Improving the signal detection accuracy of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Available online 12 April 2018A major drawback of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) concerns the lack of detection accuracy of the measured signal. Although this limitation stems in part from the neuro-vascular nature of the fMRI signal, it also reflects particular methodological decisions in the fMRI data analysis pathway. Here we show that the signal detection accuracy of fMRI is affected by the specific way in which whole-brain volumes are created from individually acquired brain slices, and by the method of statistically extracting signals from the sampled data. To address these limitations, we propose a new framework for fMRI data analysis. The new framework creates whole-brain volumes from individual brain slices that are all acquired at the same point in time relative to a presented stimulus. These whole-brain volumes contain minimal temporal distortions, and are available at a high temporal resolution. In addition, statistical signal extraction occurred on the basis of a non-standard time point-by-time point approach. We evaluated the detection accuracy of the extracted signal in the standard and new framework with simulated and real-world fMRI data. The new slice-based data-analytic framework yields greatly improved signal detection accuracy of fMRI signals.See https://github.com/iamnielsjanssen/slice-based for a full analysis script using the Slice-Based method. This work was supported by The Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (RYC2011-08433 and PSI2013-46334 to NJ)

Controlling magnetic order and quantum disorder in molecule-based magnets.

We investigate the structural and magnetic properties of two molecule-based magnets synthesized from the same starting components. Their different structural motifs promote contrasting exchange pathways and consequently lead to markedly different magnetic ground states. Through examination of their structural and magnetic properties we show that [Cu(pyz)(H 2 O)(gly) 2 ](ClO 4 ) 2 may be considered a quasi-one-dimensional quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnet whereas the related compound [Cu(pyz)(gly)](ClO 4 ) , which is formed from dimers of antiferromagnetically interacting Cu 2+ spins, remains disordered down to at least 0.03 K in zero field but shows a field-temperature phase diagram reminiscent of that seen in materials showing a Bose-Einstein condensation of magnons

Controlling magnetic order and quantum disorder in molecule-based magnets

We investigate the structural and magnetic properties of two molecule-based magnets synthesized from the same starting components. Their different structural motifs promote contrasting exchange pathways and consequently lead to markedly different magnetic ground states. Through examination of their structural and magnetic properties we show that [Cu(pyz)(H2O)(gly)2](ClO4)2 may be considered a quasi-one-dimensional quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnet whereas the related compound [Cu(pyz)(gly)](ClO4), which is formed from dimers of antiferromagnetically interacting Cu2+ spins, remains disordered down to at least 0.03 K in zero field but shows a field-temperature phase diagram reminiscent of that seen in materials showing a Bose-Einstein condensation of magnons

Serine-like proteolytic enzymes correlated with differential pathogenicity in patients with acute Acanthamoeba keratitis

P>Acute ocular infection due to free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba is characterized by severe pain, loss of corneal transparency and, eventually, blindness. Proteolytic enzymes secreted by trophozoites of virulent Acanthamoeba strains have an essential role in the mechanisms of pathogenesis, including adhesion, invasion and destruction of the corneal stroma. in this study, we analysed the relationship between the extracellular proteases secreted by clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba and the clinical manifestations and severity of disease that they caused. Clinical isolates were obtained from patients who showed typical symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Trophozoites were cultivated axenically, and extracellular proteins were collected from cell culture supernatants. Secreted enzymes were partially characterized by gelatin and collagen zymography. Acanthamoeba trophozoites secreted proteases with different molecular masses, proteolysis rates and substrate specificities, mostly serine-like proteases. Different enzymatic patterns of collagenases were observed, varying between single and multiple collagenolytic activities. Low molecular weight serine proteases were secreted by trophozoites associated with worse clinical manifestations. Consequently, proteolytic enzymes of some Acanthamoeba trophozoites could be related to the degree of their virulence and clinical manifestations of disease in the human cornea.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Federal University of São Paulo (FADA-UNIFESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ophthalmol, Paulista Sch Med, Cornea & External Dis Serv, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Biochem & Biophys Lab, Butantan Inst, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ophthalmol, Paulista Sch Med, Cornea & External Dis Serv, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 08/53969-0FAPESP: 05/59739-9Web of Scienc

CPAf Updates Vol. 14 Issue No. 4

In this issue: CPAf leads UPLB team in CIDS climate change and food security-environment project, 1 CPAf co-sponsors Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Training, 2 Prof. Salvacion participates in 2013 National Climate Research Conference, 2 CSPPS conducts assessment of BRAC Alternative Delivery Model for Education MImdanao, 3 CPAf Graduate Students conduct Teaching Enhancement Seminar, 4https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/cpaf-updates/1058/thumbnail.jp

CPAf Updates Vol. 14 Issue No. 3

In this issue: Benchmark Study on UPLB R&D Performance, 1 Ms. Noche attends Basic Supervisory Skills Training, 2 CSPPS conducts seminar on anti-smuggling policies on agricultural commodities, 3 Prof. Gumasing pursues PhD studies at Asian Institute of Technology, 4https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/cpaf-updates/1059/thumbnail.jp

CPAf Updates Vol. 14 Issue No. 2

In this issue: CPAf organizes Basic Records Management Seminar, 1 Student\u27s Orientation 2013, 3 CSPPS Director attends Environmental Leadership Program, 3 Prof. Cortes pursues graduate studies at Harvard University, 4https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/cpaf-updates/1060/thumbnail.jp

CPAf Updates Vol. 16 Issue No. 9

In this issue: Advising farmers on climate-related risk to food security through technology briefs, 1 CSPPS staff prepare for NORC led MCA-P KC Process Evaluation, 2 UPLB Research teams holds RTD with LGUS of STa. Cruz, Laguna Sub-Watershed, 2 ARCCESS sub-projects implementations status discussed, 3 CPAf holds VOW orientation, 4https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/cpaf-updates/1037/thumbnail.jp