Tohoku University Cognitive Neuroscience Application Center

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[Management Support Skills Training for fMRI Experimental] summary

1. Skills Acquired Through This Program
Through this program, you will acquire the skills necessary to operate the MRI scanner as an on-site operator and ensure the safe execution of experiments.

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2. Course Requirements
To complete this training, you must review the content on this page and the linked websites and have experience conducting at least one experiment as the primary researcher (or an equivalent experience). Once you have completed all required training, please submit a completion report as described in 2.5.

2.1. MRI Experiment Operations
You must complete the three training modules under MRI Experiment Operations. Each module consists of online content and practical exercises.

• Handling Participants During MRI Experiments
• Imaging (Console PC Operation)
• Data Transfer（Network transfer, HDD transfer, Download, Delete data)
• Data Transfer Error Handling: Steps to resolve errors during data transfer. If the issue persists, contact the safety supervisor or server administrator.

2.2. Routine Inspections and MRI Equipment Troubleshooting/Emergency Response
You must complete the four training modules under Routine Inspections and Emergency Response. Each module consists of online content and practical exercises.
To ensure swift action in case of MRI system failures or emergencies such as earthquakes, it is essential to understand and simulate the appropriate response procedures.

• Routine Inspections
• MRI Equipment Troubleshooting
• Emergency Response
• Stock Management and Reporting Rules for Consumables

2.3. Stimulus Presentation and Response Recording Devices
After completing the Equipment Layout and Rules module (mandatory), complete the other modules as needed based on your experiment design. Each module consists of online content and practical exercises. 

• Equipment Layout and Rules (Mandatory)

Stimulus Presentation Device Setup (As needed)

• Visual Stimulus Monitor (Coil-Mounted Mirror)
• Earphones and Control Room Speakers
• Noise-Canceling Headphones

Response Recording Device Setup (As needed)

• Response Pad
• Output Control Device (Response Unit)
• MRI Trigger Output Device
• Noise-Canceling Microphone
• Eye-Tracking System
• Recording Video

2.4. Conducting an fMRI Experiment as the Primary Researcher
You must conduct at least one fMRI experiment as the primary researcher. Analysis and presentation in papers or conferences are not required, but a faculty advisor must verify that the experiment has been fully completed.
If you have not conducted an fMRI experiment as the primary researcher but wish to receive a completion certificate, you must have equivalent experience. (Please specify this in the 2.5. Completion Report Form, and the administration office will assess your eligibility.)

2.5. Completion Report
Submit a report via the form after completing the training. Once your completion is verified, a certificate will be issued within approximately one week.

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3. Participation in Regular Meetings
If you are serving as the on-site operator for an fMRI experiment, you must attend as an observer in the 3T-MRI Management Committee’s regular meeting before your assigned experiment.
These meetings cover rule development, equipment updates, and error reports, ensuring researchers can conduct fMRI experiments smoothly.
The implementation schedule is updated every six months. Please contact the Brain MRI Centre Secretariat  for inquiries.

While only attendance before your assigned experiment is mandatory, regular participation as an observer is strongly encouraged.

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