Burst Index
Classify maximal spike runs using a supplied ISI gap and minimum burst length; report the fraction of spikes assigned to bursts, not a universal burst-index definition.
Description
An interval-based burst rule groups consecutive spikes until their separation exceeds a supplied maximum.
An interval-based burst rule groups consecutive spikes until their separation exceeds a supplied maximum. A minimum group size then determines which groups count as bursts.
The tool returns burstStartIndexes (burst start indexes); burstSpikeCount (burst spike count); burstFraction (burst fraction). Input measurements and model parameters are supplied by the caller; the tool computes the stated summary rather than acquiring those measurements.
When to use Burst Index
Use Burst Index when you already have spikeTimesMs, maximumWithinBurstIsiMs, minimumBurstSpikes and want burstStartIndexes, burstSpikeCount, burstFraction. This is useful for checking a supplied calculation, documenting a measurement convention, or comparing observations prepared on the same basis.
How to use Burst Index and understand its results
- Enter spikeTimesMs, maximumWithinBurstIsiMs, minimumBurstSpikes using the field table below. Match the units, ordering and data boundaries described in the calculation.
- Run the tool after checking the stated bounds and matching paired observations or categories. A malformed request gives a tool error rather than a usable measurement.
- Read burstStartIndexes, burstSpikeCount, burstFraction. Use the calculation and interpretation below to distinguish amounts, ratios, signs and decision flags where applicable.
- Review the supplied parameters and assumptions before using the result in a report or comparing it with another observation.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type and bounds | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| spikeTimesMs | Spike times ms | list of number | Required |
| maximumWithinBurstIsiMs | Maximum within burst isi ms | number | Required |
| minimumBurstSpikes | Minimum burst spikes | integer | Required |
Use strictly increasing timestamps, positive maximum ISI and minimum burst size at least two. A gap exactly equal to the maximum stays inside a run; return zero-based start indexes.
burst fraction = spikes in qualifying runs / total spikes The symbols refer to the supplied quantities or generated values described above; unit conversions and comparison boundaries follow the stated implementation.
{
"input": {
"spikeTimesMs": [
0,
2,
4,
100
],
"maximumWithinBurstIsiMs": 5,
"minimumBurstSpikes": 3
},
"output": {
"burstStartIndexes": [
0
],
"burstSpikeCount": 3,
"burstFraction": 0.75
}
}Limitations and assumptions
Burst criteria are caller-defined and do not establish a physiological bursting mechanism.
Numerical inputs must be finite. The tool checks its declared input shape and calculation constraints; those checks do not verify the quality, calibration or representativeness of the supplied observations.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Burst Firing Rate: Summarize already-detected burst intervals as event rate, burst-assigned spike rate and mean within-burst ISI rate; differs from classifying raw spike burst fraction. Coefficient of Variation ISI: Derive consecutive interspike intervals from ordered timestamps and calculate sample CV; differs from a generic CV of supplied measurements.
Methodological background: Spike train variability.1
References
-
Spike train variability — Gerstner et al.; Neuronal Dynamics
Similar or alternative tools
- Burst Firing Rate
Summarize already-detected burst intervals as event rate, burst-assigned spike rate and mean within-burst ISI rate; differs from classifying raw spike burst fraction.
- Coefficient of Variation ISI
Derive consecutive interspike intervals from ordered timestamps and calculate sample CV; differs from a generic CV of supplied measurements.