ORCID Profile
0000-0001-5118-2850
Current Organisations
University of South Australia
,
University of Melbourne
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-08-2016
DOI: 10.1002/MRM.25859
Abstract: Multiple nonlinear gradient fields offer many potential benefits for spatial encoding including reduced acquisition time, fewer artefacts and region-specific imaging, although designing a suitable trajectory for such a setup is difficult. This work aims to optimize encoding trajectories for multiple nonlinear gradient fields based on the image signal-to-noise ratio. Image signal-to-noise ratio is directly linked to the covariance of the reconstructed pixels, which can be calculated recursively for each projection of the trajectory under a Bayesian formulation. An evolutionary algorithm is used to find the higher-dimensional projections that minimize the pixel covariance, incorporating receive coil profiles, intravoxel dephasing, and reconstruction regularization. The resulting trajectories are tested through simulations and experiments. The optimized trajectories produce images with higher resolution and fewer artefacts compared with traditional approaches, particularly for high unders ling. However, higher-dimensional projection experiments strongly depend on accurate hardware and calibration. Computer-based optimization provides an efficient means to explore the large trajectory space created by the use of multiple nonlinear encoding fields. The optimization framework, as presented here, is necessary to fully exploit the advantages of nonlinear fields. Magn Reson Med 76:104-117, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-2019
DOI: 10.18383/J.TOM.2018.00056
Abstract: Matrix gradient coils with up to 84 coil elements were recently introduced for magnetic resonance imaging. Ideally, each element is driven by a dedicated lifier, which may be technically and financially infeasible. Instead, several elements can be connected in series (called a “cluster”) and driven by a single lifier. In previous works, a set of clusters, called a “configuration,” was sought to approximate a target field shape. Because a magnetic resonance pulse sequence requires several distinct field shapes, a mechanism to switch between configurations is needed. This can be achieved by a hypothetical switching circuit connecting all terminals of all elements with each other and with the lifiers. For a predefined set of configurations, a switching circuit can be designed to require only a limited amount of switches. Here we introduce an algorithm to minimize the number of switches without affecting the ability of the configurations to accurately create the desired fields. The problem is modeled using graph theory and split into 2 sequential combinatorial optimization problems that are solved using simulated annealing. For the investigated cases, the results show that compared to unoptimized switching circuits, the reduction of switches in optimized circuits ranges from 8% to up to 44% (average of 31%). This substantial reduction is achieved without impeding circuit functionality. This study shows how technical effort associated with implementation and operation of a matrix gradient coil is related to different hardware setups and how to reduce this effort.
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 04-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2018
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 10-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-05-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.JMR.2014.02.014
Abstract: The response of a magnetic resonance spin system is predicted and experimentally verified for the particular case of a continuous wave litude modulated radiofrequency excitation. The experimental results demonstrate phenomena not previously observed in magnetic resonance systems, including a secondary resonance condition when the litude of the excitation equals the modulation frequency. This secondary resonance produces a relatively large steady state magnetisation with Fourier components at harmonics of the modulation frequency. Experiments are in excellent agreement with the theoretical prediction derived from the Bloch equations, which provides a sound theoretical framework for future developments in NMR spectroscopy and imaging.
Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt
Date: 08-11-2017
DOI: 10.1142/S0129065716500453
Abstract: Data-driven model-based analysis of electrophysiological data is an emerging technique for understanding the mechanisms of seizures. Model-based analysis enables tracking of hidden brain states that are represented by the dynamics of neural mass models. Neural mass models describe the mean firing rates and mean membrane potentials of populations of neurons. Various neural mass models exist with different levels of complexity and realism. An ideal data-driven model-based analysis framework will incorporate the most realistic model possible, enabling accurate imaging of the physiological variables. However, models must be sufficiently parsimonious to enable tracking of important variables using data. This paper provides tools to inform the realism versus parsimony trade-off, the Bayesian Cramer-Rao (lower) Bound (BCRB). We demonstrate how the BCRB can be used to assess the feasibility of using various popular neural mass models to track epilepsy-related dynamics via stochastic filtering methods. A series of simulations show how optimal state estimates relate to measurement noise, model error and initial state uncertainty. We also demonstrate that state estimation accuracy will vary between seizure-like and normal rhythms. The performance of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is assessed against the BCRB. This work lays a foundation for assessing feasibility of model-based analysis. We discuss how the framework can be used to design experiments to better understand epilepsy.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-06-2017
DOI: 10.1002/MRM.26235
