Function BIRN — Imaging Tools Primer
The FBIRN has developed methods for multi-site functional imaging studies, and is currently developing the second-generation versions. The image below shows the various areas in which our tools and methods interact, with more detail available through the links below. These tools work separately or together. More information is available also at the FBIRN FAQ.
1. What tools and recommendations exist for collecting imaging and behavioral data in the MRI scanner?
The FBIRN has the following for multi-site fMRI studies:
- Scanner calibration methods for scanner quality assurance
- Imaging Quality Assurance methods to reduce intersite variations
- Multi-site Functional Imaging: Best Practices Recommendations
- Functional imaging cognitive paradigms used in multi-site studies
- Functional imaging calibration paradigm
2. What tools exist for managing and sharing clinical and other assessment data collected as part of a study?
3. How can I store and share my data, either locally or in a distributed system?
The FBIRN database and tools have been designed to operate as part of a data sharing environment.
4. What tools exist to discover and retrieve datasets?
These tools and interfaces are being built to allow multi-database querying, dataset selection, and download capabilities to your local system.
- The Query Interface to search for datasets
- The Imaging Dataset Download manager to retrieve datasets
5. How can I perform standardized analyses of the functional imaging data from several sites?
Analysis of large, diverse datasets requires some initially standardized methods.
- Imaging QA methods and tools
- FBIRN Image Processing Scripts (based on FSL)
For more information on FBIRN methods and tools, please see these video explanations: http://www.fbirntutorials.org/
For more information on the basics of MRI, please see the following sites:
- fMRI for newbies: http://defiant.ssc.uwo.ca/Jody_web/fmri4newbies.htm
- Basics of MRI: http://www.cis.rit.edu/htbooks/mri/