July 2013
Volume 13, Issue 9
Free
Vision Sciences Society Annual Meeting Abstract  |   July 2013
Optimal stimulation for population receptive field mapping in human fMRI
Author Affiliations
  • Ivan Alvarez
    UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London
  • Benjamin De Haas
    UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London\nWellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, University College London
  • Chris A. Clark
    UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London
  • Geraint Rees
    UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London\nWellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, University College London
  • D. Samuel Schwarzkopf
    UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London\nWellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, University College London
Journal of Vision July 2013, Vol.13, 31. doi:https://doi.org/10.1167/13.9.31
  • Views
  • Share
  • Tools
    • Alerts
      ×
      This feature is available to authenticated users only.
      Sign In or Create an Account ×
    • Get Citation

      Ivan Alvarez, Benjamin De Haas, Chris A. Clark, Geraint Rees, D. Samuel Schwarzkopf; Optimal stimulation for population receptive field mapping in human fMRI. Journal of Vision 2013;13(9):31. https://doi.org/10.1167/13.9.31.

      Download citation file:


      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

      ×
  • Supplements
Abstract

Introduction

Population receptive field (pRF) mapping is a model-based approach to estimating the visual field position tuning of neuronal populations. While pRF methods are better predictors of visual field maps than conventional phase-encoded methods (Dumoulin & Wandell, 2008; Zuiderbann et al., 2012), the optimal stimulation paradigm for producing visual field maps and effective pRF size estimation remains unclear.

Method

Visual stimuli: dynamic, high-contrast stimulus within bars in either 1) linear or 2) logarithmic configurations (bar width scaled with eccentricity) drifting along cardinal and oblique directions. Each aperture comprised 560 volumes. A 'ridge' stimulus consisting of frequency-dissociated wedge and ring sections of the stimulus was also presented for 280 volumes.

Scan parameters: Three neurotypical adults underwent fMRI at 3T (TR= 2.55, voxel= 2.3x2.3x2.3 mm3[/sup]).

Data analysis: pRF predictions with a simple Gaussian model were convolved with an independently-estimated hemodynamic response function and compared to the observed fMRI responses at every surface point for each condition.

Results

1. We observed no difference in visual region delineation between conditions; regions V1-V7, and VO, LO and MT complexes were identified in all subjects.

2. While the linear and logarithmic conditions produced similar results, the ridge condition produced significantly better model fits than other conditions.

3. Linear bars produced significantly higher pRF size estimates (σ = 4.81, ±1.93) than either its logarithmic counterpart (σ = 3.41, ±1.63, p<.05) or the ridge stimulus (σ= 3.41 ±1.01, p<.01).

Discussion

These results highlight that pRF parameter estimation is constrained by the stimulus configuration used. Linear bars produced larger sigma estimates and poorer model fits compared with methods that account for cortical magnification. Finally, ridge stimulation allows reliable parameter estimation and accurate model fitting within a much shorter scanning time, half of the time required for bar stimulation.

Meeting abstract presented at VSS 2013

×
×

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

Sign in or purchase a subscription to access this content. ×

You must be signed into an individual account to use this feature.

×