Python Scripting in NEW NeuroExplorer® 5.022
For many years, NeuroExplorer® has had the capability to automate repetitive tasks such as repeat analysis on all the data files in a folder, and edit data or post-process analysis results without sending data or results to an external program.
To support scripting, a custom NexScript language was developed. NexScript supports simple variables and has basic flow control capabilities. However, NexScript has limitations that can make writing scripts difficult. An alternative approach was to integrate existing programming language into NeuroExplorer.
We are pleased to announce that starting with version 5.022, NeuroExplorer scripts can also be written in Python! Researchers will immediately benefit from the inclusion since:
- Python is very well documented,
- Access to NeuroExplorer data via Python lists eliminates many loops,
- User defined functions replace repetitive code, and
- Scripts have access to thousands of Python functions.
Old NexScript scripts can be automatically converted to Python using the Tools | Convert to Python menu command in NexScript editor. Also, NeuroExplorer v5.022 uses Python 2.7.10. There is no need to install Python separately. All the Python files needed for scripting are installed by the NeuroExplorer setup program.
Click to access the download for NeuroExplorer v5.022. Researchers already having a NeuroExplorer v5 license key may simply download the latest release to get started. Those with license keys for any earlier version may email info@plexon.com to upgrade. Along with the new release, an updated manual is available separately.
Did You Know . . . Plexon Offers the nanoZ
Multi-electrode Impedance Tester?
The nanoZ tests the impedance and quality of any electrode, including high impedance single unit electrodes, tetrodes and silicon electrode arrays with up to 64 channels. It’s fast and accurate. The nanoZ has several pre-programmed modes for fully automated electrode impedance spectroscopy, precise electroplating, impedance matching, electrode site activation and cleaning. As the nanoZ utilizes a very low test current and only requires a computer with a USB port, it is easy to use and ideal for both in vivo and in vitro applications. Additionally, a free MATLAB® SDK is provided for custom applications.
Not only does Plexon offer this great tool to customers, you can always access the most updated software releases and user manual on our nanoZ webpage. For more information, email info@plexon.com.
Recent articles published online in electronic-only journals or ahead of print:
- Aguilar, David D., Andrea Giuffrida, and Daniel J. Lodge. “THC and endocannabinoids differentially regulate neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the subchronic PCP model of schizophrenia.” Journal of Psychopharmacology (2015).
- Arreaga-Salas, David Eduardo, Adrian E. Avendano-Bolivar, Dustin Simon, Radu Reit, Aldo Garcia-Sandoval, Robert Rennaker, and Walter E. Voit. “Integration of high charge injection capacity electrodes onto polymer softening neural interfaces.” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2015).
- Bichot, Narcisse P., Matthew T. Heard, Ellen M. DeGennaro, and Robert Desimone. “A Source for Feature-Based Attention in the Prefrontal Cortex.” Neuron 88 (2015): 1-13.
- Christensen, Michael B., Heather AC Wark, and Douglas T. Hutchinson. “A Histological Analysis of Human Median and Ulnar Nerves Following Implantation of Utah Slanted Electrode Arrays.” Biomaterials (2015).
- Delorme, Cécile, Alister Rogers, Brian Lau, Hélène Francisque, Marie-Laure Welter, Sara Fernandez Vidal, Jérôme Yelnik, Alexandra Durr, David Grabli, and Carine Karachi. “Deep brain stimulation of the internal pallidum in Huntington’s disease patients: clinical outcome and neuronal firing patterns.” Journal of Neurology (2015): 1-9.
- Duan, Aranda R., Carmen Varela, Yuchun Zhang, Yinghua Shen, Lealia Xiong, Matthew A. Wilson, and John Lisman. “Delta Frequency Optogenetic Stimulation of the Thalamic Nucleus Reuniens Is Sufficient to Produce Working Memory Deficits:Relevance to Schizophrenia.” Biological Psychiatry (2015).
- Dupre, Kristin B., Ana V. Cruz, Alex J. McCoy, Claire Delaville, Colin M. Gerber, Katherine W. Eyring, and Judith R. Walters. “Effects of L-dopa priming on cortical high beta and high gamma oscillatory activity in a rodent model of Parkinson’s disease.” Neurobiology of Disease (2015).
- Guo, Tiantian, Liujing Zhuang, Zhen Qin, Bin Zhang, Ning Hu, and Ping Wang. “Multi-odor discrimination by a novel bio-hybrid sensing preserving rat’s intact smell perception in vivo.” Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical (2015).
- Lowet, E., M. J. Roberts, C. A. Bosman, P. Fries, and P. de Weerd. “Areas V1 and V2 show microsaccade-related 3-4 Hz covariation in gamma power and frequency.” European Journal of Neuroscience (2015).
- Zeater, Natalie, Soon K. Cheong, Samuel G. Solomon, Bogdan Dreher, and Paul R. Martin. “Binocular Visual Responses in the Primate Lateral Geniculate Nucleus.” Current Biology (2015).
Recent articles published in full print:
- Davis, Zachary W., Barbara Chapman, and Hwai-Jong Cheng. “Increasing Spontaneous Retinal Activity before Eye Opening Accelerates the Development of Geniculate Receptive Fields.” The Journal of Neuroscience 35, no. 43 (2015): 14612-14623.
- Leonard, Timothy K., Jonathan M. Mikkila, Emad N. Eskandar, Jason L. Gerrard, Daniel Kaping, Shaun R. Patel, Thilo Womelsdorf, and Kari L. Hoffman. “Sharp Wave Ripples during Visual Exploration in the Primate Hippocampus.” The Journal of Neuroscience 35, no. 44 (2015): 14771-14782.
- Poplawsky, Alexander John, Mitsuhiro Fukuda, Matthew Murphy, and Seong-Gi Kim. “Layer-Specific fMRI Responses to Excitatory and Inhibitory Neuronal Activities in the Olfactory Bulb.” The Journal of Neuroscience 35, no. 46 (2015): 15263-15275