements＇ diffusion at both straight and curved interfaces.

Effect of b value on monitoring therapeutic response by diffusion-weighted imaging

AIM： To explore the diffusion gradient b-factor that optimizes both apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC） measurement and contrast-to-noise （CNR） for assessing tumor response to transarterial chemoembolization （TACE） in a rabbit model. METHODS： Twelve New Zealand white rabbits bearing VX2 tumors in the liver were treated with TACE. Diffusion-weighted imaging （DWI） with various b values was performed using the same protocol before and 3 d after treatment with TACE. ADC values and CNR of each tumor pre- and post-treatment with different b factors were analyzed. Correlation between ADC values and extent of necrosis in histological specimens was analyzed by a Pearson＇s correlation test.RESULTS： The quality of diffusion-weighted images diminished as the b value increased. A substantial decrease in the mean lesion-to-liver CNR was observed on both pre- and post-treatment DW images, the largest difference in CNR pre- and post-treatment was manifested at a b value of 1000 s/mm^2 （P = 0.036 ）. The effect of therapy on diffusion early after treatment was shown by a significant increase in ADCs （P = 0.007）, especially with large b factors （≥ 600 s/mm^2）. The mean percentage of necrotic cells present within the tumor was 76.3%-97.5%. A significant positive correlation was found between ADC values and the extent of necrosis with all b values except for b200, a higher relative coefficient between ADC values and percentage of necrosis was found on DWI with bl000 and b2000 （P = 0.002 and 0.006, respectively）. CONCLUSION： An increasing b value of up to 600 s/mm^2 would increase ADC contrast pre- and post-treatment, but decrease image quality. Taking into account both CNR and ADC measurement, diffusion-weighted imaging obtained with a b value of 1000 s/mm^2 is recommended for monitoring early hepatic tumor response to TACE.

Combined value of apparent diffusion coefficient-standardized uptake value max in evaluation of post-treated locally advanced rectal cancer

AIM:To assess the clinical diagnostic value of functional imaging,combining quantitative parameters of apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) and standardized uptake value(SUV)max,before and after chemo-radiation therapy,in prediction of tumor response of patients with rectal cancer,related to tumor regression grade at histology.METHODS:A total of 31 patients with biopsy proven diagnosis of rectal carcinoma were enrolled in our study.All patients underwent a whole body ^(18)FDG positron emission tomography(PET)/computed tomography(CT) scan and a pelvic magnetic resonance(MR)examination including diffusion weighted(DW) imaging for staging(PET1,RM1) and after completion(6.6 wk)of neoadjuvant treatment(PET2,RM2).Subsequently all patients underwent total mesorectal excision and the histological results were compared with imaging findings.The MR scanning,performed on 1.5 T magnet(Philips,Achieva),included T2-weighted multiplanar imaging and in addition DW images with b-value of 0 and 1000 mm^2/s.On PET/CT the SUVmax of the rectal lesion were calculated in PET1 and PET2.The percentage decrease of SUVmax(△SUV) and ADC(△ADC) values from baseline to presurgical scan were assessed and correlated with pathologic response classified as tumor regression grade(Mandard's criteria;TRG1 = complete regression,TRG5 = no regression).RESULTS:After completion of therapy,all the patients were submitted to surgery.According to the Mandard's criteria,22 tumors showed complete(TRG1) or subtotal regression(TRG2) and were classified as responders;9tumors were classified as non responders(TRG3,4 and5).Considering all patients the mean values of SUVmax in PET 1 was higher than the mean value of SUVmax in PET 2(P < 0.001),whereas the mean ADC values was lower in RM1 than RM2(P < 0.001),with a △SUV and △ADC respectively of 60.2%and 66.8%.The best predictors for TRG response were SUV2(threshold of4.4) and ADC2(1.29 × 10^(-3) mm^2/s) with high sensitivity and specificity.Combining in a single analysis both the obtained median value,the positive predictive value,in predicting the different group category response in related to TRG system,presented R^2 of 0.95.CONCLUSION:The functional imaging combining ADC and SUVmax in a single analysis permits to detect changes in cellular tissue structures useful for the assessment of tumour response after the neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer,increasing the sensitivity in correct depiction of treatment response than either method alone.

