The Imaging Translational Resources core utilizes an 11 node XServe cluster with each node running Intel Quad Xeon processors at 3GHz each. The cluster is running parallel processes using XGrid software and runs Unix, Linux, Macintosh OS X and Windows environments in a fully virtualized base system. Data storage for the cluster consists of an Xserve RAID array with 10.5TB of storage in a RAID 51 configuration. In addition, the laboratory has 7 desktop computers (2 LINUX, 4 Macintosh Intel, and 2 Macintosh power pc systems). Each desktop system has a minimum of 500GB storage and is connected to the computing core cluster via a local LAN for full Inter- and intranet communications. The server can send/receive MRI images in either DICOM or Signa.5x format. All computers have independent laser printers, and are connected to the network color laser printer. The laboratory has multiple Image analysis software packages, including Matlab, IDL, SPM2, SPM99, Analyze, MRIcro, MEDx and FSL, as well as statistical analyses programs (SPSS, R, SAS), word processing software and software for publication quality production of images. Fully integrated MRI stimuli delivery and response systems are available, as are various behavioral testing systems. The core is currently utilized by investigators employing advanced imaging techniques for investigations of central nervous system functions in selected populations (e.g., healthy aging, Alzheimer's disease, HIV, Parkinson's disease, stroke patients, cancer patients and patients with genetic disorders) and orthopedic applications. The core is designed to handle data from most imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), single photon-emission tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET) and x-ray. The system accepts image formats in dimensional format (DICOM, Analyze, Nifti, etc) and dimensionless format (JPEG, PIC, etc). Specimen size range from human body to tissue samples. Micro capabilities are currently being developed.


Clinical Imaging Resources. To facilitate translational research all forms of clinical imaging at Rush have an established research price. For example, the outpatient clinic has 2 multidetector CT scanners and 2 MRI scanners. These instruments along with other imaging platforms including PET, SPECT and ultrasound are also used in on-going preclinical and clinical trials as well as population-based studies (such as in ongoing longitudinal neuroimaging study of the development of Alzheimers (P01 AG09466 L deToledo-Morrell PI). With the recent $20 million donation from the Boler Family, there will be an integrated Clinical Imaging Center in the new addition to the Rush facilities, in the early stages of construction.

Imaging Repository Capability. An institutional imaging repository increases the synergy of our existing resources and talent. The commitment to the Rush faculty is "any image, anywhere, anytime on campus". A PACS working group performed a campus-wide needs assessment, and hired an imaging consultant to facilitate transition of the current fragmented image storage and distribution capability. In a staged process, an upgraded PACS system has just been completed. Currently, a complete upgrade is being implemented, including an enterprise image storage solution. This archival resource will be linked to all image acquisition modalities on campus. The software to link clinical images to the EMR will originate from the EMR. This comprehensive imaging system will link image acquisition, storage, distribution, post processing and display throughout the campus. Access by our investigators increases the efficiency and speed of clinical and translational research. This imaging database will be available to Rush faculty who conduct original research, develop graduate and postgraduate training and lead programs that integrate clinical and translational science across multiple departments, schools, clinical and research institutes and hospitals. This database facilitates translation of basic science into a clinical setting and back into the laboratory.

Services

Its overall purpose is to (1) translate preclinical studies into clinical studies; (2) assess utility of new imaging methods to detect early disease development and better assess progression of already existing disease; (3) develop new interpretation paradigms for imaging; (4) establish image assessment capacity that is common for all image capture devices; (5) share these images and interpretive programs with the nation through its imaging repository.

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