Aimed at revolutionizing our understanding of the brain, the BRAIN initiative calls for ?improvement of existing non-invasive neuromodulation? techniques. There is presently great interest in transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), which is deployable, well tolerated, and carries the promise of targeted neuromodulation. Computational models of tDCS predict individual brain current flow for a given electrode configuration (?montage?), and predict that optimized targeting montages can achieve more focal cortical stimulation. Through three innovations, this proposal removes existing barriers limiting access to computational models that will allow researchers to individually tailor electrode montages for desired cortical targets so as to optimize clinical outcomes and address specific research hypotheses. First, a decade of technical innovation in automated image segmentation and high- throughput current flow modeling will be enhanced and encoded in cloud-enabled open-source. Second, state-of-the-art MRI mapping of tDCS current distribution will validate and refine model methods. Third, stand-alone and web-based modeling client software will be deployed with computationally demanding steps implemented on servers. Only as a result of algorithmic optimization can the modeling process be divided into two steps: a cloud-based computationally intensive processing on servers, and then simulations taking just seconds by researchers using client software on conventional PC. These innovations result in a process that previously required extensive expertise and labor, super-computers and numerous iterations instead being reduced to a single step, requiring seconds on a conventional PC. In addition, we will supply the MRI protocol for in vivo mapping of tDCS current flow. In an exploratory aim, MRI mapping will test modeling predictions on deep structure targeting with tDCS. Directly responsive to the RFA, the outcome of this proposal is a toolbox for the optimization of tDCS spatial precision to enhance the rigor of tDCS research aimed at understanding the brain and for treating disease. Our approach is unique in integrating the scalability, rigor, and transparency of opens-source (server side) with highly assessable GUI control software (client side), while being exceptionally robust (e.g. non-ideal scan quality) and flexible (e.g. conventional pad or High-Definition electrodes).

Public Health Relevance

Non-invasive electrical brain stimulation can be a powerful tool to test the role of a specific brain region in cognition, behavior, and disease. We will develop a computer program that allows any brain researcher to upload a brain scan of a subject and then design a brain stimulation experiment that targets a specific brain region.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH111896-04
Application #
9728042
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZMH1)
Program Officer
Alvarez, Ruben P
Project Start
2016-09-26
Project End
2020-06-30
Budget Start
2019-07-01
Budget End
2020-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
City College of New York
Department
Engineering (All Types)
Type
Biomed Engr/Col Engr/Engr Sta
DUNS #
603503991
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10036
Chhatbar, Pratik Y; Kautz, Steven A; Takacs, Istvan et al. (2018) Evidence of transcranial direct current stimulation-generated electric fields at subthalamic level in human brain in vivo. Brain Stimul 11:727-733
Charvet, Leigh E; Dobbs, Bryan; Shaw, Michael T et al. (2018) Remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: Results from a randomized, sham-controlled trial. Mult Scler 24:1760-1769
Mourdoukoutas, Antonios P; Truong, Dennis Q; Adair, Devin K et al. (2018) High-Resolution Multi-Scale Computational Model for Non-Invasive Cervical Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Neuromodulation 21:261-268
Charvet, Leigh; Shaw, Michael; Dobbs, Bryan et al. (2018) Remotely Supervised Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Increases the Benefit of At-Home Cognitive Training in Multiple Sclerosis. Neuromodulation 21:383-389
Esmaeilpour, Zeinab; Marangolo, Paola; Hampstead, Benjamin M et al. (2018) Incomplete evidence that increasing current intensity of tDCS boosts outcomes. Brain Stimul 11:310-321
Leite, Jorge; Gonçalves, Óscar F; Pereira, Patrícia et al. (2018) The differential effects of unihemispheric and bihemispheric tDCS over the inferior frontal gyrus on proactive control. Neurosci Res 130:39-46
Chakraborty, Darpan; Truong, Dennis Q; Bikson, Marom et al. (2018) Neuromodulation of Axon Terminals. Cereb Cortex 28:2786-2794
Jackson, Mark P; Bikson, Marom; Liebetanz, David et al. (2017) How to consider animal data in tDCS safety standards. Brain Stimul 10:1141-1142
Jackson, Mark P; Truong, Dennis; Brownlow, Milene L et al. (2017) Safety parameter considerations of anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in rats. Brain Behav Immun 64:152-161
Jackson, Mark P; Bikson, Marom; Liebetanz, David et al. (2017) Toward comprehensive tDCS safety standards. Brain Behav Immun 66:413

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