MaPPeRTrac

MaPPeRTrac automates large-scale diffusion MRI tractography to produce structural connectomes and edge density imaging (EDI) for brain connectivity analysis.

Key Features:

• End-to-end automation: Automates the pipeline from raw diffusion MRI data to structural connectome and edge density imaging outputs.
• Edge Density Imaging (EDI): Produces edge density imaging of the structural connectome for region-to-region connection density analysis.
• Containerization (Docker/Singularity): Packages software dependencies using Docker or Singularity containers.
• BIDS organization and FAIR alignment: Organizes data artifacts according to the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) to support FAIR data management.
• Parsl-based HPC parallelization: Leverages the Parsl parallel programming framework to parallelize computations across high-performance computing (HPC) resources.
• Portability and reproducibility: Enables reproducible execution across different HPC environments.

Scientific Applications:

• Large-scale connectome generation: Enables production of large structural connectome datasets from diffusion MRI for population-scale studies.
• Edge density analysis: Provides EDI maps for quantitative assessment of connection density across brain regions.
• Neurological disease research: Supports investigation of connectivity alterations associated with neurological diseases.
• Cognitive and developmental neuroscience: Facilitates study of connectivity patterns related to cognitive function and neurodevelopment.

Methodology:

Automates processing from raw diffusion MRI to structural connectomes and EDI, packages dependencies with Docker/Singularity, organizes outputs in BIDS, and parallelizes computation using the Parsl framework on HPC resources.