G0900785 and by the Royal Society through the Paul Instrument Fun

G0900785 and by the Royal Society through the Paul Instrument Fund. The authors would

like to express appreciation to Clive Dixon, Mike Olsen, Ian Taylor, and Ian Thexton for fabrication of specialized glassware and equipment used in this work. The authors would like to also thank Prof. Ian Hall, and Prof. Peter Morris for useful discussions. A special thanks goes to Clémentine Lesbats for her assistance during the experiments. “
“By producing nuclear spin polarization far beyond that available at thermal equilibrium, hyperpolarization can provide improved sensitivity for NMR, enabling the detection of less concentrated molecules. In the area of molecular imaging, MRI has recently been used to study the distribution [1] and metabolism [2], SB203580 ic50 [3] and [4] of hyperpolarized substrates. For instance, multiple studies have reported on the conversion of hyperpolarized 13C-labeled pyruvate to its metabolic

products, alanine, lactate and carbonate in vivo [2], [3], [4], [5] and [6], in which higher lactate production is an important indicator of cancer. This technique is already being translated to the clinic and a first trial is ongoing [7]. Major hyperpolarization techniques include dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) [8] and [9], spin exchange optical pumping polarization of noble gases [10] and parahydrogen induced polarization (PHIP) [11], [12], [13], [14], [15] and [16]. Parahydrogen is a spin isomer of hydrogen with an antisymmetric singlet spin state. By incorporating this pure spin state into a molecule through a hydrogenation reaction, Selleck Crizotinib large signal enhancements have been observed in a variety of situations as first conceived by Bowers

and Weitekamp [12] and Pravica and Weitekamp [14]. In 2009, Duckett’s group developed a parahydrogen polarization technique that works without the need for the chemical modification of the substrate [17]. In this approach, Verteporfin mouse the substrate and the parahydrogen bind to a catalyzing metal complex simultaneously, thus enabling polarization to be transferred to the substrate through the scalar coupling network. The polarized substrate is subsequently released, and replaced by new substrate which is polarized in turn. Such Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE) has already been applied to detect trace amounts of chemicals [18], [19] and [20] and used in conjunction with zero-field NMR spectroscopy [21]. According to a theoretical description of SABRE, the signal enhancement level depends on the binding kinetics and the magnetic field in which polarization transfer occurs [22]. In order to achieve better enhancement, new catalyst precursors have been developed to tune the binding kinetics. Enhancements can be boosted by using the bulky electron-donating phosphines of the Crabtree catalyst [23].

The workers were cryo-anesthetized (0 °C) and decapitated, while

The workers were cryo-anesthetized (0 °C) and decapitated, while queens had an incision made in their thorax with a sterile entomological pin. Between 0.5 and 0.75 μL of haemolymph was collected from each ant by microcapillary. The queens were put back in their colonies of origin after extraction. The

collected haemolymph was added to a tube containing 20 μL of Tris–HCl (0.05 M, pH 7.2) with 15% (v/v) of protease inhibitor cocktail [4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF), E-64, bestatin, leupeptin, aprotinin, and sodium EDTA (Sigma-Aldrich)]. E. tuberculatum vitellogenin and/or vitellin samples were obtained from newly laid queen eggs and mature oocytes dissected from workers’ ovaries. Eggs and oocytes were macerated buy PLX4032 in 0.05 M Tris–HCl buffer, pH 7.2, containing 15% (v/v) of protease inhibitor cocktail (Sigma). The extracts were centrifuged at 9300 × g for 10 min and the supernatant was collected.

The soluble proteins present in the extracts were quantified according to Bradford (1976) using bovine serum albumin as a standard. The haemolymph samples and egg extracts from the queens and workers were subjected to electrophoresis on a 12% polyacrylamide gel containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) (Laemmli, 1970) in order to assess the protein profiles. The samples were diluted to a ratio of 1:2 (v/v) in sample buffer [20% (v/v) of 10% SDS, 12.5% (v/v) 0.5 M Tris–HCl pH 6.8, 25% (v/v) glycerol, 0.01% (w/v) bromophenol blue, 5% (v/v) β-mercaptoetanol], boiled selleck inhibitor for 4 min, and run on the gel. We used 5 μg of protein from egg extracts and 5 μL of diluted haemolymph

