engleski

Neuroimaging: Structure, Function and Mind

Modern neuroimaging technologies allow for the visualization of anatomical structures but also for reaching their functional characteristic and monitoring their dynamics. Both structural and functional imaging has a long tradition in neuroscience and is widely used in basic research and clinical settings. The novel generations of neuroimaging tools include innovative methods in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), Electroencephalography (EEG) and Magnetoencephalography (MEG). Both scientist and technologists are joining forces in order to find the way for improving technology, data analysis and the application of neuroimaging in wide spectra of scientific and clinical research including the study of topography and dynamics of neural networks, sensory processing, and investigations of neurodevelopment, neurological diseases, neuropsychological disorders, and aging. Recent achievements of neuroimaging techniques suggest that they are essential for the identification of biological markers of the earliest stages of neuro-diseases and the development of new therapies. This book does not intend to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of neuroimaging techniques and methods, but to offer a narrow overview of processing and application advances in the current state-of-the-art imaging modalities and their utility. The first part of the book addresses the current advances of methods for analyzing brain imaging data. In the chapter „ Supervised sparse component analysis with application to brain imaging data“ author provides strong evidence that supervised multi-block sparse component analysis identifies the association between brain areas at the voxel level, enabling more reliable interpretation of neuroimaging results. The chapter “Vector-based approach for the detection of initial dips using functional near-infrared spectroscopy” follow the progress in fNIRS detection of local brain dynamics from its beginnings, discuss problems with single index analysis and introduce a novel vector- based method, which could provide information of neural dynamics with a better temporal resolution. Finally, chapter “Application of ICA and Dynamic Mixture Model to identify microvasculature activation in fMRI” provides a comprehensive description of a novel method for improving the quality of fMRI signal, which comprises a complex mixture of neuronal, metabolic and vascular processes signals, and is additionally corrupted by multiple non- neuronal artifacts of instrumental, physiological or subject-specific origin. The author presented both simulations and experimental testing of the novel method, pointing out the advantages and limitations of the proposed approach. The second part of the book focuses functional brain imaging, essential for understanding spontaneous neural activity and brain mechanisms engaged in the processing of external inputs, memory formation, and cognition. The chapter “Simultaneous smelling an incense odor and putting the hands together activate specific brain areas” provides an example of usefulness of MEG, high temporal and spatial resolution neuroimaging technique, for investigating the changes in topology and dynamics of sensory processing evoked by multimodal inputs. In the chapter “Neuroimaging reveals the heterogeneous neural correlates of reading deficit in individuals with developmental dyslexia” author presents unique approach utilizing the fMRI technique and multiple case approach for testing prediction of the main dyslexia theories, including the Phonological Deficit Theory, Magnocellular Deficit Theory, and Cerebral Deficit Theory. The third part of the book focus role of structural imaging techniques as diagnostic tools in the evaluation of disease processes that affect the airway. The advanced imaging modalities, including computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging, have discussed as indispensable tools in head and neck cancer evaluation. The fourth part of the book provides an example of possible synergy between psychology, art (music) and neuroimaging in an attempt to reach the integrated mind and brain constructs.

Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), Electroencephalography (EEG), Magnetoencephalography (MEG).

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