Corrosion Behavior of Cu/Ni Coatings on Ti-6Al-4V Alloy after Diffused Treatment

To improve the low thermal conductivities and poor wear resistances of TC4(Ti-6Al-4V)alloy,the most widely used titanium alloy,the surface of TC4 alloys is modified by electroplating deposition of Ni and Cu layers,and then heat-treated to increase the diffusivity at the interface.In this paper,the corrosion behavior of Cu/Ni coatings on TC4 alloy at different heat treatment processes was investigated in 3.5 wt%Na Cl by the electrochemical analysis,and the microstructure and composition of corrosion products was carried out to reveal the corrosion resistance mechanism of Cu/Ni coatings.It was found that the corrosion resistance was significantly influenced by heat treatment temperature.With the increasing diffusion treatment temperature from 500 to 700℃,the corrosion potential positively shifted from-330.87 to-201.14 m V,and the corrosion current density decreased from 4.02×10^-3 to 0.514×10^-3 m A/cm^2.However,when heat treatment temperature increased to 800℃,the corrosion potential negatively shifted to-207.21 m V,and the current density increased to 1.62×10^-3 m A/cm^2.The diffusion behavior of Ti,Ni and Cu elements occurred and small amounts of Ni and Ti elements appeared on the specimen surface under different heat treatment temperature.Especially heattreated at 700℃,the smaller pore size,dense Cu2O film,and highly stable Ti O and Ni O oxide layer were formed,which dramatically enhanced the corrosion resistance of Cu/Ni coatings.Finally,a novel model of corrosion resistance was proposed based on the analysis mentioned above.

Plasma surface treatment of Cu by nanosecond-pulse diffuse discharges in atmospheric air

Nanosecond-pulse diffuse discharges could provide high-density plasma and high-energy electrons at atmospheric pressure. In this paper, the surface treatment of Cu by nanosecond-pulse diffuse discharges is conducted in atmospheric air. Factors influencing the water contact angle （WCA）, chemical composition and microhardness, such as the gap spacing and treatment time, are investigated. The results show that after the plasma surface treatment, the WCA considerably decreases from 87~ to 42.3~, and the surface energy increases from 20.46 mJ m-2 to 66.28 mJ m-2. Results of energy dispersive x-ray analysis show that the concentration of carbon decreases, but the concentrations of oxygen and nitrogen increase significantly. Moreover, the microhardness increases by approximately 30% after the plasma treatment. The aforementioned changes on the Cu surface indicate the plasma surface treatment enhances the hydrophilicity and microhardness, and it cleans the carbon and achieves oxidization on the Cu surface. Furthermore, by increasing the gap spacing and treatment time, better treatment effects can be obtained. The micmhardness in the case of a 2.5 cm gap is higher than that in the case of a 3 cm gap. More oxygen and nitrogen species appear on the Cu surface for the 2.5 cm gap treatment than for the 3 cm gap treatment. The WCA significantly decreases with the treatment thne when it is no longer than 90 s, and then it reaches saturation. In addition, more oxygen-containing and nitrogen-containing groups appear after extended plasma treatment time. They contribute to the improvement of the hydrophilicity and oxidation on the Cu surface.

Hepatitis C virus and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Pathogenesis, behavior and treatment

A significant association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and B-cell lymphoma has been reported by epidemiological studies, most of them describing a strong relationship between indolent lymphomas and HCV. Furthermore, the curative potential of antiviral therapy on HCV related indolent lymphomas supports a specific role for the virus in lymphomagenesis. These observations are reinforced by numerous laboratory experiments that led to several hypothetical models of B-cell transformation by HCV. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common lymphoma subtype in the western countries, has been associated to HCV infection despite its aggressive nature. This association seems particularly prominent in some geographical areas. Clinical presentation of HCV-associated DLBCL has consistently been reported to differ from the HCV-negative counterpart. Nevertheless, histopathology, tolerance to standard-of-care chemo-immunotherapy (R-CHOP or CHOP-like regimens) and final outcome of HCV-positive DLBCL patients is still matter of debate. Addition of rituximab has been described to enhance viral replication but the probability of severe hepatic complications remains low, with some exceptions (i.e., hepatitis B virus or immune immunodeficiency virus co-infected patients, presence of grade &#x0003e; 2 transaminases elevation, cirrhosis or hepatocarcinoma). HCV viral load in this setting is not necessarily directly associated with liver damage. Overall, treatment of HCV associated DLBCL should be performed in an interdisciplinary approach with hepatologists and hematologists with close monitoring of liver function. Available reports reveal that the final outcome of HCV-positive DLBCL that receive standard immunochemotherapy is not inferior to their HCV-negative counterpart. This review summarizes data on epidemiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic approach on HCV-associated DLBCL. Several issues that are matter of debate like clinical management of patients with transaminase elevation, criteria for discontinuing or starting immuno-chemotherapy, as well as the exact role of monoclonal antibodies will be analyzed.

