Evoked Firing Rate
Compare paired trial spike counts over different baseline/response exposures and preserve signed net evoked rate, including suppression.
Description
Evoked firing can be expressed as the response-window rate minus the baseline-window rate.
Evoked firing can be expressed as the response-window rate minus the baseline-window rate. Different window durations must be accounted for before subtraction.
The tool returns baselineMeanRateHz (baseline mean rate hz); responseMeanRateHz (response mean rate hz); netEvokedRateHz (net evoked rate hz). Input measurements and model parameters are supplied by the caller; the tool computes the stated summary rather than acquiring those measurements.
When to use Evoked Firing Rate
Use Evoked Firing Rate when you already have baselineCounts, responseCounts, baselineDurationSeconds, responseDurationSeconds and want baselineMeanRateHz, responseMeanRateHz, netEvokedRateHz. This is useful for checking a supplied calculation, documenting a measurement convention, or comparing observations prepared on the same basis.
How to use Evoked Firing Rate and understand its results
- Enter baselineCounts, responseCounts, baselineDurationSeconds, responseDurationSeconds 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 baselineMeanRateHz, responseMeanRateHz, netEvokedRateHz. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| baselineCounts | Baseline counts | list of number | Required |
| responseCounts | Response counts | list of number | Required |
| baselineDurationSeconds | Baseline duration seconds | number | Required |
| responseDurationSeconds | Response duration seconds | number | Required |
Use aligned nonempty integer trial-count lists and positive common durations for each window; return baseline, response and signed net rates in Hz.
net rate = mean(responseCounts)/responseSeconds − mean(baselineCounts)/baselineSeconds The symbols refer to the supplied quantities or generated values described above; unit conversions and comparison boundaries follow the stated implementation.
{
"input": {
"baselineCounts": [
1,
2
],
"responseCounts": [
3,
4
],
"baselineDurationSeconds": 1,
"responseDurationSeconds": 0.5
},
"output": {
"baselineMeanRateHz": 1.5,
"responseMeanRateHz": 7,
"netEvokedRateHz": 5.5
}
}Limitations and assumptions
Negative net rates are possible. No trial variance, significance test or adjustment for drift is supplied.
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
Spike Reliability: Measure trial reliability as at least one spike in a supplied inclusive response window; empty trials count as nonresponsive, not missing observations. Peak Firing Rate: Bin timestamped spikes into caller-defined half-open, possibly unequal-duration bins and report the peak observed firing rate.
Methodological background: Spike train variability.1
References
-
Spike train variability — Gerstner et al.; Neuronal Dynamics
Similar or alternative tools
- Spike Reliability
Measure trial reliability as at least one spike in a supplied inclusive response window; empty trials count as nonresponsive, not missing observations.
- Peak Firing Rate
Bin timestamped spikes into caller-defined half-open, possibly unequal-duration bins and report the peak observed firing rate.