5. Evaluation, Dissemination, and Support

5.1. Objective

We will evaluate the software developed in Aims 1-4 through their application in studies conducted by our research team, studies conducted by researchers external to our team, and through interactions with the broader neuroscientific community. We will directly apply our software to two projects: (a) imaging a mouse model of multiple sclerosis; and (b) imaging a mouse model of normative aging. We have also recruited external investigators who will make use of the software to analyze their own data and provide routine feedback on specific functionality relevant to their own research. Finally, through the routine open distribution in Aim 4, we will seek feedback from the broader small animal imaging community. Through these three driving mechanisms, we will test the applicability of our tools in these domains to ensure they provide effective mechanisms for image analysis in a research setting and enable the broader application by the neuroscientific community at large.