And more user-friendly diffusion sequences that are more  
tolerable/quieter/quicker for the old and very young ...

M

> Hi Derek,
>
> I would say that the biggest challenges are:
> - defining diffusion metrics more specific to the underlying micro- and
> macro-structure, which hopefully would also provide metrics more specific
> to different types of not only WM but also GM changes
> - providing metrics independent of scanner or acquisition protocol (relates
> to previous point)
> - validating thoroughly in-vivo diffusion-derived quantities (metrics,
> tracts, ...) from ground truth
> - carrying out global tractography (or any kind of tract segmentation
> method) based on all our anatomy knowledge
> - have all the previous challenges also overcome for pathology data and
> carried out in clinically adequate scanning time
>
> As future directions:
> - make the most of the newest acquisition protocols (multi-band imaging,
> ...) to provide more extensive testing of the newest metrics more closely
> related to macro- and microstructure (e.g. axon diameter) in both normal
> control and patient data
> - come up with new sequences which would help in the definition of more
> macro-and microstructure-specific metrics
> - use such metrics in combination with other modalities (fMRI, TMS, EEG,
> ...) to provide a better knowledge of how structure relates to function
> - have more "open-sequence", "open-data", open-source code and
> "open-processing pipeline" available to all researchers
>
> Michael
>
>
> On Tue, Aug 13, 2013 at 4:33 PM, Derek Jones <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>>  Dear Diffusion Friends and Esteemed Colleagues
>>
>> I hope everyone is enjoying their summers and getting the right blend of
>> relaxation and productivity (!)
>>
>> I am writing in reference to the upcoming workshop in Croatia:
>> http://www.ismrm.org/workshops/Diffusion13/program.htm
>>
>> In particular, I've been asked to give one of the last talks of the
>> conference, entitled *'Challenges and Future Directions for Diffusion
>> Imaging of Microstructure' *
>>
>> I'd really like to represent the diffusion MR community's views as a whole
>> as to what the challenges and future directions might be.  I'm sure that
>> there will be strongly opposing views - but it would be great to garner
>> your views. Ultimately, I think this could start the basis of a consensus
>> paper representing a current 'state of the art' article, something that can
>> perhaps be discussed by those people attending the workshop - but can also
>> continue via the mailservers.
>>
>>
>> So:
>>
>> 1. What do you see as the biggest challenges?
>> 2. What do you see as future directions?
>>
>> Of course, I hope it goes without saying that I will give credit where due
>> for any suggestions
>>
>>
>> Cheers - and thanks to everyone in advance!
>>
>> Derek
>>
>>
>



Dr. Mark E. Bastin
Medical and Radiological Sciences (Medical Physics)
University of Edinburgh
Western General Hospital
Crewe Road
Edinburgh, EH4 2XU
UK.

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