Core Software

The core software is the foundation of the analysis platform; it can be used independently or with any combination of the optional modules.  Key components of the core software include:

• Sophisticated graphical displays:  Effortless viewing and browsing of various time ranges and segmenting of data into intervals.  Search for specific times or events within the entire recording.
  
  
• Derived signals: Easily apply frequency analysis tools, statistics, and filters to the signals and display the results graphically or numerically.
  
  
• Manual scoring: Efficiently identify and mark user-defined events or sleep stages.
  
  
• Signal & Marker Grids:  Display data and derived signals numerically with a high level of power and flexibility.  Grids can be exported to Excel or other formats for further processing.
  
  
• Reports: Summarize results quickly and consistently using pre-defined or custom report templates.
  
  
• Amplitude and EMG activity detectors:  Accurately execute an automated protocol that identifies regions of data meeting user-defined thresholds.  Use the amplitude detector with any data type.

Sleep Analysis Software window showing rat EEG, EMG, and activity waveforms as well as derived signals from the EEG signal, including the AR spectrum, periodogram, and power bands (delta, theta, alpha). Manual sleep stages are being assigned to each 10-second epoch and the resulting hypnogram is displayed.

Signal grid (left) displaying the EEG periodogram power band values for each 10-second epoch. The EMG RMS value and assigned sleep stage columns are also included. A Sleep Report (right) template was generated to summarize the scoring results for the subject.

Optional Modules

Automated Rodent Sleep Scoring
This module automatically assigns a vigilance stage to each epoch based on EEG, EMG, and activity data.  Stages scored include Paradoxical Sleep, Slow Wave Sleep (with option to distinguish between SWS-1 and SWS-2), Wake, and Active Wake.  The frequency content of the EEG and presence of muscle activity and movement are used as the basis of the scoring criteria.  Automated scoring takes a few minutes or less for each 24 hour data set, and can dramatically reduce analysis time and variability in comparison to manual scoring.

Plots showing the following signals from a rat (top to bottom): Sleep stages, EEG powerbands (delta, theta, alpha), EEG periodogram, EEG, EMG, and activity based on 10s epochs. Top plot shows 2 hours and bottom plot shows 1 minute in duration.

Seizure Detection
The spike train detector is designed primarily for seizure detection from EEG waveforms.  The detector scans the waveform for repeating spike activity using amplitude-based criteria.  Events are visually displayed within the waveform allowing for manual editing and confirmation.  Several parameters including the spike train duration and number of spikes can be displayed per event or summarized over longer time intervals.

Automated seizure detection module marking spike activity in the EEG waveform (left). A marker grid displays detailed information about each detected event (right).

Video Synchronization
This module imports video data acquired with either Dataquest ART or Ponemah and synchronizes it with the physiologic waveforms, allowing playback in real-time or fast speed.  View the subjects’ behavior to validate or further classify detected events or scored vigilance stages.  Incorporating video data can improve the confidence level of your results.

Sleep Analysis Software Module with video synchronization

Automated Large Animal Sleep Scoring
This module automatically assigns a vigilance stage to each epoch within a large animal dataset. The algorithm is based upon the American Academy of Sleep Medicine standards for human sleep scoring and relies on EEG, EMG, EOG, and activity data from each subject. Stages assigned include REM, Non-REM (N1, N2, N3), Wake, and Active Wake.  Automated scoring takes a few minutes or less for each 24 hour data set, and can dramatically reduce analysis time and variability in comparison to manual scoring.