Improved Multimodal Acquisition and Processing System

描述(由申请人提供)：同时记录的脑电/功能磁共振测量在复杂任务执行过程中大脑的高级认知处理一直很难建立。这些问题是由于在高梯度场中采集脑电信号的困难，以及影响人类认知的大脑皮层网络的复杂性造成的。为了阐明人脑执行信息处理的本质，研究人员使用最先进的解剖学、血流动力学和脑电(EEG)神经成像方法研究了皮质间和皮质内网络的动力学。然而，在运行的功能磁共振成像(FMRI)系统中获取无伪影数据有很大的困难。 尽管市场上有商业产品用于在磁体中记录EEG，但这些系统的局限性在于它们记录在回波平面成像序列之间交错的EEG纪元。因此，研究人员无法同时识别大脑中负责认知激活的准确区域或网络，因此无法交叉验证他们的结果。我们的第一阶段改进的多模式采集和处理系统(IMAPS)方案描述了在回声平面成像(EPI)序列中同时记录EEG和fMRI的创新方法。 我们发现，当今脑电神经成像中最关键的问题是获取未受污染的数据；因此，我们拟议的可行性研究将集中于识别从运行的fMRI内部快速记录健壮的低阻抗EEG信号所需的传感器接口条件。然后，我们打算利用这些数据来指导创新的粘胶电解质的开发，以最大限度地减少使用时间，并消除在每个电极位置手动磨损皮肤的不适感，以降低输入阻抗。此外，在第一阶段，我们将测试增强的传感器蒙太奇的有效性，以消除传感器界面上产生的多余伪影。我们第一阶段工作的目标将是确定是否可以在同时进行fMRI操作期间记录EEG信号，以提供足够的信号强度来去除特殊后伪影和增强EEG信号。如果可行，在第二阶段，我们将调查自动化EP的开发！针对功能磁共振成像环境的伪影去除和脑电信号增强算法。 我们的商业化战略将销售一种创新的传感器系统和fMRI/EEG伪影去除工具包，使神经成像研究人员能够交叉验证负责认知功能正常和受损的电和血流动力学激活区域。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Simultaneously recorded EEG/fMRI measures of higher order cognitive processing in the brain during complex task performance have been difficult to establish. The problems are due to the difficulty of collecting the EEG in a high-gradient field and the complexity of the cortical networks undedying human cognition. To shed light on the nature of executive information processing in the human brain, researchers have investigated the dynamics of inter- and intracortical networks using state-of-the-art anatomical, hemodynamic, and electroencephalographic (EEG) neuroimaging modalities. However, there are significant difficulties in acquiring artifact free data while inside an operating functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) system. Although, there are commercial products on the market for recording EEG in the magnet, these systems are limited in that they record EEG epochs interleaved between echo-planar imaging sequences. Hence, researchers are unable to simultaneously identify precise areas or networks in the brain responsible for the cognitive activation seen in either modality, and, therefore, cannot cross-validate their results. Our Phase I Improved Multimodal Acquisition and Processing System (IMAPS) proposal, describes innovative methods to simultaneously record EEG and fMRI during echo-planar imaging (EPi) sequences. We have found that the most critical issue in EEG neuroimaging today is the acquisition of uncontaminated data; hence, our proposed feasibility study would focus on identifying the sensor interface conditions necessary to rapidly record robust low-impedance EEG signals from inside an operating fMRI. Then, we intend to use these data to guide the development of an innovative tacky-gel electrolyte to minimize the application time and eliminate the discomfort of manually abrading the skin at each electrode site necessary to reduce input impedance. Additionally, in Phase I, we would test the effectiveness of an enhanced sensor montage to diminish unwanted artifacts induced at the sensor interface. The goal of our Phase I effort would be to ascertain if EEG signals could be recorded during simultaneous fMRI operation that provided sufficient signal strength to allow post hoc artifact removal and EEG signal enhancement. If feasible, in Phase II, we would investigate the development of automated EP! artifact removal and EEG signal enhancement algorithms specific to the fMRI environment. Our commercialization strategy would market an innovative sensor system and fMRI/EEG artifact removal toolkit allowing neuroimaging researchers to cross-validate electrical and hemodynamic activation areas responsible for normal and impaired cognitive function.