Upgrade of the UCSD 3T Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging System

描述（由申请人提供）：该共享仪器补助金要求资金部分抵消UCSD功能性MRI中心（CFMRI）当前3特斯拉全身磁共振成像（MRI）系统升级的成本。与我们现有的系统相比，此次升级预计将在以下方面提供显著的性能改进：（1）改善信号稳定性，（2）提高执行功能性MRI研究要求苛刻的实验方案的能力，以及（3）更高水平的可靠性，从而减少系统的停机时间。这些性能的改善将使目前资助的30多项NIH研究受益，这些研究涵盖了不同的研究领域，包括酒精中毒的神经生物学，阿尔茨海默病的脑功能以及抑郁症的疼痛感知。3特斯拉系统的升级，满足了圣地亚哥研究界的需求，将使CFMRI能够继续支持UCSD及其邻近机构正在进行的尖端研究。 公共卫生相关性：拟议的系统升级将大大有利于正在进行的NIH资助的研究，这些研究的重点是了解大脑在健康和疾病中的功能。这些研究可能会导致一些健康状况的诊断和治疗，如酒精中毒，中风和阿尔茨海默病。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This shared instrumentation grant request funds to partially offset the cost of an upgrade of the current 3 Tesla whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system at the UCSD Center for Functional MRI (CFMRI). In comparison to our existing system, the upgrade is expected to provide significant improvements in performance in the following areas: (1) improved signal stability, (2) increased ability to perform demanding experimental protocols for functional MRI studies, and (3) a greater level of reliability, resulting in less down- time of the system. These improvements in performance will benefit over 30 currently funded NIH studies covering a diverse set of research areas, including the neurobiology of alcoholism, brain function in Alzheimer's disease, and the perception of pain in depression. The upgrade of the 3 Tesla system, which serves the needs of the San Diego research community, will allow the CFMRI to continue to support the cutting-edge research being performed at UCSD and its neighboring institutions. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The proposed system upgrade will greatly benefit ongoing NIH-funded studies that are focused on understanding the function of the brain in both health and disease. These studies are likely to result in the improved diagnosis and treatment of a number of health conditions, such as alcoholism, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease.