Detection of neural activity in fMRI using maximum correlation modeling.

A technique for detecting neural activity in functional MRI data is introduced. It is based on a novel framework termed maximum correlation modeling. The method employs a spatial filtering approach that adapts to the local activity patterns, which results in an improved detection sensitivity combined with good specificity. A spatially varying hemodynamic response is simultaneously modelled by a sum of two gamma functions. Comparisons to traditional analysis methods are made using both synthetic and real data. The results indicate that the maximum correlation modeling approach is a strong alternative for analyzing fMRI data.