Modeling TMS-induced Cortical Network Activity

描述(由申请人提供)：该项目旨在开发新的方法来预测由空间聚焦经颅磁刺激(TMS)激活的大规模皮质网络。目前，没有一个综合框架能够预测激活将如何从主要目标地区扩散到次要地点。该提案将结合用于计算初级激活的准确和高效的电磁场计算方法与扩散加权磁共振成像(MRI)的数据相结合，以预测TMS对解剖连接的皮质网络的影响。我们将通过在人类中测量TMS与同步脑电(TMS-EEG)和功能磁共振(TMS-fMRI)的效果，以及使用适应于小动物的TMS来评估建模框架。在指导阶段，我将利用我在理论物理、应用数学和计算工程方面的培训来构建一套工具来对TMS引发的网络活动进行建模。为了验证所提出的模型，将进行解剖MRI数据采集以及功能性TMS-EEG和TMS-fMRI测量。在第二阶段，软件将针对实时运行进行优化，并将进行更广泛的实验，以评估系统的性能和预测精度。这个项目最符合我的长期职业目标，即成为一名多学科的研究人员，既能进行方法学开发，又能进行结合TMS和非侵入性成像的神经科学研究。拟议项目的结果将是一个全新的框架，用于理解TMS对用于科学研究和治疗应用的皮质网络的影响。这笔赠款将使我能够达到眼前的目标，即加强我在成像神经科学实验方面的技能，并拓宽我对TMS神经生理学的知识。指导阶段将在麻省理工学院-哈佛-麻省理工学院马蒂诺斯生物医学成像中心进行。附属机构提供与我的职业发展相关的一流教育。具体地说，除了积累我的实验专业知识外，我还将审查哈佛大学和麻省理工学院关于神经工程和复杂网络的课程。用小动物TMS实验验证模型的合作努力也将提供电生理学方面的动手培训。马蒂诺斯中心拥有进行实验工作的尖端成像设备和可供指导和咨询的世界级专家。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project aims at developing novel methods for predicting the large-scale cortical network that is activated by spatially focused transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Presently there is no integrated framework that would allow predicting how the activation will spread from the primary target area to secondary locations. The proposal will combine accurate and efficient electromagnetic field computation methods for calculating the primary activations with data from diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tractography to predict the effects of TMS on an anatomically connected cortical network. We will evaluate the modeling framework by measuring the effects of TMS with simultaneous electroencephalography EEG (TMS-EEG) and functional MRI (TMS-fMRI) in humans, and also using TMS adapted to small animals. During the mentored phase, I will utilize my training in theoretical physics, applied mathematics, and computational engineering to build a set of tools to model the TMS-induced network activity. Anatomical MRI data acquisitions and functional TMS-EEG and TMS-fMRI measurements will be carried out for verifying the proposed model. During the second phase, the software will be optimized for real-time operation and more extensive experiments for evaluation of the system performance and prediction accuracy will be carried out. This project optimally fits my long-term career goal of becoming a multi-disciplinary researcher capable of both methodological development and carrying out neuroscientific studies combining TMS with non-invasive imaging. The outcome of the proposed project will be an entirely novel framework for understanding the effects of TMS on cortical networks for scientific studies and therapeutic applications. The grant will allow me to reach the immediate goal of strengthening my skills in the experimental side of imaging neuroscience and broadening my knowledge of the neurophysiology of TMS. The mentored phase will be carried out at MGH-Harvard-MIT Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging. The affiliated institutions offer first-rate education pertinent to my career development. Specifically, in addition to building my experimental expertise, I will audit courses on neural engineering and complex networks at Harvard and MIT. The collaborative effort for validating the models with a small animal TMS experiment will also provide hands-on training in electrophysiology. The Martinos Center has cutting edge imaging facilities for carrying out the experimental work and world-class experts available for mentoring and consultation.