Q. How is NeuroMAX different from other
analysis tools?
A. The main difference between NeuroMAX and other spike
sorting tools is our MATLAB toolbox approach. NeuroMAX
contains
a variety of algorithms for different approaches to spike
detection, sorting, and analysis, so you can mix and match
algorithms to find the
appropriate combination for a particular data set. We do
not consider that spike sorting or analysis is a solved
problem. The toolbox is meant to be easily modified and
expanded by the research community to serve as a platform
for testing and disseminating new spike analysis algorithms.
All code is available as MATLAB m-files that can be modified
by the user when needed.
Q. What NeuroMAX software tools are currently available?
A.
The NeuroMAX toolbox contains a base set of tools (algorithms)
commonly used for the analysis of neuronal
data. These
tools are divided into 4 toolboxes: Spike
Detection, Spike Sorting, Spike Train Analysis, and Display
Tools. You can mix and match tools
to find the
appropriate
combination
for your particular data set. Click on Tools for
details about available tools
and
for updates as new tools are added.
Q. Can my analysis algorithm be incorporated into NeuroMAX?
A. YES!! We’ll work with you to integrate your MATLAB program into the NeuroMAX toolbox. The next version of NeuroMAX will include your tool, allowing the neuroscience community to benefit from your efforts and knowledge. The neuromax.org website will also include notice of your tool’s incorporation into NeuroMAX, along with complete reference to you and your lab.
Q. On what platform is NeuroMAX
software written?
A. NeuroMAX software, including the GUIs, is
written in MATLAB (version R2006b or later). All the
GUIs are compatible with MATLAB GUIDE. NeuroMAX is compatible
with both Windows and Mac OS X.
Q. What data formats does NeuroMAX support?
A. NeuroMAX complies with the Neuroshare standards,
as described in the Neuroshare website http://neuroshare.sourceforge.net/index.shtml.
Data sharing is now a priority for research funded by
the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In recent policy
changes to promote sharing of data, the NIH now requires
that all grants with direct costs greater than $500,000
specify a plan for sharing data acquired by the project.
In the policy, the NIH states that: “Data should
be made as widely and freely available as possible”. For
details, go to http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing/index.htm.
In conjunction with these goals, NeuroMAX loads and saves
data in Neuroshare Native (NsN) format, allowing import
of data files from a variety of data acquisition systems.
Data acquisition vendors who provide compliant Direct
Link Libraries (DLLs) include:
Alpha Omega
Cambridge Electronic Design
Cyberkinetics
Nex Technologies
Plexon
R.C. Electronics
Tucker-Davis Technologies
Q. When can I purchase a copy of NeuroMAX?
A. For a limited time, NeuroMAX is available
free of charge to registered visitors
and research collaborators. Click on Register to start the simple registration process.
Beginning in February
2009, a one-time
installation/setup fee* plus yearly maintenance fee
will ensure that NeuroMAX can support the necessary staff
for customer support, product maintenance, and expansion
of the tool set.
*Installation/Setup Fee: $300
Maintenance Fee: $15/month or $120/year
Register prior
to January 30, 2009 and we will waive the installation/setup
fee
along
with the
first 3 months of maintenance fees!
