CranialCloud: a cloud-based architecture to support trans-institutional collaborative efforts in neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

Purpose Neurological diseases have a devastating impact on millions of individuals and their families. These diseases will continue to constitute a significant research focus for this century. The search for effective treatments and cures requires multiple teams of experts in clinical neurosciences, neuroradiology, engineering and industry. Hence, the need to communicate a large amount of information with accuracy and precision is more necessary than ever for this specialty. Method In this paper, we present a distributed system that supports this vision, which we call the CranialVault Cloud (CranialCloud). It consists in a network of nodes, each with the capability to store and process data, that share the same spatial normalization processes, thus guaranteeing a common reference space. We detail and justify design choices, the architecture and functionality of individual nodes, the way these nodes interact, and how the distributed system can be used to support inter-institutional research. Results We discuss the current state of the system that gathers data for more than 1,600 patients and how we envision it to grow. Conclusions We contend that the fastest way to find and develop promising treatments and cures is to permit teams of researchers to aggregate data, spatially normalize these data, and share them. The Cranialvault system is a system that supports this vision.

Quantifying axonal responses in patient-specific models of subthalamic deep brain stimulation

“…Possibly the limitations of FC PAMs could be overcome via centralized computational resources and cloud-based dissemination strategies (e.g. CranialCloud [D’Haese et al, 2015]). However, the current alternative is to use predictors derived from simplified DBS models, which impose various assumptions to speed up the simulations and reduce the complexity of implementation.…”

Pallidal stimulation in Parkinson disease differentially modulates local and network β activity

“…We used CranialVault Cloud-based system [35] to confirm the anatomical localization of the DBS leads in the right GPi after the surgery. For each subject, the implanted DBS leads were extracted from the postoperative CT scan and manually checked for accuracy.…”

Neuroethics of neuromodulation: An update

“…As the registry and database develop, stakeholders emphasize ensuring data quality, data uniformity, accessibility, and transparency[1]. A similar database exists for DBS in neurodegenerative diseases more generally[2], and another has been proposed for DBS in Parkinson’s disease specifically[3]. …”