CortiPlex is a user-friendly software for optical imaging data acquisition in experiments on awake and anesthetized animals.
Virtues of the new software product are:
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As with NeuroPlex, camera settings are readily configurable and live views through the camera allow for easy online optimization of images and imaging parameters. The Camera View in CortiPlex also provides the Mean and Max/Min pixel values for each of the two halves of the CCD chip in the NeuroCCD-SM256 camera. A histogram of the pixel distribution and a color intensity map option are available to evaluate light illumination. |
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| Camera View |
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For an experiment, the user specifies stimulus IDs, the total number of trials and the intertrial interval of an experiment (Stimulus Settings Panel). The stimulus IDs correspond to a binary code that specifies which Digital Input-Output (DIO) lines are set to 5 volts. The DIO lines are used to trigger devices and signal stimuli produced by external devices such as a visual stimulus computer with a Cambridge Research System's VSG board. |
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| Stimulation Panel Setting |
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In the Stimulus Paradigm example, a #2 stimulus binary code sets the DIO line #2 to 5 volts to signal the external stimulus computer to present a horizontal grating; whereas, the #6 stimulus code sets DIO lines 2 and 3 to 5 volts and signals a vertical grating. All the DIO lines are GND with a stimulus binary code of zero, which in this example codes for a blank stimulus. Stimulus IDs can be generated as either a randomized or fixed sequence. A text file is generated listing the sequence of stimuli during an experiment. |
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Updated images are displayed after each block [online] in averaged maps. The user creates online maps by selecting Stim IDs that are used to compare and contrast image conditions. For the online maps, the user specifies whether to perform first frame subtraction in addition to the condition subtractions (sum A minus sum B). The user also specifies which frames within a trial to average together; along with the clipping method (and standard deviation) used to enhance the contrast of the images in the display window. |
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| Online Maps Panel |
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| In this example, the user has specified that map #1 will display condition 2 (SumA) minus condition 0 - a blank condition (SumB); map #2 will display the average of conditions 2 and 3 (SumA) minus condition 0 (SumB). |
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Multiple regions of interest (superpixels) can be specified either through mouse clicks or by entering pixel coordinates in the Super Pixels Panel (not shown). Online graphs of the ROI time courses are presented so the user can monitor activation under each condition. The averaged time courses and online maps can be reset during an experiment. |
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| Time course of activation of a superpixel from a single stimulus condition. |
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| Green: single trial; Red: |
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| Region of Interest |
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Vital information about the status of the experiment is displayed online. Averaged and single trial time courses for the region of interest show the consistency of imaging, while averaged maps show the spatial activation and relative intensity. A Camera View window also displays the raw (non subtracted) image collected during the first frame of each stimulus to provide a means of evaluating light illumination and any changes in the field of view during data collection. A concise interface displays the current block and stimulus, as well as memo’s detailing the current imaging operation (i.e. collecting imaging data, intertrial delay, etc.). |
| Experimental Status Panel |
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For handshaking with external devices, a Ready Signal is generated to signal when the RedShirtImaging system is waiting for an external trigger pulse. The external trigger line is useful for synchronizing image acquisition with heart rate, respiration or other external devices. |
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CortiPlex is written on an IDL platform and is open source. And thus, the end user can modify or add functionality to the software, or as always, the user can contact us with application specific requests. |
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