Model-based analysis of multishell diffusion MR data for tractography: how to get over fitting problems

In this article, we highlight an issue that arises when using multiple b‐values in a model‐based analysis of diffusion MR data for tractography. The non‐monoexponential decay, commonly observed in experimental data, is shown to induce overfitting in the distribution of fiber orientations when not co...

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Main Authors: Jbabdi, Saad, Sotiropoulos, Stamatios N., Savio, Alexander M., Graña, Manuel, Behrens, Timothy E.J.
Format: Article
Published: Wiley 2012
Online Access:https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/52902/
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author Jbabdi, Saad
Sotiropoulos, Stamatios N.
Savio, Alexander M.
Graña, Manuel
Behrens, Timothy E.J.
author_facet Jbabdi, Saad
Sotiropoulos, Stamatios N.
Savio, Alexander M.
Graña, Manuel
Behrens, Timothy E.J.
author_sort Jbabdi, Saad
building Nottingham Research Data Repository
collection Online Access
description In this article, we highlight an issue that arises when using multiple b‐values in a model‐based analysis of diffusion MR data for tractography. The non‐monoexponential decay, commonly observed in experimental data, is shown to induce overfitting in the distribution of fiber orientations when not considered in the model. Extra fiber orientations perpendicular to the main orientation arise to compensate for the slower apparent signal decay at higher b‐values. We propose a simple extension to the ball and stick model based on a continuous gamma distribution of diffusivities, which significantly improves the fitting and reduces the overfitting. Using in vivo experimental data, we show that this model outperforms a simpler, noise floor model, especially at the interfaces between brain tissues, suggesting that partial volume effects are a major cause of the observed non‐monoexponential decay. This model may be helpful for future data acquisition strategies that may attempt to combine multiple shells to improve estimates of fiber orientations in white matter and near the cortex.
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spelling nottingham-529022020-05-04T16:34:44Z https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/52902/ Model-based analysis of multishell diffusion MR data for tractography: how to get over fitting problems Jbabdi, Saad Sotiropoulos, Stamatios N. Savio, Alexander M. Graña, Manuel Behrens, Timothy E.J. In this article, we highlight an issue that arises when using multiple b‐values in a model‐based analysis of diffusion MR data for tractography. The non‐monoexponential decay, commonly observed in experimental data, is shown to induce overfitting in the distribution of fiber orientations when not considered in the model. Extra fiber orientations perpendicular to the main orientation arise to compensate for the slower apparent signal decay at higher b‐values. We propose a simple extension to the ball and stick model based on a continuous gamma distribution of diffusivities, which significantly improves the fitting and reduces the overfitting. Using in vivo experimental data, we show that this model outperforms a simpler, noise floor model, especially at the interfaces between brain tissues, suggesting that partial volume effects are a major cause of the observed non‐monoexponential decay. This model may be helpful for future data acquisition strategies that may attempt to combine multiple shells to improve estimates of fiber orientations in white matter and near the cortex. Wiley 2012-11-21 Article PeerReviewed Jbabdi, Saad, Sotiropoulos, Stamatios N., Savio, Alexander M., Graña, Manuel and Behrens, Timothy E.J. (2012) Model-based analysis of multishell diffusion MR data for tractography: how to get over fitting problems. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 68 (6). pp. 1846-1855. ISSN 1522-2594 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mrm.24204 doi:10.1002/mrm.24204 doi:10.1002/mrm.24204
spellingShingle Jbabdi, Saad
Sotiropoulos, Stamatios N.
Savio, Alexander M.
Graña, Manuel
Behrens, Timothy E.J.
Model-based analysis of multishell diffusion MR data for tractography: how to get over fitting problems
title Model-based analysis of multishell diffusion MR data for tractography: how to get over fitting problems
title_full Model-based analysis of multishell diffusion MR data for tractography: how to get over fitting problems
title_fullStr Model-based analysis of multishell diffusion MR data for tractography: how to get over fitting problems
title_full_unstemmed Model-based analysis of multishell diffusion MR data for tractography: how to get over fitting problems
title_short Model-based analysis of multishell diffusion MR data for tractography: how to get over fitting problems
title_sort model-based analysis of multishell diffusion mr data for tractography: how to get over fitting problems
url https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/52902/
https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/52902/
https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/52902/