Abstract: Implementing new magnetic resonance experiments, or sequences, often involves extensive programming on vendor-specific platforms, which can be time consuming and costly. This situation is exacerbated when research sequences need to be implemented on several platforms simultaneously, for ex le, at different field strengths. This work presents an alternative programming environment that is hardware-independent, open-source, and promotes rapid sequence prototyping. A novel file format is described to efficiently store the hardware events and timing information required for an MR pulse sequence. Platform-dependent interpreter modules convert the file to appropriate instructions to run the sequence on MR hardware. Sequences can be designed in high-level languages, such as MATLAB, or with a graphical interface. Spin physics simulation tools are incorporated into the framework, allowing for comparison between real and virtual experiments. Minimal effort is required to implement relatively advanced sequences using the tools provided. Sequences are executed on three different MR platforms, demonstrating the flexibility of the approach. A high-level, flexible and hardware-independent approach to sequence programming is ideal for the rapid development of new sequences. The framework is currently not suitable for large patient studies or routine scanning although this would be possible with deeper integration into existing workflows. Magn Reson Med 77:1544-1552, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JMR.2017.06.006
Abstract: The increasing interest in spatial encoding with non-linear magnetic fields has intensified the need for coils that generates such fields. Matrix coils consisting of multiple coil elements appear to offer a high flexibility in generating customized encoding fields and are particularly promising for localized high resolution imaging applications. However, coil elements of existing matrix coils were primarily designed and constructed for better shimming and therefore are not expected to achieve an optimal performance for local spatial encoding. Moreover, eddy current properties of such coil elements were not fully explored. In this work, an optimization problem is formulated based on the requirement of local non-linear encoding and eddy current reduction that results in novel designs of coil elements for an actively-shielded matrix gradient coil. Two metrics are proposed to assess the performance of different coil element designs. The results are analyzed to reveal new insights into coil element design.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-10-2013
DOI: 10.1002/MRM.24494
Abstract: It has recently been demonstrated that nonlinear encoding fields result in a spatially varying resolution. This work develops an automated procedure to design single-shot trajectories that create a local resolution improvement in a region of interest. The technique is based on the design of optimized local k-space trajectories and can be applied to arbitrary hardware configurations that employ any number of linear and nonlinear encoding fields. The trajectories designed in this work are tested with the currently available hardware setup consisting of three standard linear gradients and two quadrupolar encoding fields generated from a custom-built gradient insert. A field camera is used to measure the actual encoding trajectories up to third-order terms, enabling accurate reconstructions of these demanding single-shot trajectories, although the eddy current and concomitant field terms of the gradient insert have not been completely characterized. The local resolution improvement is demonstrated in phantom and in vivo experiments.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-04-2018
DOI: 10.1002/MRM.26700
Abstract: Design, implement, integrate, and characterize a customized coil system that allows for generating spatial encoding magnetic fields (SEMs) in a highly-flexible fashion. A gradient coil with a high number of in idual elements was designed. Dimensions of the coil were chosen to mimic a whole-body gradient system, scaled down to a head insert. Mechanical shape and wire layout of each element were optimized to increase the local gradient strength while minimizing eddy current effects and simultaneously considering manufacturing constraints. Resulting wire layout and mechanical design is presented. A prototype matrix gradient coil with 12 × 7 = 84 elements consisting of two element types was realized and characterized. Measured eddy currents are <1% of the original field. The coil is shown to be capable of creating nonlinear, and linear SEMs. In a DSV of 0.22 m gradient strengths between 24 mT∕m and 78 mT∕m could be realized locally with maximum currents of 150 A. Initial proof-of-concept imaging experiments using linear and nonlinear encoding fields are demonstrated. A shielded matrix gradient coil setup capable of generating encoding fields in a highly-flexible manner was designed and implemented. The presented setup is expected to serve as a basis for validating novel imaging techniques that rely on nonlinear spatial encoding fields. Magn Reson Med 79:1181-1191, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-03-2015
DOI: 10.1002/MRM.25235
Abstract: PatLoc (Parallel Imaging Technique using Localized Gradients) accelerates imaging and introduces a resolution variation across the field-of-view. Higher-dimensional encoding employs more spatial encoding magnetic fields (SEMs) than the corresponding image dimensionality requires, e.g. by applying two quadratic and two linear spatial encoding magnetic fields to reconstruct a 2D image. Images acquired with higher-dimensional single-shot trajectories can exhibit strong artifacts and geometric distortions. In this work, the source of these artifacts is analyzed and a reliable correction strategy is derived. A dynamic field camera was built for encoding field calibration. Concomitant fields of linear and nonlinear spatial encoding magnetic fields were analyzed. A combined basis consisting of spherical harmonics and concomitant terms was proposed and used for encoding field calibration and image reconstruction. A good agreement between the analytical solution for the concomitant fields and the magnetic field simulations of the custom-built PatLoc SEM coil was observed. Substantial image quality improvements were obtained using a dynamic field camera for encoding field calibration combined with the proposed combined basis. The importance of trajectory calibration for single-shot higher-dimensional encoding is demonstrated using the combined basis including spherical harmonics and concomitant terms, which treats the concomitant fields as an integral part of the encoding.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-07-2019
No related grants have been discovered for Kelvin Layton.