|
|
|
|
|
Stanford University
School of Medicine and School of Engineering
Richard M. Lucas Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and
Imaging Center
Stanford, CA 94305-5488
www-radiology.stanford.edu/research/RR.html
Grant No. P41 RR009784
|
Principal
Investigator and Contact
Gary H. Glover, Ph.D.
650-723-7577; Fax: 650-723-5795
E-mail:
gary@s-word.stanford.edu
Coprincipal Investigator
Norbert J. Pelc, Sc.D.
650-723-0435; Fax: 650-723-5795
E-mail:
pelc@s-word.stanford.edu |
The mission of the Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Technology at Stanford is to develop innovative
magnetic resonance (MR) techniques for fundamental anatomic, physiologic, and pathophysiologic studies
involving animals and humans, and to serve the academic and scientific community through collaborations,
education, and access to center facilities and resources. The core technology development encompasses
these five areas:
Reconstruction methods: Improved reconstruction methods and fast imaging sequences that gather
data in non-Cartesian coordinates, including a Web-based repository for data with a variety of k-space
trajectories that documents and provides datasets, accepts datasets from users, and provides reference
reconstruction algorithms. Imaging of brain activation: Optimizing 2-D and 3-D spiral trajectories
for BOLD contrast, susceptibility robust techniques, deconvolution and motion-reduction methods for event-related
imaging. Diffusion and perfusion imaging methods: Improved techniques for visualizing and mapping tissue
microvasculature, including diffusion tensor, exogenous and endogenous tracer perfusion, and arterial
spin-tagging techniques. MR spectroscopy and multinuclear imaging: Novel techniques for multivoxel 2-D MR
spectroscopy, volumetric 1H metabolic imaging, and ultra-short TE in vivo spectroscopy and imaging.
Cardiovascular structure and function: Techniques for visualizing cardiac and vascular anatomy and for
quantitating blood flow and hemodynamics. Interventional imaging methods: Improved MR thermometry in the
presence of susceptibility artifacts from interventional devices, methods for real-time feedback of
thermometry data, and integrated X-ray fluoroscopy system within an interventional MR system.
Current Research
Reconstruction methods: Spiral sequences with variable density for improved resolution. Imaging of brain
activation: Motion correction software for reduction of cardiac and respiration artifacts. Diffusion and perfusion
imaging methods: Spiral and EPI DTI sequences and analysis software. MR spectroscopy and multinuclear imaging:
Rapid automated shimming sequence and GUI. Cardiovascular structure and function: 4-D CINE sequences for flow
and motion visualization. Interventional imaging methods: Interventional MR technique development.
BIRN
The center also is a partner in the Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN) effort of NCRR.
The center spans the School of Medicine and the School of Engineering. The central facility is the Richard M. Lucas
Center for Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging, which has 18,000 square feet of space, a 1.5 T GE Signa CVi MRI
system and high-performance 3 T whole-body MRI system. Complete facilities for functional MRI experiments.
Computer-controlled flow and motion phantoms. 4.7 T 40 cm with Varian Inova MR system utilized for animal
studies. Siemens Angiostar digital X-ray fluoroscopic/angiographic system. Another 1.5 T system and a GE
Signa-SP interventional system support the R&D; efforts.
- Tsai, C.-M. and Nishimura, D. G., Reduced aliasing artifacts using variable-density k-space
sampling trajectories. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 43:452–458, 2000.
|
|
|
|
Massachusetts General Hospital
Room 2301
149 13th Street
Charlestown, MA 02129
www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/CFNT
Grant No. P41 RR014075
|
Principal Investigator
Bruce R. Rosen, M.D., Ph.D.
E-mail:
bruce@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu
Contacts
Anders Dale, Ph.D.
E-mail:
dale@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu
Julie M. Goodman, Ph.D.
