Ultra-High Performance Gradients for a 3T MRI Research Scanner

总结/摘要 这是一个申请资金，以增加主要的新技术能力，以3特斯拉磁共振 磁共振成像（MRI）和波谱（MRS）系统，用于神经成像研究，由一大群 NIMH资助的范德比尔特大学的研究人员。所要安装的具体技术包括新颖的， 超高性能的磁场梯度和放大器，将提供更高的成像 特别是对于大脑的扩散和功能研究。新的梯度将提供峰值 强度超过120 mT/m，比电流梯度强三倍，这将大大增加 数据质量（信噪比、角度和空间分辨率、失真度、频谱带宽） 可用于弥散纤维束成像和功能成像以及局部光谱学。目前的扫描仪是 活跃的研究人员大量使用，他们依赖高质量的MRI和MRS数据进行各种研究 应用. MRI已被公认为是研究肿瘤的单一最强大的非侵入性成像方式。 大脑MRI和MRS可以提供关于组织组成、结构和功能的独特有价值的信息。 功能，以及基本生物过程的定量描述。新的梯度将提供 几大具体优势。[1]扩散MRI中较高的梯度B值将允许较短的回波时间， 更短的扩散时间、更高的信噪比、更快的采集以及更高的空间和角度分辨率 在白色物质的弥散纤维束成像中; [2]更强的梯度将允许有效的 回波平面成像中回波之间的间隔，减少由长读出引起的几何失真， 并允许在功能性MRI采集中提高分辨率; [3]更强的梯度将改善局部 通过增加信号失相的光谱和内部体积成像。在本申请中，我们以8 选定的研究者，他们都是各种NIMH中当前3 T扫描仪的经验丰富的用户- 支持研究应用。他们的研究项目都包括结构和功能的应用 MRI用于研究正常人和神经精神病患者的大脑结构和功能组织 条件该扫描仪由范德比尔特大学成像科学研究所管理， 作为我们机构的核心资源该文书将得到一个既定的 MR成像专家和支持人员。已制定了一项全面的财政计划， 系统的技术支持和管理，保证了系统的强大 机构支助和监督。

Summary / Abstract This is an application for funding to add major new technical capabilities to a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) system that is used for neuroimaging research by a large group of NIMH-funded investigators at Vanderbilt University. The specific technology to be installed comprises novel, ultra-high performance magnetic field gradients and amplifiers that will provide much increased imaging performance especially for diffusion and functional studies of the brain. The new gradients would provide peak strengths of over 120 mT/m, three times stronger than current gradients, which would dramatically increase the quality of data (signal to noise ratio, angular and spatial resolutions, degree of distortion, spectral bandwidth) available for diffusion tractography and functional imaging and localized spectroscopy. The current scanner is heavily used by active investigators who rely on high quality MRI and MRS data for diverse research applications. MRI is well established as the single most powerful non-invasive imaging modality for studies of the brain. MRI and MRS can provide uniquely valuable information about tissue composition, structure and function, as well as quantitative descriptions of underlying biological processes. The new gradients will provide several major specific advantages. [1] higher gradient b values in diffusion MRI will allow shorter echo times, shorter diffusion times, higher signal to noise ratio, faster acquisitions and higher spatial and angular resolution in diffusion tractography of white matter; [2] stronger gradients will allow enable decreases in the effective spacing between echoes in echo planar imaging, reducing geometric distortions arising from long readouts, and allowing increased resolution in functional MRI acquisitions; [3] stronger gradients will improve localized spectroscopy and inner volume imaging by increasing signal dephasing. In this application we feature 8 selected investigators all of whom are experienced users of the current 3T scanner in a variety of NIMH- supported research applications. Their research projects all include the application of structural and functional MRI to studies of the architecture and functional organization of the brain in normal as well as neuropsychiatric conditions. The scanner is housed and managed within the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, and operates as a core resource within our institution. The instrument will be supported by an established group of MR imaging experts and support staff. A comprehensive plan has been developed for the financial and technical support of the system as well as for its management, and the system is assured of strong institutional support and oversight.