Abstract: A method for estimating a value of a diffusion tensor includes obtaining, from a plurality of test subjects, DT-MRI data from which an initial estimate of the tensor can be derived. Values indicative of int-subject variation and inter-subject variation in the data are then determined. These values are used to determine a subject-specific additive offset for adjusting the DT-MRI data.

Abstract: This invention features methods for identifying targets for analgesic therapy by comparing the results of functional magnetic resonance imaging in non-human test subjects having genetically-based differences in their neural responses to painful stimuli.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating or suppressing tobacco or nicotine usage or dependence involving administration of a therapeutically-effective amount of a cytosine-containing or cytidine-containing compound, creatine-containing compound, adenosine-containing, or adenosine-elevating compound to a mammal.

Abstract: A method for determining the appropriate dosage of a medication to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in an individual who has ADHD. The method comprises sampling the peripheral skin temperature of left and right like extremities of an individual during a predetermined time interval when the individual is in a sensory deprived state to provide respective left and right sampled peripheral skin temperature data, processing the sampled peripheral skin temperature data; processing the sampled peripheral skin temperature data including filtering, differentiation, and conversion to the frequency domain to derive spectral signatures whose magnitudes are indicative of the level of ADHD manifestation. The effectiveness of the medication is calculated by comparison to predetermined threshold values.

Abstract: The invention involves enhancing brain function by stimulating the brain using magnetic fields. Applications of the new methods include improving the condition of individuals with cognitive disorders, such as depression, and studying the effects of neural stimulation using induced electric fields. These techniques can avoid deleterious effects of psychotropic pharmaceutical treatments, and provide a relatively safe, comfortable, inexpensive means of direct cranial stimulation.

Abstract: In general, the invention features methods for identifying therapeutic interventions for functional illnesses, e.g., neuropathic pain or depression, and methods for identifying markers for functional illnesses by employing an acute painful stimulus or other stimulus for a functional illness and measuring levels of CNS activity.

Abstract: Provided are methods for diagnosing the presence, type, or severity of akathisia in a human subject. The methods involve using a computer-based system to assess impairment of certain cognitive and motor functions that are indicative of akathisia.

Abstract: A method for treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) includes performing an objective ADHD behavioral assay for a patient, administering a drug to the patient at varying doses, and performing an fMRI on the patient for the varying drug doses to determine an optimal dosage for the patient. The method can further include performing a further objective ADHD behavioral assay after the drug administration.

Abstract: The invention involves an active phantom that transmits a waveform based on data reflecting free induction decay signals. The methods and apparatuses of the invention can be used, for example, to test and calibrate a magnetic resonance scanner; evaluate image acquisition parameters and reconstruction algorithms; and train scanner operators. In addition, the invention can simulate complex samples, e.g., a human brain without requiring human subject available to submit to the time and discomfort of a magnetic resonance scan.

Abstract: This invention features a method of determining whether an individual has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by sampling the peripheral skin temperature of an individual in an inactive state and manipulating the resulting temperature data to produce a value which is indicative of whether or not the individual has ADHD.

Abstract: The invention is based in part on the discovery that nonselective ? agonists that possess ? receptor-mediated effects in addition to their ? agonist effects can decrease cocaine self-administration more effectively and with fewer undesirable side effects than can highly selective ? agonists. The invention includes a number of new compounds having both nonselective ? opioid receptor agonist activity and additional activity at ? opioid receptors. These compounds are useful for the treatment of cocaine abuse, and can also be radiolabeled for use as imaging agents, e.g., the N-fluoroalkyl and iodoalkyl derivatives can be used, respectively, for positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon computed tomography (SPECT) brain imaging.

Abstract: The invention involves color magnetic resonance imaging using both a magnetic resonance property and a function of the magnetic resonance property. These enhanced color images provide greater informational content to the viewer. Applications include color imaging of estimates of T2 to distinguish between regions of a sample containing homogeneous tissue and regions containing mixtures of tissue by using spatial variation in the hue, brightness, or saturation of the colors.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting motor hyperactivity in a mammal exhibiting the symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) includes administering to a mammal a dopamine D4 receptor-selective antagonist.

Abstract: A method of determining threshold values, subsequently used to determine whether an individual has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) comprising: providing a group of subjects, a segment of which is known to have ADHD and a segment is known to not have ADHD; and testing each subject in the group by: (a) sampling the peripheral skin temperature of left and right like extremities during a predetermined time interval when the subject is in a sensory deprived state to provide respective left and right sampled peripheral skin temperature data; (b) processing the sampled peripheral skin temperature data, including filtering, differentiation, and conversion to the frequency domain to derive spectral signatures having magnitude values; and (c) final processing of spectral signatures for all of the subjects of the group to determine threshold values which are complimentarily effective for determining whether or not an individual has ADHD when tested by the testing method.

Abstract: A method for determining the appropriate dosage of a medication to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in an individual who has ADHD comprising: sampling the peripheral skin temperature of a human subject during a predetermined time interval when the subject is in an inactive state to provide sampled peripheral skin temperature data; analyzing the sampled peripheral skin temperature data for a pre-selected parameter to determine whether the pre-selected parameter has a value indicative of ADHD; and determining the proper dosage of a medication to treat ADHD based upon the determined value of the pre-selected parameter. At a time subsequent to administering the dosage, it is determined if a previously administered dosage of a medication is effective at removing the effects of ADHD as measured by this pre-selected parameter.

Abstract: A method for determining the appropriate dosage of a medication to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in an individual who has ADHD. The method comprises sampling the peripheral skin temperature of left and right like extremities of an individual during a predetermined time interval when the individual is in a sensory deprived state to provide respective left and right sampled peripheral skin temperature data; processing the sampled peripheral skin temperature data; processing the sampled peripheral skin temperature data including filtering, differentiation, and conversion to the frequency domain to derive spectral signatures whose magnitudes are indicative of the level of ADHD manifestation. The effectiveness of the medication is calculated by comparison to predetermined threshold values.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining shifts in the attentional state of a subject. These methods are useful for diagnosing subjects with a psychological or behavioral disorder. The invention also features methods for determining the effect of a therapy on the overall attentional state and shifts in the attentional state of a subject.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an individual has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder comprising: sampling the eye movement of a human subject during a predetermined time interval when the subject is in an inactive state to provide sampled eye movement data; and analyzing the sampled eye movement data for a pre-selected parameter, to determine whether said pre-selected parameter has a value indicative of ADHD.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for assessing central nervous system function and diagnosing central nervous system disorders in a human, and for evaluating therapeutic agents that affect central nervous system neurotransmitter function. The invention uses cortical imaging methods to assess changes in visual system processing, and correlates these changes to central nervous system function.

Abstract: The invention features methods of selecting chemical peaks from two-dimensional magnetic resonance spectra for one-dimensional extraction and quantification methods using these one-dimensional extractions. The methods permit enhanced differentiation of particular peaks in two-dimensional magnetic resonance spectroscopy and allow for quantification of chemical concentrations in test samples, such as human brain tissue, having complex magnetic resonance spectra due to the presence of numerous chemicals. These new techniques can be used to provide information about the concentrations of a variety of chemicals, including metabolites, in both biological and non-biological media.