samples. The gel was stained with a Coomassie blue solution (2% blue Coomassie G250, 10% acetic acid, 47.5% ethanol). The molecular weights of the proteins were determined with a standard curve based on a linear regression between the log of molecular weight of standard proteins (Promega™ Broad Range Protein Molecular Weight Marker) and their rf-values. The two major vitellin proteins identified in queen Parvulin eggs on SDS-PAGE were isolated and used in the production of anti-vitellogenin antibodies. Each putative vitellogenin protein was used as antigen for immunization of three rabbits up to three months old. In the initial immunization a total of 1 mg of protein mixed with Freund’s complete adjuvant (v/v) was injected subcutaneously. The second and third booster immunizations were performed 30 and 60 days after the first, each of them using a total of 0.25 mg of protein mixed with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (v/v). The rabbits were bled 30 days after the third immunization and the serum containing the antibodies was obtained and stored at −20 °C. Haemolymph samples and egg extracts were subjected to SDS-PAGE as described above. The gel was incubated for 20 min in transfer buffer (0.58% Tris base, 0.28% glycine, 0.037% SDS, 20% methanol), followed by transfer of the proteins to a 0.

Traditionally, only mast cell CPA and plasma CPU have been consid

Traditionally, only mast cell CPA and plasma CPU have been considered as regulatory enzymes within the M14 family of metallocarboxypeptidases [33]. More recently it was proposed that CPA6, an extracellular matrix protease secreted in some areas of human and mouse brains, plays a role in the regulation

of neuropeptides [17]; also, we have shown that the major kininase of the rat MAB perfusate is identical with rat CPB1 [23], another prototypical pancreatic metallopeptidase. Veliparib datasheet Thus, our present demonstration that rat MAB CPA1 and CPA2 are capable of processing Ang peptides extends the current evidence of the participation of metallocarboxypeptidases in regulatory pathways. The peculiar proteolytic profiles displayed by CPA1 and CPA2 toward Ang peptides probably reflect the proposed evolutionary events that have allowed these enzymes to diverge from one another with respect to substrate specificity, resulting in overlapping and complementary preferences [10]. Thus, Ang I was efficiently acted upon see more by CPA1, forming Ang-(1-7) by a three-step pathway with Ang-(1-9) and Ang II as intermediates (Fig. 5A); confirmatory evidence of this sequential mode of action of CPA1 has been provided by the formation of the end-product Ang-(1-7) in analogous reactions when either Ang-(1-9) or Ang II, the intermediates

in the conversion of Ang I to Ang-(1-7), were used as substrate for the enzyme (Fig. 5B and C). On the other hand, only Ang-(1-9) was released upon incubation of Ang I with CPA2 (Fig. 6A); in agreement with this result, the substrates Ang II and Ang-(1-9) were negligibly hydrolyzed by CPA2 under the conditions described in Fig. 6B and C. Comparison of the catalytic efficiencies of the CPA1- and CPA2-mediated conversions of Ang II to Ang-(1-7) indicates a value approximately 200-fold higher for the former enzyme (Fig. 7), consistent with the results of Ang II cleavage by these enzymes shown in Fig. 5 and Fig.

6B; such a discrepancy between kinetic parameters of CPA1 and CPA2 toward Ang II is significantly larger than those observed for synthetic substrates having carboxyl-terminal Phe residue [10], the same terminal residue Cediranib (AZD2171) of Ang II. It should also be noted here that the Km value for the CPA1-catalyzed conversion of Ang II to Ang-(1-7), as determined in Fig. 7, is of the same order of magnitude as that of the analogous reaction catalyzed by ACE2 [28], a carboxypeptidase for which there is compelling evidence of participation in the RAS [34]; thus, the binding affinity of rat CPA1 for Ang II seems compatible with the participation of this enzyme in the formation of Ang-(1-7) under physiological conditions. However, the contribution of CPA1 to the in vivo generation of Ang-(1-7) in the rat mesenteric vascular bed is likely to depend on factors beyond that of the enzyme affinity for Ang II, among which the actual CPA1 activity and the presence of circulating carboxypeptidase inhibitors.

