9.4T MRI Upgrade for Translational Neuroimaging Research

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Funds are requested to upgrade the existing Bruker 9.4 T small animal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner that is housed within the Center for Systems Imaging Core (CSIC) at Emory University. The software (PV5) and electronics (AVANCE-I) on the scanner are obsolete, prohibiting implementation of current imaging techniques. It is becoming difficult to obtain parts for repairs, and without an upgrade, the scanner is at risk of becoming inoperable. The proposed upgrade would use the existing magnet and Faraday cage, along with much of the existing hardware. New electronics (NEO) and the latest operating system (PV360) will be installed to bring the scanner infrastructure up to date. The other most critical pieces of the upgrade are high power shim and gradient amplifers and the addition of multiple receive channels. The 9.4T MRI system is predominantly used for neuroimaging studies in rodents, and one of the major challenges for this line of work is achieving magnetic field homogeneity. The new software and electronics allow dynamic shimming, and the replacement of existing shim and gradient power supplies with high power ones will allow the full capabilities of the RRI gradient/shim insert purchased in 2015 to be used to improve magnetic field homogeneity. Multiple receive channels will be added to allow the use of array coils, which have become ubiquitous in human neuroimaging research due to the ability to improve the signal to noise ratio and/or increase the temporal rate of acquisition. A rat brain array coil designed to work with the four receive channels will also be purchased. Other components that have needed maintenance and are at the end of their operational span are included in the upgrade, such as a heat exchanger and animal holder. The developer framework is also included to allow new sequences to be implemented on the preclinical scanner. With this upgrade, the 9.4 T MRI will remain operational so that it can continue to support preclinical research. At the same time, the new cutting-edge neuroimaging capabilities will enhance translational research by the growing neuroscience community in the Atlanta area.