617-724-7139; Fax: 617-726-7422
E-mail:
julieg@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu
|
The primary mission of the Center for Functional Neuroimaging Technologies (CFNT) is to expand understanding
of the human brain in health and disease through the development and dissemination of innovative multimodal
magnetic resonance (MR)-based neuroimaging techniques and technologies. The four projects at the core of the
CFNT seek to create new methods for exploring brain function using both anatomical and functional aspects of
MRI, electroencephalography (EEG), magneto-encephalography (MEG), and near-infrared diffuse optical tomography
(NIR-DOT), and to create new tools for both neuroanatomic and statistical analysis. The collective goal of
these projects is to significantly extend many of the limitations of current brain-mapping techniques.
Current Research
Develop and validate automated methods for segmentation of cortical and subcortical structures
in the human brain based on statistical atlas technologies, and for detection and quantification
of morphometric changes associated with disease.
Combine simultaneous functional MRI/EEG data with simultaneous EEG/MEG data in order to produce
robust spatiotemporal maps that combine the temporal information available in EEG and MEG with the spatial
resolution available with fMRI. Develop recording cap technology that will also allow for simultaneous fMRI/EEG
and optical measurements.
Develop and test the utility of new statistical methods for event-related fMRI and for a physiologically
based statistical model and estimation procedure for signal and noise in fMRI.
Develop the next generation of near-infrared imaging devices using both continuous-wave (CW) and
radio-frequency phase-resolved techniques, design and validate improved reconstruction algorithms,
and integrate DOT and fMRI in order to enable systematic in vivo validation of DOT performance.
BIRN
The center also is a partner in the Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN) of NCRR.
Instruments
1.5, 3.0, and 7.0 Tesla Siemens Sonata, Trio and Allegra magnetic resonance imaging instruments, CW DOT
imager, NeuroMag VectorView system with 306 MEG channels and 128 EEG channels, 24-node Beowulf distributed
processing computational cluster.
- Liu, A. K., Dale, A. M., and Belliveau, J. W., Monte Carlo simulation studies of EEG and MEG
localization accuracy. Human Brain Mapping 16:4762, 2002.
- Fischl, B., Salat, D. H., Albert, M., et al., Whole brain segmentation: automated labeling of
neuroanatomical structures in the human brain. Neuron 33:341355, 2002.
- Boas, D. A., Culver, J. P., Stott, J. J., and Dunn, A. K., Three dimensional Monte Carlo code
for photon migration through complex heterogeneous media including the adult human head. Optics
Express 10:159170, 2002.
|
|
|
|
AMRIS Facility
McKnight Brain Institute
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32610
www.mbi.ufl.edu/facilities/amris/Resource
Grant No. P41 RR016105
|
Principal Investigator and Contact
Stephen J. Blackband, Ph.D.
352-846-2856; Fax: 352-392-3442
E-mail:
blackie@ufbi.ufl.edu
Coprincipal Investigators
Jeffrey Fitzsimmons, Ph.D.
352-294-0073, ext. 40073
E-mail:
jfitz@ufbi.ufl.edu
Arthur S. Edison, Ph.D.
352-392-4535; Fax: 352-392-3442
E-mail:
art@mbi.ufl.edu |
The overall objective of this resource is to develop high magnetic field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy technologies and methodologies for the study of significant biomedical problems. The major
drive is to support development of existing programs on magnets in the Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
and Spectroscopy (AMRIS) facility, in particular the world’s first 11.1 T/40 cm system and world’s second
750-MHz wide-bore (89 mm) system. The proposed developments will directly impact studies ranging from molecules
through single cells, ex vivo tissues, perfused tissues, small animals, and ultimately (though not directly supported)
humans. Our resource centers on three main cores:
High-field small-animal imaging: As field strength is increased, so too is the operating frequency of
the radiofrequency (RF) coil, bringing with it new design challenges for construction and optimization. For
the larger coils, conventional RF engineering approaches are inadequate and a move to cavity concepts is required.
