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The purpose of the Neuroimaging Core (NIC) is to provide expertise and support to GCRC investigators in the areas of experimental design, data acquisition, data analysis, and data management for experiments utilizing structural, functional and metabolic brain imaging techniques. The Core will provide support for studies employing: (a) structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (b) diffusion MRI (c) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), (d) functional MRI (fMRI), (e) near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and (f) electroencephalography (EEG). This support will include conslitation and training for new investigators in issues pertaining to experimental methods and MRI, EEG, and NIRS compatible task construction. The equipment provided, as well as the expertise and sophisticated methods supported in this Core, are not feasible to acquire or develop in the laboratories of individual investigators. The Core services are as follows:
- Consultation in identifying efficient and effective imaging
protocols to investigate experimental questions in specific clinical
popliations. For each study design, the use of spectroscopy, diffusion
imaging, structural imaging, and functional imaging will be explored.
- Consultation in processing and data analysis of structural and
functional MRI scans in studies designed to detect structural
or regional cortical activation alterations.
- Providing access to and training in the use of a 3.0T MRI system
for structural, functional and metabolic imaging.
- Assisting investigators in developing and utilizing a spectrum
of functional imaging tasks ("paradigms") focusing on early visual
processing, memory, language, executive function, visuospatial
skills and sensorimotor coordination.
- Implementing techniques to desensitize anxious research subjects
to the staff, settings, equipment and procedures associated with
neuroimaging.
- Providing a supportive and encouraging training environment
for new investigators entering the neuroimaging field.
The Neuroimaging Core incorporates three separate divisions:
- The GU Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging (CFMI)
supports structural MRI studies including morphometric analyses,
and utilize advanced imaging technologies (spectroscopy, diffusion,
BOLD imaging, high-resolution anatomic display) in the evaluation
of patients with epilepsy, metabolic, cerebrovascular, developmental
and neurodegenerative diseases. The GCRC site is be available
to outpatients who need sedation support for advanced imaging
techniques. Functional brain imaging studies can use the 3.0T
Siemens Trio MRI system at GU because of the availability of research
imaging time and the extensive expertise of the personnel at the
facility. These resources support studies of language, motor control,
memory, reading, attention and perception. The group at the GU
CFMI also provides computational facilities and special expertise
pertaining to experimental design, data acquisition and data analysis
procedures for pediatric structural and functional imaging studies.
- A near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) facility housed at
the GU CFMI. This resource allows high-resolution hemodynamic
monitoring studies in stroke and is essential in the translation
between basic science and clinical care.
- An electroencephalography (EEG) facility located at GU CFMI.
The addition of electrophysiology to the other imaging modalities
available to Core users allows experiments combining the superb
temporal resolving capabilities ERP approaches with the sensitivity
and spatial resolving properties of functional MRI. The integration
of these two methods allows investigation of research questions
probing modulations in the spatiotemporal character of brain activity.
John
VanMeter, PhD
Interim Director, Neuroimaging Core
202-687-8767 (phone) |
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