CTSC Brad Dickerson, MGH

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Mission

See http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/~bradd/research.html

Use-Case Goals

We will approach this use-case in three distinct steps, including Basic Data Management, Query Formulation and Processing Support.

• Step 1: Data Management
  • Step 1a.: Describe and upload retrospective datasets (roughly 1 terabyte) and confirm appropriate organization and naming scheme via web GUI.
  • Step 1b.: Describe and upload new acquisitions as part of data management process.
• Step 2: Query Formulation
  • making specific queries using XNAT web services,
  • data download conforming to specific naming convention and directory structure, using XNAT web services
  • ensure all queries required to support processing workflow are working.

Outcome Metrics

Step 1.

Step 2.

Step 3.

Participants

• sites involved: MGH NMR center
• number of users: >10
• PI: Brad Dickerson
• staff: Akram Bakkour (Study coordinator/MRI technician/Lab manager)
• clinicians
• IT staff: NMR could provide IT support

Data

The Dickerson lab has about 250 scans for their own studies, and 150 scans for collaborators. Scans include both MRI and fMRI. Other data are stored with Excel spreadsheets.

• • Project
  • Imaging Modalities
  • Genetic

• Storage needs

Images files are currently scattered over several file servers on the same network.

Workflows

Current Data Management Process

DICOM files are transferred from the scanners (PACS?) to a local DICOM Server, and then copied to lab machines Images are processed with FreeSurfer.

• • Other software to be integrated (e.g., Osirix)
  • other features

Other Information

There have been at least two serious attempts using XNAT, working with XNAT support group (NRG) at Harvard. An XNAT with customized schema was developed by Eli White a couple of years ago on Dory at NMR.

The lab recognizes the need for an XNAT-based system to manage images and other data.