Multi-Modal fMRI: Physiology, Acquisition, and Analysis
Risto Kauppinen, James J. Pekar, Organizers
 
Sunday 7 May, 08:30 - 18:15

Overview:
This one-day course will provide an overview of current functional MRI approaches. It will begin with an overview of basic brain function and organization, discuss hemodynamic adaptations to neuronal activation, and explain how these can be measured by MRI using dynamic blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast, as well as perfusion- and blood-volume-based contrast. Paradigm design and data analysis approaches will be discussed. Also, imaging axonal connectivity using MR diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) will be covered and the combined use of DTI and fMRI to reveal functional connectivity will be demonstrated.

Educational Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
• Explain basics of neurophysiology and functional networks in the brain;
• Interpret BOLD response in terms of physiological substrates and evaluate relationship between BOLD and brain activity;
• Define MRI methods for imaging of anatomical and functional connectivity in the brain;
• Describe analysis methods for functional brain imaging;
• Describe MRI methods for detection of cerebral blood flow and blood volume and evaluate their use for functional brain imaging;
• Interpret published fMRI studies; and
• Design fMRI paradigms.

Audience Description:
This course is designed for workers in the fields of cognitive psychology, neurophysiology, MRI physics, image analysis, and radiology, including graduate students, postdocs, and clinical residents. Interest in cognitive neuroscience, physiology of hemodynamics and fMRI methodology is helpful, but no prior experience is required.