Eight channel whole head coil

MRI data were collected using a Philips 3.0 Tesla scanner with a standard eight channel whole-head coil using non-parallel image techniques. For functional MRI scans, we used T2*- weighted Echo-Planar Imaging (TR = 2.2s, TE = 30 ms, FOV: 220 mm, 80 x 80 matrix, 2.75 mm in-plane resolution). Functional scans consisted of 2 runs with 175 and 169 volumes respectively. Participants were able to see a screen on which the task was projected through a mirror attached to the coil. In addition to fMRI sequences, we collected structural images for anatomical reference (high resolution 3D T1-weigthed), TR = 9.751 ms, TE = 4.59 ms, FOV = 224 x 168 x 177 mm. Participants’ head movements were restricted by using foam cushions inserts.

For acquiring (functional) MRI data, we used a 3T Philips scanner (Philips Achieva TX) with a standard eight-channel whole-head coil. The learning task was projected on a screen that was viewed through a mirror on the head coil. Functional scans were acquired during three runs of 200 dynamics each, using T2* echo-planar imaging (EPI). The volumes covered the entire brain (repetition time (TR) = 2.2 s; echo time (TE) = 30 ms; sequential acquisition, 38 slices; voxel size 2.75 × 2.75 × 2.75 mm; field of view (FOV) = 220 (ap) x 220 (rl) x 114.68 (fh) mm). The first two volumes were discarded to allow for equilibration of T1 saturation effects. After the learning task, a high-resolution 3D T1 scan for anatomical reference was obtained (TR = 9.76 msec, TE = 4.95 msec, 140 slices, voxel size = 0.875 × 0.875 × 0.875 mm, FOV = 224 (ap) x 177 (rl) x 168 (fh) mm).

For acquiring (functional) MRI data, we used a 3T Philips scanner (Philips Achieva TX, Erlangen, Germany) with a standard eight-channel whole-head coil. The self-concept task was projected on a screen and viewed through a mirror on the head coil. Head movement was restricted by placing foam inserts inside the coil. Functional scans were acquired during two runs of 120 (self-condition) and 40 (control condition) dynamics, using T2* echo-planar imaging. The volumes covered the entire brain [repetition time (TR) = 2.2 s; echo time (TE) = 30 ms; sequential acquisition, 38 slices; voxel size 2.75 × 2.75 × 2.75 mm; field of view (FOV) = 220 × 220 × 115 mm]. Before the first functional scan of each run, five dummy scans were acquired. Prior to the self-concept task, we collected a high-resolution three dimensional T1 scan for anatomical reference (TR = 7.6 ms, TE = 3.5 ms, 140 slices, voxel size 1.1 × 1.1 × 1.1 mm, FOV = 250 × 196 × 170 mm).