Similar results were obtained with the poisons from other Brazili

Similar results were obtained with the poisons from other Brazilian fish such as the stingrays Potamotrygon cf. scobina and Potamotrygon gr. orbygnyi ( Magalhães et al., 2006). mTOR inhibitor Furthermore, toxins present in snake venoms that induce systemic and local effects are substances with known inflammatory activity. Another important

finding was that only peptide fractions obtained from venom or skin mucus provoked changes in blood flow or in the caliber of the vessels participating in microcirculation. Fractions Fv1, Fv2 and Fv3 induced a venular stasis; moreover, Fv2 induced constriction of arteriolar vessels. Regarding the fractions obtained from skin mucus, Fm1 and Fm5 induced hemorrhage, and Fm2 and Fm6 enlargement of arteriolar wall diameter. These results demonstrate differences regarding the action of peptides and proteins present in sting venom and skin mucus of C. spixii. While the protein fractions produced a typical inflammatory process in post-capillary venules, the peptide fractions caused more harmful effects, such as venular stasis, hemorrhage and changes in the arteriolar

wall diameter. These circulatory alterations can explain the clinical manifestations observed in human catfish envenomations, which are based in ischemia, blanching and necrosis ( Haddad Jr. and Martins, 2006). Since the 1960s, the family of bioactive bradykinin-potentiating peptides found in animal venoms (BPPs) has received special attention. The history of this family of hypotensive EX 527 concentration peptides is well known, but no such peptides with similar sequences have been found in aquatic animals such as fish. Recently, our group identified in the venom of the stingray P. gr. orbignyi a peptide called Orpotrin (HGGYKPTDK) which had constrictor activity on the arterioles in mice ( Conceição et al., 2006) but had no similarity to any other peptide or BPP. From the fractionation of sting venom and skin mucus of C. spixii, we have 3 fractions capable of inducing changes in arteriolar wall diameter.

Interestingly, studies conducted Fenbendazole by Junqueira et al. (2007) did not describe any alterations in the arteriolar wall diameter when total venom or skin mucus was applied to the microcirculatory net. However studies with other species of catfish showed a hypotensive response ( Datta et al., 1982) or even a hypertensive response in vivo ( Auddy et al., 1994) produced by venom. Moreover, it was confirmed that the skin mucus from the catfish Arius thalassinus has a vasoconstrictor effect ( Al-Hassan et al., 1986). Despite these works demonstrating that catfish venoms cause changes in vessel diameter, none of them isolated or characterized the molecules responsible for these effects. Finally, we described for the first time a Warm Temperature Acclimation-Related Protein 65-kDa (Wap65) in sting venom and skin mucus of C.

However, recent studies have shown that super rice has some disad

However, recent studies have shown that super rice has some disadvantages, especially the relatively lower seed-setting rate and poorer filling rate of inferior grains than found in “normal” rice varieties [14] and [33]. Our results indicate that the anticipated nighttime warming during post-anthesis phase may greatly decrease rice yield by reducing the seed-setting rate and inferior grain filling rate. Thus, there may be a great risk of warming-induced decrease in rice yield if existing normal rice varieties are

alternated with super rice varieties under future climate patterns. Post-anthesis warming at nighttime will reduce not only rice grain yield but grain quality in East China. The reduction in grain yield can be attributed mainly to reductions in seed-setting click here rate and 1000-grain weight, and that in grain quality is likely attributable to the poor filling of inferior grains. Nighttime warming during the post-anthesis phase stimulated the rice nighttime respiration rate and reduced the photosynthesis rate. There were great differences

in response between rice grain types and between rice varieties. Post-anthesis see more warming at nighttime greatly depressed the filling rate of inferior kernels, while that of superior kernels remained almost unchanged. The above findings indicate that global warming may cause large losses of rice yield and serious declines in rice quality, and that the adjustment of cultivar type may present one means of adaptation to future climate patterns to preserve food security in East China. This work was supported by the National Key Technology

Support Program of China (2011BAD16B14), the Chinese Natural Science Foundation (30771278), and the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (NCET-05-0492). “
“Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused VAV2 by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, is a common disease in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare), that causes yield losses and threatens human health [1], [2] and [3]. Due to global warming and agronomic practices, such as irrigation and retained stubble that may carry the pathogen, FHB has become more frequent and more severe in recent years. The disease has gradually extended to the northern major wheat production areas of China. [4] In the Yangtze River valley and Northeast Spring Wheat Zone, FHB regularly causes 10%–15% of yield losses, and nearly 50% in epidemic years [5]. Resistant varieties play an important role in controlling FHB. However, there are relatively few resistance genes used in wheat breeding in China. FHB resistance is a quantitative trait controlled by major and minor genes [3], [6], [7], [8], [9] and [10] located on all wheat chromosomes, except 7D [9]. Chinese variety Sumai 3, which carries the major resistance QTL Fhb1, is widely recognized as the best resistance source and is extensively used in wheat breeding programs worldwide [6], [11], [12], [13] and [14].

