Technology Research Development Cores
White Matter Architecture Core
| The work of the White Matter Architecture Core is to develop existing and new algorithms that quantify the structural features of white matter architecture in individual and large populations of brains. Under the leadership of Carl-Fredrik Westin, Core PI, current research is exploring methods in diffusion MRI to elucidate structures associated with critical functional pathways that are disrupted in neurogenic diseases, such as schizophrenia. | Featured Paper | |
| Automatic Tractography Segmentation Using a High-Dimensional White Matter Atlas. More... | |
fMRI Informatics Core
| The fMRI Informatics Core develops statistical methods for the analyzes of functional MRI (fMRI) in populations and for the group-wise registration of large data sets. Under the leadership of Sandy Wells, Core PI, new lines of research include the analysis of multi-modal functional data and studies of the relationship between structure and function, which are used for neurosurgical intervention and other applications that require detailed maps of cortical areas that show these relationships. | Featured Paper | |
| Quantitative comparison of functional MRI and direct electrocortical stimulation for functional mapping. More... | |
Clinical Computational Anatomy Core
The Clinical Computational Anatomy Core works to express medical knowledge into forms that researchers and computers can use, including volumetric, geometric, structural, and functional atlases of anatomy. Previous accomplishments of the Core include the development and dissemination of an MRI-based anatomic atlas (the SPL/PNL Brain Atlas) and the publication of a reference book describing the appearance of neural structures in MRI and optical cross sections. Under the direction of Core PI Ion-Florin Talos, the CCA Core is working to develop an integrated anatomic atlas that includes elements of each of these areas:
These developments are possible through analysis and editing tools made possible by the NAC. In turn, the atlas and its labels form a foundation upon which other Cores can associate and register their neuroanatomic data. | Featured Paper | |
| SPL-PNL Brain Atlas. More... | |
Engineering Core
| The overarching goal of the Engineering Core, headed by Core PI Steve Pieper, is to develop and maintain a standard software foundation to support the algorithms developed by the other technology cores. The Engineering Core works closely with other NAC researchers to encourage the translation of research technologies and ideas into robust, sharable tools. The Engineering Core also contributes significantly to the NAC's dissemination, outreach, and training activities by sharing algorithms, distributing software applications and libraries, and helping to teach training workshops.
Engineering responsibilities include:
NAC Engineering draws on personnel with a range of talents from core software engineering and numerical analysis to user interface design and neuroscience application expertise. | Featured Project | |
| 3D Slicer. More... | |
Visualization Core
| The NAC Visualization Core, directed by Core PI Michael Halle, works to develop new visualization and interaction tools to improve the usefulness of medical imaging tools. During the first ten years of NAC, the Visualization Core has contributed to the development of Slicer and other visualization tools, as well as developing new techniques for synthetic lighting of visualization scenes (LightKit), user interfaces for navigating flattened versions of anatomy, and tools for the design of stereoscopic images. Beginning in 2007, the Visualization Core will merge with the Clinical Computational Anatomy Core to develop new methods for atlas creation and visualization. | Featured Paper | |
| LightKit: A lighting system for effective visualization. More... | |