Characterizing vigilance in fMRI data and its relation to age-related cognitive impairment.

项目总结/摘要 磁共振成像（MRI）是一种强大的非侵入性工具，用于成像大脑活动， 研究引起人脑功能的动态变化的活动模式和结构， 功能障碍功能性磁共振成像（fMRI）信号变化与警觉状态，以及皮质下-皮质 这些神经网络是这些警觉性波动的基础，正越来越多地被认为是功能磁共振成像信号， 对神经科学和研究疾病都感兴趣。然而，在日常工作中， fMRI研究，尽管事实上，受试者往往会在扫描仪和某些患者人群睡着了， 容易疲劳或白天嗜睡。为了更准确地描述警惕在疾病中的作用， 以及它在功能磁共振成像数据中的作用，可能是开发成像生物标志物和改善治疗的关键。我 迄今为止的博士工作，（目标1.1）开发了一种方法，用于提取警惕性指标，仅基于功能磁共振成像数据， 使用由健康年轻人同步fMRI-EEG之间的相关性建立的警戒相关活动模式， 成年人了对于我的F99阶段，我将（目标1.2）调查最先进的图像采集/处理是否 方法，多回波独立成分分析（ME-ICA），提高了功能磁共振成像之间的对应性 信号和EEG信号，以及使用ME-ICA方法是否提高了检测皮层下的灵敏度 唤醒网络最后，我将（在目标1.3中）尝试区分轻度认知障碍（MCI）患者 和健康的老龄化控制通过利用fMRI为基础的警惕作为生物标志物。通过比较警惕性 波动和功能连接性差异的警惕网络感兴趣的区域，我们寻求 了解警惕在早期阿尔茨海默病中的作用。 拟议的项目将帮助候选人，莎拉古德尔;实现她的职业目标，成为一个 在一家以研究为重点的机构中，担任衰老神经成像前沿的独立研究员。这个项目 提供EEG和fMRI分析以及先进统计方法的前沿研究培训。此外，本发明还 拟议的研究将提供专业和技术培训，使候选人能够成功地 博士后（K 00）阶段。博士后实验室将延长莎拉的培训， 结构成像，以表征结构退化对功能网络的影响， 与年龄相关的认知能力下降范德比尔特大学是实现这些目标的理想环境，因为它（1） 鼓励合作，（2）拥有最先进的技术资源来进行尖端研究，以及（3） 包含著名的教师，鼓励培训，指导和有抱负的研究人员的发展。 为F99和K 00阶段提出的完整计划旨在开发一个独立的 神经影像科学家准备成功的博士后职位和过渡到一个老龄化的重点职业， 最终目标是成为一名独立的终身调查员。

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful non-invasive tool for imaging brain activity that allows for investigating the dynamically changing activity patterns and structure that give rise to human brain function and dysfunction. Functional MRI (fMRI) signal variations linked with vigilance states, and the subcortical-cortical networks that underlie these fluctuations in vigilance, are being increasingly recognized as fMRI signals of interest both for neuroscience and in studying disease. However, vigilance has been largely ignored in routine fMRI studies, despite the fact that subjects tend to fall asleep in the scanner and certain patient populations may be susceptible to fatigue or daytime sleepiness. More precisely characterizing the role of vigilance in disease, and its effects in fMRI data, could be key for developing imaging biomarkers as well as improving treatment. My doctoral work thus far, (Aim 1.1) developed a method for extracting a vigilance metric, based on fMRI data alone, using a vigilance-related activity pattern built from correlations between simultaneous fMRI-EEG in healthy young adults. For my F99 phase, I will (Aim 1.2) investigate whether a state-of-the-art image acquisition/processing method, multi-echo independent component analysis (ME-ICA), improves the correspondence between fMRI signal and EEG signal, and whether using the ME-ICA approach improves sensitivity in detecting subcortical arousal networks. Finally, I will (in Aim 1.3) attempt to distinguish between mild cognitive impaired (MCI) patients and healthy aging controls by leveraging fMRI-based vigilance as a biomarker. By comparing vigilance fluctuations and functional connectivity differences in vigilance network regions of interest, we seek to understand the role of vigilance in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The proposed project will help the candidate, Sarah Goodale; achieve her career goal of becoming an independent investigator at the forefront of aging neuroimaging at a research-focused institution. This project provides cutting-edge research training in EEG and fMRI analysis and advanced statistical methods. Further, the proposed studies will provide professional and technical training to prepare the candidate to successfully transition the postdoctoral (K00) phase. The postdoctoral laboratory will extend Sarah’s training to incorporate structural imaging to characterize the impact of structural degeneration on functional networks with respect to age-related cognitive decline. Vanderbilt University is an ideal environment to achieve these goals as it (1) encourages collaboration, (2) has state-of-the-art technical resources to perform cutting-edge research, and (3) contains renowned faculty that encourage training, mentorship, and the development of aspiring researchers. The complete plan proposed for both the F99 and K00 phases is designed to develop an independent neuroimaging scientist prepared for a successful postdoctoral position and transition to an aging focused career, with an ultimate goal of becoming an independent tenured investigator.