The goal of this core is to develop cavity engineering concepts for larger coils. Phased array technology for use
on the higher field magnets (4.7 T and 11.1 T animal instruments) will also be developed. Microscopy and spatially
localized microspectroscopy: High magnetic fields coupled with small RF coils have facilitated a new expansion of
MR imaging into the microscopic regime. The goal of this core is to develop microcoils to optimize the sensitivity
of high field MR on small samples and also investigate the utility of microphased array coils. This core also will
develop improved gradient coil systems (multiplayer designs) and develop high field imaging sequences. This includes
line narrowing sequences and an investigation of dipolar field imaging at high fields.
High-sensitivity and high-throughput solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR): Ways
to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio at a given field strength will be explored for high-resolution spectroscopy.
The first option is through the development of microcoils for high-resolution spectroscopy, which offer improved
sensitivity for mass limited samples. Second, multiple microcoils capable of simultaneous operation for increased
throughput will be explored on the 750-MHz machine, taking advantage of the space in the wide-bore magnet. Third,
a triple tuned superconducting NMR probe for use on the 750-MHz wide-bore system will be developed.
The resource primarily accesses the AMRIS facility at the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of
Florida. The facility operates in partnership with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee.
AMRIS houses 500- and 600-MHz narrow-bore vertical spectrometers and a 750-MHz wide-bore imager/spectrometer,
a 4.7 T/33 cm and a 11.1 T/40 cm horizontal small animal imager/spectrometer (both with phased array) with a
recently acquired 3 T Sieman human head scanner also used for animal studies. Access to a 3 T and two 1.5 T
clinical systems is also available. Extensive optical, X-ray, and computing facilities and a radiofrequency lab are
nearby.
- Beck, B., Plant, D. H., et al., Progress in high field MRI at the University of Florida. MAGMA 13:152–157, 2002.
- Beck, B. and Blackband, S. J., Phased array imaging on a 4.7T/33cm animal research system.
Review of Scientific Instruments 72:4292–4294, 2001.
|
|
|
|
Duke University Medical Center
Department of Radiology
Box 3302
Durham, NC 27710
www.civm.mc.duke.edu
Grant No. P41 RR005959
|
Principal
Investigator
G. Allan Johnson, Ph.D.
919-684-7754; Fax: : 919-684-7158
E-mail:
gaj@orion.mc.duke.edu
Contact
Sally Zimney, M.Ed
919-684-7758; Fax: 919-684-7158
E-mail: sallyz@orion.mc.duke.edu |
The goals of the Duke Center for In Vivo Microscopy (CIVM) are the development of magnetic resonance
(MR) microscopy and creative application to fields as diverse as toxicology, tumor biology, embryology,
histology, neurobiology, stroke, models of pulmonary disease, drug discovery, and molecular biology.
Current Research
Technical developments are globally focused on new methods for functional and structural phenotyping in
the rodent: mouse, guinea pig, and rat; extending projection imaging from 3-D to 4-D in the heart to look
at time-resolved 3-D images throughout the cardiac cycle; developing new methods for pulmonary imaging
using hyperpolarized 3He as a marker for functional flow, and higher resolution structural measurements
of both vascular and pulmonary structure in 3-D. Magnetic resonance histology (MRH) has been extended to
support isotropic 3-D images of perfusion fixed specimens at spatial resolution down to 25 microns
(1.6 times 10-5 mm3), more than 300,000 X higher resolution than is common in a routine clinical scan.
BIRN
The center also is a partner in the Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN) of NCRR.
MR Microscopes
Three fully integrated MR systems are available, which operate at 2.0 T (85 MHz), 30 cm horizontal
bore; 7.0 T (300 MHz), 21 cm horizontal bore; and 9.4 T (400 MHz), 8.9 cm vertical bore. All systems
are controlled by GE Signa consoles modified to perform MR microscopy. Conversion of the scanners to
the next generation of GE consoles (EXCITE) is currently under way.
