Gradient Coils to Enhance MRI Research in Mental Health

长期目标是开发产品，利用磁共振成像研究精神疾病，增强研究方法和在动物研究中的应用。第一阶段，平面梯度线圈，或我们建议开发的原型，将优化磁共振光谱仪的工作区域，扩大实验应用和可在小口径超高场磁体中研究的动物类型。该样机将是梯度线圈设计的创新进步，可以取代传统的柱形梯度线圈，从而显著减少磁体的工作面积。具体目标是：(1)利用数值模拟程序模拟不同导线图案和平面尺寸下的磁场均匀性和线性度；(2)基于仿真数据，设计、建造和台架测试样机的电性能；(3)在猴子功能成像研究中测试样机的性能。在各种动物物种，特别是猴子身上使用非侵入性磁共振成像来研究大脑的发育和功能将使以下方面成为可能：(1)设计前瞻性研究以了解精神疾病的病因和病理生理学，以及(2)评估为治疗精神疾病而开发的新药的作用部位和疗效。建议的商业应用：用于动物研究的超高场磁共振研究领域的研究正在迅速增长。仅去年一年，这一科学领域就发表了1000多篇论文。INSL提出的技术创新有望扩大MRI在动物模型精神疾病研究中的方法和应用。

LONG RANGE OBJECTIVES To develop products that enhance research methods and applications in animal research using magnetic resonance imaging to study mental illness. PHASE I The planar gradient coil, or PROTOTYPE we propose to develop will optimize the working area inside MR spectrometers expanding the experimental applications and the types of animals that can be studied in small bore ultra-high field magnets. This PROTOTYPE would be an innovative advance in gradient coil design that could substitute for the conventional cylindrical gradient coils that appreciably reduce the working area in the magnet. The specific aims are: (1) Simulate the magnetic field homogeneity and linearity for different wire patterns and planar dimensions using numerical modeling programs, (2) Based on the simulation data, design, construct and bench test the electrical performance of the PROTOTYPE, and (3) Test the performance of the PROTOTYPE in a monkey functional imaging study. HEALTH RELATEDNESS Using non-invasive MRI in various animal species, particularly monkeys to study brain development and function will make it possible to: (1) design prospective studies to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of mental illness, and (2) evaluate the site of action and efficacy of new drugs developed for the treatment of mental illness. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: Research in the field of ultra-high field MRI for animal research is growing tremendously. Last year alone, there were over 1000 papers published in this area of science. The technological innovations proposed by INSL are expected to expand the methods and applications of MRI in the study of mental illness in animal models.