Advanced neuroimaging visualization for cloud computing ecosystems

NIH RePORTER · NIH · P50 · $223,500 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract The Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery (C-STAR, P50-DC014664) explores recovery from language impairments following stroke, bringing together a diverse team of specialists from communication sciences, neurology, psychology, statistics and neuroimaging. This project acquires a broad range of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities (structural, diffusion, arterial spin labelling, functional, resting state) from stroke survivors to understand the brain areas critical for language, improve prognosis, and identify the optimal treatment or compensation strategy for each individual. The neuroimaging core for C-STAR has developed unique methods to visualize these different modalities, in support of the research projects. These methods have dramatically extended our popular MRIcroGL and Surfice tools to better leverage modern hardware and provide unique visualizations. However, these tools are currently available only as native standalone desktop applications for Windows, Linux and MacOS. The primary aim of this supplement will be to translate our native applications to cloud-based solutions. Specifically, we will use modular JavaScript and Vue.js components that can be embedded into web pages. This will allow users to visually inspect and disseminate results regardless of operating system or device. Our novel techniques are compatible with any web browser that supports the WebGL 2 standard, thereby supporting computers, tablets and phones. Already, the developers of the popular FSL pipeline plan to use our modules to create interactive images to replace the static web pages generated by their current FEAT tool. While other solutions exist for this niche, none provide the unique visualization properties we have developed in our current applications. Indeed, the open source web-based tool we will develop will showcase these features and allow other developers to use our code to improve their own tools. Because we use GitHub and the NeuroImaging Tools & Resources Collaboratory (NITRC, www.nitrc.org), users will be able to post issues, request new features, and submit improvements. Our automated tests allow Continuous Integration (CI) and validated performance. Translation of our current suite of visualization tools to cloud-based programs will make data more findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR).

Key facts

NIH application ID
10404887
Project number
3P50DC014664-06A1S2
Recipient
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA
Principal Investigator
JULIUS FRIDRIKSSON
Activity code
P50
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2021
Award amount
$223,500
Award type
3
Project period
2016-04-01 → 2026-03-31