Ikuhiro Kida<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nAbstract:
The development of high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods has been a transformative advancement in neuroscience and medical imaging. High-resolution fMRI enables detailed investigations of brain function at finer spatial scales, such as cortical layers and small subcortical structures. At CiNET, we have been at the forefront of this innovation, contributing to advancements in pulse sequence optimization, physiological noise reduction, novel contrast mechanisms, advanced image reconstruction techniques, and motion correction\/artifact reduction.
Since 2017, we have developed several core techniques for high-resolution fMRI, including k-space motion correction, Block-Interleaved Segmented EPI (BISEPI) fMRI, and T2T2-LINE-Scan fMRI*.
These innovations have been showcased annually at premier conferences, including ISMRM and OHBM.
Block-Interleaved Segmented EPI (BISEPI) fMRI BISEPI is a variation of segmented EPI that organizes data acquisition into interleaved blocks, designed to improve the spatial and temporal resolution of standard EPI while reducing artifacts. In this method, segments are acquired in an interleaved fashion across blocks, enhancing sampling uniformity and minimizing artifacts such as blurring or ghosting. By dividing acquisitions into smaller parts, BISEPI mitigates issues like susceptibility artifacts and T2* decay, which often affect single-shot EPI.
BISEPI is particularly well-suited for applications requiring fine-grained imaging, such as cortical layer analysis or imaging of small brain structures. Moreover, the interleaved approach enables faster acquisitions compared to traditional segmented EPI. BISEPI supports voxel-wise fMRI studies at 7T with high performance, enabling experiments using short-duration, low-power stimuli at a voxel resolution of 0.7-mm isotropic or normal stimuli at 0.4-mm isotropic resolution.
T2T2*-LINE-Scan fMRI builds on the foundation of Line-Scan fMRI, which captures data from a single line (or a few lines) of interest rather than acquiring an entire 2D slice or 3D volume. This technique allows ultra-high spatial and temporal resolution, particularly in targeted brain regions.
At CiNET, we have developed a 1D T2T2*-line-scan sequence for a 7T scanner at a resolution of 0.6 x 4 x 4 mm\u00b3. This innovation enables the measurement of BOLD responses at different T2* relaxation times (SE-BOLD and GRE-BOLD) across various depths in the somatosensory cortex. The method provides fine-grained insights into laminar brain activity and neurovascular coupling.
These pioneering developments reflect our commitment to advancing high-resolution fMRI technologies, enabling researchers to explore brain function at unprecedented levels of detail.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/cinetjp-static3.nict.go.jp\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event\/3840"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/cinetjp-static3.nict.go.jp\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/cinetjp-static3.nict.go.jp\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/event"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/cinetjp-static3.nict.go.jp\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}