A Generative Model Framework for Task-based fMRI: Integrating Activation Patterns and Brain Network

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 

Research Background:
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a pivotal technique in understanding brain responses associated with cognitive functions or during resting states. Traditional studies often assume that a set of homogeneous cognitive functions is attached to specific task paradigms, expecting similar responses across all participants. However, this fundamental hypothesis remains largely untested due to the lack of personalized cognitive processing data, such as personalized brain activation templates.
Brain Measurements in fMRI:
Brain activations and functional connectivity (FC) are the two primary measurements in fMRI studies. While brain activation reflects cognition-specific responses, functional connectivity represents the general network of brain interactions. Previous studies have rarely analyzed these two measurements together.
Motivation and Objective:
Inspired by the similarity between the diffusion model's generation process and the signal transmission and generation in the brain, this study aims to address whether combining brain activation and functional connectivity information can enhance our understanding of brain responses to different task conditions.