Effect of Rare Earths on the Wear Resistance and High Temperature Oxidation Resistance of H13 Steel Surface-Treated with S-N-C Co-diffusion

Steel H13 was put in non toxic salt bath with addition of CeO 2 for co diffusion of sulfur, nitrogen and carbon and followed by oxidation treatment. The effect of rare earths on the improvement of wear resistance and high temperature oxidation resistance of steel H13 was studied using scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometry and X ray diffraction. The results show that compared to the surface treatment without rare earth addition, the treatment with addition of rare earths improves the wear resistance and high temperature resistance to oxidation of steel H13. Under the conditions of 30 N and 2 h, the wear weight loss was decreased by 40%, and the friction coefficient was reduced from 0 25 to 0 22; whereas for 150 N and 0 2 h, the wear weight loss was decreased by 24%, and the friction coefficient was reduced from 0 35 to 0 32. For the oxidation at 700 ℃ and 4 h, the rate of weight gain decreased to only about 1/30 of that without rare earths.

Effect of Carbonation and Drying-Wetting Cycles on Chloride Diffusion Behavior of Coral Aggregate Seawater Concrete

Based on seawater immersion,drying-wetting cycles,carbonation and drying-wetting cycles for coral aggregate sea-water concrete(CASC)with different strength grades,the effect of carbonation and drying-wetting cycles on chloride diffusion be-havior of CASC is studied.The results show that the free surface chloride concentration(Cs),free chloride diffusion coefficient(Df)and time-dependent index(m)of CASC in the drying-wetting cycles is obviously higher than that in seawater immersion.The Df and m of CASC of carbonation and drying-wetting cycles is higher than that in the drying-wetting cycles.Carbonation increases the Df and m of CASC,which is against CASC to resist chloride corrosion.The corrosion possibility of CASC structures in different ex-posed areas is as follows:splash zone(carbonation and drying-wetting cycles)>tidal zone(drying-wetting cycles)>underwater zone(seawater immersion).Besides,the chloride diffusion rate of C65-CASC is 17.8%-63.4%higher than that of C65-ordinary aggre-gate concrete(OAC)in seawater immersion(underwater zone).Therefore,anti-corrosion measures should be adopted to improve the service life of CASC structure in the oceanic environment.

Wall-modeling for large-eddy simulation of flows around an axisymmetric body using the diffuse-interface immersed boundary method

A novel method is proposed to combine the wall-modeled large-eddy simulation(LES) with the diffuse-interface direct-forcing immersed boundary(IB) method.The new developments in this method include:(i) the momentum equation is integrated along the wall-normal direction to link the tangential component of the effective body force for the IB method to the wall shear stress predicted by the wall model;(ii) a set of Lagrangian points near the wall are introduced to compute the normal component of the effective body force for the IB method by reconstructing the normal component of the velocity. This novel method will be a classical direct-forcing IB method if the grid is fine enough to resolve the flow near the wall. The method is used to simulate the flows around the DARPA SUBOFF model. The results obtained are well comparable to the measured experimental data and wall-resolved LES results.

Individualized Treatment and Palliative Care for A90-Year-Old Patient with Primary Gastric Diffuse Large-B Cell Lymphoma:4 Year Follow-up and Inspiration

A 90-year-old man was diagnosed with primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(PGDLBL)by PET/CT examination,gastroscopy,biopsy and histopathological analysis at a regular physical check in April,2016.The patient received R-CO chemotherapy(rituximab,cyclophosphamide,and vincristine)and radiotherapy subsequently,with enteral nutritional treatment through 3-cavity nasogastric tube due to development of pyloric obstruction.To satisfy patient's strong desire of eating by himself,we performed surgery of exploratory laparotomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(RGB)to relieve pylorus obstruction.Postoperatively,the patient resumed oral feeding,supplemented by nasogastric tube feeding at 1350-1550 Kcal daily.He is now 94 years old with fairly well nutrition and normal communication.The outcome of 4 year follow-up suggests that nutritional treatment and palliative medicine are important for improving prognosis and life-quality of very elderly patients with end-stage tumors apart from the effective chemotherapy,radiotherapy,and surgery.