Hardware and Software
The CIVM supports state-of-the-art high-speed (switched 100 MB/sec) general purpose LINUX and Mac
computers and high-end SGI workstations. A dedicated SGI Challenge 300 workstation with fiber channel disks
serves as a robust reconstruction engine for very large 3-D Fourier transform (FT) and projection encoding
reconstruction. Multiple SGI O2s and an SGI Onyx2 with 2 GB memory and V 12 graphics provide high-end
visualization with several commercial software packages. An aggressive effort is under way to develop an
integrated visual informatics infrastructure using Internet2 to develop a gridded database structure to
accommodate images across a wide range of scales.
Commercial, public domain, and in-house software permit special-purpose reconstruction using 3-D FT
algorithms and projection reconstruction of multidimensional volumetric arrays (2563 times 8 to 20483).
Analysis packages include quantitative calculation of spin density, T1, T2, diffusion coefficients, etc.,
from regions of interest or pixel by pixel. Volumetric packages (VoxelView, Vitrea, Voxblast, and Amira)
allow interactive reformatting, visualization, and tissue volume quantitation.
Special Features
The CIVM has pioneered methods for the physiological support and monitoring of cardiac and respiratory
synchronization of small animals under study in the complicated imaging environment of a high-field magnet.
Special purpose radio frequency coils are constructed with on-site CAD, photolithography, etching, and
micro-machining facilities. The CIVM has its own system to polarize 3He and 129Xe using an Amersham/Nycomed polarizer.
- Johnson, G. A., et al., Morphologic phenotyping with magnetic resonance microscopy: The visible mouse.
Radiology 222:789–793, 2002.
- Johnson, G. A., et al., Registered 1H and 3He magnetic resonance microscopy of the lung.
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 45:365–370, 2001.
|
|
|
|
Center for Magnetic Resonance Research
University of Minnesota
2021 Sixth Street, SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
www.cmrr.umn.edu
Grant No. P41 RR008079
|
Principal
Investigator
Kamil Ugurbil, Ph.D.
Email:
kamil@cmrr.umn.edu
Contact
Deborah Morgan
612-626-9591; Fax: 612-626-2004
E-mail:
deb@cmrr.umn.edu |
The focus of this resource is on developing magnetic resonance (MR) methods that utilize potential
advantages of ultrahigh magnetic fields for investigating human brain function, anatomy and neurochemistry,
cancer detection, and cardiac physiology and biochemistry.
Current Research
Functional imaging in the human brain; mechanisms of functional contrast and specificity; applications
of functional imaging in the human brain to the motor cortex, the visual system, and cognitive tasks.
Mapping connectivity between functional areas in the human brain using MR methods. Development of B1 insensitive
imaging approaches. Development of new and novel B1 insensitive adiabatic pulses for spectroscopic and imaging
applications using coils that are intrinsically inhomogeneous in their radiofrequency (RF) field profiles,
such as surface coils. High-frequency RF interactions with human brain and body. High-field RF coil design.
Spectroscopic localization techniques, spectroscopic editing techniques combined with spectroscopic localization,
multiple quantum techniques. Improved methods for chemical shift imaging. Carbon-13 and proton MR spectroscopy
studies of neurochemistry in health and disease in humans and animal models. 17O imaging using high fields and
applications to study cerebral energetics.
BIRN
The center also is a partner in the Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN) effort of NCRR.
Instruments
4 Tesla/90 cm bore, 7 Tesla/90 cm bore, 9.4 T/31 cm bore magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy
instrument. Extensive computational capabilities for image analysis. RF analysis and test equipment.
Radiofrequency probes designed for human applications at high frequencies; ultra-quiet preamplifiers
for high frequencies to be coupled with RF coils.
Special Features
High magnetic field imaging instrumentation and methodology for human studies.
- Gruetter, R., Seaquist, E. R., and Ugurbil, K., A mathematical model of compartmentalized neurotransmitter
metabolism in the human brain. American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism 281:E100–112, 2001.
