Investigation of BOLD using CARR-PURCELL T2 Weighting with SPIRAL Readout

It is demonstrated that a Carr-Purcell (CP) technique based on the fully adiabatic pulse sequence (CP-LASER) with SPIRAL readout can be used to generate zoomed images with relatively short acquisition window (at) for the investigation of the mechanisms of the BOLD effect. Based on the capability of the developed technique to refocus the dynamic dephasing, it is demonstrated that the BOLD effect is suppressed as the pulse interval cp of CP-LASER sequence decreased

Parallel Imaging with RASER using Multiband Frequency-modulated Excitation Pulses

The many advantages of the recently proposed RASER sequence have been demonstrated. Hence, RASER holds great promises for functional MRI (fMRI), particularly for studies of the orbital-frontal cortex and other brain regions near air cavities, which cause distortion and signal loss in conventional EPI methods. However, the single-shot RASER sequence implemented so far inherently presents a set of temporal and spatial limitations that hinders it feasibility and full potential for fMRI applications. It is believed that parallel imaging will help overcome such restrictions. In this work, the RASER acquisition and reconstruction scheme is extended for parallel imaging using tailored pulses for simultaneous multi-band excitation

Self-reflection, rehabilitation and returning to fitness: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of stroke survivors’ experiences

Each year, over 100,000 individuals suffer strokes in the United Kingdom alone, and it is estimated that by 2035, not only will there be a 59% increase in the number of first-time strokes amongst individuals of 45 years and over, but also that there will be a significant increase in the proportion of survivors thereby requiring effective rehabilitation (Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP)). Contemporary research has indicated, however, that many of the rehabilitation schemes currently provided can be somewhat variable in approach, and often focus strongly upon regaining physiological function at the expense of assisting patients with the more psychological and social elements essential to their recovery. Indeed, stroke survivors have reported particular dissatisfaction with their rehabilitation in terms of a lack of help with stress-management and access to social support mechanisms. There is, thus, further research needed into the complex experiences of individuals who have undergone stroke rehabilitation in order to better understand their nuanced needs, and how these were met (or not met) by the services provided. Therefore, this study aimed to explore extended, semi-structured interviews, reflecting on personal experiences of stroke and subsequent rehabilitation, with the purpose of drawing conclusions to potentially form a basis for further research. The reported study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore interviews with n=4 individuals (2 males and 2 females) who have (a) experienced a stroke in the last five years, and have (b) now fully completed their formal rehabilitation programmes, i.e. are no longer under regular NHS care. These participants are, thus, in an ideal position to provide a full account of, and reflection upon, their journey through the rehabilitation process. All interviews were conducted and recorded via telephone, while all collected data were handled in strict accordance with the institutional ethical conditions set-out for the project, stored in line with General Data Protection regulation (GDPR), and analysed using the standard conventions of IPA. Although analysis remains in progress at this time, it is currently clear that, for the participants, the rehabilitative experience was influenced by the manner in which they conceptualized their pre-stroke identities. Perceived difficulties within the process were most notable where participants felt that they were not being identified as an individual. Given such observations, it is contended that the results and subsequent conclusions made could potentially influence further research into the structure and delivery of stroke rehabilitation

First interstellar detection of OH+

The Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) 12m telescope was used to observe the N=1-0, J=0-1 ground state transitions of OH+ at 909.1588 GHz with the CHAMP+ heterodyne array receiver. Two blended hyperfine structure transitions were detected in absorption against the strong continuum source Sagittarius B2(M) and in several pixels offset by 18". Both, absorption from Galactic center gas as well as absorption from diffuse clouds in intervening spiral arms in a velocity range from -116 to 38.5 km/s is observed. The total OH+ column density of absorbing gas is 2.4 \times 10^15 cm-2. A column density local to Sgr B2(M) of 2.6 \times 10^14 cm-2 is found. On the intervening line-of-sight the column density per unit velocity interval are in the range from 1 to 40 \times 10^12 cm-2/(km/s). OH+ is found to be on average more abundant than other hydrides such as SH+ and CH+. Abundance ratios of OH and atomic oxygen to OH+ are found to be in the range of 10^1-2 and 10^3-4, respectively. The detected absorption of a continuous velocity range on the line-of-sight shows OH+ to be an abundant component of diffuse clouds.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures. Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysic

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) analysis of a low energy wind catcher with horizontally-arranged heat transfer devices

Windcatchers are natural ventilation systems based on the design of traditional architecture, intended to provide ventilation by manipulating pressure differentials around buildings induced by wind movement and temperature difference. Though the movement of air caused by the wind catcher will lead to a cooling sensation for occupants, the high air temperature in hot climates will result in little cooling or thermal discomfort to occupants. In order to improve the cooling performance by wind catchers, heat transfer devices were incorporated into the design. This work will investigate the indoor environment quality performance of a roof-mounted cooling windcatcher integrated with horizontally-arranged heat transfer devices (HHTD) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and field test analysis. The windcatcher model was incorporated to a 5mx5mx3m test room model. The study employed the CFD code FLUENT with the standard k- model to conduct the steady-state RANS simulation. For the indoor CO2 concentration analysis, a simplified exhalation model was used and the room was filled with 12 occupants. The CO2 concentration analysis showed that the system was capable of delivering fresh air inside the space and lowering the CO2 levels. Thermal comfort analysis using the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) was conducted whereby the measurements ranged from slightly-cool (-0.96) to slightly warm range (0.36 to 0.60). Field test measurements were carried out in the Ras-Al-Khaimah (RAK), UAE during the month of September. Numerical model was validated using experimental data and good agreement was observed between both methods of analysis