Chemotherapy response evaluation in a mouse model of gastric cancer using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusionweighted MRI and histopathology

AIM To determine the role of intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM) diffusion-weighted(DW) magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) using a bi-exponential model in chemotherapy response evaluation in a gastric cancer mouse model.METHODS Mice bearing MKN-45 human gastric adenocarcinoma xenografts were divided into four treated groups(TG1, 2, 3 and 4, n = 5 in each group) which received Fluorouracil and Calcium Folinate and a control group(CG, n = 7). DW-MRI scans with 14 b-values(0-1500 s/mm2) were performed before and after treatment on days 3, 7, 14 and 21. Fast diffusion component(presumably pseudo-perfusion) parameters including the fast diffusion coefficient(D*) and fraction volume(f p), slow diffusion coefficient(D) and the conventional apparent diffusion coefficients(ADC) were calculated by fitting the IVIM model to the measured DW signals. The median changes from the baseline to each posttreatment time point for each measurement(ΔADC, ΔD* and Δf p) were calculated. The differences in the median changes between the two groups were compared using the mixed linear regression model by the restricted maximum likelihood method shown as z values. Histopathological analyses including Ki-67, CD31, TUNEL and H&E were conducted in conjunction with the MRI scans. The median percentage changes were compared with the histopathological analyses between the pre-and post-treatment for each measurement.RESULTS Compared with the control group, D* in the treated group decreased significantly(ΔD*treated% =-30%,-34% and-20%, with z =-5.40,-4.18 and-1.95. P = 0.0001, 0.0001 and 0.0244) and f p increased significantly(Δfptreated% = 93%, 113% and 181%, with z = 4.63, 5.52, and 2.12, P = 0.001, 0.0001 and 0.0336) on day 3, 7 and 14, respectively. Increases in ADC in the treated group were higher than those in the control group on days 3 and 14(z = 2.44 and 2.40, P = 0.0147 and P = 0.0164). CONCLUSION Fast diffusion measurements derived from the biexponential IVIM model may be more sensitive imaging biomarkers than ADC to assess chemotherapy response in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Long-term Behavior of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Exposed to Sulfate Solution Cycling in Drying-immersion

The damage process and corrosion ion distribution in concrete, which was exposed to 60 and 170 drying-immersion cycles of sulfate solution, were systematically investigated. The effects of plain concrete, plain concrete mixed with 4 and 8 kg/m^3 modified PP fiber and high-performance concrete（HPC） mixed with 0.8 kg/m^3 fine PP fiber on the damage process were also studied. The experimental results showed that thenarditeinduced surface scaling, as well as gypsum-and ettringite-induced cracks, were the main degradation forms of concrete under attack of sulfate solution and drying–immersion cycles. The relative dynamic modulus of elasticity of concrete initially increased, then reached stability and finally decreased to failure. The sulfate diffusion coefficients of plain and HPC were 10^（-12） and 10^（-13） m^2/s, respectively. The concentration of sodium ion increased with depth, then maintained stability and finally decreased rapidly with concrete depth. The content of calcium ion on the concrete surface was 110%-150% of that in the interior of specimens. Although fiber worsened the surface scaling of concrete, better resistance capacity of sulfate ion penetration into concrete was observed in plain concrete with 4 kg/m^3 modified PP fiber and HPC.

Therapeutic effect of nerve growth factor on cerebral infarction in dogs using the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

A model of focal cerebral ischemic infarction was established in dogs through middle cerebral artery occlusion of the right side.Thirty minutes after occlusion,models were injected with nerve growth factor adjacent to the infarct locus.The therapeutic effect of nerve growth factor against cerebral infarction was assessed using the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio,a quantitative index of diffusion-weighted MRI.At 6 hours,24 hours,7 days and 3 months after modeling,the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio was significantly reduced after treatment with nerve growth factor. Hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,electron microscopy and neurological function scores showed that infarct defects were slightly reduced and neurological function significantly improved after nerve growth factor treatment.This result was consistent with diffusion-weighted MRI measurements.Experimental findings indicate that nerve growth factor can protect against cerebral infarction,and that the hemisphere anomalous volume ratio of diffusion-weighted MRI can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effect.