Seminar

Medical Physics Seminar – Monday, October 17, 2011

Mathematical models to improve complex-valued fMRI in the presence of motion, confounding physiologic phenomena, and temporal variations in bulk B0 magnetic field inhomogeneity

Andrew Hahn (guest of Dr. Sean Fain)
Graduate Studies in Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI

Complex-valued analysis of fMRI data can provides certain advantages over standard magnitude-only analytical techniques, but large amounts of phase noise typically confounds complex-valued statistical analysis beyond usefulness. We implement and characterize a variety of methods aimed at reducing noise from various sources in complex-valued data, using a novel method for correcting the effects of temporal variations in the main magnetic field inhomogeneity as the foundation. In the process we demonstrate the difficulties facing complex-valued techniques as well as the ability of the correction scheme to facilitate robust application of complex-valued statistical models. Finally, utilizing the developed noise reduction methodology, preliminary results suggesting the potential benefits of complex-valued fMRI will be presented.

Location: 1335 (HSLC) Health Sciences Learning Center, 750 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705

Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm