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Topological cluster statistic (TCS): Toward structural connectivity-guided fMRI cluster enhancement
Sina Mansour L1,2, Caio Seguin2,3, Anderson M Winkler4
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Network Neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.)
|October 2, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a new method, topological cluster statistic (TCS), to improve brain activity detection in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies. TCS enhances sensitivity and reduces errors by using brain structure information.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Brain Connectivity
Background:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) commonly uses cluster-based inference for brain activity detection.
- Current methods suffer from insufficient statistical power and high false-positive rates, limiting accurate inference.
- Brain activation is increasingly understood as a widespread, coordinated process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel structural connectivity-guided clustering framework, topological cluster statistic (TCS).
- To enhance sensitivity and accuracy in task fMRI activation inference by leveraging white matter anatomical connectivity.
- To provide a method for integrating anatomical network information into neuroimaging analyses.
Main Methods:
- Developed the topological cluster statistic (TCS) framework.
- Integrated multimodal information from diffusion tractography and functional imaging.
- Utilized white matter anatomical connectivity to guide clustering in fMRI analysis.
Main Results:
- TCS consistently improved statistical power compared to conventional approaches across various effect sizes.
- Demonstrated a 10%-50% increase in local sensitivity, particularly for medium-sized effects.
- Enabled inspection of underlying anatomical networks associated with brain activation.
Conclusions:
- TCS offers enhanced sensitivity and reduced false positives for fMRI activation inference.
- The framework provides insights into the anatomical underpinnings of brain activation.
- TCS is available in PALM software, facilitating its integration into future neuroimaging research.
