Improved temporal clustering analysis method for detecting multiple response peaks in fMRI.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an improved temporal clustering analysis (TCA) method for detecting multiple active peaks by running the method once.


METHODS
Two cases of simulation data and a set of actual fMRI data from nine subjects were used to compare the traditional TCA method with the new method, termed extremum TCA (ETCA). The first case of simulation data simulated event-related activation and block activation in one cerebral area, and the second case simulated event-related activation and block activation in two cerebral areas. An in vivo visual stimulating experiment was performed on a 1.5T MR scanner. All imaging data were processed using both traditional TCA and the new method.


RESULTS
The results of both the simulated and actual fMRI data show that the new method is more sensitive and exact than traditional TCA in detecting multiple response peaks.


CONCLUSIONS
The new method is effective in detecting multiple activations even when the timing and location of the brain activation are completely unknown.
Lu
Na
N
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Analysis Techniques, Institute of High Energy Physics, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100-049, China.
Shan
Bao-Ci
BC
Li
Ke
K
Yan
Bin
B
Wang
Wei
W
Li
Kun-Cheng
KC
D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted