The open-source neuroimaging research enterprise.
While brain imaging in the clinical setting is largely a practice of looking at images, research neuroimaging is a quantitative and integrative enterprise. Images are run through complex batteries of processing and analysis routines to generate numeric measures of brain characteristics. Other measures potentially related to brain function - demographics, genetics, behavioral tests, neuropsychological tests - are key components of most research studies. The canonical scanner - PACS - viewing station axis used in clinical practice is therefore inadequate for supporting neuroimaging research. Here, we model the neuroimaging research enterprise as a workflow. The principal components of the workflow include data acquisition, data archiving, data processing and analysis, and data utilization. We also describe a set of open-source applications to support each step of the workflow and the transitions between these steps. These applications include DIGITAL IMAGING AND COMMUNICATIONS IN MEDICINE viewing and storage tools, the EXTENSIBLE NEUROIMAGING ARCHIVE TOOLKIT data archiving and exploration platform, and an engine for running processing/analysis pipelines. The overall picture presented is aimed to motivate open-source developers to identify key integration and communication points for interoperating with complimentary applications.
Marcus
Daniel S
DS
Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 4525 Scott Ave., Campus Box 8225, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. dmarcus@wustl.edu
Archie
Kevin A
KA
Olsen
Timothy R
TR
Ramaratnam
Mohana
M
D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D016494:Computer Security; D003628:Database Management Systems; D019992:Databases as Topic; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D019451:Information Management; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D051188:Knowledge Bases; D009488:Neurosciences; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012984:Software; D018511:Systems Integration; D014584:User-Computer Interface
Neuroinformatics. 2007 Spring;5(1):11-34
17426351
Neuroinformatics. 2006;4(2):199-212
16845169