Protective Effects of Smoke-free Legislation on Birth Outcomes in England: A Regression Discontinuity Design

Background: Environmental tobacco smoke has an adverse impact on preterm birth and birth weight. England introduced a new law to make virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces smoke free on July 1 2007. We investigated the effect of smoke-free legislation on birth outcomes in England using Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) maternity data. Methods: We used regression discontinuity, a quasi-experimental study design, which can facilitate valid causal inference, to analyse short-term effects of smoke-free legislation on birth weight, low birth weight, gestational age, preterm birth and small for gestational age. Results: We analysed 1,800,906 pregnancies resulting in singleton live-births in England between January 1 2005 and December 31 2009. In the one to five months following the introduction of the smoking-free legislation, for those entering their third trimester, the risk of low birth weight decreased by between 8% (95% CI: 4%-12%) and 14% (95% CI: 5%-23%), very low birth weight between 28% (95% CI: 19%-36%) and 32% (95% CI: 21%-41%), preterm birth between 4% (95% CI: 1%-8%) and 9% (95% CI: 2%-16%), and small for gestational age between 5% (95% CI: 2%-8%) and 9% (95% CI: 2%-15%). The impact of the smoke-free legislation varied by maternal age, deprivation, ethnicity and region. Conclusions: The introduction of smoke-free legislation in England had an immediate beneficial impact on birth outcomes overall, although this benefit was not observed across all age, ethnic, or deprivation groups

Observation of resolved glucose signals in 1H NMR spectra of the human brain at 4 tesla

Measurement of the resonances of glucose between 3.2 and 3.9 ppm in 1H NMR spectra from the human brain is difficult due to spectral overlap with peaks from more concentrated metabolites. The H1 resonance of α-D-glucose at 5.23 ppm is resolved from other metabolite peaks, but potentially overlaps with the intense water signal at 4.72 ppm. This paper demonstrates that the increased resolution at 4 Tesla permits to suppress the water signal sufficiently to reliably detect glucose directly at 5.23 ppm by 1H MRS and the estimated peak intensity is consistent with previous 13C NMR quantification

PEDRo: A database for storing, searching and disseminating experimental proteomics data

Abstract Background Proteomics is rapidly evolving into a high-throughput technology, in which substantial and systematic studies are conducted on samples from a wide range of physiological, developmental, or pathological conditions. Reference maps from 2D gels are widely circulated. However, there is, as yet, no formally accepted standard representation to support the sharing of proteomics data, and little systematic dissemination of comprehensive proteomic data sets. Results This paper describes the design, implementation and use of a Proteome Experimental Data Repository (PEDRo), which makes comprehensive proteomics data sets available for browsing, searching and downloading. It is also serves to extend the debate on the level of detail at which proteomics data should be captured, the sorts of facilities that should be provided by proteome data management systems, and the techniques by which such facilities can be made available. Conclusions The PEDRo database provides access to a collection of comprehensive descriptions of experimental data sets in proteomics. Not only are these data sets interesting in and of themselves, they also provide a useful early validation of the PEDRo data model, which has served as a starting point for the ongoing standardisation activity through the Proteome Standards Initiative of the Human Proteome Organisation

The Functional Nasal Anatomy of the Pike, <i>Esox lucius</i> L.

Olfactory flow in fishes is a little-explored area of fundamental and applied importance. We investigated olfactory flow in the pike, Esox lucius, because it has an apparently simple and rigid nasal region. We characterised olfactory flow by dye visualisation and computational fluid dynamics, using models derived from X-ray micro-computed tomography scans of two preserved specimens. An external current induced a flow of water through the nasal chamber at physiologically relevant Reynolds numbers (200 – 300). We attribute this externally-induced flow to: the location of the incurrent nostril in a region of high static pressure; the nasal bridge deflecting external flow into the nasal chamber; an excurrent nostril normal to external flow; and viscous entrainment. A vortex in the incurrent nostril may be instrumental in viscous entrainment. Flow was dispersed over the olfactory sensory surface when it impacted on the floor of the nasal chamber. Dispersal may be assisted by: the radial array of nasal folds; a complementary interaction between a posterior nasal fold and the ventral surface of the nasal bridge; and the incurrent vortex. The boundary layer could delay considerably (up to ~ 3 s) odorant transport from the external environment to the nasal region. The drag incurred by olfactory flow was almost the same as the drag incurred by models in which the nasal region had been replaced by a smooth surface. The boundary layer does not detach from the nasal region. We conclude that the nasal bridge and the incurrent vortex are pivotal to olfaction in the pike