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Authors & Affiliations
Ricardo Velázquez Contreras, Luis Carrillo Reid
Abstract
Breaking the neural code requires the systematic identification and characterization of neuronal ensembles related to specific brain functions. Recent research suggests that neuronal ensembles underlie brain functions such as perception, movement, and memory processes. However, the standardization of different mathematical algorithms that allow the identification and characterization of the properties of neuronal ensembles is still lacking in the systems neuroscience field. Our work addresses this gap by introducing an open-source Graphic User Interface (GUI) designed for researchers interested in ensemble analysis using two-photon calcium imaging recordings. The GUI's main advantage is its comparative design, which enables researchers to navigate and compare diverse analysis algorithms smoothly. It also streamlines the analysis of Neurodata Without Borders files and formats native to MATLAB and Python, allowing researchers to select the most fitting approach for their specific needs. Additionally, this software provides the possibility of performing secondary analysis on datasets already published and available on open-access platforms, extending the original study's objectives. Developed in Python and MATLAB, the GUI encourages easy integration of new functions and analyses. This acceleration in data processing and analysis not only enhances the accessibility of these techniques but also promotes their wider adoption and standardization in the field of systems neuroscience. This initiative holds the potential to enhance our understanding of neural processing and pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries in systems neuroscience at the microcircuit level.