Research from Harvard University provides new data on algorithms
2007 NOV 21 -- "We introduce an algorithm for segmenting brain magnetic resonance (MR) images into anatomical compartments such as the major tissue classes and neuro-anatomical structures of the gray matter. The algorithm is guided by prior information represented within a tree structure," scientists writing in the journal IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging report. "The tree mirrors the hierarchy of anatomical structures and the subtrees correspond to limited segmentation problems. The solution to each problem is estimated via a conventional classifier. Our algorithm can be adapted to a wide range of segmentation problems by modifying the tree structure or replacing the classifier. We evaluate the performance of our new segmentation approach by revisiting a previously published statistical group comparison between first-episode schizophrenia patients, first-episode affective psychosis patients, and comparison subjects. The original study is based on 50 MR volumes in which an expert identified the brain tissue classes as well as the superior temporal gyrus, amygdala, and hippocampus. We generate analogous segmentations using our new method and repeat the statistical group comparison," wrote K.M. Pohl and colleagues, Harvard University. The researchers concluded: "The results of our analysis are similar to the original findings, except for one structure (the left superior temporal gyrus) in which a trend-level statistical significance (p = 0.07) was observed instead of statistical significance." Pohl and colleagues published their study in IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging (A hierarchical algorithm for MR brain image parcellation. IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging, 2007;26(9):1201-1212). Additional information can be obtained by contacting K.M. Pohl, Harvard University, School Medical, Surgery Planning Laboratory, Boston, MA 02115, USA. The publisher of the journal IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging can be contacted at: IEEE-Institute Electrical Electronics Engineers Inc., 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08855, USA. Keywords: United States, Boston, Algorithms, Harvard University. This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Week via NewsRx.com.
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