Extracting default mode network based on graph neural network for resting state fMRI study

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-based study of functional connections in the brain has been highlighted by numerous human and animal studies recently, which have provided significant information to explain a wide range of pathological conditions and behavioral characteristics. In this paper, we propose the use of a graph neural network, a deep learning technique called graphSAGE, to investigate resting state fMRI (rs-fMRI) and extract the default mode network (DMN). Comparing typical methods such as seed-based correlation, independent component analysis, and dictionary learning, real data experiment results showed that the graphSAGE is more robust, reliable, and defines a clearer region of interests. In addition, graphSAGE requires fewer and more relaxed assumptions, and considers the single subject analysis and group subjects analysis simultaneously.