01) were detected for TGW at both locations and for GY in Hangzho

01) were detected for TGW at both locations and for GY in Hangzhou, whereas a marginal effect (P = 0.0622) was observed for GY in Lingshui. The directions of allelic effect were consistent across the two locations, with alleles from MY46

increasing TGW and enhancing GY. In the same population, no significant effect was detected for HD or NP, but significant effects (P < 0.05) were detected for NGP in Lingshui. These results indicated that QTL for grain weight and yield were located Ponatinib cost in the target interval and the allelic difference between ZS97 and MY46 was detected in the background of ZS97. In addition, the QTL had little effect on HD. Linkage maps covering the three segregating regions were constructed, spanning 25.0, 49.4 and 43.7 cM in populations I, II and III, respectively. QTL for TGW and HD were determined with Windows QTL Cartographer 2.5. None of the regions showed significant effects on HD, but QTL were detected MK-1775 ic50 for TGW in all the three populations (Table 3). In population III, the MY46 allele increased TGW by 0.62 g, explaining 39.1% of the phenotypic variance. These effects were consistent with estimates in the previous generation, verifying

the segregation of a QTL for TGW in this population. In populations I and II, the MY46 alleles decreased and increased TGW by 0.26 g and 0.27 g, explaining 9.2% and 9.8% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. These effects were much lower than those detected in population III. Together with the small sample size in BC2F5, it is not surprising that the effects in populations I and II were not detected in the previous experiment. Comparison among the allelic effects and their directions

detected in the three populations, two QTL for TGW could be resolved (Fig. 2). While qTGW1.1 was located in the interval RM11437–RM11615 and had a smaller effect with the enhancing allele from ZS97, qTGW1.2 was located in RM11615–RM11800 and had a larger effect with the enhancing allele from MY46. Population I segregated for qTGW1.1 only, with a smaller effect and the enhancing allele coming from ZS97. Population III segregated for qTGW1.2 only, with a larger effect and the enhancing allele coming from MY46. Populations II segregated for both qTGW1.1 and qTGW1.2, thus a residual effect with the enhancing allele from MY46 was detected. The detection of over-dominance in population II and partial dominance in the two other populations not ( Table 3) provided evidence for segregation of two QTL in population II. The NIL sets in BC2F7 were identical to those in BC2F5 in the segregating regions, but they included more lines with a more homogenous background. Two-way ANOVA for phenotypic difference between two homozygous genotypic groups in each of the three NIL sets are shown in Table 4. As expected, major effects were detected for TGW in all the three populations, with the largest effect observed in population III and the enhancing alleles from ZS97 in population I but from MY46 in the two other populations.

, 2009) In cod the exposure conditions indicated by biliary PAH

, 2009). In cod the exposure conditions indicated by biliary PAH metabolites have been linked to cytochrome P450 1A protein (CYP1A) responses and formation of DNA adducts SGI-1776 clinical trial ( Aas et al., 2000a, Aas et al., 2001, Sanni et al., 2005 and Skadsheim et al., 2009). Other parameters analyzed in cod include

biliary AP metabolites, vitellogenin, zona radiata protein, glutathione S-transferase and gill histopathology. The surveys have mostly detected exposure to PAH and AP from PW and biomarker responses no further than 0.5–1 km from the discharge points, but in one survey effects out to 1.6 km were detected ( Sundt et al., 2008). Corresponding biliary PAH metabolites and biomarker responses in wild fish caught within 100 m from three Australian offshore platforms where the PW comes from a heavy crude oil also suggest that the effects were local ALK assay as no effects were detected at 5 km distance ( Gagnon, 2011). There is, however, a concern

