Radiology Core

PROJECT SUMMARY Neuroimaging is a fundamental method for investigating the development of the human brain and spine structure and function in typically and atypically developing populations. MR imaging is key to support the aims of Park- Reeves Chiari & Syringomyelia Center (PRCSC) and the four sub-projects within the proposal. The goals of the Radiology imaging core (RC) are to provide comprehensive MRI service to the different projects within the PRCSC to facilitate imaging data acquisition. The RC will coordinate the initial and follow up MRI scans across all projects and cores. This will include close coordination with the administrative and clinical cores, clinical teams, and the Center for Clinical Imaging Research (CCIR) to guarantee scheduling at the appropriate times. The RC will perform the required steps to ensure quality control of the MRI scanners using regular phantom test scans and scan protocol compliance checks. Further, the RC will cover the full extent of handling of the MR imaging data, including using state-of-the art archiving software for all the PRCSC neuroimaging services. On the input side this includes uploading, anonymizing, and securely storing the data using the Park-Reeves CSC Centralized Neuroimaging Data Archive (CNDA). On the output side this includes giving access of the data to the project investigators to maximize the quality and impact of the PRCSC research by center investigators and their collaborators, securely distributing the raw and processed data to the different sub-projects as needed. The RC will assist with the procedures for standardized processing of the data for future use by the different sub- projects of the proposal. This includes simple anatomical measures, but also sophisticated software pipelines for processing of fMRI and DBSI data. Finally, the RC will promote new methods for analyzing MRI data and will provide a range of consultative and analytic services that will help PRCSC investigators, including new and early- stage investigators, incorporate imaging into their research efforts.