NAPR: a cloud-based framework for neuroanatomical age prediction

Abstract

This paper describes NAPR, a cloud-based framework for accessing age prediction models created using machine learning-based analysis of neuroimaging data. The NAPR service is provided at https://www.cloudneuro.org. The NAPR system allows external users to predict the age of individual subjects using their own MRI data. As a demonstration of the NAPR approach, age prediction models were trained using healthy control data from the ABIDE, CoRR, DLBS and NKI Rockland neuroimaging datasets (total N = 2367). MRI scans were processed using Freesurfer v5.3. Age prediction models were trained using relevance vector machines and Gaussian processes machine learning techniques. NAPR will allow for rigorous and transparent out-of-sample assessment of age prediction model performance, and may therefore assist in the translation of neuroimaging-based modelling techniques to the clinic.