Dynamic publication model for neurophysiology databases.

We have implemented a pair of database projects, one serving cortical electrophysiology and the other invertebrate neurones and recordings. The design for each combines aspects of two proven schemes for information interchange. The journal article metaphor determined the type, scope, organization and quantity of data to comprise each submission. Sequence databases encouraged intuitive tools for data viewing, capture, and direct submission by authors. Neurophysiology required transcending these models with new datatypes. Time-series, histogram and bivariate datatypes, including illustration-like wrappers, were selected by their utility to the community of investigators. As interpretation of neurophysiological recordings depends on context supplied by metadata attributes, searches are via visual interfaces to sets of controlled-vocabulary metadata trees. Neurones, for example, can be specified by metadata describing functional and anatomical characteristics. Permanence is advanced by data model and data formats largely independent of contemporary technology or implementation, including Java and the XML standard. All user tools, including dynamic data viewers that serve as a virtual oscilloscope, are Java-based, free, multiplatform, and distributed by our application servers to any contemporary networked computer. Copyright is retained by submitters; viewer displays are dynamic and do not violate copyright of related journal figures. Panels of neurophysiologists view and test schemas and tools, enhancing community support.

Common data model for neuroscience data and data model exchange.

OBJECTIVE: Generalizing the data models underlying two prototype neurophysiology databases, the authors describe and propose the Common Data Model (CDM) as a framework for federating a broad spectrum of disparate neuroscience information resources. DESIGN: Each component of the CDM derives from one of five superclasses-data, site, method, model, and reference-or from relations defined between them. A hierarchic attribute-value scheme for metadata enables interoperability with variable tree depth to serve specific intra- or broad inter-domain queries. To mediate data exchange between disparate systems, the authors propose a set of XML-derived schema for describing not only data sets but data models. These include biophysical description markup language (BDML), which mediates interoperability between data resources by providing a meta-description for the CDM. RESULTS: The set of superclasses potentially spans data needs of contemporary neuroscience. Data elements abstracted from neurophysiology time series and histogram data represent data sets that differ in dimension and concordance. Site elements transcend neurons to describe subcellular compartments, circuits, regions, or slices; non-neuroanatomic sites include sequences to patients. Methods and models are highly domain-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: True federation of data resources requires explicit public description, in a metalanguage, of the contents, query methods, data formats, and data models of each data resource. Any data model that can be derived from the defined superclasses is potentially conformant and interoperability can be enabled by recognition of BDML-described compatibilities. Such metadescriptions can buffer technologic changes.

Transcontinental consults in surgical pathology via the Internet.

An efficient and inexpensive electronic system to submit surgical pathology cases in consultation via the Internet is presented. A transcontinental pilot study showed a high degree of concordance between the diagnosis provided by the consultant on the basis of the pathology images and that given after examining the corresponding microscopic slides.

A high-resolution networked computer system for radiologic instruction of medical students.

A network of 18 Macintosh II-based workstations (Apple Computer Corp, Cupertino, CA) having high-resolution 1,024-line monitors is used for the radiologic instruction of medical students in our institution. Although this is an expensive system, it is time-shared with the Departments of Pathology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Parasitology, and Microanatomy. The number of workstations available allows the entire class to access the system simultaneously by working in small groups. Because of its high resolution, medical imaging studies and text may be displayed on the same monitor side by side. We have chosen a question-and-answer format (Carousel). Forty-one radiologists in our affiliated medical institutions contributed cases. These cases in question-and-answer form supplement the lectures and film-based tutorials given as part of our mandatory third year radiology clerkship.

Morphology and serotonergic innervation of physiologically identified cells of the guinea pig's myenteric plexus.

Ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus of the guinea pig were physiologically classified as to cell type using intracellular microelectrodes containing horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Interganglionic fiber tracts were then stimulated in an attempt to elicit slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the impaled cells. The presence or absence of a slow EPSP was noted, following which the cells were injected with HRP through the recording micropipette and finally were incubated with tritiated 5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]-5-HT; 0.5 microM) and desmethylimipramine (10 nM). The preparations were examined by light and electron microscopy (EM) for which the physiologically identified, HRP-injected neurons were demonstrated histochemically and serotonergic nerve terminals were simultaneously demonstrated radioautographically. Forty-seven cells were physiologically identified, injected with HRP, and studied by light microscopy. Of these, 22 were also fully analyzed by electron microscopy. The sample included 13 type I/S cells (6 analyzed by electron microscopic radioautography), 16 type II/AH cells (10 analyzed by electron microscopic radioautography), and 18 nonspiking (NS) cells (6 analyzed by electron microscopic radioautography). Slow EPSPs were only observed in type II/AH cells. All five of the fully analyzed subset of type II/AH cells that manifested a slow EPSP were contacted by serotonergic terminals. These terminals were found on 7 of 10 type II/AH cells, 2 of 6 type I/S cells, and 0 of 6 NS cells. Serotonergic terminals, therefore, contacted type II/AH cells (p less than 0.05) and especially those that showed a slow EPSP (p less than 0.005) more frequently than other types of ganglion cells. Morphologically, cells with short, stubby dendrites were reproducibly found to be type I/S cells, and glia could be recognized by their astrocytic appearance; however, cell shape did not otherwise correlate with physiological cell type. These data are compatible with and provide support for the hypothesis that 5-HT is one of the mediators of slow EPSPs in the myenteric plexus.

Effects of methylene blue on electrical behavior of myenteric neurons.

Intracellular recording methods were used to investigate the action of methylene blue on electrical behavior of myenteric neurons in guinea pig small intestine. The neurophysiological studies were done in parallel with studies on contractile activity of the intestinal musculature. Methylene blue depolarized the membranes, increased the input resistance, augmented excitability and reduced postspike hyperpolarizing potentials in AH/Type 2 myenteric neurons. These effects, with the exception of suppression of postspike hyperpolarization, were reversed by exposure to elevated calcium. The mechanism of action of methylene blue appeared to be suppression of calcium-dependent potassium conductance in the neuronal membranes. The neuronal action of methylene blue was manifest as a release of excitatory neurontransmitter substances which evoked contraction of the small intestinal longitudinal muscle.

Comparison of in vivo and in vitro responses to sulfated and non-sulfated ceruletide.

Responses of, guinea pig gall bladder to sulfated and non-sulfated ceruletide were compared in vitro and in vivo. Tested in vivo, sulfated ceruletide was 75 times more potent than non-sulfated. In vitro, sulfated was 150 times more potent. Thus, differences in potency are substantially less when tested in vivo, and reported differences in relative potency reflect not only chemical structure but also the method used for testing.