Network Analysis: Applications for the Developing Brain

Development of the human brain follows a complex trajectory of age-specific anatomical and physiological changes. The application of network analysis provides an illuminating perspective on the dynamic interregional and global properties of this intricate and complex system. Here, we provide a critical synopsis of methods of network analysis with a focus on developing brain networks. After discussing basic concepts and approaches to network analysis, we explore the primary events of anatomical cortical development from gestation through adolescence. Upon this framework, we describe early work revealing the evolution of age-specific functional brain networks in normal neurodevelopment. Finally, we review how these relationships can be altered in disease and perhaps even rectified with treatment. While this method of description and inquiry remains in early form, there is already substantial evidence that the application of network models and analysis to understanding normal and abnormal human neural development holds tremendous promise for future discovery

Accountability in Methodology and Analysis for Clinical Trials Involving Quantitative Measurements of MR Brain Images

of Mental Health. The authors thank Erica Wilsen for help in preparing this manuscript. Abstract: Quantitative measurements of macroscopic neural anatomy that are obtained from MRI scans are beginning to be used in clinical trials. This paper describes procedures and software features that ensure the demonstrable validity of these measurements. In addition to describing mechanisms that provide data integrity and security throughout the image analysis pipeline, we present “SegMentor”, a system that provides accountability for neuroanatomical measurement techniques. Employing these methods results in neuromorphometrics that are suitable as surrogate endpoints for diagnosis and for measuring response to treatment. Keywords: Quantitative 3D Macroscopic Neuromorphometry, MRI Brain Segmentation, Clinical Trial