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A Freeware Java Tool for Spatial Point Analysis of Neuronal Structures

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Abstract

Spatial point analysis is an analytical approach towards understanding patterns in the distribution of single points, such as synapses. To aid in this type of analysis of neuronal structures, a freeware tool, called PAJ, has been developed. This Java-based tool takes 3D Cartesian coordinates as input and performs a range of analyses to test for underlying patterns. In addition, Monte Carlo analysis is performed to compare experimental input with randomized input. This tool should be especially useful in determining whether neuronal structures are spatially patterned such that individual units interact with each other.

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Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Venkataraman Nagaradjane, Pondicherry, India, for help and advice about porting the cut /paste option and John Chen, University of Virginia for critical advice and the test sample shown in Fig. 3. This work was funded in part by a Distinguished Scholar Award from the Keck Foundation.

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  1. Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA

    Barry G. Condron

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  1. Barry G. Condron
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Correspondence to Barry G. Condron.

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Condron, B.G. A Freeware Java Tool for Spatial Point Analysis of Neuronal Structures. Neuroinform 6, 57–61 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12021-008-9008-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12021-008-9008-z

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