title: What Data to Co-register for Computing Atlases.
abstract: We argue that registration should be thought of as a means to an end, and not as a goal by itself. In particular, we consider the problem of predicting the locations of hidden labels of a test image using observable features, given a training set with both the hidden labels and observable features. For example, the hidden labels could be segmentation labels or activation regions in fMRI, while the observable features could be sulcal geometry or MR intensity. We analyze a probabilistic framework for computing an optimal atlas, and the subsequent registration of a new subject using only the observable features to optimize the hidden label alignment to the training set. We compare two approaches for co-registering training images for the atlas construction: the traditional approach of only using observable features and a novel approach of only using hidden labels. We argue that the alternative approach is superior particularly when the relationship between the hidden labels and observable features is complex and unknown. As an application, we consider the task of registering cortical folds to optimize Brodmann area localization. We show that the alignment of the Brodmann areas improves by up to 25% when using the alternative atlas compared with the traditional atlas. To the best of our knowledge, these are the most accurate Brodmann area localization results (achieved via cortical fold registration) reported to date.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, RWTH Aachen.
authors.forename: B T Thomas
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Yeo
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, RWTH Aachen.
authors.forename: Mert
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sabuncu
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medicine, Research Center Juelich, RWTH Aachen.
authors.forename: Hartmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mohlberg
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medicine, Research Center Juelich, RWTH Aachen ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen.
authors.forename: Katrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Amunts
authors.affiliation: C. and O. Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Heinrich Heine University, RWTH Aachen ; Institute of Medicine, Research Center Juelich, RWTH Aachen.
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zilles
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, RWTH Aachen.
authors.forename: Polina
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Golland
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, RWTH Aachen ; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, MGH/MIT/HMS, RWTH Aachen.
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fischl