- Yacoub, E., Shmuel, A., et al., Imaging brain function in humans at 7 Tesla. Magnetic Resonance Medicine
45:588–594, 2001.
- Vaughan, J. T., Garwood, M., et al., 7T vs. 4T: RF power, homogeneity, and signal-to-noise
comparison in head images. Magnetic Resonance Medicine 46:24–30, 2001.
|
|
|
|
University of Pennsylvania
Department of Radiology
B1, Stellar-Chance Laboratories
422 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6100
www.mmrrcc.upenn.edu
Grant No. P41 RR002305
|
Principal Investigator
John S. Leigh, Ph.D.
215-898-9357; Fax: 215-573-2113
E-mail:
jack@mail.mmrrcc.upenn.edu
Science Director and Contact
Ravinder Reddy, Ph.D.
215-898-5708; Fax: 215-573-2113
E-mail:
RAVI@mail.mmrrcc.upenn.edu |
The focus of this resource is on developing instrumentation, methodologies, and data analysis techniques
for the quantitative assessment of functional, structural, and metabolic parameters in humans utilizing
multinuclear magnetic resonance, novel spectral, perfusion, functional, and optical imaging techniques.
Current Research
Development of multinuclear magnetic resonance techniques for early diagnosis of diseases such as
breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, emphysema, HIV, and cardiovascular disorders; design
and development of targeted magnetite-based contrast agents for diagnosis and assessing gene expression;
new techniques and instrumentation for near-infrared, optical imaging, and spectroscopy; integrated optical
and MR imaging in humans; perfusion and functional neuroimaging and hyperpolarized gas imaging.
4 T whole-body magnet system capable of multinuclear MRI; 2 T, 1 meter bore, magnet system with a versatile
spectrometer for multinuclear spectroscopy and imaging with in-magnet exercise capability; 4.7 T, 30 cm diameter
and 9.4 T, 10 cm diameter vertical magnets for animal imaging; specialized radiofrequency probes for various nuclei;
local magnetic field gradient sets; workstations for data analysis; electronic test equipment; physiological monitoring
equipment; in-magnet exercise apparatus; and bioelectric amplifiers and recorders. Metabolic spectroscopy including
(but not limited to) 1H, 13C, 15N, 23Na, 7Li, 19F, 31P, and 17O, equipped for physiological synchronization (gating)
and decoupling, magnetization transfer experiments, 2-D, multiple quantum spectroscopy, and in-magnet exercise.
Software and hardware support for all NMR experiments, including sodium and phosphorus imaging, chemical shift
imaging, Hadamard spectroscopic imaging, 3He, 126Xe imaging, and high-resolution proton imaging and flow. Facilities
and expertise for generating hyperpolarized helium and xenon gases, specialized coil design, and construction are
available, as are body positioning devices for specific experiments (i.e., in-magnet exercise; heart, brain,
and liver studies). Expertise and infrastructure for state-of-the-art functional perfusion imaging and integrated
optical and MRI experiments.
- Insko, E. K., Clayton, D. B., Elliott, M. A., In vivo sodium MR imaging of the intervertebral disk at
4 T. Academic Radiology 9:800–804, 2002.
- Borthakur, A., Shapiro, E. M., et al., Effect of IL-1beta-induced macromolecular depletion on residual
quadrupolar interaction in articular cartilage. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging 15:315–323, 2002.
- Markel, V. and Schotland, J., Inverse problem in optical diffusion tomography, II. Role of boundary
conditions. Journal of the Optical Society of America A. 19:558–566, 2002.
- Lipson, D. A., Roberts, D. A., et al., Pulmonary ventilation and perfusion scanning using hyperpolarized
helium-3 MRI and arterial spin-tagging in healthy subjects, pulmonary embolism, and in orthotopic
lung transplant recipients. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 47:1073–1074, 2002.
- Shapiro, E. M., Borthakur, A., Gougoutas, A., and Reddy, R., 23Na MRI accurately measures fixed
charge density in articular cartilage. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 47:284–291, 2002.
|
|
|
|
Kennedy Krieger Institute & Johns Hopkins University
F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging
707 N. Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21205
http://mri.kennedykrieger.org
Grant No. P41 RR015241
|
Principal
Investigator and Contact
Peter C.M. van Zijl, Ph.D.
443-923-9500; Fax: 443-923-9505
E-mail:
pvanzijl@mri.jhu.edu |
The resource’s mission is to provide state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data acquisition
and image-processing technology and unique MRI expertise to facilitate the functional brain imaging research
of NIH-funded neuroscientists. The ultimate goal is a fast multimodality MRI study including imaging,
spectroscopy, and fiber tracking in 15–30 minutes and quantitative integration of the different image datasets. Development is especially geared toward optimizing the study of children, the elderly, and subjects with
neurological and psychiatric disorders. The core technology development:
Functional MRI (fMRI) and quantitative physiology methods: (1) fMRI analysis approaches that can
reveal brain activity not predicted in advance by simple models, allowing extension of fMRI to the
study of rich naturalistic behaviors. (2) Enhancement of fMRI infrastructure for pediatric studies.
(3) Quantification of blood flow analysis. Brain chemistry by MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) methods: Improved
methods for fast MRSI using multi-echo and sensitivity encoding (SENSE) methodologies. New approaches for
spin-editing, metabolite quantification, and low-power spin decoupling. Identification and characterization
of brain connections: Novel data acquisition and processing methods for high-resolution 3-D diffusion tensor
imaging (DTI) and fiber tracking/axonal mapping. Algorithmic methods for anatomical brain analysis: Advanced
computational technology, including Bayesian segmentation, volume-surface matching approaches, and dynamic
tracking of vector fields. Methods for combining all image modalities into a general brain reference frame.
Current Research
New fMRI data analysis: Extended independent component analysis allows inferences from group, as opposed
to single-subject data. Spectroscopy: Developed adiabatic low-power radiofrequency decoupling schemes as
well as CSF correction schemes for metabolite quantification. Fast spectroscopic imaging using SENSE. Diffusion
tensor imaging: High-resolution 3-D fiber tracking in humans using SENSE at 1.5 T and 3 T. Mapping of cortico-cortical
association fibers and brainstem fibers. Elucidating specific fiber properties using MRI relaxation times and
magnetization transfer. Computational anatomy: Validation of Bayesian segmentation algorithms for reconstruction
of gyral areas. Derivation of probability laws for DTI data, resulting in dynamic programming algorithm for DTI
tract tracing.
BIRN
The center also is a partner in the Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN) of the NCRR.
The resource components are the F. M. Kirby Research Center at Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Center
for Imaging Science (CIS) at Johns Hopkins University. The Kirby Center has whole-body short-bore 1.5 T and
3 T Philips scanners; CIS has an IBM supercomputer. The special design for fMRI includes optimal radiofrequency
shielding and power conditioning to enhance MRI signal-to-noise ratio and temporal stability, integration of
dedicated equipment for stimulus provision, and subject monitoring.
- Miller, M. I., Trouve, A., and Younes, L., On the metrics and Euler-Lagrange equations of computational
anatomy. Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering 4:375–405, 2002.
- Mori, S., Kaufmann, W. E., et al., Imaging cortical association tracts in the human brain using diffusion-tensor-based
axonal tracking. Magnetic Resonance Medicine 47:215–223, 2002.
- Calhoun, V. D., Adali, T., Pearlson, G. D., and Pekar, J. J., A method for making group inferences from
functional MRI data using independent component analysis. Human Brain Mapping 14:140–151, 2001.
- Barker, P. B., Golay X., Artemov, D., et al., Broadband proton decoupling for in vivo brain
spectroscopy in humans. Magnetic Resonance Medicine 45:226–232, 2001.
|
|
|