TractoFlow

TractoFlow processes diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) data to produce reproducible tractography and diffusion metrics for structural brain connectivity analysis.

Key Features:

• Automation and reproducibility: Automates the >20-step dMRI-to-tractography workflow and controls number of threads and random seed generators to achieve reproducibility rates reported between 98% and 100% depending on parameter choices.
• Comprehensive output: Produces classical diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics, fiber orientation distribution function (fODF) measures, and a whole-brain tractogram.
• Supported inputs: Accepts raw DWI with associated b-values and b-vectors, T1-weighted images, and an optional reversed phase-encoded b=0 image.
• Integration with BIDS: Supports the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) format for input organization.
• Technical infrastructure: Implements workflows with Nextflow and executes within Singularity containers for consistent execution across computing environments.

Scientific Applications:

• Structural brain connectivity mapping: Provides tractography and diffusion metrics for mapping structural connectivity in the human brain.
• Reproducible cohort and individual studies: Enables consistent processing across subjects for large-scale cohort analyses and individual research projects in neuroscience.

Methodology:

Starts from raw DWI plus b-values, b-vectors, T1-weighted images, and optional reversed phase-encoded b=0; the automated workflow generates DTI metrics, fODF measures, and a whole-brain tractogram while controlling threads and random seeds, and is orchestrated by Nextflow and executed in Singularity containers.