Simulation and Harmonic Analysis of k-Space Readout (SHAKER)

TL;DR

SHAKER is a MATLAB tool that simulates complex-valued fMRI time series data, aiding researchers in understanding MR physics and improving fMRI data analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a user-friendly MATLAB GUI for simulating k-space data, enhancing fMRI research and education.

Findings

Provides accurate simulation of complex-valued fMRI data

Facilitates understanding of MR signal physics

Supports parameter exploration for fMRI studies

Abstract

In the realm of neuroimaging research, the demand for efficient and accurate simulation tools for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data is ever increasing. We present SHAKER, a comprehensive MATLAB package for simulating complex-valued fMRI time series data that will advance understanding and implementation of the MR signal equation and related physics principles to fMRI simulation. The core objective of the package is to provide researchers with a user-friendly MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI) tool capable of generating complex-valued fMRI time series data. This tool will allow researchers to input various parameters related to the MRI scan and receive simulated k-space data with ease, facilitating a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the generation and interpretation of fMRI data.