that current methods are not sensitive enough to reveal subtle effects further out. Also, few of the biomarker endpoints look beyond the compensatory capacity of the organisms, and the significance of these responses for the fitness and survival of the organisms is still debated. Extrapolation from short-term biomarker effects in individual organisms to long term effects on populations and communities is inherently difficult ( Forbes et al., 2006), and the conclusion that impacts are largely local is still unverified ( Wells, 2005). Some fish species seem to be attracted to production platforms. Jørgensen et al. (2002) showed that about half the cod tagged near an NS platform remained there

or around neighboring platforms. Gill net catches have been Sulfite dehydrogenase bigger near platforms than further away (Løkkeborg et al., 2002). Monitoring studies on free living fish in the NS have shown interesting results with respect to effects on biomarkers. Samples collected in 2002 from two areas with extensive oil and gas production showed induction on biotransformation enzymes, oxidative stress, altered fatty acid composition, and genotoxicity in natural populations of haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) ( Balk et al., 2011 and Grøsvik et al., 2010). Genotoxicity was reflected by a hepatic DNA-adduct pattern typical for exposure to a mixture of PAHs. Atlantic cod showed similar, but less pronounced responses. Repeated monitoring in 2005, 2008 and 2011 confirmed this pattern, although with weaker genotoxic signals in haddock from the northern NS (Tampen area). It is still not clear whether the effects are caused by PW contaminants, contaminated drill cuttings, smaller oil spills, or a combination of these sources ( Hylland et al., 2006). These findings as well as results from caging experiments have shown that individual fish can be affected sublethally in several ways by PW discharges ( Brooks et al., 2011b).

The lateral zone received input largely from the radial wrist, fo

The lateral zone received input largely from the radial wrist, forearm, and upper arm, but sites were also encountered that were responsive to input from the shoulder. This standardized map was then used to plot receptive selleck products fields in forelimb-intact controls. Our interpretation of the organization of CN is summarized in Fig. 3B. From a total of 631 penetrations, 330 penetrations were recovered that passed through clusters of labeling in CN approximately 300 μm rostral to the obex, and receptive fields were measured at 2490 locations from

these penetrations. Receptive fields of CN neurons in forelimb amputees were examined systematically during the first 5 weeks post-amputation (n=20) and between 6 and 8 weeks (n=6) and 9 through 12 weeks (n=6); one additional rat was mapped at 26 weeks and another rat mapped at 30 weeks post-amputation. The experiments described below were selected to illustrate those maps that in our estimation best represented the averaged body part representation within the barrelette-containing

central zone following selected periods of forelimb amputation. Sites that included http://www.selleckchem.com/HSP-90.html the suture or stump were noted on the matrix maps, but were not included in the areal measurements. Within the first post-deafferentation week, few sites within the CN were responsive to new input. An example from a 1-WD map is illustrated in Fig. 4. In this rat, 6 electrode penetrations were used to map CN and their entry points into the brainstem, in relationship to the obex, are shown in Fig. 4A. The inset shows the CO-rich clusters found within the central zone. Reconstruction of the recording sites (black circles) is illustrated in the coronal section in Fig. 4B; receptive fields were examined at 100-μm steps along the penetration and continued to a depth of 800 μm. Note that in penetration nos. 1 and 6, the path of the electrode was clearly demarcated from blood coagulation as the electrode passed through the brainstem. The receptive field recordings made at each step along a penetration are shown in matrix format in Fig.

4C. Inspection of the matrix revealed that the majority of sites within the former forelimb representation Gefitinib in vitro were unresponsive to peripheral input with the exception that neurons at a depth of 300 μm in the medial zone responded to input from the skin immediately around the suture (SU). Two additional 1-WD rats had similar unresponsive sites throughout all 3 zones in CN. However, these findings were in contrast to those from the fourth 1-WD rat, for which a row of electrode penetrations passed through the lateral border of the central zone where receptive fields were encountered for the shoulder and neck. In 3-WD rats (n=5), new input was observed in all three zones. An example from one 3-WD rat is shown in Fig. 5.

