Dynamic publication model for neurophysiology databases

We have implemented a pair of database projects, one serving cortical elect rophysiology and the other invertebrate neurones and recordings. The design for each combines aspects of two proven schemes for information interchang e. The journal article metaphor determined the type, scope, organization an d quantity of data to comprise each submission. Sequence databases encourag ed intuitive tools for data viewing, capture, and direct submission by auth ors. Neurophysiology required transcending these models with new datatypes. Time-series, histogram and bivariate datatypes, including illustration-lik e wrappers, were selected by their utility to the community of investigator s. As interpretation of neurophysiological recordings depends on context su pplied by metadata attributes, searches are via visual interfaces to sets o f controlled-vocabulary metadata trees. Neurones, for example, can be speci fied by metadata describing functional and anatomical characteristics. Perm anence is advanced by data model and data formats largely independent of co ntemporary technology or implementation, including Java and the XML standar d. All user tools, including dynamic data viewers that serve as a virtual o scilloscope, are Java-based, free, multiplatform, and distributed by our ap plication servers to any contemporary networked computer. Copyright is reta ined by submitters; viewer displays are dynamic and do not violate copyrigh t of related journal figures. Panels of neurophysiologists view and test sc hemas and tools, enhancing community support.