Purpose:To develop a rapid framework for quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) imaging based on the 2D interslice MT and dictionary-driven fitting approaches. Methods: Sequential balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) scanning was performed on a whole human brain in a total of 12 conditions from six different interslice gaps and two different flip angles. To obtain qMT maps, the acquired 12 datasets were fitted to a dictionary predefined by using Bloch equation simulations based on the two-pool MT model. The proposed qMT method was compared to the conventional qMT methods, in terms of qMT parameter maps and processing time. Results: The proposed method yielded qMT maps similar to those of the conventional method, indicating feasibility of modulating MT saturation frequency and power with the interslice gap and flip angle. The whole-brain qMT imaging could be completed in 8 min because of the absence of separate MT pulses. The time for processing qMT parameters was significantly reduced through the dictionary-driven approach; it is 1000 times shorter than that without the dictionary-driven approach and 3 times shorter than that with the spoiled gradient recalled echo-qMT method that uses an analytical solution. Conclusion: The proposed dictionary-driven interslice qMT imaging provides qMT maps close to those from the conventional method with significantly reduced scan time and postprocessing time, which can make qMT imaging more clinically acceptable. K E Y W O R D Sbalanced steady-state free precession, dictionary analysis, interslice, magnetization transfer, quantitative imaging
We studied the feeding ecology of the Black Wood Pigeon ( Columba janthina ), a species endemic to the East Asian Pacific Islands, and determined the species’ dietary composition and food preferences on Ulleung Island, South Korea, through field observations. From March 2016 to February 2018, the diversity of food items consumed was low, with the 10 most common plant species (from a total of 33) accounting for over 80%. Food availability varied depending on plant abundance, but this influence was minimized because of factors such as delayed fruit ripening. Drupes were the most favored food items (60–68%) but were replaced by nuts and weed seeds during the spring and winter months. Dietary composition and food preferences were related to the abundance of food items based on their phenology, but a steady, high preference for Aphananthe aspera was observed throughout the study period. The abundance of Prunus takesimensis in June was correlated with changes in the Black Wood Pigeon population. This study is the first to assess the feeding ecology of Black Wood Pigeons using field observations and suggests that the availability of different food items affects population changes on the East Asian Pacific islands.
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