Further, the policy emphasizes that the environmental needs of aq

Further, the policy emphasizes that the environmental needs of aquatic eco-system, wetlands and embanked flood plains should be recognized and taken into selleck inhibitor consideration while planning for water resources conservation (Ministry of Water Resources, 2012). Over the years, number of designated Ramsar Sites has increased to 26 (Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 2012), number of rivers under NRCP has increased to 39 and number of wetlands covered by the NWCP and NLCP has increased to 115 and 61 respectively (MoEF, 2012). However these initiatives proved to be too little considering the extent of ecologically sensitive wetland

ecosystems in the country and the fact that only a selected few wetlands were taken up for conservation and management purpose (Dandekar et al., 2011) (Table 4). Lately, the National Environmental Policy 2006 recognized the importance of wetlands in providing numerous ecological services (MoEF, 2006). The policy, for the first

time, accepted that there is no formal system of wetland regulation in the country outside the international commitments made in respect of Ramsar sites and thus there is a need of SB431542 datasheet legally enforceable regulatory mechanism for identified valuable wetlands, to prevent their degradation and enhance their conservation (Dandekar et al., 2011 and MoEF, 2006). Further, the policy advocated, developing of National inventory of such wetlands (MoEF, 2006 and MoEF, 2007). A report by National Forest Commission (2006) among other suggestions also emphasized on: framing of a National Wetland Conservation Act; and establishment of a National Wetland Inventory and Monitoring Programme in order to develop a sustained and serious programme for monitoring wetlands. Based on the directives of National Environment Policy, 2006 and

recommendations made by National Forest Commission, Central Government notified the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010. As per the provision under Rule 5 of the wetlands rules, Central Wetlands Regulatory Chlormezanone Authority (CWRA) has been constituted under the chairmanship of Secretary, Environment and Forest. The Expert Group on Wetlands (EGOW) has also been constituted for examining management action plans of newly identified wetlands (MoEF, 2012). The rules put restrictions on the activities such as reclamation, setting up industries in vicinity, solid waste dumping, manufacture or storage of hazardous substances, discharge of untreated effluents, any permanent construction, etc. within the wetlands. It also regulates activities (which will not be permitted without the consent of the State government) such as hydraulic alterations, unsustainable grazing, harvesting of resources, releasing treated effluents, aquaculture, agriculture and dredging.

With the relatively recent advent of commercial 7 T scanners, MSK

With the relatively recent advent of commercial 7 T scanners, MSK imaging using 7 T MRI is a research area of growing interest [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11] and [12]. Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor Given the results of 3 T MSK imaging, MRI at 7 T may have additional value in terms of higher spatial resolution and different types of contrast, to enhance visualization of morphologic changes [3]. Imaging of the human vertebral column at high-field is one of MSK’s most challenging applications. The location of the human spine close to the center of the body makes high demands on

radiofrequency (RF) coil design, and can lead to very low SNR in the anterior part

of the spine. In order to image the entire spinal cord in two or three positions of the patient table, a large field-of-view (FOV) must be acquired while maintaining high spatial resolution. Currently no commercial 7 T system offers either a body transmit coil or dedicated RF receive coils for the spine. In designing appropriate RF coils, one has to contend with the well-characterized increase in magnetic field (B1) inhomogeneities caused by the high dielectric Selleckchem RAD001 constant of tissue, the decreased electromagnetic wavelength in tissue at high-fields, and also the increased specific absorption rate (SAR) [13], [14], [15] and [16]. Although not specifically targeting the spinal cord, Vaughan et al. [16] have shown, using a highly Histamine H2 receptor sophisticated whole-body transmit/receive TEM resonator, that images of the spinal cord can be acquired at 7 T. Other groups have designed coils at 7 T to study specific sections of the vertebral column. Wu et al. [8] used a transceiver array consisting of eight non-overlapping microstrip loop elements, with novel adjustable inductive decoupling

networks between each element of the array. The length of the array was ∼50 cm, which was shown to be sufficient to be able to cover the lumbar spine. Parallel imaging with a reduction factor of up-to-four was shown to be feasible using this RF coil setup. A particularly interesting design has been shown by Kraff et al. [17]. They used an eight element transmit/receive array consisting of two rows of shifted, overlapping square structures in which a 180° phase shift was introduced between the two rows of elements to increase the B1+ amplitude along the centerline of the coil, while simultaneously canceling out the signal from tissue either side of the centerline. Using this approach they were able to acquire three-dimensional gradient echo images with very high spatial resolution, and also show that parallel imaging techniques could successfully be implemented.